Author: Staff

  • JR’s BBQ Restaurant Shuts Down, Big Changes Ahead

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross announced over the weekend that his “J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q” restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma is shutting down.

    “At the end of the day, our business plan could not handle the shift in the economy or the rising overhead that we encountered,” Ross wrote. “We make no excuses.”

    Ross said that he will continue to sell his line of barbecue products on his JRsBarBQ.com website as well as in grocery stores across the country, a more conservative business model that he says has “unlimited potential.”

    Despite this professional setback, Ross remains optimistic about his future and life in general. “Life is good…amazing days lie ahead…great health is a blessing…we have much to be thankful for … In the upcoming weeks, my professional schedule is likely to change significantly. I’ve realized that there is only so much that I can pile on my plate so perhaps this unfortunate turn of events is a blessing in disguise.”

    To read the full blog, visit JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Ring Of Honor On HDNet Preview For Tonight

    The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s Ring of Honor on HDNet broadcast:

    – Kevin Steen vs. Roderick Strong in a Pick 6 Contender’s Series match.

    – Kenny King & Rhett Titus vs. Josh Raymond & Christin Able

    – Claudio Castagnoli will be in action.

    There will also be an update on the condition of Delirious, an interview with Colt Cabana and more.

    Here’s the video preview for tonight:

  • Update: Chyna Won’t Face Criminal Assault Charges

    Chyna & Her Accuser (TMZ.com)

    UPDATE: TMZ.com reports that Chyna will not face any criminal charges after a “friend” alleges the former WWE Diva viciously attacked her in a Los Angeles hotel room last month. The LA city attorney dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.

    Original Story(4/29):

    Former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer has been accused of viciously attacking a female friend in Los Angeles over the weekend.

    The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Chyna for battery after her accuser, Gabriella Targos, says Chyna got so violent with her she thought she was going to die.

    According to TMZ.com, the incident occurred Saturday night at a motel in Sherman Oaks, CA. According to the accuser, Chyna called her and told her to meet her at the motel. When she arrived, she claims Chyna immediately attacking her for no reason – punching her in the face, dragging her by her hair, beating her with a wire hanger and threatening to kill her.

    Gabriela says she was able to break free and ran out of the motel room and found a few police officers.  So far, no arrests have been made.

  • Virgil On RAW Tonight? Morrison Injured, NXT & More

    – Mike Jones, best known as Ted DiBiase’s man-servant Virgil in the early 1990s, was telling people at a signing event over the weekend that he will be appearing on tonight’s WWE RAW to film an angle with Ted DiBiase Jr. While this news is not confirmed, Virgil’s name has come up on WWE television a few times in recent weeks – so it could happen.

    – John Morrison may have injured his ankle at this weekend’s RAW live event in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. After his match with Vladimir Kozlov, Morrison had to be helped to the back by trainers.

    – NXT stars Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett worked this weekend’s RAW live events in Canada, with Gabriel getting wins over Barrett.

    – WWE’s new luchador star Dos Caras also worked the weekend’s RAW live events, losing to Goldust. He continues to impress WWE officials with his solid work on the mic and in the ring.

    – TMZ reports that former WWE Diva Chyna won’t be facing criminal charges over an alleged incident last month where she beat up a female friend in a Los Angeles hotel room. The LA city attorney dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.

  • Cody Rhodes Talks About Legacy, His Father, SmackDown

    Here are some interview highlights of what “The Uncommon” Cody Rhodes told Slam Wrestling about:

    Being a Second Generation Star: “It can be incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. I didn’t want to be my dad. I don’t want to be Dusty Rhodes Jr. I want to be Cody Rhodes.”

    Being Drafted To SmackDown: “RAW was more of a variety show. Smackdown is more of a wrestling-based show. That’s my area. It gives me a chance to showcase myself. I feel I’ll do really well between the ropes. I think things are going to be changing for me along with the brand change. As a fan, I like to see the talent evolve and I need to evolve. I really wasn’t a character on RAW. It was ‘here we have our second- and third-generation superstars.’ Now, fans will have the opportunity to see who Cody Rhodes is.”

    Legacy: “The point was to introduce us, as The Legacy, the same as when Randy Orton and Batista were brought in with Evolution. I don’t think it’d be totally bizarre if three, five or seven years down the road from now, you saw a Wrestlemania match with me and on the other side, Ted DiBiase.”

    To check out the full interview, visit Slam Wrestling.

  • TNA Releases Coming, Sting Injured, The Band, MCMG

    – The reason why Sting and Jeff Jarrett’s “match” turned into a brawl last night at Sacrifice is because of Sting’s shoulder injury, which prevented him from working a traditional match.

    – More TNA releases are expected to be announced soon, possibly this week, as the company plans on making some budget cuts.

    – The Motor City Machine Guns are the new #1 contenders to the TNA Tag Team Titles after winning the triple threat at Sacrifice. No word yet when they will receive their shots against The Band.

    – Speaking of The Band, they are now defending the belts under the “Freebird rule” – meaning, any two of them can defend (Hall & Nash, Hall & Young or Nash & Young).

    – Ring announcer David Penzer is said to be done with the company. His contract expired recently and he’s been telling people he’s  leaving the company. Jeremy Borash handled the ring announcing at Sacrifice.

    (Partial credit: f4wonline.com)

  • Tara Done With TNA, Anderson Turning Face, The Band

    Here are several news items coming out of Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view:

    – TNA Knockout Tara (formerly Victoria in WWE) finished up with TNA at Sacrifice, losing to Madison Rayne at pay-per-view. Tara recently blogged that she was unable to come to terms with TNA regarding a new contract.

    – TNA is teasing a babyface turn for Mr. Anderson following his match with Jeff Hardy at Sacrifice. Anderson put his hand out for a shake to Hardy but Hardy turned him down. Anderson cut a cocky promo before the match that was well received by the crowd, so there appears to be enough fan interest there to turn him face.

    – Douglas Williams has reclaimed the TNA X Division Championship after defeating Kaz at Sacrifice.

    – After Abyss defeated Desmond Wolfe at Sacrifice, Wolfe’s valet Chelsea is now the property of Abyss for the next thirty days.

  • Pictures Of A Young Beth Phoenix (Pre-WWE)

    Check out what WWE’s Glamazon looked like before coming to WWE:

  • Trish Stratus Starring In New Action Movie (Pictures)

    Former WWE Diva Trish Stratus is starring in a new action-adventure movie called “Bail Enforcers” – set for release some time in 2011.

    The movie is about “a team of down-on-their-luck bounty hunters who run into trouble when they are confronted with the moral dilemma of a local mob boss wanting the team to turn a bail jumper over to him for the price of a million dollars.”

    Here are some promotional shots of Trish from “Bail Enforcers.”

  • TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: May 16, 2010

    TNA Sacrifice Results
    Sunday, May 16, 2010
    Results by: Sean Hopkins

    We get a videopackage highlighting the main feuds heading in to tonight, as well as the ‘sacrifice’ theme of the show, with many of the competitors talking about what they’re willing to give up to open the show. The pyro hits and Mike Tenay welcomes us to the show. He immediately begins hyping the World Title match between AJ Styles and RVD later tonight in a rematch of the match where RVD won the title. The Motor City Machine Guns’ music hits, and it’s time for the #1 Contender’s match.

    Beer Money, Inc. vs. The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team 3D
    #1 Contender Match

    Beer Money is out next to a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd, but a bit more cheers than I would have expected. Team 3D is out last, to a pretty big pop, unsurprisingly. Robert Roode and Alex Shelley look to start things off in this match. They lock up and Roode snap mares Shelley into a rear chin lock. Shelley is right out of it, and they chain wrestle for a bit. Roode hits a big shoulder block that takes Shelley off his feet, and after a bit more chain wrestling, Shelley hits a hurricarana, and then a wheelbarrow into a bulldog that’s good for a near fall. Shelley charges Roode, but he runs into a tilt a whirl backbreaker. Roode tags in Storm and Storm comes in with a big right hand to Shelley’s face before taking Sabin off the apron. Shelley tries for a superkick, but Storm rolls to the outside, where he eats a round kick from Sabin. Back in the ring we get some great double team work from the Guns on Roode. Sabin tags in and we get some double team on Storm’s arm. Storm is able to come right back though with a high knee, but he gets tagged rom behind by Brother Ray. Ray locks up with Sabin and goes to work on his arm, taking him down to the mat, and wrenching down again. Ray goes to the well once to often and Sabin is able to turn the tide with a couple of round kicks to the ribs. Sabin avoids an elbow drop, but he eats a big right hand and a big boot from Ray. D-Von tags in and we get a backbreaker/leg drop combo that’s good for a near fall that’s broken up by Shelley. Shelley leap frogs D-Von and hits a dropkick, but when he tries to slingshot himself on top of Bubba on the outside, Ray moves and Sabin crashes. Ray rolls Sabin back into the ring where D-Von goes to work, slamming Sabin down. D-Von goes for the cover and it’s broken up by Storm. Ray tags in and hits a big chop to Sabin before knocking both members of BMI off the ring apron. Bubba slams Sabin down and climbs to the second rope, but when he goes for the senton, Sabin moves and as able to tag in Shelley. Shelley comes in as a house of fire, working over both members of 3D. Shelley goes for a double cross body and he’s caught, but Sabin dropkicks Shelley and connects to hit the cross body. miscommunication causes both members of 3D to collide when Ray goes for the dive. Sabin dives out of the ring and hits BMI. Shelley tries for a double stomp on Ray, but Roode tags in and hits a sick running clothesline on Shelley.

    Storm is in and BMI hit a double team suplex on Shelley before doing their Beer Money chant. Roode crotches Shelley on the middle turnbuckle before hitting a falling neckbreaker. Roode tags in and slams Shelley down. Storm hits an elbow drop and Roode hits a knee drop before locking in a rear chin lock. Shelley fights out, but he gets a running back elbow for his trouble. Storm tags back in and hits Shelley with a big right hand. Roode locks in a rear chin lock of his own. Shelley fights back up to his feet but he gets a right hand. Shelley avoids a dive from Storm, and hits an enzugiri, but Roode tags in and stops Shelley from making the tag. Roode tries for a suplex but Shelley lands on his feet and is able to make the tag to Sabin who comes in as a house of fire. The Guns almost get the pin but D-Von is in and it all start to break down. Everyone is in and 3D start throwing bodies to the outside. It’s down to 3D and BMI. Ray hits a bionic elbow on Storm, and 3D hits a doomsday decive on Roode. Sabin hits a springboard cross body out of nowhere and goes for the pin on Ray, but he only gets two. 3D throws Sabin out of the ring, and set up for a 3D on Roode. Storm comes in and spits beer in D-Von’s eyes. Guns hits Roode with a double team in the corner before hitting a neckbreaker/cross body combo. Sabin pins Ray, and gets the three count.

    Winners and NEW #1 Contenders: The Motor City Machine Guns

    Madison Rayne (c) vs. Tara
    TNA Knockouts Championship vs. Career

    Tenay and Taz talk a bit about the Abyss/Wolfe match coming up later tonight and apparently the police are in the building investigating Wolfe and Chelsea for filing false police reports. We get a run down of the events that have led up to this match. Orlando Jordan is the first man out to the ring, he’s lowered down on a trapeze, with what looks to be no safety equipment hooked up. He gets no reaction. Rob Terry is out next, coming right out, and Jordan is right on top of him. Terry fights Jordan back into the corner and buries his shoulder in Jordan’s midsection before beating him around the ring and hitting a giant hip toss. Terry clotheslines Jordan in the corner and almost takes Jordan’s head off with a huge lariat. Terry hits a big back body drop and splashes Jordan in the corner before hitting a big side slam. Terry goes for the pin and gets two. Terry tries for another back body drop and catches a boot to the face, and Terry replies with a spin kick.

    Terry clotheslines Jordan to the entrance ramp, where Jordan tries to crawl away, but Terry takes him back to the ring and tosses him over the rope. Terry hits a running powerslam that’s good for another two count. Jordan begs off for a bit, and when Terry goes for a kick, Jordan catches Terry’s foot, hangs it up on the ropes, and kicks it before slamming him to the mat. Terry kicks and wrenches away at Terry, working over his leg. Jordan rolls to the outside and wraps Terry’s leg around the ring post. Back in the ring, and Jordan contines to focus on the knee, driving his own knee down into Terry’s knee before just punching away. Jordan tries for a couple of submissions but Terry fights him off, so Jordan goes back to working on Terry’s knee. Terry tries to crawl to the ropes, but Jordan stops him and stomps on his midsection. Terry fights him off again, but Jordan goes right back to work, hitting Terry with punches to the face before turning back to his knee. Jordan hits a knee drop with a really stupid set up and goes for a mounted pin, but only gets two. Jordan climbs up to the middle rope and pulls down his knee pad, but when he goes for the knee drop, Terry moves out of the way.

    Terry gets up to his feet, where he hits the freak buster out of nowhere. He pins Jordan and gets the three count.

    Winner and STILL TNA Global Champion: Rob Terry

    As Terry makes his way to the back, Orlando Jordan charges up the ramp and attacks him from behind. Jordan sets the title belt down, turns Terry over, and slams his knee down into the belt. Jordan grabs the Global title, and throws it down on top of Terry. Backstage Team 3D are complaining, Ray is talking about how his eyes still burn. Ink Inc walk in and compliment them on their match. 3D compliment them on their first shot tonight, and Ray says to be careful. Moore says that the Book of DILLIGAF says they’ll be the new champions tonight. Ink Inc walks out. Ray is pissed because Neal said they would take care of 3D tonight.

    Kazarian (c) vs. Doug Williams
    TNA X Division Championship Match

    We get a video package highlighting the history between these two men leading up to this match, including Doug Williams being stripped of the Title even though he wasn’t able to be present due to an erupting volcano. Doug Williams is out to heat from the crowd, and he’s still wearing the X Division Title. Kaz is out next to a lot of love from the crowd. Both men lock up and Kaz backs Williams into the corner where he breaks clean, kind of. Another lock up, and Williams is able to lock in a front chancery, before switching it all around and taking KAz down to the match. Kaz locks in a headscissors, but Williams powers out of it. Both men are back on their feet and they lock up. Williams takes Kaz down again and they trade holds on the mat. Back up to their feet and Williams backs Kaz into the corner to break things up. Shoulderblock from Williams and he locks in another front chancery. Kaz fights out of it and hits an arm drag going right into the arm bar. Another arm drag from Kaz right into another arm bar. Kaz scissors the arm and also goes to work on Williams’ wrist. Williams fights out of it, flips Kaz over, and they trade holds yet again. Kaz comes out on top, but Williams utilizes the ropes to break the hold. Kaz goes to work on Williams’ arm again and Williams bails to the apron but Kaz won’t let go. Kaz kicks Williams to the floor. Williams rolls back into the ring and Kaz hits a crazy slingshot dive into a roll up for a near fall. More mat wrestling from both men and Kaz tries to go for the pin, but Williams bridges out of it. Williams fights back up to hits feet and take Kaz down for a near fall, and Kaz bridges out. Williams takes Kaz to his butt in a neck tie submission dropping back with his knees in Kaz’s back. Kaz turns it right around into the same hold on Williams.

    Kaz puts Williams on the top rope, but Williams fights down to the mat, and tosses Kaz from the top, where Kaz faceplants into the entrance stage. Kaz makes it back to the apron at six, but Kaz catches him with a neckbreaker in the ropes that sends Kaz right back down. Kaz rolls back into the ring and Williams gets right on him, locking him in a front face lock, and scooting to the outside where he slams Kaz into the apron chest first. Back in the ring and Williams locks in another front head lock, but Kaz fights out of it, suplexing Williams into the ropes before dropkicking him to the outside into the guard rail. Kaz slingshots himself to the outside with a cross body block to take out Williams. Back in the ring, Kaz hits a springboard dropkick, going high risk again, and both men are down. Both get up at about four, and Kaz hits a clothesline/forearm/spinkick combo before hitting a big swinging neckbreaker that’s good for a two count. Kaz charges Williams into the corner, and Williams almost hits the chaos theory, but Kaz counters into a roll up for a near fall. Williams back body drops Kaz to the apron, but Kaz comes right back with a slingshot DDT that’s good for another two count. Both men are up and Williams hits a couple of head butts and a big clothesline to put Kaz down. Williams hits a running knee in the corner and he teases going to the top but waves it off. Back in the ring Kaz is able to fight back, hitting a springboard back elbow.

    Williams hit a ridiculous buckle bomb, and it looked really bad, like Kaz may have a concussion after this. Williams hits a suplex and goes for a pin but Kaz kicks out. Kaz hits what looks to be a reverse Russian leg sweep, but it’s not enough to keep Williams down. Kaz fights out of a pile driver with a back body drop, and he sends Williams to the top. He goes for an electric chair drop, but Williams fights out of it, and hits a chaos thoery. Williams pins Kaz, and this one is over.

    Winner and NEW X Division Champion: Doug Williams

    Chelsea and Desmond are arguing over who’s idea this whole thing was. Chelsea asks Desmond is he thinks about what will happen if Abyss wins. Wolfe says he’s fully aware of what’s at stake. Wolfe says she’s his, not Abyss’ or anyone elses’. Chelsea says she doesn’t want the ring anymore, and wants Wolfe to call the whole thing off. Wolfe says it’s not all about Chelsea, because the TNA Rankings also come out this week, and a win will help him in the standings. Chelsea is still freaking out. Wolfe says nevermind, because she’ll always be his.

    Madison Rayne (c) vs. Tara
    TNA Knockouts Championship vs. Career

    We get a video package of the past few months and what has led up to this match, starting with the ridiculous Lockbox match, all the way up to Tara challenging Madison and putting her career on the line. Tara is out to the ring first to a bit of an apathetic reaction for someone who this could be their last match. It gets a bit better the closer she gets to the ring. Rayne is out next with Lacey and Sky backing her up. Rayne actually tells TBP to go to the back, that she’s got this. Tara attacks from behind sending Rayne out to the ramp, but Rayne fights right back, sending Tara into the ring. In the ring, Rayne hits a running knee and locks in a submission, but Tara fights right out of it. Tara crawls to the outside, and Rayne stomps on her arm. Rayne goes to the apron and Tara sweeps her leg out from under her. Tara sends Rayne face first into the ring apron before rolling her back into the ring and getting a quick near fall. Tara argues with the ref, and it allows Rayne to get a couple of quick roll ups on Tara. Rayne goes for pin after pin before just hitting a big clothesline. Tara begs off before hitting a face buster and backing Rayne into the corner. Tara sends Rayne across the ring by her hair.

    Tara hits a suplex and floats right over into a guillotine choke that turns into a front face lock, but Madison fights out of it and kicks Tara away. Rayne starts to fight back and takes Tara off her feet with a couple of big right hands before kicking Tara in the side of the head. Rayne gets caught with a short arm clothesline from Tara, and Tara tries for the widow’s peak, but Madison fights out of it. Tara goes for the widow’s peak again, but Rayne rolls out to the floor. Tara sends Rayne back into the ring where she goes right for a big slam. Tara goes to the top rope and hits a big moonsault, going right for the pin. Rayne kicks out at two and Tara looks like she’s losing it. Tara kicks away at Rayne and goes right back to the top rope. Another moonsault, but Rayne rolls out of the way. Rayne hits a crazy neckbreaker on her shin, and she goes for the pin, getting the three count.

    Winner and STILL TNA Knockout Champion: Madison Rayne

    Rayne celebrates with her title on the way up the ramp, as Tara comes to the realization that her time in TNA is over. Thank you Tara chants from the crowd. Tara gets choked up before going over and grabbing her pet tarantula and showing it off for the crowd. Security comes out and apparently they are there to escort Tara to the back. She goes, while getting lots of love from the crowd. Christy Hemme is backstage with The Band. Eric Young interrupts to answer why he joined The Band. EY says there was no one else that was good enough to join them when Pac went down. And they realized that there was more money to be made by standing shoulder to shoulder instead of nose to nose. Hall says it’s not show friends, it’s show business. Nash says that Hall and Nash aren’t the champions, The Band are the champions, and on any given night, they might be facing any combination. Nash says Ink Inc. won’t be winning the titles tonight.

    Scott Hall & Kevin Nash (c) vs. Ink Inc.
    TNA Tag Team Championship Match

    Neal and Moore are out to the ring first to a really nice pop for such a new team. Hall and Nash are out next, and they get a bit of an apathetic reaction. Hall and Moore look to start things out for thier respective teams. Hall tosses his tooth pick in Moore’s face, and Moore responds with a slap to Hall’s face. They lock up and Hall wrenches right away at Moore’s arm, then starts slapping repeatedly at his head. Moore flips out of it and surprises Hall with a roll up. Another lock up and HAll hits a knee to Moore’s midsection before sending him into the corner and hitting a dropkick. Hall tries again but Moore gets the knee up and hits a dropkick from the middle rope. Moore hits a big spin kick to Hall and goes for the pin but Hall fights right out of it. Hall shoves Moore and points over to Nash, tagging him in. Neal tags in and Nash takes him right into the corner, burying his knee into Neal’s midsection and hitting him with a big elbow to the side of the head. Neal recovers and pounds right back on Nash, hitting a big head butt. Nash turns it right back around and chokes Neal with his boot in the corner. Nash distracts the ref while Hall hits him with a right hand from the outside. Neal tries to fight back against Nash, but Nash hits another knee before tagging in Hall. Hall locks in an abdominal stretch before doing the worst assist from a partner in front of the ref ever.

    Neal is able to fight back with a hip toss, but The Band continues to dominate. Nash tags in, and Neal is finally sble to tag out to Moore, who comes in and uses his quickness to surprise both members of the band. Moore hits a big cross body to Nash before tagging in Neal. Moore hits a big neckbreaker before turning his attention to Hall. Nash avoids a spear and Neal connects with the ref. Neal takes Nash off of his feet with punches, and EY is on his way down to the ring with a kendo stick. Nash is able to use the stick on Moore, but Neal hits a spear on Nash and grabs the stick. EY cuts him off and takes the stick, and Brother Ray is there out of nowhere. He grabs the kendo stick from EY and whacks him. Ray goes into the ring and talks trash to Nash before whacking Neal with the kendo stick. Nash rolls over on top of Neal, and gets the three count.

    Winners and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: The Band

    After the match The Band celebrate with their titles while Brother Ray looks on disgustedly.

    Desmond Wolfe vs. Abyss
    Chelsea vs. Ring

    We get a video package of the events that led up to this match, focusing on Wolfe trying to frame Abyss for attacking Chelsea.

    Desmond Wolfe is the first man out to the ring accompanied by Chelsea. Abyss is out behind Wolfe before Desmond even gets to the ring and he attacks. Abyss pounds on Wolfe on the entrance ramp, and Wolfe falls out to the floor. Chelsea tries to go to the back, but the ref grabs her and says she must stay ringside. Wolfe tries to fight back, throwing his robes into Abyss’ face, but Abyss fights right back, sending him into the ring. Wolfe kicks Abyss and hits him with a right hand, but when he tries for a cross body he bounces off of Abyss’ chest. Abyss pounds on Wolfe for a bit on the mat. Wolfe starts to fight back with a couple of forearms, but he walks right into a couple of clotheslines from Abyss. Abyss signals for the chokeslam, and Chelsea is up to distract Abyss. Wolfe hits a shoulderblock, sending Abyss to the floor. Wolfe goes out to the floor where he sends Abyss shoulder first into the ring post. Wolfe sends Abyss back into the ring, where he kicks at Abyss’ arm before working over the wrist and elbow, locking in a top wristlock. Abyss is able to power out of it, but Wolfe comes right back with a big boot to Abyss’ shoulder. Wolfe wrenches at Abyss’ arm, taking him off of his feet. Wolfe continues to work over the shoulder and elbow of Abyss, with a great over the neck arm bar. Abyss gets back to his feet, and punches his way out of this hold. Wolfe answers with a couple of shoulder blocks, but on the fourth Abyss comes with a shoulder block of his own that takes Wolfe off of his feet. Wolfe turns right back to the Arm with another top wristlock.

    Abyss fights out again, and Desmond is quick with a knee to the midsection. Abyss tries for a chokeslam, and when Desmond fights out of it, he gets a kick to the chest instead. Clothesline in the corner from Abyss followed by a side slam is good enough for a two count, and Chelsea is looking upset on the outside. Abyss signals for the chokeslam again, and he gets Desmond in position, but Wolfe goes to the arm and snaps Abyss down with a quick DDT that’s good for a two count. Abyss works over Abyss in the corner, hitting a giant running European uppercut. Wolfe goes for another series of shoulder blocks to Abyss’s injured arm. Wolfe tries for the rebound lariat, but Abyss catches him with a chokeslam. Chelsea is down and Abyss catches her in chokeslam position. Chelsea throws in her purse and is able to distract the ref and Wolfe grabs some brass knuckles. Wolfe hits Abyss and pins him, but Abyss kicks out at two. A couple of shots from Wolfe have no effect on Abyss as he Hulks up. Abyss hits a giant black hole slam, pins Wolfe, and gets the three count.

    Winner of the match, and Chelsea’s services for 30 days: Abyss

    After the match, Chelsea looks terrified. Abyss stalks down the ramp, gets in her face, and says he’ll see her on Thursday.

    Christy Hemme is backstage with Mr. Anderson. Anderson actually calls down the mic backstage. He calls Christy Kristin. He mocks Jeff Hardy, and asks if he could possibly be one of the creatures of the night. He tells Hemme to close her eyes. He says he’s sitting in the front row with his face painted and a pair of panties on his head, and he’s chanting ‘Let’s go Hardy’ and ‘This is awesome’. He says he doesn’t need or want to do that because he’s an asshole. He says while Hardy has his fans, he has a following, and he likes to call them Anderson’s assholes, and tonight, they will loudly and proudly drown out the creatures of the night as they proclaim the winner of the match, once again, Mr. Anderson. He let’s the crowd do it, and thanks the assholes, before walking off, and coming back in with another Anderson.

    Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy

    Jeff Hardy is out to the ring first to a big pop, despite the giant pop that Mr. Anderson just got in the backstage area. Mr. Anderson is out to the ring next, to a bit less of a positive reaction than Hardy. Anderson jumps Hardy as soon as he gets in the ring. We get some ‘I’m an asshole’ chants from the crowd. Another lock up, and Anderson buries his knee in Hardy’s midsection before punching and stomping away at him. Hardy fights back, picking Anderson up and dropping him right down on his back. Hardy tries for a flying clothesline, but Anderson ducks it and Hardy flies out to the floor. Anderson follows Hardy to the outside, where he sends him back first into the ring apron. Anderson rolls Hardy back into the ring where he goes for an elbow drop, but Hardy rolls out of the way. Hardy comes back, hitting a running clothesline in the corner, before following it up with another and pounding away at Anderson. Hardy tries for the corner dropkick, but Anderson gets his foot up to block it. Anderson puts his knee to Hardy’s ribs, before trying for a quick pin that’s good for a two count. Anderson pounds on Hardy in the corner, and when Hardy tries to fight back, Anderson is right there with a series of right hands to Hardy’s face. Anderson picks Hardy up and goes to work, pounding on him before locking in a low abdominal stretch. Hardy is able to fight up and out of it, but he walks right into another knee from Anderson that’s good for another near fall. Anderson heads up to the second rope and he jumps off. Hardy gets his boot off, but Anderson catches it and hits an elbow drop.

    Anderson just pounds away at Hardy, trying for another pin attempt, but he still can’t keep Hardy down for three. Anderson picks Hardy up and locks in a regular abdominal stretch. Hardy fights out of it, and tries for a headscissors in the corner, but Anderson tosses his feet over and Hardy ends up crotched on the top rope. Anderson charges Hardy, but he finds himself backdropped over the top rope out onto the entrance ramp. Hardy goes under the ring and grabs a chair, which he sets up on the entrance ramp. Hardy backs up down the ramp, charges at Anderson, and uses the chair to get air to hit a leg lariat to send Anderson and himself back into the ring. Hardy tries for a pin but he only gets two. Anderson and Hardy trade blows in the middle of the ring, and Hardy gets the better of it, hitting a series of clotheslines and a quick neckbreaker. Hardy sends Anderson into the corner, hits a clothesline, and follows it up with a clothesline. Hardy goes for another pin, but it’s only good for two. Hardy goes for a suplex, but Anderson fights out and hits a standing Green Bay plunge that’s good for a two count. Anderson tries for the mic check, but Hardy fights out of it. Anderson sends Hardy into the ropes, and turns him around, connecting with the mic check. Anderson goes for the pin and Hardy is able to get to the ropes. Another pin and Hardy kicks out at two.
    Hardy catches Anderson with a couple of quick kicks before hitting a big front suplex. Hardy climbs to the top rope, but he goes back down to the mat and stomps at Anderson’s back. Hardy hits the twist of fate, pulls off his shirt, and goes to the top rope, but Anderson cuts him off. Anderson hits Hardy with a couple of big right hands, and he shoulder Hardy. Hardy is able to fight out of it, and Anderson falls to the mat, with Hardy landing on top of Anderson’s head. Hardy climbs to the top rope and hits a swanton bomb to Anderson’s back. Hardy goes for the cover and gets three.

    Winner: Jeff Hardy

    After the match, Hardy celebrates, and Anderson grimaces. Hardy motions up for the microphone, but it doesn’t come down. Anderson opens his hand, and extends it to Hardy. Hardy backs off without shaking Anderson’s hand.

    Christy Hemme is backstage with Ric Flair and AJ Styles. Flair says he knows AJ will bring back the gold. AJ says these are dark times for TNA. The man holding the title has no business doing so. RVD won the title on a fluke and Styles will prove it, not only for him, but also for Ric Flair, because he deserves to be surrounded by greatness. Styles says he’ll make RVD’s run seem like a blip on the radar, and there’s two things RVD can do about it. Nothing, and like it.

    We get a video package, showing Sting’s return to TNA after hiatus, and his building feud with Jeff Jarrett.

    Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett

    Jeff Jarrett is out to the ring first, announced as the founder of TNA and the King of the Mountain. Jarrett doesn’t come out, and Tenay says there’s something going on backstage. Sting is assaulting Jarrett backstage and Jeff is already busted open. Sting sends Jarrett into a couple of metal lockers. Sting locks in an arm bar, using his bat, and wrenches back. Sting uses his bat to beat Jarrett to the ringside area. Sting beats Jarrett up to the announce area, before they go down toward the ring. Sting beats Jarrett all around the ringside area, sending him into the barricade, and Jarrett is bleeding profusely. Sting dismantles the ring steps before sending Jarrett face first into them. Sting picks up Jarrett before smashing him in the back of the leg with his baseball bat. Sting traps Jarrett’s arm on the ring steps, under his baseball bat, and stomps straight down. Sting continues to use his baseball bat to work over Jarrett’s arm, trapping it and dragging him around the ringside area. Sting finally tosses Jarrett into the ring. He climbs in after him, hits the Scorpian death drop, and pins Jarrett, winning the match as soon as it officially begins.

    Winner: Sting

    After the match, Sting screams at Jarrett before circling him for a little bit. Sting leans down with a mic in his hand, saying if Jarrett wants to play the deception game, he’s no different than ‘those guys’ and they’ll pay just like he did tonight. Medical staff is out to check on Jarrett and Sting continues to circle with his bat in hand.

    Sting watches as the medics try to ‘pop Jarrett’s shoulder back into place’. They bring out a stretcher, and the crowd is actually chanting for Sting. Sting walks out to the entrance ramp, and he watches as Jarrett is carries out of the ring. Sting stops the medics once they get him out of the ring, and he shoves Jarrett off of the stretcher. Hogan is out, and Sting climbs back in the ring, laughing and twirling his bat. Hogan checks on Jarrett, and he walks out with the medics.

    Christy Hemme is backstage with RVD. He says that this is the first of many interviews. He says this Championship is different from many that he’s held in the past because he stands for everything the TNA Title stands for. He’s the best, coolest, most popular wrestler in TNA, and he’ll stay the Champion. He says let Styles complain, because he’ll come around that with RVD in TNA, more people will be coming to see him, but more people will see him getting his ass kicked, because he’s RVD, and he’s the whole F’n show.

    Rob Van Dam (c) vs. AJ Styles
    TNA Championship Match

    We get a video package, mixing in ring footage with backstage ‘off the cuff’ interview footage of RVD. It sets up the title match very nicely. AJ Styles is shown backstage, walking to the ringside area with Ric Flair in tow. Styles flips up his hood on his robe before walking out. When he hits the entranceway, he gets a warm reception from the crowd. The Champion is next, shown walking to the ring from the backstage area. When he hits the Impact Zone, the reaction is great, with a ton of love from the fans. We get formal ring introductions from JB, and like every TNA PPV main event, after much, much, much fanfare, we’re finally ready to kick things off. After a lot of standing around, and some posing from RVD, both go for a kick, with neither scoring. More standing around and a bit more posing. We finally get a lock up, and AJ pulls Van Dam’s hair, using it to pull him back into the corner. AJ and Van Dam get in each other’s faces, and RVD poses again. AJ tries to interrupt, but he ends up on the receiving end of a clothesline from RVD that sends him to the outside. Van Dam poses again, and AJ uses the opportunity to pull him to the outside, where he goes to work with chops. AJ tries to send Van Dam head first into the entrance ramp, but when he tries for a moonsault off the entrance ramp, RVD avoids it and connects with one of his own before rolling back into the ring and posing again.

    AJ is able to make it back into the ring, and Flair distracts RVD, leading to Earl Hebner ejecting Flair from the ringside area. Flair protests, but eventually makes his way to the back. AJ sulks on the outside and argues with Hebner, but Hebner won’t budge. Flair goes to the announce table. RVD goes to the outside but AJ catches him with a right hand and rolls back into the ring. RVD tries to follow, but Styles sends him back to the outside into the barricade, and follows him with a tope over the top rope. AJ rolls RVD back into the ring where he stomps at Van Dam. Flair on commentary is very distracting, not in a good way. Styles slams RVD down and hits a beautiful knee drop.

    RVD scores with a kick to Styles’ face out of nowhere, and he follows it up by pounding on AJ in the corner. Styles is able to charge RVD in the corner, but RVD gets his elbow up. When he climbs the ropes though, RVD finds himself shoved off face first into the entrance ramp. Styles rolls RVD back into the ring and he goes for a quick cover but he only gets two. AJ locks in a rear chin lock with his knee in Van Dam’s back for extra leverage. RVD is able to get to the ropes to force a break, so AJ pulls him back to his feet. AJ and RVD trade chops and forearms respectively, with AJ getting the advantage. RVD fights right back with a series of rights, but he runs into a big boot and a tornado DDT from Styles that’s good for a near fall.

    AJ hits a series of stiff kicks to RVD’s back, just laying them in. Styles chokes RVD against the middle rope, and he gets into it with Hebner upon breaking the hold. RVD tries to fight back against Styles, but Styles hits a series of rights to RVD’s face, and a dropkick to RVD, who’s on his knees. Styles locks in a rear chin lock, but RVD is able to fight up to his feet. Styles tries to send him into the corner, but RVD comes back with a springboard single leg dropkick and both men are down. Van Dam hits Styles with a couple of clotheslines and a big kick that sends AJ into the corner. RVD rolls into Styles and hits a monkey flip, launching him over. RVD goes up top and tries for the 5 Star frog splash, but Styles is able to move out of the way. Styles connects with a springboard clothesline that’s good for a two count. Styles rolls RVD up, but it’s still not enough to keep him down. RVD tries to come back, but Styles responds with a Pele kick that’s good for another near fall. RVD avoids a splash in the corner, and connects with a Northern lights suplex that’s good for a two count. Both men are back on their feet, and Styles is able to lock in a small package for two. RVD hits a reverse Manhattan drop, before crotching AJ on the top rope, and leaping to the top turnbuckle to a single leg dropkick. RVD tries for rolling thunder, but Styles gets his knees up to block it. Styles gets Van Dam up in a torture rack, and spins him out into a powerbomb, that’s good for a two count. RVD is able to kick AJ away, but AJ comes right back with a flying forearm that’s good for another near fall.

    Styles goes for the Styles clash, but RVD counters out of it, and both men trade roll ups. Both men go for, and connect with clotheslines at the same time and both men are down. RVD and Styles trade blows in the middle of the ring and RVD gets the advantage with a pretty innovative roll up. Styles goes for the figure four but finds himself rolled up again. Styles charges RVD in the corner but ends up backdropped out to the apron. AJ jumps back into the ring onto the second turnbuckle, and connects with the moonsault DDT. Styles tries for the springboard 450, but RVD moves out of the way. Flair runs back down to the ringside area, but Jay Lethal is out to stop Flair from interfering. Lethal and Flair trade chops on the entrance ramp, with Flair getting the advantage. Lethal connects with a low blow, and a chop of his own before locking in a figure four on the Nature Boy. Back in the ring, Styles crotches RVD on the top turnbuckle, and tries for a superplex, but RVD instead drives AJ throat first across the top rope. RVD goes to the top, and leaps off with the 5 Star frog splash. RVD pins Styles, and this one is over.

    Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: RVD

    After the match, Van Dam celebrates with his title while AJ and Flair sulk their way to the back.

  • Hall & Nash Celebrate Their TNA Title Win (Video)

    Scott Hall is back with another episode of Last Call With Scott Hall. On this episode, he and Kevin Nash talk about their TNA tag title win from Thursday’s iMPACT!, adding another member to The Band, why Sting doesn’t work well as a heel and more. Check it out:

  • Change Of Plans For DiBiase’s Group, Top Star Turning Heel

    – WWE needs another strong heel on the SmackDown brand and two names that have been discussed for the spot are Kofi Kingston and MVP.

    – Developmental talent Brett DiBiase, brother of Ted DiBiase, will be going in for knee surgery next week and will be missing several months of action. There had been plans for Ted DiBiase to lead a new group of second generation wrestlers, which would include his brother Bret as well as Joe Hennig, son of the late Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. With Bret out of commission, there’s been talk of putting Carlito and Primo in the stable but that hasn’t been officially decided on.

    With the fate of DiBiase’s new “priveleged sons” group on hold, WWE still wants to bring Joe Hennig to the main roster and pair him with DiBiase. Hennig, a standout developmental talent, was originally scheduled for this season of NXT until officials decided not to have any second generation stars on this season.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Abyss Says He Wants To Wrestle Hulk Hogan

    TNA star Abyss spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to promote Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice event.  Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    The Evolution of his Character:

    “I’m really proud of the character. I think it has matured a lot over the years. In this business, to keep any kind of a character at all, at any level, relevant for an extended period of time — I’ve been with TNA for going on eight years and I’ve been there since basically close to the beginning — so you gotta switch it up. You gotta try different stuff or you kind of get stale by doing just the same old thing. I’m proud of what we did with the character. I really like the original stuff. I really like the stuff coming back with the whites (clothing) and the insane asylum stuff. I really liked all that stuff and then the transformation now into the stuff with Hulk (Hogan). That’s been obviously a dream come true. I’ve really enjoyed the different sides of it. I think that keeps the character interesting, when you can see him when he’s happy, when he’s angry, when he’s sad, when he’s mad. You see different sides of the character and that keeps the character kind of fresh.”

    Wanting to Wrestle Hulk Hogan:

    “I would love it man. I think it would be great. It would be an honor, no doubt about it. It would be the biggest moment in my wrestling career. I sincerely doubt there would be a bigger moment in my career than me against Hulk Hogan in a singles match. I would love it and I think we could pull off something special. I have no doubt in that.”

    The Best Advice that Hogan Has Given Him:

    “He’s given me so much so I could go a million different ways to answer this but I’ll go this way with it,” said Abyss. “One of the things he’s really taught me was to really use the story you’ve been given and incorporate it in your match and work smart. He’s taught me to maximize the tools you’re given when it comes to putting a match together and an angle together.”

    To hear what Abyss said about his hardcore wrestling style, working with Mick Foley and Hulk Hogan dubbing him the “John Cena of TNA,” visit Fanhouse.com.

  • Awesome Kong Talks About BTLS, Women Paid Less & More

    Busted Open satellite radio show with Awesome Kong
    Hosts: Dave LaGreca and Doug Mortman
    Airs Mondays and Wednesdays on Sirius 126 and XM 243 from 2-4 EST

    The Difference in Pay For Men and Women in TNA: “Wrestling does appear to be a man’s sport and in true tradition, women are traditionally not paid as much as their male counterparts. It (the payscale) is out of whack. Thats why instead of staying, I think everyone should come to a happy workplace and not to poison or be a bad egg, just leave the scene altogether and find something else.”

    Working For Ring of Honor: “I’m not officially with the company yet, this is like a one night stand type of deal. I have a lot of unfinished business before I can officially join ROH and that is something that I am open to. They take wrestling here very serious…..I would definitely be interested.”

    Her Beef With Bubba the Love Sponge: “There are things that happened backstage that should remain backstage. That’s why going on the program and speaking on what had happened, I shouldn’t have done that. I should have just kept it backstage. What happens backstage remains backstage and thats how it should be.

    “He took it out on the radio. That drew me out a bit and I should know better. I’ve been in this business, I know this business, I respect this business, he doesn’t. People in our business can’t allow other people who don’t understand our business that because he wants to be a worker so bad and no one wants to play with him, people allow their friends to get away with things like that.

    “The product definitely has changed, and since I am a wrestler, and this is pro wrestling for me, I took myself out of that particular product….of that equation, especially since it didn’t make sense monetarily.”

  • RVD Talks About iMPACT! Moving Back To Thursddays & More

    TNA Champion Rob Van Dam spoke to SLAM Wrestling this week to promote Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Mr. Monday Thursday Night said about:

    The Way He’s Used in TNA vs. How He Was Used In WWE: “In WWE, a lot of times friends would come to the show and say, ‘Wow, you get the loudest reaction out of all the wrestlers here, how come you’re not in the main event and how come they don’t have any RVD T-shirts?’ and that’s what I always dealt with before. Now, I feel like I’m in a great position as champ. I have no doubt I’m going to do my part to show the best matches anybody has seen in TNA, so it’s pretty exciting.”

    TNA’s Move Back to Thursday Nights: “It’s going to allow us to shine and grow. And from what I can see, most of the other boys seem to feel the same way. Dixie told us that this was from listening to polls from the fans and I think probably SpikeTV also wanted it and it really seems like it will be a good thing now. WWE, they own Monday night and that’s not going to change.”

    TNA’s Monday Night Run: “Dixie (Carter) never said, ‘Hey, we’re going to beat the hell out of them on Monday nights, we’re going to take over and own it. She always said, ‘We know we’re going up against a much bigger company, we’re doing this slowly, we’re going to try to win battle-by-battle.’ She always seemed to have everything in perspective. As long as it didn’t put too big of a hole in them financially, I think it was a great move.”

    To read the full interview, including what RVD thinks about working with AJ Styles and an update on his wife Sony’a health, visit Slam.Canoe.ca.

  • Picture Of Bret Hart & His Baby Granddaughter Kyra Beans Hart

    WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart became a proud grandfather this week. He posted a message and picture on his Facebook Page about the event.

    Bret wrote, “I finally became a proud grandfather yesterday when my oldest, Jade, gave birth to a 8lbs., 11oz. beautiful baby girl named Kyra Beans Hart. To be a grandpop is such an important role in a child’s life and I look forward to being a big part of her life and the best grandpa ever. Like all proud grandfathers, I truly feel blessed at this time and I also congratulate her mother, Julie, on a job well done from the very beginning.”

    Here’s Bret Hart with his granddaughter, Kyra Beans Hart:

  • JR Blog: Danielson’s WWE Future, Comparing Orton & Austin

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

    Tuesday’s NXT Broadcast:“NXT was a surprising show Tuesday night. I am a reality show fan by and large and have always thought that NXT would be more effective it we fans could see the NXT rookies outside the arena environment to be able to get to know them better. Perhaps the 2nd version of NXT will provide that. ”

    Bryan Danielson’s Future: “Daniel Bryan aka Bryan Danielson is by far the best pure wrestler of the NXT group, eliminated or not, and no matter what his name may or may not be today.”

    Comparing Randy Orton to Steve Austin: “Randy is merely being his TV persona but it does have some Austin-esque qualities. Randy just has to continue to put his own, individual touches on his fan favorite persona of which I have very high hopes for as time goes on.”

    Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin on 7/3: “No…Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin won’t go 5 rounds on July 3 in Las Vegas. I hope to secure a pair of decent seats to this one and enjoy a few days in ‘Lost Wages’ with the Mrs.”

    To check out the full blog and Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products, visit JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Jericho Staying With WWE For Years, Cena Responds To Critics

    – In an interview with the UK Sun, RAW superstar Chris Jericho spoke about his love of music and what let to him perusing a full time career in wrestling over music. The most newsworthy item of the interview came when Jericho was asked about his future in WWE and whether he’s be leaving the ring for the stage any time soon. Good news for Jericho fans, as he responded, “I think now is the time to stay for a couple of years to help those around me. I want to help the young talent.”

    – WWE champion John Cena has been answering fan questions on his new Twitter page (Twitter.com/wwejcena) and fired back at people who criticize his on-air character and WWE’s family-friendly PG programming. Cena wrote:

    “Guys, I am sorry to disappoint but what u see on TV is what u get. That’s pretty close to me in real life. I’m sorry if u think I’m watered down, I’ve been called worse.”

    Cena also responded to a fan who asked whether he’d considering bringing back his old “rapper” gimimck. Cena said it’s unlikely,

    “Guys, I really appreciate the respect for the freestyle. It would have no home in today’s environment. It would be a weak, watered down, rehash of something that was very fun to be a part of while it lasted. I still freestyle all the time, it just wouldn’t be right for me right now, I really like the place where I am, and where WWE is.”

    Visit PWTweets.com to follow John Cena and 80+ more wrestlers & divas on Twitter.

  • Bret Hart Talks About Wrestling The Miz, WWE Travel & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart has posted a new blog on Facebook talking about his United States title match with The Miz next week on RAW, becoming a grandfather this week and what it’s been like working with WWE since WrestleMania. Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

    Wrestling The Miz Next Week: “My son, Blade, just told me I’ve got a U.S. title shot next week in Toronto. News to me. The Hartbeat goes on,”

    Based on Bret’s response, it’s safe to assume that next week’s “match” with The Miz will be heavy on “sports entertainment” without much wrestling on Bret’s part.

    Working With WWE Since WrestleMania: “Sometimes I can barely remember this stuff. Being stuck in Europe, the volcanic ash, Joe Legend, Monday Night Raw in London, touring both Smackdown and Raw, and before that, WrestleMania 26. Did all that stuff really happen? What an adventure. Life is good.”

    Becoming a Grandfather: “I finally became a proud grandfather yesterday when my oldest, Jade, gave birth to a 8lbs., 11oz. beautiful baby girl named Kyra Beans Hart. To be a grandpop is such an important role in a child’s life and I look forward to being a big part of her life and the best grandpa ever. Like all proud grandfathers, I truly feel blessed at this time and I also congratulate her mother, Julie, on a job well done from the very beginning.”

  • *Spoiler* New IC Champion Crowed At SmackDown Tapings

    Warning: The following contains a *Spoiler* for Friday’s WWE SmackDown

    Last week on SmackDown, WWE Intercontinental champion Drew McIntyre was stripped of his title and suspended by General Manager Teddy Long following his brutal attack on Matt Hardy. A 4-man mini-tournament was announced, with Kofi Kingston and Christian advancing to the finals, set for this week’s show.

    At Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Buffalo, NY, Kofi Kingston defeated Christian to capture the Intercontinental Title.

    However, Drew McIntyre came out after the match and handed a letter to Smackdown general manager Teddy Long. After reading the letter, Long ordered Kingston to give the Intercontinental Title back to McIntyre.

    The letter that McIntyre presented to Long stated that Teddy is irresponsible and abused his power. It also stated that McIntyre is a gentleman who signifies what the future of WWE is. Per the letter, McIntyre is reinstated to the active roster and is once again recognized as the Intercontinental Champion. The letter was signed by Vince McMahon.

    So after all the fuss, Drew McIntyre is once again the Intercontinental champion.

    Expect a title defense against Kofi Kingston at Over The Limit.

    Read More: Complete *Spoilers* For Friday’s WWE SmackDown

  • Three NXT Rookies Eliminated This Week: Updated Roster

    After it was originally announced that one NXT rookie would be eliminated on this week’s show, three rookies were actually sent home this week.

    Prior to revealing the results of the latest WWE Pros PNXT host Matt Striker confirmed that WWE management decided that two additional eliminations were in order.

    Based on their promos at the end of last week’s show, Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan were eliminated. The storyline was that because they believed they deserved to be eliminated this week, the WWE Universe had no reason to believe in them and they were dropped from the competition.

    During the show, both gave “exit interviews” regarding their eliminations. Daniel Bryan’s was particularly noteworthy, in that he acknowledged that ‘Daniel Bryan’ was a fake  name created for the WWE NXT competition. Bryan said that while “Daniel Bryan” is very likely done, there is no telling what Bryan Danielson will accomplish in the future. Matt Striker called him ‘Bri’ on commentary and wished him “the best in his future endeavors.”

    The angle appeared to kill of the Daniel Bryan character and suggested that we could see him wrestle as Bryan Danielson in the future.

    As for the Pros Poll, the results and elimination were as follows:

    WWE Pros Poll for 5/11/10:
    – Wade Barrett
    – David Otunga
    – Justin Gabriel
    – Heath Slater
    – Darren Young
    – Skip Sheffield (eliminated)

  • TNA Signs Knockout Who Injured Daffney Last Month

    TNA Wrestling has signed female wrestler Mary Kate Duignan to a Knockouts contract.

    Duignan, who is a graduate of Team 3D’s Wrestling Academy wrestles on the independent scene as Betsy Ruth and Miss Betsy Rosie, worked a tryout match against Daffney prior to the April 20th TNA iMPACT! taping from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Daffney was hospitalized after a bonsai dropthat left her with a bruised sternum and temporary spinal trauma. Thankfully, she did not suffer any nerve damage.

    Duignan confirmed the news on her Twitter page, writing:

    “My my my news sure does travel quickly! Thanks for all the support guys! It’s much appreciated :) Haters keep hatin cuz I gots a “Lottalove.”

    Ruth called signing with TNA “most emotional day ever” and thanked her trainers (Team 3D) and her fellow students at the 3D academy.

  • Update On The WWE Exec Accused Of Sexual Harassment

    Jared Bartie

    Update: Irv Muchnick, who broke this original story, now writes that sources within WWE have told him that Jared Bartie, the 5th-most powerful man in WWE’s corporate structure, has been let go from the company following accusations of sexual harassment over WrestleMania weekend from a female employee. Bartie’s profile no longer appears on the WWE Corporate website either – and WWE has yet to comment on the situation.

    To recap … Jared Bartie was recently suspended from WWE after a female employee allegedly accused him of sexual harassment. The incident that led to Barie’s suspension took place over WrestleMania 26 weekend. Muchnick’s source says that Bartie had been drinking during the WrestleMania festivities in Phoenix and inappropriately hit on a female executive in WWE’s sales department.

    Musnick reports that the same woman who accused Bartie of sexual harassment was fired from WWE a few weeks later after being seen performing a sex act on another WWE employee on company property during business hours.

    To read Irv Muchnick’s original report on the situation, visit wrestlingbabylon.wordpress.com.

  • Bischoff Talks JR & Heyman In TNA, iMPACT! On Thursdays

    TNA’s Eric Bischoff was the special guest on last night’s live edition (05/10/09) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem. You can feel The Mayhem live every Monday night (at 7PM ET/6PM CT), exclusively on MondayNihtMayhem.com.

    Eric joined The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for his return to “Your Home of Wrestling Radio” & for the launch of his exclusive/all-new monthly interactive segment on Monday Night Mayhem, “The Hot Seat With Eric Bischoff” (flavored by Sizzlin Sauces).

    To listen to an MP3 of the appearance, click here. Here are the highlights:

    His thoughts on the move of TNA iMPACT back to Thursday nights, TNA never intending to compete with the WWE, & the experience of gaining more exposure for the TNA brand as a result of going head-to-head with World Wrestling Entertainment:

    “First, I don’t recall fans en mass telling us not to go to Monday nights. On the contrary, I remember quite a bit of enthusiasm & energy, just because it was a chance to create competition & provide an alternative. There were a lot of fans that spoke out and said it was the wrong decision, but there was a lot of fans that felt the other way. What happened after the move (as we did some research, along with Spike TV), it was determined that while there were fans who enjoyed the competition, there was also a lot of fans that weren’t able to check out both. It was a problem for them having to switch back & forth. Unlike the WWE, TNA does not have a lot of other programming, so there’s only one TNA vehicle out there, and putting it head-to-head made it difficult for some fans of TNA. As far as WWE being too big to compete with, they’re a monster. We never intended to compete with WWE, we intended to position ourselves on Monday night, because that’s where the traditional wrestling fan audience is, and we thought that would be a great way to gain exposure for the TNA brand. That’s why we went to Monday nights, not to compete.”

    Rob Van Dam capturing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the signing of RVD/what if means to the company now & for its future:

    “RVD, in my opinion, is one of the better things that has happened to us in a while. He’s just got a different vibe, a different energy, and he appeals to a different audience again. Hoping that change (the TNA World Title change) is something that resonates with people who might not have otherwise tuned into TNA previously. One of the reasons RVD is here is to expand our audience, and he is clearly a guy that is worthy of being the TNA World Heavyweight Champion.”

    Those Who Feel “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan is getting lost in the shuffle of TNA’s tag team division & the chances of seeing him return to the singles spotlight:

    “I’m not the head of creative, and I don’t pretend to be. I’m a big supporter of Matt, and his future will be determined in the weeks & months to come. One of things I’m not going to do is talk about storylines & internal creative decisions, because A) there’s enough spoilers out there; I don’t need to do any it, and B) it’s not fair to a lot of other people involved. Matt Morgan is a great talent; I think he’s got a bright future, and those of you who are Matt Morgan fans should just sit back, watch, & enjoy.”

    The confidence he has in TNA going to improve in the months ahead & his reaction to certain fans complaining about particular aspects of TNA, including those who are harsh to criticize the older wrestlers/talents in the company:

    “Is TNA going to improve? Absolutely. Anyone who is objective who’s been watching it for the last couple of months, would be hard-pressed to deny that this product is evolving…and in a good way. In terms of older wrestlers, I heard exactly the opposite. I heard a lot of people say, who are fans of both WWE & TNA, they like seeing brands, names, & faces they recognize and that they have a history with. That’s not to say they want to see them dominate the show, and we don’t need research to tell us that. I’ll be careful to say that ‘all fans want to see one thing,’ because that’s not true.”

    The likelihood of seeing either Jim Ross and/or Paul Heyman in TNA soon:

    “I don’t know. I don’t know what Jim is thinking & his point of view. I like Jim, and he & I have a pretty good relationship, and we stay in touch from time-to-time. I don’t have this kind of conversation with him, and quite frankly, it’s been a few months since I spoke to him. Heyman…no idea. But who knows, time will tell. Never say never right?”

  • Kurt Angle Interview: TNA vs. WWE, Helping Brock Lesnar

    Kurt Angle recently sat down with Matt & JD from Ring The Bell Radio for an interview. You can listen to the full interview at: RingTheBellRadio.com in the archive section. During the interview Kurt discusses his new food line, how TNA differs from WWE, what TNA has to do to be successful against the WWE, his movie career and more. Below are some highlights.

    Kurt on his new food line and how it helped Brock Lesner:

    “I recently started a food company and a new cafe in the Strip District in Pittsburgh, PA. My food line helps promote muscle tone, weight loss and fat loss. We offer all gourmet food and Italian food, but our food offers high protein and high fiber. That is the new secret that not many people know about. People that have eaten our high fiber high protein foods have lost a lot of weight already.”

    “A good friend of mine Brock Lesner (who is a UFC fighter) almost died last year. He contributes his success from getting off of his death bed and being 120% healthy due to two things; High Protein and High Fiber, and that is the new secret today. Brock changed his lifestyle and the things he ate. He used to eat tons of red meat, high cholesterol, high fatty foods and that finally caught up with him. But again the way he got back to 100% health was a high protein, high fiber diet.””

    Wrestling in Pittsburgh for the first time with TNA since leaving the WWE:

    “I thoroughly enjoyed it! Anytime I come back to Pittsburgh we have a great outcome. We had a sold out standing room only show back in March for that TNA house show. TNA does really good in Pittsburgh. The ratings here are double where they are everywhere else. For some reason Pittsburgh really likes TNA and that makes me feel good. Pittsburgh is a great wrestling city, WWE does really well here and TNA does really well too and we are talking about doing a PPV here the next time we come back and hopefully I’ll be wrestling for the world title.”

    How TNA House shows differ from WWE:

    ”We (TNA) have a different mentality than the WWE. You know, Vince McMahon likes to keep his wrestlers away from the fans. He doesn’t want any fans in his little fantasy world. But I don’t blame Vince for that and that’s not a bad mentality to have. But we (TNA) have more of a Southern Hospitality. We invite our fans into our locker room, we invite them to meet all of the wrestlers, we let the fans get into the ring if they choose to do so. I think it’s worked really well too, because our house shows (attendance) have been up 30% in the past year. I attribute that to how TNA runs the house shows, and the fans really enjoy it. They (fans) go home happy, they get all of the wrestlers autographs, they get to take pictures with whoever was in the main event. I think it’s a really great idea and it’s done really well for us.”

    What goes through his mind right before we walks through the curtain:

    “I really go blank. To be honest with you all day long I’m really sore and tired, you’re at the arena all day, your doing your pre-tapes and going over what you have to say during the show. I’m not a big fan of going over too much of the match. Once the music hits, your body goes numb, and you’re focused on putting on the best performance you possibly can. It’s almost like what I went through wrestling for the gold medal in the Olympics. You have to have that focused mentality because wrestling is so dangerous and you go out there and want to perform for the fans, but once you go out there your adrenaline kicks in, and then you start doing things you wouldn’t necessarily do.”