In case you missed it on Wednesday night, here’s ESPN’s E:60 piece on the rise and fall of Scott Hall.

The Wrestler: The Scott Hall Story

“In his prime, Scott Hall was a mountain of a man – 6-foot-7, 290 pounds of solidly sculptured muscle, appearing as close as invincible as they come. As Razor Ramon, he was one of professional wrestling’s biggest names and most villainous villains, busting chairs with the likes of Randy Savage, Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans in sold-out arenas. And he loved the life that came with it: the parties, the women, the celebrity. But the high life soon started to slip away, and Hall has been desperately doing whatever he can since to hold on ever since. Hall’s slide seems to know no bottom – from his deteriorating physical and mental condition, to his ongoing battle with alcohol and substance abuse that has crippled his family life and resulted in pathetic public appearances in school gyms. But he’s hanging on, somehow. Now his only son, Cody, wants to follow in his father’s tortured bootsteps. E:60 chronicles the heartbreaking story of a man who is a shadow of his former self and desperate for one last taste of the glory days.”

Part 1:

Part 2:

UFC president Dana White posted the following on Twitter:

“just land in NYC and what do I always say!? I have to deal with bad shit everyday!! GSP is out with an injury!!! It’s GSP’S knee. We will sit Carlos to wait for GSP. It’s looking so far like he could be ready in a couple months. Still early to tell tho.”

White also said that Nick Diaz vs BJ Penn is the new main event for UFC 137 on 10/29.

Warning: This article contains a MAJOR *SPOILER* for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling:

As you may have already read here on the site, James Storm captured the TNA World Title at Tuesday’s Impact taping, defeating Kurt Angle in the main event of the show.

• James Storm Comments On His TNA Title World Win

TNA star Hulk Hogan has commented on the news of Storm’s win – and the fallout from Bobby Roode getting the rug pulled out from under him at Bound For Glory. After reports surfaced on Monday that Hulk Hogan convinced TNA management not to put the title on Roode because he’s “not ready yet” – Hogan maintains that everything is falling into place:

“Goodmorning HULKAMANIACS,can’t wait for all the Rood fans that turned to haters to see the big picture,thank God we still have real marks HH”

• Video Of James Storm Celebrating After Wining The TNA Title

TNA executive Eric Bischoff also commented on the decision to put the TNA World title on James Storm instead of Bobby Roode. Bischoff tweeted:

“Having a blast watching Internet marks react. Candy from a baby!”

Hit up the COMMENTS below and tell us what you think about the events that have transpired over the past few days – and whether you think TNA had a “master plan” all along ..

This Sunday at WWE Vengeance, Eve Torres will challenge Beth Phoenix for the Divas championship.

Beth Phoenix ranted about Eve Torres on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon:

“@EveMarieTorres the message you sent on Monday was as muddled as your makeup. But I understand. U have a hard time fitting in…you tried so hard to be Kelly’s BFF but was she offering her spot in the Maxim 100 to you? Some friend.”

“So now you are trying to fit in with @NatbyNature and I, the “wrestlers” by thinking u are in our league?? Sorry @EveMarieTorres. You cant lace our boots.. at #vengeance I’m show the world why YOU are the outcast. You don’t fit in. And let you cry about it. #crybabycry”

“The other Divas respect @NatbyNature and I. The Rookies worship the ground we walk on and @thebellatwins are always admiring our power and style. Its hard to be humble when everyone around you places you on a pedestal. Its okay to admire. We lead by example. #pinupstrong”

Eve Torres defended herself against Phoenix’ verbal attack, explaining that she might not have trained in the Hart family “dungeon,” but she’s a fighter and deserves to be respected:

“Dear “wrestlers”. (@NatbyNature & @theBethPhoenix) I may not have come from the Dungeon or experienced the independents, but I did make the decision 4 years ago when I won the DS that I was going 2 do whatever it took 2 b a champion – be it gym, training, matches, jiu-jitsu. We all start somewhere. The question is where do we end up?”

“Look where u ended up @TheBethPhoenix @NatbyNature? Bitter, negative… blaming others 4 ur disappointments & with a false sense of arrogance. I may not be a great “wrestler” But I am a fighter. On the mat & off.”

Beth Phoenix responded:

“@EveMarieTorres seems to be a little sensitive today…did I strike a nerve? See the thing is I rarely speak out on people that I don’t like in our lockerroom cuz I dont think its a classy move. But in this case, Ive been around long enough to speak my mind…”

“@EveMarieTorres u dont have that fire. I dont respect u because u r content to sit back and ride the wave. I dont care how hard u train today because u are still just another wannabe Diva Search Barbie. Im not bitter. Im honest. And u will break. Cuz I will make you.”

“Now arent u late for a pedicure with @RealKellyKelly ?? Stop wasting my time baby girl. U dont wanna chip a nail with all these tweets.”

The Bella Twins then chimed in, putting Beth Phoenix in her place and saying the Divas of Doom are trying to be like the Bella Twins:

“Ummm we don’t admire anything about you @TheBethPhoenix or your wanna be twin @NatbyNature actually we laugh every time we see you both….”

“Everyone has notice that ever since we chased @Kharma out of here you 2 have tried to be us GOODLUCK! We were born this way Amazing&Athletic”

 Kelly Kelly also responded to the rant, calling it annoying and pathetic:

“@TheBethPhoenix wow that was the most annoying and pathetic rant i have ever read…everyone can talk on twitter…grow some boo boo!”

Eve responded:

“It’s funny you talk about fitting in @TheBethPhoenix . Everyday I think what can I do to NOT fit in. To be different. I’m not Maxim’s top 100 & I’m not a 3rd generation Diva. I’m just me. You can try to play with my emotions all day long, but I won’t break. “

“@TheBethPhoenix Although I love nothing more than proving people wrong, I will not sit here & justify my hard work 2 u. I’d rather prove self-rightousness, & pretentiousness, & it will sting all that much more when I beat u at #Vengeance. @thebethphoenix”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the gym to “chip a nail”. #Vengeance”

At Tuesday’s TNA Impact Wrestling tapings, James Storm defeated Kurt Angle to capture the TNA World Heavyweight championship.

Check out this post-match video of Storm celebrating with Robert Roode, AJ Styles and others:

After months of buildup to Bobby Roode’s TNA World title match at Bound For Glory, plans were changed the day of the event and the decision was made for Kurt Angle to retain.

According to TNA sources, Bobby Roode understandably disappointed that his planned TNA World title win was scrapped at the last minute. That said, Roode was very professional about the entire situation and did not challenge the decision when it was presented to him.

• Hulk Hogan Convinces Dixie Carter That Roode Wasn’t Ready For TNA Title Win

James Storm was at Bound For Glory on Sunday and was scheduled to cut a promo prior to the main event hyping the significance of Roode’s title shot. That promo had to be left off the show due to TNA running short of time during the PPV.

• Video of the MAJOR *Spoiler* From Tuesday’s IMPACT Tapings

(Source: prowrestling.net)

Warning: This article contains a MAJOR *SPOILER* for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling:

James Storm captured the TNA World Title at Tuesday’s Impact taping, defeating Kurt Angle in the main event of the show.

Storm tweeted the following comments following his title victory:

“One hell of a belt buckle I won tonight. Thanks to all the fans,family and friends. This is for my dad in heaven I used to watch wrestling with 20 years ago. Love you all. @IMPACTWRESTLING champion of the world. I’ve busted my ass for the last 15 years entertaining you fans. My time has come. Thank you god.”

• VIDEO of JAMES STORM Celebrating After His Title Win

– Monday’s (taped) WWE RAW Supershow from Mexico City drew a 3.1 rating and averaged 4,475,000 viewers. The show did hours of 3.05 and 3.2 – breaking the alarming trend from last week where viewers turned out as the show progressed.

– WWE issued yet another survey on Tuesday regarding the upcoming network – this time, asking fans if they would change cable providers in order to get the new WWE Network.

The survey noted that WWE’s eight ‘secondary’ pay-per-views would be featured on the network while the “big four” (Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series) would remain on pay-per-view.

This is a change in direction from what was originally planned – when WWE was discussing moving WrestleMania and the “big four” to the WWE Network as a way to push fans to get the WWE network.

COMMENTS: What do you think about WWE changing up their PPV strategy for the WWE Network? Are WWE’s secondary PPVs on the WWE Network enough to get you to subscribe?

(Source: pwinsider.com)

James Storm Celebrating with the TNA World Title

Credit to TNAInsider.com for the following Impact Wrestling spoilers, airing this Thursday on Spike:

– Sting is the new TNA authority figure.

– Kurt Angle faces off against Sting, Dixie Carter. Sting books Kurt Angle vs James Storm for the TNA title.

– Miss Tessmacher and Tara defeat Angelina Love & Winter to retain their knockouts tag titles

– Jeff Hardy and Jeff Jarrett brawl, agents come out from the back to break up the fight. Funny part is Jeff Hardy threw his shirt to the crowd and a fan threw it back at Hardy.

– Abyss defeated Gunner via count-out.

– Gail Kim returns to TNA as a heel enforcer for Karen Angle.

– Eric Bischoff is double crossed by his son, referee Garrett Bischoff.

– James Storm defeated Kurt Angle in a short match. Fortune celebrated with storm and celebrated with fans.

TNA star Hulk Hogan was interviewed last Friday by Peter Rosenberg of NYC hip hop radio station, Hot 97. Rosenberg is known for getting pro wrestling’s top stars to open up like nobody else – and this interview was no exception. Among the topics discussed include:

• How the industry has changed from the 1980’s compared to today, in terms of how storylines unfold way too quickly
• His relationship with Vince McMahon
• His relationship with Steve Austin and never getting to work with him.
• Heat with Bret Hart over not putting Bret over on the way out of the WWF when he left in 1993 and a backstage confrontation they had at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony (and how Steve Austin was involved).
• Hulk Hogan claims Bret Hart stole the line, “The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be”
• TNA wanted to bring in Bret Hart last year, but Hogan reveals why he squashed that.
• His relationship with Owen Hart
• Who he most regrets putting over and who he wishes he had put over.

Check out the interview here, brother:

TNA Champion Kurt Angle appeared on PW 24/7‘s “Sports Axxess” radio and spoke about a number of topics over Bound for Glory weekend. Here are some highlights of what Angle said about;

Training for the Olympics: “I’ve been training for the last six months. The training has gone phenomenally well. I didn’t realize I was going catch on this quickly, but you know it’s like getting on a bicycle and riding again. That’s not to say it didn’t go without any injuries here and there. I’ve hurt my Achilles tendon and my hamstring but I’ve been hanging on tightly and training very hard. I’m on schedule so thank God, I have a very good chance of making the team. A lot of it has to do with me beating a guy named Jake Barter, who is a world silver and bronze medalist. He hasn’t had quite the success I have had when I was there but when I was there I was very young. I was in my mid-twenties and I didn’t have a game plan. Now I’m a lot older and wiser; I look at my training, I look at my game plan, I look at the way I’m going to wrestle. I know I’ll make a lot less mistakes and I know I’ll train more properly. The thing was that I had over-trained in the past. I was training nine or ten hours a day, and at some point it became counterproductive. I think I could have been a much better wrestler if I had done things the right way.”

His Line Of Food Products: “You know, a lot of people have been counting calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, but never count fiber. I’m going to say this now: fiber is the best kept secret in the world. It can really make or break your body. Fiber can help you lose fat, body weight, lower cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar. Basically it is the healthiest product on the market. There are a lot of fiber products that are one or two layer fibers. UltraFiber DX from Angle Foods is and eight layer fiber developed by a doctor in Germany. It was intended to help obese and diabetic patients to get off medication and help improve quality and longevity of life. You can purchase it at anglefoods.com. This is what you should be feeding your kids. The powder works as a cooking agent. You can make it into pancakes, pizza and bread dough, and so many other things.”

The Current Direction of Impact Wrestling and “Passing the Torch”: “God willing, we have more wrestling and less talk. I’ve been pushing for that. Sometimes we have people there on the show that don’t wrestle. They take up a lot of the show with only promos. The young guys need to step up and be the guys cutting the promos. It’s kind of a catch 22. We need to realize who we are and we need to fix the problem. The young talent needs the opportunity to shine. I’m one of the top guys in the company and I don’t want to remain there. I don’t know who it will be but I am more than willing to find somebody in the company to hand to torch over to and say ‘hey, you take the lead and I’ll follow you.’ I’m near the end of my career. I’ve got three more years left with TNA Wrestling and then I’m done. I signed that deal with TNA so I can help the company. I want them to compete with WWE. It will take some time, but it will happen.”

Angle also discusses his thoughts on Bobby Roode and why he considers Randy Orton to be one of the top guys in all of professional wrestling. This interview, along with many others, can be heard in its entirety exclusively on PW 24/7 Radio.

TNA issued a press release on Tuesday formally announcing that Bruce Prichard is the company’s new Senior Vice President of Programming and Talent Relations.

TNA President Dixie Carter said the following about Prichard’s new role in the company:

“TNA is gaining such a wealth of knowledge and insight as we continue to grow our business with the addition of Bruce to our senior management staff.”

“This appointment is another indication to the community that TNA’s Impact Wrestling is gaining ground across all platforms; we are thrilled that Bruce is bringing his knowledge in television production, writing and talent relations to TNA.”

As previously reported, Bruce Prichard took the role of Vince Russo, who now works under Prichard as part of the creative team.

• More On This: Vince Russo Removed as TNA’s Head Writer

Prichard, best known as “Brother Love” in the WWF and a former high-ranking WWE official and confidant of Vince McMahon,  is also quoted in the press release:

“I am looking forward to working with the exemplary talent both in front of the camera and behind the scenes at TNA. ?There are some exciting new ventures in progress as we speak involving the tremendous roster of current TNA superstars, as well as, development for the TNA superstars of the future.”

“We are expanding our roster and looking for new and adventurous additions to our television product. I welcome the challenge and am invigorated by the endless opportunities this company provides. Our fan base for our brand continues to grow and I am proud to be a part of it.”

To read the full statement from TNA, head on over to IconVision.com.

Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings featured a Mask vs. Mask match between the two Sin Cara’s.

• *SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results From Mexico

According to f4wonline.com, after WWE announced the Mask vs. Mask match for Friday’s SmackDown, there was a lot of second guessing as to whether the match should air on television. The match is expected to air – and we’ve got the footage.

Check out this video of Black Sin Cara losing his mask at the tapings:

Fans who were expecting Bobby Roode to have his career-defining moment and win the TNA championship at Bound For Glory were not the only ones dumbfounded and upset after he came up short against Kurt Angle.

As we’ve been reporting this week, original plans called for Roode to win at Bound For Glory. Multiple TNA sources have confirmed to us that Roode was scheduled to win the title as late as Sunday afternoon, when Hulk Hogan reportedly convinced Dixie Carter that Bobby Roode was not ready yet.

As you can imagine, there is said to be a great deal of resentment in the TNA locker room regarding Hulk Hogan squashing Roode’s title win. There is a feeling among several of TNA’s originals that there’s no hope for them to reach their potential in TNA, and they’re wasting their prime years with a company that will never elevate them to the level of the former WWE & WCW stars in the company.

• Read More: Several TNA Contracts Expiring Soon

ECW original Tommy Dreamer uveiled the debut episode of his online video show on Monday.

Episode 1 of The Tommy Dreamer TV features a cameo from former WWE star Carlito:

With Sunday’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view in the books, we’ve got some fallout comments from TNA champion Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan.

Following his successful TNA title defense against Bobby Roode, Angle tweeted:

“Great Ppv last night.Bobby Roode is one of the Best Wrestlers today! I am Still Going for Olympics. Only taking 1 Week Off 2 heal hamstring!”

Hulk Hogan, who reportedly used his backstage influence to convince Dixie Carter and TNA creative that Bobby Roode wasn’t ready yet to win the TNA world title, got a lot of negative feedback on Twitter regarding the situation. Hogan responded to those comments with –

“cool out it’s just the beginning of something really big brother. HH”

“keep watching you’ll finally figure it out,big plans for the Canadian HH”

“don’t be a mark keep watching you’ll figure it out. HH”

Regarding his own match against Sting, Hulk Hogan wrote:

“For all the ignorant haters that hate that I proved them wrong.bumpin after 8 back surgeries,suck it haters. http://lockerz.com/s/147871221” (That’s a rather graphic picture, so view at your own risk).

Check out this picture

WWE diva Maryse recently did a photo shoot for Sessions Magazine, check out these smokin’ hot pictures of WWE’s French Canadian diva:

Tonight’s RAW SuperShow was taped on Saturday night, the first-ever RAW taping from Mexico. Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s show, followed a by a link to spoiler results:

• Randy Orton, Sheamus & John Morrison vs. Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes & Christian
• Eve Torres vs. Natalya
• CM Punk vs. The Miz
• Zack Ryder vs. Jack Swagger
• Dolph Ziggler vs. Mason Ryan
• John Cena and Jim Ross vs. Alberto Del Rio and Michael Cole

*SPOILERS* for Tonight’s WWE RAW SuperShow

WWE has suspended Heath Slater for 30 days for violating the Wellness Policy. It was his first violation.

The official statement from the WWE website reads:

“In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Heath Miller (Heath Slater) for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s policy.”

• Check Out: Woman Accuses Heath Slater Of Violent Assault

– While in Mexico this week, John Cena granted several “wishes” for sick children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

– Several wrestlers from Mexico’s CMLL promotion (we’ve heard as many as 7) received WWE tryouts over the weekend.

– The never-ending season of WWE NXT: Redemption will finally be coming to an end soon.

– As we covered her in the site earlier this month, David Otunga’s wedding to Hollywood star Jennifer Hudson has been put on hold. The National Enquirer has picked up the story – and says the main reason for the couple taking a step backwards is that Otunga refuses a prenuptial agreement. The Enquirer states that Jennifer Hudson is worth around $15 million – which does explain why she is looking to protect her assets before getting married.

– Tommy Dreamer is set to debut some sort of new show this week. Dreamer tweeted on Sunday:

“Spoke to my producer. The show is finished. Tommorrow it will debut. Let the fun begin.”

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

– In the days leading up to Sunday’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view, Bobby Roode was scheduled to win the TNA World heavyweight title. Despite Kurt Angle being injured and all the hype that went into this being Bobby Roode’s time – Roode got screwed.

Some people are expecting Bobby Roode to win the TNA title in the coming weeks (at the next PPV or on an episode of Impact) – while others think that the company is eager to Jeff Hardy.

– Sting defeated Hulk Hogan by submission at Bound For Glory – and the rivals joined forces after the match to fend off a beatdown from Bully Ray, Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff and others. With Hogan and Sting working together at Bound For Glory, there has been talk of them teaming up together at a future pay-per-view in a match against Ric Flair and a partner.

– TNA had about 2,500 paid fans at Bound For Glory, which is considered a major disappointment. The was heavily “papered” – with many fans receiving free tickets to the event at the last minute to fill up the crowd.

• Picture Of The Small Crowd At Bound For Glory

(Source: f4wonline.com)

CM Punk recently turned down a WWE Studios movie role, according to an interview he gave in Australia last week. This past summer when Punk was considering leaving WWE and negotiating a new contract, Stephanie McMahon offered him the lead role in the movie “No One Lives.”

Punk stated that Stephanie thought he was perfect for one of the characters, described as a “30-something scumbag with dirtbag good looks and soulless eyes.” Punk said he considered the role, but decided to pass on it because he thought he might be finishing with WWE at the time.

As previously reported, WWE is very high on CM Punk at the moment and has big plans to get behind him later this year. Aside from his character getting a big push on television (and a rumored WWE title run), WWE is looking to introduce lots of new CM Punk merchandise and feature him in a WWE Studios project at some point.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Vengeance

Following WWE’s RAW and SmackDown tapings from Mexico City over the weekend, there have been several changes made to the card for Vengeance. The previously scheduled tag team title match with Air Boom vs. Ziggler & Swagger has apparently been scrapped, with Dolph Ziggler now set to defend the United States title against Zack Ryder. Teddy Long also announced Sheamus will wrestle Christian.

With those matches set, here’s the updated card for WWE Vengeance on Sunday, October 23rd:

Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Title
John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

World Heavyweight Title Match
Big Show vs. Mark Henry

CM Punk and Triple H vs. The Miz and R-Truth

WWE United States Title Match
Zack Ryder vs. Dolph Ziggler

WWE Divas Title Match
Eve Torres vs. Beth Phoenix

Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

Sheamus vs. Christian

TNA held its biggest show of the year on Sunday night from Philadelphia, Bound For Glory. For the fans who saw the show on pay-per-view, it appeared TNA did a pretty good job filling up the Liacouras Center on the grounds of Temple University, which seats around 10,000 fans at full capacity. Chalk it up to TNA positioning the fans who bought tickets on the “hard camera” side of the arena – because we received word from several in attendance that the arena was mostly empty. This image has surfaced online, which gives you a better idea about how TNA did selling out Bound for Glory 2011:

According to the Super Lucha Magazine, Mexican wrestling legend Mil Mascaras will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year during Wrestlemania XXVIII weekend in Miami, Florida. Mascaras in the real-life uncle of WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio.

The official announcement on the WWE website reads:

“MEXICO CITY — Triple H has announced that Mil Mascaras will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s 2012 class in Miami in April! The announcement was made in Mil Mascaras’ native country in front of the WWE Universe in Mexico City Sunday night. Mil Mascaras was the first masked luchador to compete in Madison Square Garden. The Mexican squared circle legend also competed in the 1997 Royal Rumble.”

Mil Mascaras was at Sunday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Mexico City, where Triple H made the official announcement in front of the live audience: