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Talk Within WWE Of Mick Foley Wrestling Again, Trish Stratus Lands 93rd Magazine Cover, Best WWE Slaps Video

– F4WOnline.com reports Wednesday that WWE officials are contemplating a match pitting Mick Foley against CM Punk at next month’s TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event in Brooklyn, New York. Monday’s Raw angle with Jerry “The King” Lawler points in that direction, and the idea has been discussed for over a month.

– Celebrating her Greek heritage, seven-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus is featured on the cover of OPA!, an Australian lifestyle magazine. It marks as her 93rd magazine cover, and can be viewed her.

– WWE has released the following compilation video highlighting the best slaps in company history.

WWE Copies Concept From TNA Wrestling TV, Second CM Punk DVD and Blu-ray Planned, WWE en Espanol

– WWE having a man narrating video packages on Raw was, in fact, copied from TNA Wrestling. According to F4WOnline.com, a WWE employee showed Vince McMahon a tape of Impact Wrestling featuring the concept and the company chief reportedly said, “WWE could do it better.”

Eric Bischoff, who produces Impact Wrestling, acknowledged the production rip-off last week on Twitter by posting the following fan message: “Saw #WWE using your backstage camera angles along with the voiceover in the opening video. #EricWins.”

– Following the rousing success of WWE’s first CM Punk DVD and Blu-ray release, CM Punk – Best in the World, the company has plans to release a second title in 2014.

– WWE has released the latest edition of WWE en Espanol on YouTube, with Jerry Soto and Marcelo Rodríguez.

Internal Push For Owen Hart To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame, Watch 3MB’s Entrance Video, Jimmy Hart

– In an update on WWE’s plans for its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 6, 2013 at Madison Square Garden, Mick Foley is internally considered a lock to be enshrined and there has been a push for Owen Hart to be honored since his star rose with his classic match against Bret Hart at the venue at WrestleMania X.

Despite the push for Owen, the enshrinement is unlikely to materialize because his widow will not allow it, according to brother Smith Hart.

“Because she blames the wrestling business in its entirety for his death,” he stated on Twitter in February. “She is the sole owner of his estate. With Martha, there will never B a way, perhaps his kids may eventually make the choice. But thats at least 20 yrs in future.”

Meanwhile, talk of Ultimate Warrior being inducted into the Hall “has cooled down substantially of late,” according to F4WOnline.com.

– WWE has released 3MB’s entrance video.

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Jimmy Hart appears at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S. 12th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania on December 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 610-798-9900 or e-mail prowrestling1@aol.com.

Divas Being Promoted To WWE Roster Soon?, Behind The Scenes Of Survivor Series Commercial With The Miz

– With WWE’s Divas division centered on Eve, Kaitlyn and Layla week-in, week-out, many people within the company believe that more woman need to be featured imminently since there are zero new challengers left on either the face or heel side. F4WOnline.com states that a few developmental wrestlers could be promoted to the main roster to rectify this depth issue.

– The Miz takes you behind the scenes of the making of his Survivor Series commercial.

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Sin Cara appears at HH Gregg 8921 US 31 S., Indianapolis, Indiana, this Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Call 317-888-2192 for more information.

“Gut Check” Winners Returning To Impact Wrestling Next Week, Kenny King Resurfaces, Knockouts, Xplosion

– TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that all “Gut Check” winners will appear on next week’s Thanksgiving edition of Impact Wrestling for “Open Fight Night.”

“Interested to see who seizes the spotlight,” wrote Carter.

Winners of the contest include Alex Silva, Taeler Hendrix, Sam Shaw and Christian York.

– Kenny King, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since losing an X Division Championship Match to Zema Ion at Hardcore Justice in August, resurfaced at Wednesday’s TNA Xplosion taping in Orlando, Florida. He faced Ion and Kid Kash in a three-way match.

A Knockouts contest was taped for TNA Xplosion Wednesday as Miss Tessmacher faced Madison Rayne.

– This week’s featured match on TNA Xplosion on Challenge pits James Storm against Joey Ryan.

WWE Stars Respond To Whether They’ve Farted During A Match

This week on “WWE Inbox,” WWE Superstars are asked about the strangest food they’ve ever eaten, whether they would jump from space and if they have ever farted during a match.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

The Miz hosted Miz TV with special guest Mick Foley. They incorporated Team Foley and dissension was teased. Team Ziggler came out minus Cody Rhodes, who was injured during the Main Event taping. Foley said Booker T gave him the power to book matches.

1. Damien Sandow defeated Kofi Kingston in a non-title match.

2. Kaitlyn, Layla, and Natalya defeated Eve, Aksana, and Alicia Fox.

3. Randy Orton and The Miz defeated Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler.

Booker T kicked Sheamus out of the building for going after Big Show. Booker booked Big Show in the main event and hinted that his opponent would be bigger than Show.

4. Kane vs. Wade Barrett ended in an apparent no-contest. The Team Foley and Team Ziggler teams brawled. Orton cleaned house with RKO’s.

5. U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro defeated Sin Cara. R-Truth was on commentary.

6. World Hvt. Champion Big Show defeated The Great Khali. Sheamus attacked Big Show backstage afterward.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin Says He’s Physically Able To Wrestle

WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin appeared on Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman. The program airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., visit www.facebook.com/bustedopen for more information. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Could he ever be medically cleared to wrestle again?: “It’s not even about being cleared. I’m 100 percent fine. Once I had my fusion done in 2000 and I went into the recovery phase and then got back in the ring, everything was fine and dandy. I was just running too hard towards the end and had a few issues. It was time to get out. Passing the physical isn’t the issue.”

Is CM Punk the only guy he would come back for to wrestle?: “I think John Cena would be a guy as well. I really like John. He is the face of that company right now and he has done a hell of a job and I got a lot of respect for him. You look at a guy like Triple H, that was one of my favorite guys to work in the ring with. Such a ring general and such a pro. Just an easy night at the office. Undertaker is kind of beat to shreds, kind of like me. Those would be a few guys off the top of my head. Would it just be CM Punk? No. Is CM Punk at the top of the list? Yes!”

Jerry Jarrett Upset With Jerry Lawler Return Segment On Raw, Longtime Wrestling Magazines Discontinued

– Jerry Jarrett, Jerry Lawler’s former business partner, took offense to WWE using the legendary grappler’s near-fatal heart attack as a “cheap heat” angle on Raw Monday.

Nine weeks following the ordeal, a tearful Lawler offered his gratitude for the amount of support he received. The WWE Hall of Famer was then interrupted by CM Punk, who continued their on-screen rivalry by mocking him. The segment included a crass imitation of a heart attack, courtesy of Paul Heyman.

“I watched WWE last night. Jerry Lawler was returning after surviving a life threatening heart attack. I sat watching the television with a feeling of pride that they were honoring the return of such a great wrestler. I sat thinking, “now this is real class”. Just when I was appreciating the class WWE was showing, it ended suddenly with a juvenile cheap heat angle,” wrote Jarrett on Facebook.

“I turned the television off and starting thinking about Linda McMahon’s hard work and great expense running for the Senate. It is exactly this kind of programming that prevented her from becoming a Senator. Wrestling should have some limits and boundaries. If you offend great portions of the audience, it is a bad angle.”

– According to SLAM! Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has discontinued its sister publications, The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling (which had been combined into one large issue in recent years). The publications had been in circulation since 1968.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated will continue to be published. It is now the last remaining non-WWE publication in the United States.

The wrestling magazine industry has struggled mightily since last year, with WWE continuously posting decreasing revenue for its own publications.

WWE Reportedly Interested In El Generico, Retired Wrestler Having Gall Bladder Removed, Eddie Guerrero, Goldust

– WWE officials have shown interest in recent weeks in acquiring El Generico, a Canadian independent wrestler who uses the gimmick of a luchador from Mexico.

– Retired wrestler Black Bart is undergoing surgery this week to remove his gall bladder, reports SLAM! Wrestling. The 64-year-old appeared for numerous organizations throughout his 27-year career, including the World Wrestling Federation in the late 1980s as a “jobber to the stars.”

– The late Eddie Guerrero is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com. He passed away seven years ago today after being found unconscious in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by his nephew, Chavo. Chavo attempted CPR, but Eddie Guerrero was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived at the scene. He was 38 years old. An autopsy revealed that Guerrero died as a result of Acute Cardiac failure due to underlying Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular disease.

– Former WWE stars Goldust and Tommy Dreamer have been announced to appear at the Wales Comic Con taking place Sunday, April 28, 2013 in Wrexham, United Kingdom.

Jeff Hardy Addresses His TNA Contract Status and Future Plans

Jeff Hardy appeared on Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman on Monday. The program airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., visit www.facebook.com/bustedopen for more information. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

On what he thought of the ladder match with Austin Aries at Turning Point: “Before last night, I went back to watch some of the TLC matches and myself and the Undertaker and there is a lot for me to live up to in those matches. But I haven’t seen it back because I got knocked silly numerous times. So once I see it back, I’ll have a better idea of my opinion.”

What is on the horizon with his contract expiring soon?: “In January when that rolls around, I’ll make a decision. I’ve pretty much made that decision. The music is going to be a huge part of it as far as keeping me around. We haven’t signed anything yet, but we are getting close.”

Talks about James Storm as the number one contender: “I forget where it was, but we wrestled at a live event and it wasn’t too long ago, I think it was before Bound For Glory and we had a crazy good match. It’s babyface vs babyface, but we have different styles, but its going to be great for sure. A lot more technical, probably throw some extreme touch in there, but you never know with James what’s going to happen.”

Is he excited to still be wrestling?: “Of course!! It is my evolution. I will ease out of wrestling and into my next step which is going to be music and maybe eventually balance both. But yeah it’s just fun to have them support me like they are, even with my paintings and we’re talking about this website. There is a lot of exciting things that are in the works. It’s probably going to keep me around, and I’m just taking it slow. Right now I am the world champion, so I’ve got a lot to focus on and we keep recording new songs. It’s just getting more exciting. The future has a lot to offer.”

Will he change his wrestling style: “I’m going to change it big time when I leave and I come back as Willow the Wisp one of these days. My vision of this character is just an extension of myself. It will be basically from the imagination of Jeff Hardy. Willow the Wisp instead of painting my face, he’ll just be wearing a mask. In a world that makes no sense, back in the Omega days it was so fun to be him and I never worried about making sense. I was in my own little world under that mask. At 36 years old, if I can do something like that it’s going to be a blast. It’s going to be a huge change of style for me.”

Mickie James Making Television Return To TNA This Thursday; Changes To The Knockouts Division?

This Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast will feature the television return of Mickie James as she has been announced to compete in a #1 Contender Knockout Battle Royal for the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship currently held by Tara.

“Thrilled to have @MickieJames back and 100% on #ImpactWrestling this Thurs in a #1 Contender Knockout Battle Royal,” TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter Monday.

The episode is being taped tonight in Orlando, Florida, while next week’s Thanksgiving Day episode will be taped tomorrow. The shows should also feature the return of Madison Rayne, who noted on Twitter Monday that she was en route to the city.

With TNA creative’s shift in recent months to solely focusing on talent with etched storylines, James’ screen time has been drastically curtailed. The two-time Women’s Knockout Champion last appeared on Impact Wrestling on August 2, following months of sporadic appearances. Her absence was further compounded by a surgical procedure she underwent last month, which she did not disclose the type of.

Meanwhile, television authority figure Brooke Hogan teased changes to the Knockouts Division in a Twitter post Monday. She wrote, “Boss lady. At TNA offices changing a few things…”

Content Listing For WWE’s “The Attitude Era” DVD and Blu-Ray Revealed

The content listing for WWE’s “The Attitude Era” three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-Ray scheduled for release on Nov. 20 has been released.

The synopsis for the title reads: “In the late-90s, WWE was struggling for ratings survival while a cultural shift in the viewing audience’s taste was occurring. “Saying your prayers and taking your vitamins” had lost its luster amongst the rebellious masses who preferred “flipping the bird” and “laying the smackdown”… Enter Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H and Mankind and the notorious crop of edge and fearless Superstars who ushered in The Attitude Era. Now in this 3DVD set fans can own all the infamous moments from this controversial and revolutionary era that redefined sports entertainment for an entire generation. Over 8-hours of envelope-pushing content includes all the agression, antics and innuendos that proved to be the perfect cocktail for an explosion of popularity.”

Here is the listing, courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com.

DISC 1

Documentary:

The Birth of Attitude

Entrance Music

D-Generation X

Austin vs. McMahon

Long-Arching Stories

Innovations

New Demographic

Critics

Expansion

Comedy

Wealth of Talent

The World Was Watching

Watershed Period
Jim Ross interviews Goldust & Marlena
Raw – Nov 3, 1997

Steve Austin Throws the InterContinental Championship Off A Bridge
Raw – Dec 15, 1997

Soldier of Love
Raw – May 4, 1998

Mr McMahon Presents Mankind with the WWE Hardcore Championship
Raw – Nov 2, 1998

Jim Ross Interviews Triple H
Sunday Night Heat – July 25, 1999

An Evening At The Friendly Tap
SmackDown! – Jan 20, 2000

Mae Young and the Acolyte Protection Agency
SmackDown! – Jan 27, 2000

“The Jug Band”
Judgment Day 2000

Triple H Trains Trish Stratus
SmackDown! – July 27, 2000

Edges Totally Awesome Birthday
Raw – Oct 30, 2000

The Rocks Message to His Hell in a Cell Opponents
Raw – Dec 4, 2000

GTV

DISC 2

Mike Tyson Joins DX
Raw – Mar 2, 1998

A New Beginning For D-Generation X
Raw – March 30, 1998

Sable vs. “Marvelous” Marc Mero
Raw – May 11, 1998

Nation of Degeneration
Raw – July 6, 1998

Brawl for All Match
Bart Gunn vs. “Dr Death” Steve Williams
Raw – July 27, 1998

Four Corners Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
The Undertaker & Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kane & Mankind vs. The New Age Outlaws vs. The Rock & Owen Hart
Raw – Aug 10, 1998

Lions Den Match
Ken Shamrock vs. Owen Hart
SummerSlam 1998

Finals of WWE Championship Tournament
The Rock vs. Mankind
Survivor Series 1998

The Rock & The Undertaker vs. Mankind & Stone Cold Steve Austin
Raw – Dec 7, 1998

Austin Gives The Corporation A Beer Bath
Raw – March 22, 1999

The Undertaker vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Raw – June 28, 1999

The Debut of Y2J
Raw – Aug 9, 1999

DISC 3

Content still to be confirmed.

Special Features

(Expected Best Buy Exclusive)

GTV – Al Snow & Head

Mae Young Gives Birth
Raw – Feb 28, 2000

WWE Womens Championship Match
Lita vs. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley
Raw – June 12, 2000

The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
Raw – July 17, 2000

BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES

King of Kings Match
Ken Shamrock vs. Triple H vs. Owen Hart
Raw – June 29, 1998

The Oddities w/ Insane Clown Posse vs. The Headbangers
Raw – Sept 28, 1998

The Truth About Sammy
Raw – Jan 18, 1999

The Unholy Union of Stephanie McMahon & The Undertaker
Raw – April 26, 1999

The Rock vs. Val Venis
SmackDown – Oct 7, 1999

Survivor Series Elimination Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Kane & Shane McMahon vs. Triple H, X-Pac & The New Age Outlaws
SmackDown – Nov 4, 1999

WWE Hardcore Championship Match
Al Snow vs. Crash Holly
SmackDown – June 29, 2000

The Hardy Boyz & Lita vs. Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero & Dean Malenko
SmackDown – Nov 30, 2000

Chris Jericho & The Dudley Boyz vs. Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian
Raw – Dec 25, 2000

Another Possible Match For Survivor Series, “Mean” Gene Okerlund Shaves Off Mustache, Brad Maddox vs. Ryback

– As late as last week, WWE’s creative staff had contemplated a Survivor Series match pitting Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara against Darren Young and Titus O’Neil, with possible additional wrestler involvement. It should be known tonight on Raw whether the match occurs.

– Kevin Sullivan, author of the newly released WWE Encyclopedia, noted on Twitter last week during a visit to WWE’s television studio in Stamford, Connecticut that legendary announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has shaved off his trademark mustache. The WWE Hall of Famer hosts the company’s internationally broadcast Vintage Collection show as well as programs on WWE Classics On Demand.

– The official WWE website has a poll asking fans whether Brad Maddox can find a way to defeat Ryback tonight on Raw. The poll shows 58% towards Maddox having no chance to win.

– Nicole and Brianna, the former Bella Twins, have been announced to appear at the New Orleans Wizard World taking place November 30 through December 2 at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Marty Jannetty Shows His “Ugly” Ankles, Reveals He’s Upset With Shawn Michaels

Former WWE Superstar Marty Jannetty revealed the severity of his ankle injuries stemming from his prolonged wrestling career on Facebook Sunday with a photo; one ankle is positioned sideways, and the other one requires a cast.

Jannetty is in dire need of surgery, but cannot afford it. He recently criticized his former employer, WWE, on the social networking website for financially assisting former talent with substance abuse problems and not those with debilitating injuries stemming from their time laboring for the company. He questioned whether he needs to abuse pain medication before he can receive financial assistance from the sports-entertainment organization.

Jannetty also ripped his former tag team partner and best friend, Shawn Michaels, for displaying little sympathy toward his ailments as well as his “fallen brothers,” at an autograph signing last month in California. The tag team specialist showed Michaels an old wrestling program and said how sad it was that eight of the sixteen individuals who competed at the event died prematurely. Michaels’ response was that he doesn’t keep up with “that kind of stuff” and that he has other things to do, such as ride his tractor. Then, when Jannetty showed his shot ankle to Michaels, he only said “Damn!” and did nothing more. Bret Hart, on the other hand, who was never his tag team partner nor his best friend, vowed to take action in assisting him.

Here is Jannetty’s post: “hey thanx for all of you expressing wonder and concern over them ugly looking ankles I got..maybe I shouldnt say too much right now for.. certain reasons.. but just know, they still work..and some days they dont really hurt that bad..it took a ton of hard work, training the ass off so that I could make it to the level where yall all know me at all..unlike Shawn, I wasnt a natural gifted athlete.. which is one of the reasons I tend to lean towards my students at the wrestling schools, who work the hardest, over those who may be a lil bit better but are naturals…oh, speaking of our Golden Boy Shawn..some of yall may have seen a lil while back where I said a couple of negative things about him, and..take it for what it is..I recently texted him about it..saying I wanted to apologize for things said in moments of extreme pain.. well, the Golden Boy yall love so much returned text saying, “I told you Marty, Im out of touch with the internet so I dont know what youre talking about”(the dude tweets more than anyone I know)..then he send a 2nd text saying, “are you still in high school?”….

“hmm, for apologizing ?? no one made me do that, I just felt it in my heart, and the lil bitch comes back with that?..I guess thats something the spoiled rich kid didnt learn about in high school or other wise…this is the same brat, who recently in an LA Rockers Reunion show, when I showed him an old wrestling program and said to him, “bruh, isnt this sad, look at all our fallen brothers just off this one card (it was about 8 of the 16 guys on the card had died, all fairly young..Curt hennig, Big Boss Man, Rick Rude Road Warrior Hawk, etc) and his response was..”Marty, I dont really keep up with that kind of stuff, I just got other things to do, like ride my tractor”…well, anyway, I said all that to say>> when he saw my f”ed up ankles, he had the same reaction Bret Hart did when he saw them..a Ron Simmons moment, they both said>>>”DAMN!!”…difference being, Bret, who was never a tag team partner, nor best friend at one time..took action..told me what we can do to get it fixed or burn the people who should but wont fix it..Shawn on the other hand, never did more than say DAMN!..well, moving on..for all of you sports peeps out there and you in particular Donut, yall all know that when you have one injury or ailing part, you focus on it during the next event trying to protect it..which Donut, yep, thats how I broke the collar bone last night in a match(Hedges, you were a pleasure to work with, wasnt anything you did and I think our match was GREAT!!)..bumping is an art, a must, and a thing you have to protect yourself with when doing…bumped a bit different last night, got a new injury now..one that will heal..but Im tired or this shit..Im tired of being in such pain daily, when it could all be fixed..or should I go out and snort Peru and drink up Russia b4 the ones who I served, serve me???? and only need serving in a just way..aint wanting SHIT for free..this is OWED!!..but…this post was just to say THANK YOU!! to all those who expressed concern on the emails..love ya all..we’ll be fine!! and back again!!”

Marty Jannetty

Details Announced For WWE’s Annual Tribute to the Troops Special – The Muppets, Kid Rock And Flo Rida Appearing

WWE issued the following press release concerning their annual Tribute to the Troops holiday special on USA Network and NBC. Among those announced to appear at the event are Disney’s The Muppets, Kid Rock and Flo Rida.

KID ROCK, DISNEY’S THE MUPPETS AND FLO RIDA JOIN WWE®’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF “TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS” HOLIDAY SPECIAL

STAMFORD, Conn., November 12, 2012 – WWE (NYSE:WWE), USA Network and NBC will honor the United States Armed Forces with its 10th annual holiday special, WWE Tribute to the Troops presented by Slim Jim. The 10th anniversary holiday extravaganza will air as a two-hour television special on Wednesday, December 19 at 9/8C on USA Network and as a one-hour television special on Saturday, December 22 at 9/8C on NBC.

WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, the holiday special will feature performances by Grammy Award-nominated, international superstars Kid Rock and Flo Rida, and WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas for thousands of military personnel and their families at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA.

The show will also feature appearances by Disney’s The Muppets, Access Hollywood and NBC Sports’ Michelle Beadle and more. Kid Rock and Flo Rida join a renowned list of legendary performers who have entertained at WWE Tribute to the Troops including Mary J. Blige, Nickelback, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ group Diddy – Dirty Money and Trace Adkins.

WWE is proud to have worked jointly with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell in selecting Navy installations in the Norfolk, VA area for this annual celebration.

“We are excited to host WWE Tribute to the Troops in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “Virginia has long been committed to supporting our troops and this is another opportunity to thank them for their service. We are home to 125,000 active duty members, 830,000 veterans and so many military families. Naval Station Norfolk is the crown jewel of the United States Navy and it’s important to pay tribute to and salute the brave men and women of the military and their families who serve our country. It’s great to see that the WWE has chosen Virginia as the place to continue this holiday tradition.”

“This is a proud moment for WWE to once again recognize America’s servicemen and women as part of the 10th anniversary of WWE Tribute to the Troops,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO, WWE. “We are honored to bring our unique brand of family-friendly entertainment to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

This trip marks the 10th consecutive year that WWE will bring its one-of-a-kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. WWE Superstars and Divas will spend the weekend doing activities designed to give back to sailors and their families including a Be a STAR anti-bullying rally and hospital visits as well as spending time with our servicemen and women.

WWE Tribute to the Troops will also chronicle WWE’s goodwill visit to our troops overseas. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, WWE Superstars The Miz® and R-Truth and WWE Divas Eve and Layla will travel overseas to spread some much needed holiday cheer to the men and women serving our country far from home during the holiday season.

Robbie E Names The Biggest Hamsters In TNA, Knockout Participates In Bikini Competition, Impact TV Dates

– This week on “The List,” Robbie E lists the five biggest Hamsters in TNA Wrestling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dji544AtuX4

– Madison Rayne competed in a bikini competition Friday for the annual NPC National Bodybuilding Championships in Atlanta, Georgia and placed 14th in her class of 44 contestants.

– The official website of Universal Studios Florida has Impact Wrestling dates scheduled for January 3, 10, 17 and 18. The first three dates will be live broadcasts.

This Week’s Episode Of Santino’s “Foreign Exchange”, Mick Foley Praises Randy Orton, WWE Returning To Alaska

– This week’s episode of “Foreign Exchange” is now online. Here is the synopsis: “Santino gets some (static) feedback about this week’s very European edition of “Santino’s Foreign Exchange.” Find out why, and be warned: you may need some hankies when you watch the end of this week’s webisode on WWE on YouTube!”

– Mick Foley praised Randy Orton via Twitter Friday upon watching his Falls Count Anywhere showdown with Alberto Del Rio on SmackDown: “Love the intensity @RandyOrton brings to every match. I seem to remember Randy having an amazing match of this type with a legendary brawler.”

– WWE will hold a live event at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska on January 17, 2013 at 7PM. They will also run at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska on January 18th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale December 1.

Matt Hardy Weighs In On Why Some ECW Wrestlers Didn’t Mesh Well In WWE, Extreme Rising iPPV And More

Hosts Jack E. Jones and One Inch Biceps welcomed Matt Hardy of Extreme Rising to IYH Wrestling Radio. Matt was on the show to publicize the upcoming Extreme Rising show on Saturday, November 17 from the Golden Dome in Monaca, PA that will be on IPPV (http://www.WWNlive.com). Matt will be wrestling “The Franchise” Shane Douglas in the main event that evening.

Highlights of this interview included the following:

When he wrestled in June for Extreme Rising for the first time, was he unsure how the fans would react to him?

“No, I was pretty sure and I think I pretty much had it to a T. I’m pretty good at being on the pulse of how wrestling fans are going to be. I knew it was going to be a very mixed bag, because wherever I go there’s going to be diehard Matt Hardy/Hardy Boyz fans, which are younger kids or people that followed us through our WWE career; they’re going to be there and they’re going to be supportive regardless of whatever. But then the diehard ECW and extreme-niche fans, because I’m not an extreme original or an ECW original, I knew those people it was going to be an uphill battle. And you know, it’s one of those things in time only you earn their respect, especially when you walk into their promotion and on your debut match you’re in the main event against Jerry Lynn, who is one of the ECW icons. I knew it was going to be a mixed bag for sure. The people that were diehard extreme wrestling fans, they gave me a hard time, which was great. And my fans were there cheering, so it’s OK. As long as I’m invoking emotion from people, it’s fine. I’ll channel it in the appropriate way in the ring. As long as they’re entertained and I’m invoking emotion, I’m good.”

Were there people that didn’t want some of the ECW guys to succeed when they would come over to the WWF?

“I think so…The thing that made ECW so good – Paul Heyman was such a genius booker/promoter because he highlighted everyone’s strengths. I mean, he would take whatever the best qualities were about someone and he would keep pushing that, pushing that, and pushing that and get everything they could out of it, and that’s what gets characters over. That’s what gets characters or wrestlers to connect with the crowd emotionally. Public Enemy, they had their deal; they were hip-hop gangstas and they did the hand motion and they would put people through tables, and they ended up being a huge act. When they came to the WWE and were forced to wrestle a couple matches; I know there were some guys who didn’t like them. They ultimately had a match with the Acolytes which was very very ugly. Taz was another guy who was over huge in ECW. Once he came to WWE, you can see that never translated. Once again, they took away from playing to his strengths and what his character was built around. And the examples keep popping up over and over if you look at Paul Heyman’s ECW originally. Sandman, he came out and he would drink beer and he would cane people, and he was over like crazy and people bought tickets to see him. 911 was another example of a guy who was very limited as far as being a complete wrestler overall but he became a huge star there; he was really over…At WWE sometimes they expect people to be a more well-rounded performer 360 degrees and be able to do everything, and my thought is if it’s business and you’re trying to make money you want your acts to be as over as they possibly can be. And if that means like protecting them in some areas that they’re weak at, then why not do it because it’s your investment in the first place. But that’s not always how the WWE crew thinks.”

This interview is available for listening at https://www.iyhwrestling.com/viewnews.php?autoid=4836.

John “Bradshaw” Layfield Talks Full-Time WWE Return and Fandango, This Week’s “WWE Superstars”, Kelly Kelly

– John “Bradshaw” Layfield posted a new video on YouTube discussing his decision to make a full-time return to the WWE announce booth for SmackDown. The former WWE Champion takes some light-hearted jabs at fellow announcers, says he sees Wade Barrett as a future World Heavyweight Champion and after witnessing Fandango in dark matches, believes the character has potential to be “pure money.”

– The official WWE website has posted highlights of this week’s episode of WWE Superstars from the United Kingdom, which features Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai and Jimmy Uso vs. Jinder Mahal. The full episode is available on WWEOnHulu.com.

– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Mick Foley Weighs In On Whether Ryback Can Be The Face of WWE, His WrestleMania 29 Dream Match, HOF Rumors

Mick Foley appeared on Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman. The program airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., visit www.facebook.com/bustedopen for more information. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Brad Armstrong: “I got to be honest, I just found out from you guys. I did not know that Brad Armstrong had passed away. (Mick was in Korea last week) He was one of the most respected guys. I remember Vader wrestling Brad in ’92 and him coming back and saying ‘What an honor it was to be to share the same ring with that guy.’ Brad was appreciated by people backstage, but I don’t think fans had an idea of how great he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Armstrong family. We were really tight with the Armstrongs, especially when I lived in Florida, Scotty, Brian, and Bullet would come by our gym and we really got to know the Armstrongs well. Scotty Armstrong is one of my favorite guys to see, now when I go back, man, I cant believe at 51 years old Brad is gone.”

Possibly entering the Hall of Fame next year: “There is so much to do from my perspective at Wrestlemania. There is a rumor that I may have something additional to do this year. I’m alluding to the Hall of Fame rumor that I started several months ago. (Laughs) If there is going to be a time and place, it seems like a good time and place. I don’t even know where Wrestlemania is next year, but wherever it is, it wouldn’t be as cool as being inducted say at the Garden or nearby, especially with my family there. Let’s face it, I would save a ton of money on airfare. (Laughs)”

What would be his dream match be at Wrestlemania 29: “I would love to see Rock and Punk. I really would. I don’t know if there are talking about any guest returns, but say Rock wins the championship and Punk as a contender I think would be really compelling. I love the way he has done everything not to be the cool heel. That he has managed to get people to hate him when he was among one of the most beloved, maybe Cena was the most popular, and maybe the most beloved, but outside that prime Cena age, people loved Punk. He has managed to be really effective with it and do some of his most captivating stuff. When you’re in the ring with him, and standing face to face you realize you’re dealing with greatness there.”

Is the WWE in a dangerous position relying on part time wrestlers?: “No, I think it’s great as long as you don’t over play that hand. Other than Rock as a special occasion, he’s an A-list actor that brings an incredible amount of outside interest to anything he does. Why not go all the way with the guy and see what happens? Why not give it a try, you never know unless you try. At first people thought this was a one dimensional Goldberg thing, he still gives the Goldberg chants. But I can’t remember the last time somebody has gotten over, Umaga to some extent, by just crushing people. He is such an impressive guy and he uses his strength functionally to put two or three people up on his shoulders, it’s really impressive.”

Can a guy like Ryback be the face of WWE?: “I don’t know, but you don’t know until you do it. And as far as being able to pick up the stick and that ability to talk adds to our characters. But who’s to say Ryback’s character should be a guy who talks a lot. You might want to keep it surrounded by mystery, like the way of Undertaker, sometimes the less he said the more effective he was. I went to give Ryback a little encouragement before his cell match and he just disappears into his character like great performers do. If you got a guy that can disappear into a character and it’s that impressive then I think, A, he might develop into a great talker, or B, he might not need to be one, or C, it might not make a difference.”

Are wrestling fans hard to please?: “I think it’s the nature of the business; people are going to complain about everything. Daniel Bryan for example, is a much bigger star and who could have seen that happen? He broke down the next barrier with humor. Most people love the team ‘Hell No’ even though that wasn’t my choice. I think you can’t keep wrestling fans happy all the time. I realized when I was stupid enough to go out there on the Internet and see what people were saying about me, a lot of people don’t like me either. You can’t please all the people all the time.”

His book: “Man, I would love to recruit him (Miz). I shed many figurative tears when Punk went bad, realizing the book would have a much less chance. My goal for the book, I wrote a blog called ‘I love this book,’ my goal is for it to do well enough that I can do another one. I love the idea of being able to do something positive and work hand in hand with WWE’s Be A Star Campaign. To the point where I met with Triple H over a year ago and we were talking about ways I would be able to work with the company, and the last thing I said when I was leaving the office is, I would really like to do a children’s book. I said it’s not about the money; it’s the perfect opportunity to work with Be A Star.I really want the book to do well enough so I can do another one.”

Team Ziggler: “I like the direction that the pay-per- view is headed. I don’t know if a Survivor Series classic matchup is enough of a draw on top as a pay-per-view. I think as a semi main event it’s really good and anything that gives Ziggler spotlight I think is a positive. And if I can recruit the Miz, which I would really love because it would be good for the book.”

His WrestleMania moment: “It’s got to be the one with Edge, I’ve told that story when I do my shows about realizing being surrounded by charred flesh and blood, even as the referee was counting to three, I was like, ‘I got my moment, I got my moment.’ When I made that phone call home, which I had to do under direct orders after every single pay-per-view, my wife answers the phone and said, ‘Is Edge okay?’ That was my magic WrestleMania moment and then being dramatically brought down to earth.”

Three New Matches Announced For TNA Turning Point – Final Pay-Per-View Card

TNA Wrestling announced three more matches for Sunday’s Turning Point pay-per-view event during Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast. This includes Rob Van Dam defending the X Division Championship against Joey Ryan.

Also announced is Joseph Park facing Aces & Eights member Doc (formerly known as Luke Gallows) and ODB and Eric Young taking on Tara and Jesse.

The announced card for the event is as follows:

* LADDER MATCH: WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – Austin Aries vs. (c) Jeff Hardy

* #1 CONTENDER’S MATCH – Bobby Roode vs. James Storm vs. AJ Styles

* TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – Christopher Daniels & Kazarian vs. (c) Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez

* NO DQ TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP – Magnus vs. (c) Samoa Joe

* Devon vs. Kurt Angle

* X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP – Joey Ryan vs. Rob Van Dam

* Tara & Jesse vs. ODB & Eric Young

* DOC from Aces & 8s vs. Joseph Park

Drew McIntyre Remembers His Mother Following Passing

Drew McIntyre announced via his Twitter page that his mother Angela Anne Galloway died on Saturday at age 51. He posted the following message in remembrance.

“Angela Anne Galloway passed away on Sat 3rd of November 2012 with her family by her side, no words were needed everything spoken through eye contact.

We opened our lives and hearts to world to share Mum and the kind of person and inspiration she was as we are so proud of all she had fought and accomplished and if she could inspire just one person it was worth it… the response was simply overwhelming for our family.

The night before she passed hundreds and thousands of people were thinking and praying for her and that was unbelievable to know that so many people knew Angela Galloway.

I wish we could thank everyone individually as everyones words have touched us all. From my WWE family, my brothers and sisters and even those we don’t know, but we were all connected through the thoughts and prayers for her which were simply unreal.

We say goodbye tomorrow and its going to one big celebration with Mums request of no black, we re getting colourful.

She watched and inspired me to live my dream. At Wrestlemania in Atlanta my father Andrew Snr, brother John and Mum all came over for the family trip of a lifetime. I had them stay at the W hotel and made sure my brother and I took Mum and Dad to the W nightclub (if you know the W it tends to be where the over the top American socialites spend their time), the image will always stay with me. We then travelled across 5 states stopping for Raw and Smackdown tv tapings (they also met my boss Vince McMahon backstage at Smackdown who was so warm to them, with my Dad struggling to find words to say being a little bit taken aback, she didn’t say anything and just smiled at him as he was allowing me to live my dream) We then travelled over 1000 miles in a seven seater National lampoon style having adventures along the way and at our final stop in New Orleans on the final night we took a horse and carriage around the amazing city.

Tomorrow befitting of our Queen she takes her final journey in the exact same manner. There will be no moments silence either as we are celebrating a woman who put more energy and achieved more than anyone could in 5 lifetimes, when we say goodbye it will be a round of applause because she had did it, she had overcame and she had succeeded in life.

Thank you everyone
The Galloway family.

Angela Anne Galloway

1961-2012

She is the heart of our family

A true testament of the human spirit

An inspiration to everyone she ever came in contact with

She was a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunt and she was our mother

Through memories and her legacy Angela Galloway will never be forgotten.”

Does Stephanie McMahon Plan To Run For Federal Office?, Viewership For SuperSmackDown Live, Ted DiBiase

– WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon was a special guest speaker Wednesday at the The SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Covington & Burling Sports Media & Technology Conference in Times Square in New York City and was asked whether she has plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps and run for office. She simply replied “No.”

McMahon addressed the status of the WWE Network during the conference, noting, “Right now we’re looking at a pay subscription model, not unlike HBO.” She also singled out as Ryback as the WWE Superstar to “watch out for.”

– Tuesday’s SuperSmackDown LIVE broadcast on Syfy averaged 2.202 million viewers over the course of two hours, according to TVByTheNumbers.Zap2It.com. This is significantly down from WWE’s last advertised as live SmackDown broadcast in July, which drew approximately 3.2 million viewers. The figure is also down from last Friday’s taped broadcast, which drew 2.878 million viewers.

The final rating is expected to be released later today.

– Ted DiBiase, who turns 30-years-old today, tweeted, “Thanks everyone for the Birthday Wishes!! Hope to see everyone here in Europe with us at WrestleMania 29!! Tickets on sale Saturday!! Get’m.”

Former WWE Star Says The McMahons Needs To Quit Politics Following Latest Loss, WWE en Espanol, John Morrison

– Chris Mordetzky, who appeared as Chris Masters for WWE, feels the McMahon family needs to step away from competitive politics after former WWE CEO and President Linda McMahon spent upwards of $100 million on two failed U.S. Senate campaigns.

He tweeted Tuesday upon learning of McMahon’s loss to Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy for a Senate seat in Connecticut, “100million dollars later its time for the McMahons to quit politics.”

– WWE has posted the latest episode of WWE en Espanol, with Jerry Soto and Marcelo Rodríguez.

– Former WWE Superstar John Morrison is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.