– Triple H is currently suffering from a neck injury and is only booked for WWE television and pay-per-view events for the next few months.

– Ted DiBiase was busted open at last night’s RAW live event in Ireland during a match with Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. DiBiase ended up receiving several staples in his head to close the wound.

– The latest on Ezekiel Jackson’s injury from over the weekend is that it might be a torn quad, which would keep him out of action for a while. Jim Ross acknowledged the injury in his latest blog, writing, “Ugh.”

– The Undertaker is currently working a reduced, part-time schedule. While he was booked at last Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings and was the focal point of promoting the tapings, he did not appear.

(Partial credit toF4Wonline.com)

Thanks to reader Tim Capture for sending in these live notes from Tuesday’s iMPACT! tapings:

TNA Impact (Airing Monday, April 12, 2010 on Spike TV):

* Out to start the show, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett. Almost 8 years ago he founded TNA. It stands for total nonstop action. So Sting, he’s not going to talk about kicking your a–, I’m going to act and kick your a–. Jarrett leaves the ring and goes up to the rafters. So far no Sting. Sting sneaks up and attacks but Jarrett takes over and is beating him all the way down the stairs and to the entrance ramp and into the ring. Jarrett asks him “Why?” the lights go out and when they come back, Sting has a bat and beats Jarrett down. Jeff Hardy, Abyss and RVD run out for the save and Sting bails.

* Jeff Hardy vs Robert Roode later tonight

* Team 3D & Jesse Neal are out with weapons. Bubba says he talked to Hogan and this is a 3 on 3, New York Street Fight match

* Team 3D & Jesse Neal vs. Syxx Pac, Scott Hall & Kevin Nash in a New York Street Fight. Winner via X Factor off the top rope through a table from Syxx Pac to Brother Ray, the Band. Bubba the Love Sponge came out to distract Ray and help

* Eric Young ran in for the save afterwards and challenges Nash to a steel cage match at Lockdown. He says he’s going to get righteous.

* Doug Williams comes out to join the commentary Doug Williams mocks them for shaking hands after the match. Kaz and Moore run after him and Williams disappears down the runway.

* Shannon Moore vs. Kazarian Time limit draw, this match is a draw. Kaz and Moore run after him and Williams disappears down the runway.

* Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky, non title Leather & Lace match. Velvet says she came to her senses and this isn’t a leather and lace match because none of us perverts to see her goodies. Instead, Angelina will be handcuffed while Velvet kicks her ass. Velvet hit Angelina with the Knockouts match and then announces this is also an I Quit match Lacey and Madison run down to join in the beatdown. Tara runs out for the save. After unlocking Angelina’s hands, Angelina goes to shake hands with Tara but she just walks off in disgust

* The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Matt Morgan & Amazing Red for the TNA Tag Team Championship. Winner via Code Red on Chris Sabin, Matt Morgan and Amazing Red. Morgan beat up Red afterwards for stealing his spotlight.

* Robert Roode vs. Jeff Hardy. Winner via Swanton Bomb, Jeff Hardy. James Storm attacks Hardy afterwards and then spits a fireball in Hardy’s face. It took him 3 times to do it. RVD then runs out but gets taken out by Beer Money too. The DJ aptly pick Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire to play immediately afterwards.

* Dog the Bounty Hunter is here.

* “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero & “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal vs. AJ Styles w/Ric Flair & Desmond Wolfe. Lethal’s music played but he never came out. AJ said Lethal has a drinking problem courtesy of Beer Money so this is a handicap match. Before Wolfe made it to the ring, Hulk Hogan laid him out with a chair shot. This has turned into AJ Styles vs. The Pope. Winner via DQ, The Pope. Flair got out of the chair and nailed Pope with the heavyweight belt. Beer Money run out for the beat down. Hogan comes out to the top of the ramp and stares for a while. Hogan’s music hits while Team Flair minus Wolfe pose in the ring. Hogan slowly makes his way down but security gets in between him and Flair.

– Following the news that Jeff Jarrett and Karen Angle are engaged, we can confirm that Kurt Angle also became engaged to his girlfriend, a model from Pittsburgh.

– Kurt Angle also announced on his Twitter page that he and TNA have raised $9,000 towards families of the recent mine tragedy in West Virginia.

– The X Division Title match at TNA’s Lockdown pay-per-view will now be a Triple Threat with Doug Williams defending against Shannon Moore and Kaz.

– Eric Bischoff noted on Twitter that tonight’s TNA Reaction premiere on Spike TV at 7pm will be a pilot episode. The company is hoping that it turns into a weekly series.

– Here’s a video preview of the first 5 minutes of TNA Reaction, airing tonight before iMPACT!:

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts about:

Shawn Michaels’ Career: “Did I think that in 1996 that HBK would eventually wind up his career as arguably the greatest in ring performer of his generation? Honestly, no. Shawn’s life style was rather controversial at that time and did not lend itself to having a long, illustrious career. Thank goodness that Shawn made dynamic and distinctive changes in his life which then propelled him to the rarefied air of greatness in the pro wrestling biz. More importantly than re-establishing himself as one of wrestling’s greats of all time, Shawn Michaels became a much better man which is more important that being anyone’s show stopper.”

WWE RAW vs. TNA iMPACT!: “Will TNA ever become a TV ratings threat to WWE? What is the definition of a ratings threat? Does it mean, will TNA ever beat Raw on Monday nights? If that’s the question, then my guess is ‘No’ but I don’t think that’s TNA’s goal. The USA Network provides Raw with a great advantage on cable TV in exposure and over all network ratings considering that USA is generally the No. 1 rated cable network.”

“Small example but many hotels that I have stayed at over the years almost always have USA Network whereas few generally feature Spike. Point is that USA is a much stronger network than is Spike, no offense intended to Spike. My suggestion is that both WWE and TNA need to focus on what they do and build their own new stars that are involved in intriguing and compelling personal issues and let the chips fall where they may. TV wrestling is ‘star driven’ and ‘storyline fueled’ in which long term planning is a key component in order to facilitate, fun and easy to watch, episodic TV. It’s also WAY over thought in many circles.”

As always, visit JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products.

– Bret Hart worked as the special enforcer of a  triple threat match between Jack Swagger, Edge, Chris Jericho on Saturday night on WWE’s European tour. Like the night before, Swagger ended up in the Sharpshooter and Bret posed with Edge to end the show.

– Time to Shine by Saliva is the official theme song for WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

– Cody Rhodes has been wearing amateur wrestling head gear during the WWE European tour, to go along with the punt kick he received from Randy Orton at WrestleMania.

– Shad Gaspard has new theme music now that Cryme Tyme has broken up.

– As we’ve been covering this week, Triple H has not been wrestling on WWE’s European tour despite being advertised. The Game missed another show last night in Glasgow, UK. Dave Meltzer notes that Triple H is suffering from a neck injury which is likely why he isn’t on the current tour.

– The episode of NBC’s Chuck featuring Steve Austin will air again this coming Monday night.

– Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft are now using the name “The Dudebusters” on SmackDown. This is the same name they used with Curt Hawkins in Florida Championship Wrestling.

– As we’ve been covering this week, Triple H has not been wrestling on WWE’s European tour despite being advertised. The Game missed another show last night in Glasgow, UK. Dave Meltzer notes that Triple H is suffering from a neck injury which is likely why he isn’t on the current tour.

– The episode of NBC’s Chuck featuring Steve Austin will air again this coming Monday night.

– Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft are now using the name “The Dudebusters” on SmackDown. This is the same name they used with Curt Hawkins in Florida Championship Wrestling.

Outsports.com, a website that profiles openly gay pro athletes, has posted an interview with controversial TNA star Orlando Jordan. Jordan spoke about being the first openly bi-sexual pro wrestler and said his new TNA character is based on his own lifestyle.

“There’s a very small percent of people who empower society on a global basis,” Jordan said. “Maybe one percent. If everyone was a pioneer, it’d make things a lot easier. But that’s not the case. And there’s a price that comes with being a pioneer, but I would not expect anything less because that’s who I am.”

When asked what he is looking to accomplish in TNA, Jordan gave an answer that you wouldn’t expect from your typical wrestler.

“I really hope this character helps troubled teens, be it [those struggling] because of their race or their sexuality. If this character makes life even just a little bit easier for someone else, then I’ll be really happy.”

– TNA star Kurt Angle will be taking some time off following his cage match with Ken Anderson at the upcoming Lockdown pay-per-view on April 18. Angle wrote on Twitter:

“I will be taking some time off for a month to heal up, pursue more movies and promote Anglefoods at foodiesfoodclub.com. I am NOT injured. At Lockdown I plan on kicking Anderson’s *ss, then I’m gonna relax for a few weeks. Be back soon.”

– Former TNA star Christopher Daniels is also now accepting independent bookings as Curry Man . Daniels be wrestling as Curry Man at the upcoming Chikara King of Trios tournament in Philadelphia.

– Thursday’s TNA iMPACT replay on Spike TV drew a 0.56 rating and averaged 758,000 viewers.

– TNA star Kurt Angle will be taking some time off following his cage match with Ken Anderson at the upcoming Lockdown pay-per-view on April 18. Angle wrote on Twitter:

“I will be taking some time off for a month to heal up, pursue more movies and promote Anglefoods at foodiesfoodclub.com. I am NOT injured. At Lockdown I plan on kicking Anderson’s *ss, then I’m gonna relax for a few weeks. Be back soon.”

– Former TNA star Christopher Daniels is also now accepting independent bookings as Curry Man . Daniels be wrestling as Curry Man at the upcoming Chikara King of Trios tournament in Philadelphia.

– Thursday’s TNA iMPACT replay on Spike TV drew a 0.56 rating and averaged 758,000 viewers.

Controversial TNA star Orlando Jordan posted a message on Twitter announcing that he’s sign a new multi-year deal with the company.  Jordan said, “I’m just getting started people.”

After Jordan’s weird appearance on Monday’s iMPACT!, he was interviewed this week on TNA’s online video show Hermie’s Hotseat and spoke to host Hermie Sadler about his championship ambitions. Get ready for an Orlando Jordan – Rob Terry feud for the Global championship.

Entertainment Tonight caught up with WWE legend Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson this week on the set of his new action movie, “Faster.”‘

The Great One talks about [finally] returning to action movies after making family-friendly Disney movies for a few years.

According to him, the movie features a “cool gun, cool car, and a lot of kicking ass.”

Quick synopsis: “An ex-con is out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago.”

“Faster” co-stars Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Moon Bloodgood, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Maggie Grace.

Current US release date is set for November 19, 2010.

Entertainment Tonight caught up with WWE legend Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson this week on the set of his new action movie, “Faster.”‘

The Great One talks about [finally] returning to action movies after making family-friendly Disney movies for a few years.

According to him, the movie features a “cool gun, cool car, and a lot of kicking ass.”

Quick synopsis: “An ex-con is out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago.”

“Faster” co-stars Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Moon Bloodgood, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Maggie Grace.

Current US release date is set for November 19, 2010.

Former WWE Maria Kanellis appeared on the “One Sided Ring” podcat this week and said she says WWE holds back their Divas by not giving the division enough exposure or the women a chance to let their personalities across. Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Her Release: “The release came as a shock, but basically it comes down to that I wanted more rights and they weren’t willing to give them to me. It wasn’t a money thing or anything like that. I think we left on good terms. It was a great experience while I was there, I love all the Divas.”

Being Held Back: “I wasn’t allowed to do as much as I wanted to do. I had all these great, creative ideas and was constantly entering them into the WWE creative, but I couldn’t use a lot of them,” Maria said. “The Divas weren’t given enough time, which I think is a horrible, horrible disadvantage that the girls have. I felt like I was held back – all the time.

“I wonder what would really happen if the Divas were given that much time,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s that they think the Divas can’t sell tickets, but I truly believe in the Divas division and always will. I think they are missing out on a lot of talent right there.”

Being A Backstage Interviewer for MMA Events on HDNet: “That’s one reason I’m not sad [WWE] fired me. I got eight minutes of time on an MMA show to just talk to people and that was amazing,” she said. “WWE never gave me eight minutes the entire time I was there.”

(MP3) Listen to Maria Kanellis’ First Music Single “Fantasy”

Former WWE Maria Kanellis appeared on the “One Sided Ring” podcat this week and said she says WWE holds back their Divas by not giving the division enough exposure or the women a chance to let their personalities across. Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Her Release: “The release came as a shock, but basically it comes down to that I wanted more rights and they weren’t willing to give them to me. It wasn’t a money thing or anything like that. I think we left on good terms. It was a great experience while I was there, I love all the Divas.”

Being Held Back: “I wasn’t allowed to do as much as I wanted to do. I had all these great, creative ideas and was constantly entering them into the WWE creative, but I couldn’t use a lot of them,” Maria said. “The Divas weren’t given enough time, which I think is a horrible, horrible disadvantage that the girls have. I felt like I was held back – all the time.

“I wonder what would really happen if the Divas were given that much time,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s that they think the Divas can’t sell tickets, but I truly believe in the Divas division and always will. I think they are missing out on a lot of talent right there.”

Being A Backstage Interviewer for MMA Events on HDNet: “That’s one reason I’m not sad [WWE] fired me. I got eight minutes of time on an MMA show to just talk to people and that was amazing,” she said. “WWE never gave me eight minutes the entire time I was there.”

(MP3) Listen to Maria Kanellis’ First Music Single “Fantasy”

Hulk Hogan will be hosting a new weekly satellite radio show on Monday nights an hour before TNA iMPACT! goes on the air.

The first episode of “Hogan Uncensored” airs next Monday night at 7pm (EST) on Sirius XM’s Howard 101 channel.

Hogan and Bubba made the announcement on Bubba’s radio show yesterday when Hogan made an in-studio appearance to talk TNA.

Bubba the Love Sponge says Howard Stern is the one who put the show together.

– As noted yesterday, Triple H missed the RAW live event on Wednesday in Austria. We’ve received word that The Game also missed last night’s show in Newcastle, England. He was advertised to wrestle John Cena in the main event, but Cena wound up facing Sheamus instead. No word yet on why Triple H has been missing shows this week.

– WWE’s new masked lucha libre superstar Dos Caras Jr. worked his second WWE event in Newcastle last night, losing again to  Christian. A few reports we read from the Austria show earlier in the week said Dos Caras and Christian had the match of the night.

– Bret Hart worked as the special ringside enforcer for the Edge vs. Jack Swagger match at last night’s show in Berlin. Bret first got involved in the match towards the end when Swagger put his feet on the ropes while pinning Edge. Swagger later was DQ’d after a low blow.

After the match, Swagger attacked Edge while Bret looked on. Swagger brought a chair in the ring but Bret stopped him from using it on Edge. Swagger kicked Bret in the gut and backed him in the corner before swinging the chair. Bret ducked the chairshot and Edge speared Swagger. Bret then put Swagger in the Sharpshooter and made him tap out. Edge cut a promo, putting Bret over and they embraced. Edge and Bret closed the show by greeting the fans at ringside.

– WWE has announced two more RAW guest hosts: Flava Flav and comedian Jon Lovitz. Flav will host RAW on May 10th from Pittsburgh and Lovitz will host on May 24th from Toledo.

– Former ECW backstage interviewer Courtney Taylor (also known as Beverly Mullins) has been removed from the FCW roster page. It’s possible she’s parted ways with WWE.

– Bret Hart wrote the following on Facebook yesterday before heading off to Europe for the current SmackDown brand tour:

“I’m scrambling now to make my way to the Calgary airport. I’m looking very much to this WWE tour of Europe and the markets that probably loved me the most. So many memories; Berlin, I really had some terrific matches there. I hope that my German fans will come out for what could be my last time ever. I recall Vince McMahon telling me once “that Germany has never come back since you left in ’97”. From there Glasgow, another city filled with great memories, in and out of the ring. Although I saw a great crowd turnout for my book signings last summer, I hope Glasgow and all the Hitman loyalists come out for the pink and black”

In an interview with ESPN.com to promote his new show “Garage Mahal” on the DIY cable network, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg says he’s open to wrestling one final match at next year’s WrestleMania from Atlanta, Georgia.

“It’s not something that I’m seeking out to do at 43 years old. But you know, WrestleMania is next year in Atlanta. Hulk Hogan and I put 43,000 people in the Georgia Dome with three days notice. I’ve got a fairly big following in Atlanta,” Goldberg said. “Is it out of the realm of possibility? I’d say no.”

Goldberg recently began working with WWE again on a new deal for WWE to use his likeness for merchandise (toys, appearing in WWE video games, etc.) and says he’d put himself back in the spotlight so his young son can see him in action.

“The doors are kind of open to negotiation as far as a merchandising deal. If it leads to something else? It’s a wonderful day,” Goldberg said.”If not, I’m totally content with the way I went out. To be able to get merchandise out there not only satiates the fans but hopefully there have been a lot of people wondering where my merchandise is. The reason why I want to do this is my boy; just trying to be a good father.”

In an interview with ESPN.com to promote his new show “Garage Mahal” on the DIY cable network, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg says he’s open to wrestling one final match at next year’s WrestleMania from Atlanta, Georgia.

“It’s not something that I’m seeking out to do at 43 years old. But you know, WrestleMania is next year in Atlanta. Hulk Hogan and I put 43,000 people in the Georgia Dome with three days notice. I’ve got a fairly big following in Atlanta,” Goldberg said. “Is it out of the realm of possibility? I’d say no.”

Goldberg recently began working with WWE again on a new deal for WWE to use his likeness for merchandise (toys, appearing in WWE video games, etc.) and says he’d put himself back in the spotlight so his young son can see him in action.

“The doors are kind of open to negotiation as far as a merchandising deal. If it leads to something else? It’s a wonderful day,” Goldberg said.”If not, I’m totally content with the way I went out. To be able to get merchandise out there not only satiates the fans but hopefully there have been a lot of people wondering where my merchandise is. The reason why I want to do this is my boy; just trying to be a good father.”

– When the call was made to break up Randy Orton’s Legacy stable, talk began of a new group forming with Ted DiBiase as the leader. Plans called for DiBiase to team with his brother Brett and rising developmental superstar Joe Hennig (son of the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig) in a group called “The Fortunate Sons.” DiBiase referenced that title during his promo on RAW this week. Whether WWE will still go forward with that idea remains to be seen.

– WWE is getting back to the mentality of recruiting standout athletes into developmental instead of just muscleheads with “the right look.”

– The Georgia Dome in Atlanta might see two straight nights of WWE action next year. With WrestleMania 27 confirmed for the Dome, there is talk of having the next night’s RAW in the same stadium (with most of the upper sections scaled off, obviously). Next year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will likely take place at either the Phillips Arena or the Fox Arena.

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

In an interview with the MondayNightMayhem radio show, WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase had some harsh words for former co-worker The Ultimate Warrior, who was in talks with WWE about being part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.

Related News: Ultimate Warrior Reveals Why He Turned Down Vince’s Hall Of Fame Offer

DiBiase says he’s glad Warrior was not inducted into the Hall of Fame this year over WrestleMania weekend. “I’m glad he wasn’t there. I’m glad he wasn’t there because he’s somebody I don’t particularly care for, and quite frankly, he was somebody who got a big push, DiBiase said. “He’s one of those guys that has never really appreciated what was done for him, and all you have to do is watch the DVD. There’s a lot of guys that did well in the industry that may have been lacking in some areas.”

DiBiase worked with the Ultimate Warrior during Warrior’s run at the top of the World Wrestling Federation, but says the only way the man from Parts Unknown would have a good match is if his opponent carried the match.

“Here’s a guy who the only reason he ever had a great match, every great match he had was directly depended upon who he was wrestling. And if the guy across the ring from him couldn’t lead him around by the nose, he couldn’t have a good match. So the fact that he wasn’t called on doesn’t bother me at all. I thought that since he lived out in that area, I thought that could have happened, and quite honestly, it would have been a very tense backstage environment if he and I were together. He’s one of those guys who has been given so much in terms of an opportunity in our industry, who even to this day doesn’t appreciate it, and I don’t know for the life of me who he thinks he is.”

To listen to the entire interview, visit MondayNightMayhem.com.

WWE NXT rookie Daniel Bryan has updated his WWE Universe blog .. Here’s what Bryan said about:

Michael Cole’s Commentary: “I’m fascinated by Michael Cole’s commentary. For all of his talk of me being a computer geek, I suspect I spend less time on the Internet than just about anyone in the WWE, including him,” Bryan said. “I am probably some sort of geek/nerd…but more of the classic book reading, record listening, don’t know anything about what’s going on in popular culture type nerd.”

This Week’s Keg Carry Contest: “I did not do well in the keg carrying competition this week. I’ve never carried a keg in my entire life nor do I expect to carry one ever again. But, if you judge the competition by who held onto the keg the longest, I clearly won,” Bryan said. “I don’t have any idea how keg racing has any relation to wrestling…but such is life. Perhaps next week we can have a Scrabble competition inside a steel cage with Diva lumberjills on the outside to make sure nobody interferes.

He also revealed that his signature maroon tights were a gift from William Regal after the two trained together back in the early 2000’s.  It’s a good read from one of NXT’s top stars.

WWE NXT rookie Daniel Bryan has updated his WWE Universe blog .. Here’s what Bryan said about:

Michael Cole’s Commentary: “I’m fascinated by Michael Cole’s commentary. For all of his talk of me being a computer geek, I suspect I spend less time on the Internet than just about anyone in the WWE, including him,” Bryan said. “I am probably some sort of geek/nerd…but more of the classic book reading, record listening, don’t know anything about what’s going on in popular culture type nerd.”

This Week’s Keg Carry Contest: “I did not do well in the keg carrying competition this week. I’ve never carried a keg in my entire life nor do I expect to carry one ever again. But, if you judge the competition by who held onto the keg the longest, I clearly won,” Bryan said. “I don’t have any idea how keg racing has any relation to wrestling…but such is life. Perhaps next week we can have a Scrabble competition inside a steel cage with Diva lumberjills on the outside to make sure nobody interferes.

He also revealed that his signature maroon tights were a gift from William Regal after the two trained together back in the early 2000’s.  It’s a good read from one of NXT’s top stars.

– Neither Linda or Vince McMahon attended the post-WrestleMania party in Phoenix this year. The original report that Linda attended the Hall of Fame may be false as she was seen arriving at the hotel after the ceremony with her bags. Linda was at Fan Axxess on Sunday morning looking at displays of old wrestler’s gear and chatting with some fans. It’s said that Vince may have been hurt taking all the chairshots from Bret Hart but if he was, he would never sell it or tell anyone, or want anyone to see him walking around hurting. (Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Since WWE started the pay-per-view price increase with the Royal Rumble in January, they have not suffered any significant hit on pay-per-view buys.

– MTV.com has an article online where they covered WWE NXT Rookie David Otunga guest hosting Raw. The piece mentioned Otunga’s fiancee Jennifer Hudson signing “One Shining Moment” at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Below is what was written about Otunga:

But Hudson wasn’t the only member of her family to have a big night on Monday (April 5). Fiancé David Otunga had his own set of highlights as the host of “Raw,” WWE’s flagship show. Otunga won a battle royal on last week’s edition of “WWE NXT” that won him the opportunity to run the big show. As host (a role taken on by the likes of Snoop Dogg, William Shatner, Jewel, Timbaland, Ozzy Osbourne and Bob Barker), Otunga booked himself into a tag team championship match (he and John Cena lost to the Big Show and the Miz — the later a former star of MTV’s “The Real World”) and decided that the main event of the next pay-per-view would be Batista against John Cena in a Last Man Standing match.