– 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.

– Reality television star “Dog The Bounty Hunter” was in the crowd at Tuesday’s iMPACT tapings in Orlando. Based on messages TNA star Jeff Hardy wrote on Twitter, it doesn’t sound like his meeting with Dog went too well:

“Dog tha Bounty Hunter is a AssHole!!!he&his posse just treated me & Shannon like shit!I thought him&beth were cool…oh well”

– Vince Russo has been talking about how he is burnt out on booking in TNA.

– TNA fans waiting outside the Impact Zone this past Monday were warned prior to entering the building that the show would not be family-friendly.

– TNA has sold about 2,200 tickets for their LockDown PPV in St. Charles, MO.

– In addition to Daniels, The Nasty Boys and Consequences Creed, TNA has also released referee Jamie Tucker recently.

(Partial sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, f4wonline.com)

– Reality television star “Dog The Bounty Hunter” was in the crowd at Tuesday’s iMPACT tapings in Orlando. Based on messages TNA star Jeff Hardy wrote on Twitter, it doesn’t sound like his meeting with Dog went too well:

“Dog tha Bounty Hunter is a AssHole!!!he&his posse just treated me & Shannon like shit!I thought him&beth were cool…oh well”

– Vince Russo has been talking about how he is burnt out on booking in TNA.

– TNA fans waiting outside the Impact Zone this past Monday were warned prior to entering the building that the show would not be family-friendly.

– TNA has sold about 2,200 tickets for their LockDown PPV in St. Charles, MO.

– In addition to Daniels, The Nasty Boys and Consequences Creed, TNA has also released referee Jamie Tucker recently.

(Partial sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, f4wonline.com)

– Several top WWE superstars were not happy about Jim Ross being off the WrestleMania 26 announcing team. Ross even wrote in his blog  that Vince McMahon didn’t make any time for him during WrestleMania  weekend, which is unfortunate considering how influential Ross has been  over the years.

– Matt Striker’s zany commentary at WrestleMania was a topic of discussion in the days following the event.

– Former WWE star Zach Gowen recently completed a WWE-sponsored rehab program for  pain pill addiction. He is now staying at a sober  living facility and accepting independent bookings.

– WWE.com web traffic and WWEShop.com merchandise sales were both up in February from January.

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

– Several top WWE superstars were not happy about Jim Ross being off the WrestleMania 26 announcing team. Ross even wrote in his blog  that Vince McMahon didn’t make any time for him during WrestleMania  weekend, which is unfortunate considering how influential Ross has been  over the years.

– Matt Striker’s zany commentary at WrestleMania was a topic of discussion in the days following the event.

– Former WWE star Zach Gowen recently completed a WWE-sponsored rehab program for  pain pill addiction. He is now staying at a sober  living facility and accepting independent bookings.

– WWE.com web traffic and WWEShop.com merchandise sales were both up in February from January.

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

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

WWE’s New Hart and Soul DVD: “Several weeks ago I got an advance copy of the new, WWE DVD, ‘Hart and Soul’ and I can easily and honestly say it is one of the better productions that WWE Home Video has ever produced. It has some awesome photos, footage, and interviews on it and is a ‘highly recommend’ for all fans.”

Buy the “HART and SOUL” 3-DVD Set from Amazon.com for $17.99

Funny Bobby Heenan Quote: “Bobby Heenan said that he always slept like a baby in that he woke up every three hours,  wet the bed and cried. There will always be only one ‘Wease.'”

Young Stars Being Pushed Too Soon? “There is no magical formula or magic wand one can wave over the head of a young wrestler to guarantee their success,” Ross said. “I do know this, the business has to get younger and WWE, at least, is attempting to do that which means they are keeping an eye on their long term growth. No one knows what young talent will or will not make it but if they aren’t given the opportunity it’s obvious that they will never get to the Promised Land. I applaud wrestling promotions for providing opportunity for young wrestlers as no one can accurately and definitively way when some one is ‘ready.’  My theory is to get them fundamentally sound, motivated, and throw them in the game and see if they can play.”

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

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

WWE’s New Hart and Soul DVD: “Several weeks ago I got an advance copy of the new, WWE DVD, ‘Hart and Soul’ and I can easily and honestly say it is one of the better productions that WWE Home Video has ever produced. It has some awesome photos, footage, and interviews on it and is a ‘highly recommend’ for all fans.”

Buy the “HART and SOUL” 3-DVD Set from Amazon.com for $17.99

Funny Bobby Heenan Quote: “Bobby Heenan said that he always slept like a baby in that he woke up every three hours,  wet the bed and cried. There will always be only one ‘Wease.'”

Young Stars Being Pushed Too Soon? “There is no magical formula or magic wand one can wave over the head of a young wrestler to guarantee their success,” Ross said. “I do know this, the business has to get younger and WWE, at least, is attempting to do that which means they are keeping an eye on their long term growth. No one knows what young talent will or will not make it but if they aren’t given the opportunity it’s obvious that they will never get to the Promised Land. I applaud wrestling promotions for providing opportunity for young wrestlers as no one can accurately and definitively way when some one is ‘ready.’  My theory is to get them fundamentally sound, motivated, and throw them in the game and see if they can play.”

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

The following is confirmed for next week’s TNA iMAPCT! – at the new start time of 8pm (ET):

– In a Leather & Lace Match, new Knockouts Champion Angelina Love faces former tag team partner Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People

– The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy will take on Robert Roode of Beer Money, Inc

– Team 3D challenged The Band’s Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman .. Will they answer the challenge?

– Plus, appearances by World Champion AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Abyss, The Pope, Desmond Wolfe, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and more.

Related News: *Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Next Week

The following is confirmed for next week’s TNA iMAPCT! – at the new start time of 8pm (ET):

– In a Leather & Lace Match, new Knockouts Champion Angelina Love faces former tag team partner Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People

– The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy will take on Robert Roode of Beer Money, Inc

– Team 3D challenged The Band’s Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman .. Will they answer the challenge?

– Plus, appearances by World Champion AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Abyss, The Pope, Desmond Wolfe, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and more.

Related News: *Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Next Week

Last night on Twitter, Paul Heyman went on a rant about the the way TNA has booked Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy in recent weeks. Heyman started off by writing:

“To answer all the questions, I will not be blogging on last night’s TNA Impact. What am I going to say that has not been said already?”

A minute later, Heyman let it fly:

“Okay, I can’t resist. How many times can u beat up RVD and Jeff Hardy and not give them a ‘revenge-minded’ interview afterwards? Heels beat up babyfaces. Babyfaces swear revenge. People tune in. Holy s—! The formula is not that f’n complicated, people!”

“I don’t want any1 to think I am saying I know it all. I DON’T KNOW IT ALL. I still have a lot to learn. I don’t know how to grow hair on top of my head. I don’t know how to get six pack abs.”

“BUT I KNOW THAT IF A HEEL BEATS UP A POPULAR BABYFACE, THEN BABYFACE NEEDS A CHANCE TO PROMOTE THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE BABYFACE’S REVENGE.”

Last night on Twitter, Paul Heyman went on a rant about the the way TNA has booked Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy in recent weeks. Heyman started off by writing:

“To answer all the questions, I will not be blogging on last night’s TNA Impact. What am I going to say that has not been said already?”

A minute later, Heyman let it fly:

“Okay, I can’t resist. How many times can u beat up RVD and Jeff Hardy and not give them a ‘revenge-minded’ interview afterwards? Heels beat up babyfaces. Babyfaces swear revenge. People tune in. Holy s—! The formula is not that f’n complicated, people!”

“I don’t want any1 to think I am saying I know it all. I DON’T KNOW IT ALL. I still have a lot to learn. I don’t know how to grow hair on top of my head. I don’t know how to get six pack abs.”

“BUT I KNOW THAT IF A HEEL BEATS UP A POPULAR BABYFACE, THEN BABYFACE NEEDS A CHANCE TO PROMOTE THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE BABYFACE’S REVENGE.”

– Former WWE Diva Maria’s new album Seven Sins is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Maria wrote on Twitter this week that one of the songs on her album is titled “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs.” The music video for that one should be good. “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs” has been playing on Playboy’s satellite radio station.

Related: Listen To Maria’s First Single “Fantasy” (MP3)

– Below are some of the latest name changes from WWE developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling:

• Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter of WXW is now known as Cable Jones
• Sarona Snuka is now being called Tamina
• Former All Japan star Joe Doering is now known as Drake Brewer
• The former Incognito is now known as Hunico
• The former Ray Leppan and Damien Duke is now called Leo Kruger
• Former OVW star Asher Knight is now known as Rudy Parker

Visit FCWWrestling.com to check out WWE’s developmental talent roster.

– Former WWE Diva Maria’s new album Seven Sins is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Maria wrote on Twitter this week that one of the songs on her album is titled “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs.” The music video for that one should be good. “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs” has been playing on Playboy’s satellite radio station.

Related: Listen To Maria’s First Single “Fantasy” (MP3)

– Below are some of the latest name changes from WWE developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling:

• Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter of WXW is now known as Cable Jones
• Sarona Snuka is now being called Tamina
• Former All Japan star Joe Doering is now known as Drake Brewer
• The former Incognito is now known as Hunico
• The former Ray Leppan and Damien Duke is now called Leo Kruger
• Former OVW star Asher Knight is now known as Rudy Parker

Visit FCWWrestling.com to check out WWE’s developmental talent roster.

The ratings are in for the April 5, 2010 episodes of WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT!.

WWE RAW drew a 3.2 cable rating, down a lot from last week’s strong 3.7.

TNA iMPACT! did a 0.9 rating cable rating, up from last week’s aweful 0.6.

By comparison, NCAA championship basketball game earned its highest television rating since 2005, with a 14.2 fast national rating and 23 share. That’s up 31 percent from the 10.8/18 for North Carolina’s blowout win over Michigan State last year.

The ratings are in for the April 5, 2010 episodes of WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT!.

WWE RAW drew a 3.2 cable rating, down a lot from last week’s strong 3.7.

TNA iMPACT! did a 0.9 rating cable rating, up from last week’s aweful 0.6.

By comparison, NCAA championship basketball game earned its highest television rating since 2005, with a 14.2 fast national rating and 23 share. That’s up 31 percent from the 10.8/18 for North Carolina’s blowout win over Michigan State last year.

Karen Angle, ex-wife of TNA star Kurt Angle, has announced on her Facebook page that she and Jeff Jarrett are engaged to be married. No details yet about whether the couple has set a date.

Karen Angle made her debut with TNA back in 2007 and was with the company for about a year. Kurt and Karen were divorced in mid-2008. In July 2009, an anonymous TNA employee called into the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show to reveal that Karen and Jeff Jarrett were living together at Jarrett’s home in Nashville, TN. TNA President Dixie Carter subsequently sent Jarrett home for several months following that incident.

While this may seem like another crazy twist in the Kurt-Karen-Jeff love triangle, Kurt Angle is said to be on good terms with Karen and Jeff.

Karen Angle, ex-wife of TNA star Kurt Angle, has announced on her Facebook page that she and Jeff Jarrett are engaged to be married. No details yet about whether the couple has set a date.

Karen Angle made her debut with TNA back in 2007 and was with the company for about a year. Kurt and Karen were divorced in mid-2008. In July 2009, an anonymous TNA employee called into the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show to reveal that Karen and Jeff Jarrett were living together at Jarrett’s home in Nashville, TN. TNA President Dixie Carter subsequently sent Jarrett home for several months following that incident.

While this may seem like another crazy twist in the Kurt-Karen-Jeff love triangle, Kurt Angle is said to be on good terms with Karen and Jeff.

– WWE will be at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois tonight taping tonight’s NXT, matches for Thursday’s Superstars and of course, Friday’s SmackDown broadcast. We’ll have SmackDown spoilers later tonight, so check back for those.

– WWE is headed overseas this week for a two week European tour that kicks off this Wednesday night in Vienna, Austria. Next week’s RAW will be taped earlier in the day from the United Kingdom. For more on WWE’s WrestleMania Revenge European tour, visit WWE.com.

– Reader Dillon James sent in word that Ohio Valley Wrestling star Andrew Lacroix was shown hanging out backstage during last night’s RAW when Randy Orton was shown walking to the ring to face Jack Swagger.

– The following matches were taped before last night’s RAW for Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars:

• Evan Bourne and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Chavo Guerrero and Zack Ryder.
• MVP vs.  Carlito.

– WWE will be at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois tonight taping tonight’s NXT, matches for Thursday’s Superstars and of course, Friday’s SmackDown broadcast. We’ll have SmackDown spoilers later tonight, so check back for those.

– WWE is headed overseas this week for a two week European tour that kicks off this Wednesday night in Vienna, Austria. Next week’s RAW will be taped earlier in the day from the United Kingdom. For more on WWE’s WrestleMania Revenge European tour, visit WWE.com.

– Reader Dillon James sent in word that Ohio Valley Wrestling star Andrew Lacroix was shown hanging out backstage during last night’s RAW when Randy Orton was shown walking to the ring to face Jack Swagger.

– The following matches were taped before last night’s RAW for Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars:

• Evan Bourne and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Chavo Guerrero and Zack Ryder.
• MVP vs.  Carlito.

– As we reported over the weekend, Batista is expected to take some time off from WWE soon – as his new WWE Studios film”Killing Karma” is scheduled to begin filming in New Orleans next week.

– Radio host Howard Stern discussed the passing of Kanyon on yesterday’s show, noting that Kanyon had recently tried to book an appearance on the show, which the show’s producers had passed on and told him they’d get him on down the line.

– The Associated Press ran a story yesterday about the death of Chris Kanyon, noting that it was Kanyon’s brother who found him dead and there was a suicide note next to his body. Sad stuff.

– Sheamus is featured in the new edition of Men’s Fitness magazine as one of the 25 Fittest Guys in the World. Sheamus talks about how he learned to work out from his father and how he keeps in shape, always looking to better himself and accomplish goals. WWE.com has an article looking at Men’s Fitness piece.

– As we reported over the weekend, Batista is expected to take some time off from WWE soon – as his new WWE Studios film”Killing Karma” is scheduled to begin filming in New Orleans next week.

– Radio host Howard Stern discussed the passing of Kanyon on yesterday’s show, noting that Kanyon had recently tried to book an appearance on the show, which the show’s producers had passed on and told him they’d get him on down the line.

– The Associated Press ran a story yesterday about the death of Chris Kanyon, noting that it was Kanyon’s brother who found him dead and there was a suicide note next to his body. Sad stuff.

– Sheamus is featured in the new edition of Men’s Fitness magazine as one of the 25 Fittest Guys in the World. Sheamus talks about how he learned to work out from his father and how he keeps in shape, always looking to better himself and accomplish goals. WWE.com has an article looking at Men’s Fitness piece.

It appears that former WWE Superstar and ECW original Tommy Dreamer is TNA bound and could show up on television as soon as tonight’s live broadcast.

On Monday, TNA star Jeff Hardy wrote on Twitter:

“Impact…tonight at8:00pm..on Spike…I’m aDreamer&I know I’m not the only one!”

Jeff capitalizing the word “Dreamer” led many to speculate that the ECW original, who was released from WWE earlier this year, would be appearing on this week’s iMPACT!

Tommy Dreamer responded to Jeff Hardy’s message, writing:

“Since Jeff Hardy is a Dreamer and I was part of Team Extreme, I will retweet his message that TNA Impact airs at 8:00 p.m. EST.”

Dreamer didn’t appear on this week’s iMPACT!, but it seems he’s hinting that he might be visiting the iMPACT! zone in the near future.

Last month, Taz noted that he and Paul Heyman had dinner in New York City with TNA’s Brother Ray and Taz.

UPDATE: Tommy Dreamer’s 90-day no-compete clause with WWE expires next Monday according to PWInsider.com. Next week’s show is being taped tonight, so the first live show where Dreamer would be free to appear is TNA Lockdown on April 18.

After last night’s RAW went off the air, gueset host David Otunga came back to the ring while John Cena was still laid out. Otunga said Batista didn’t have to wait until Extreme Rules to get his rematch against Cena, he could have it now.

Batista went for a quick pin but ends up tapping out to Cena’s STF after only a minute into the match, which the crowd popped big for.

Cena then called Otunga back to the ring, hit him with the Attitude Adjustment and made him tap out to end the night.

After last night’s RAW went off the air, gueset host David Otunga came back to the ring while John Cena was still laid out. Otunga said Batista didn’t have to wait until Extreme Rules to get his rematch against Cena, he could have it now.

Batista went for a quick pin but ends up tapping out to Cena’s STF after only a minute into the match, which the crowd popped big for.

Cena then called Otunga back to the ring, hit him with the Attitude Adjustment and made him tap out to end the night.

Following this week’s TNA iMPACT!, here’s the updated card for TNA Lockdown on April 18th:

Lethal Lockdown Cage Match
Team Hogan (Abyss & Jeff Hardy & Jeff Jarrett & Rob Van Dam) vs. Team Flair (Sting & Beer Money & Desmond Wolfe)

TNA World Championship Cage Match
AJ Styles (c) vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero

Cage Match
Kurt Angle vs. Ken Anderson