– On Tuesday’s edition of ESPN’s morning sports talk program First Take, Skip Bayless mentioned WWE while discussing the controversial conclusion of the Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks game on Monday Night Football.

“I never thought I would see the day when the NFL would turn into the WWE,” Bayless said over the work of the replacement officials, who awarded a disputed touchdown to the Seahawks on the final play of the game.

The matter also drew comparisons to Vince McMahon and the XFL, with both terms trending worldwide on Twitter Monday night.

– Speaking to WWE Magazine, Tensai explains why he switched from singlets to trunks years ago and why we won’t see his helmet and robe ever again.

“When I first debuted, I used to wear singlets and, to be truthful, I liked them. But it was suggested to me that I move from them to the classic trunks. It was very uncomfortable for the first month, but now I love them. Let’s be honest—with my body type, I probably shouldn’t be wearing them, but I like them. They offer a much cleaner look at me in the ring, and red is such a powerful color,” Tensai said.

“The helmet and robe you saw when I returned was meant to get your attention, but changing out of it takes too much time and pulls away from my goal, which is to destroy.”

– Edge is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

– Former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy weighed in on Monday’s Raw via Twitter: “Good, solid Raw tonight. Kofi-Dolph was hot, nice to see King look so well, Punk-Foley promo, the Kane-Bryan skits were absurd but funny..”

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle stated on Twitter Monday that she is due to give birth in less than a month:

Less than a month for this baby to arrive! Already having contractions and pressure!… Oh and back killing me! Getting excited and nervous.

— CANDICE MICHELLE (@DIVACANDICEM) September 25, 2012

– This week on “Backstage Fallout” for Raw, Dolph Ziggler, The Prime Time Players, The Miz and Ricardo Rodriguez react to Monday’s events.

– WWE announced during a commercial on Raw that Santino Marella will face Heath Slater on this week’s episode of Saturday Morning Slam on The CW. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz will commentate the match ringside. The program will also highlight the cockiest Superstars in WWE history, with Cody Rhodes adding insight.

– “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin turns 60-years-old on Tuesday.

– Dolph Ziggler appears at Bryant & Stratton College Campus 3650 Millersport Hwy. Getzville, New York, today beginning at noon. Call 716-625-6300 for more information.

WWE’s upcoming Attitude Era DVD and Blu-ray release has come under fire by two Connecticut publications since the sports-entertainment organization recently scrubbed hundreds of videos from that era off YouTube and other video-sharing websites after they were used in Democratic advertisements attacking U.S. Senate hopeful Linda McMahon.

Brian Lockhart of CTNews.com explains, “The company, still run by Linda’s husband, Vince, is protective of its brand when it helps Linda’s political career, but happy to profit off of those raunchier programs any other time.”

Asked Monday whether the title would contain any of the squashed material and why the organization was releasing the compilation after McMahon’s election, WWE spokesman Brian Flinn told Don Michak of JournalInquirer.com he needed more time to respond. Flinn, however, noted to Lockhart that the title will be rated PG and consistent with how the company has marketed itself in recent years.

Attitude Era is scheduled for release on November 20, 2012, according to Amazon.com.

In a newly published interview with SunSport, WWE Champion CM Punk commented on becoming a hated figure again and his alignment with Paul Heyman.

For Punk, getting fans to react to his character is one of the best parts about being a WWE Superstar.

“Anytime I get to do stuff hands-on I’m more into it. To me I started to feel like I wasn’t where I should be at that stage, creatively. And I wanted to get there,” Punk said. “To me it’s the name of the game – you have to evolve. You have to constantly change. I think the best wrestlers have always evolved.”

He continued, “I’ve never been the same for too long, but my changes have always been extremely logical. I don’t just wake up one day and I’m a different character. I’ve pretty much always been the same guy, I’ve just dialed things up or dialed things down certain things based on the circumstances. It’s important to not be a phoney, to not just one day say one thing and then the next day say another. Then people will never buy you’re whole stick if you are that wishy-washy.”

A little over a year after referencing himself as a “Paul Heyman guy” during his infamous speech chastising WWE brass, Punk is now aligned with the man. He said, “I’m very excited about it. It’s pretty crazy to me. We’ve never gotten to work together in front of the camera.

“I have worked with him extensively behind the camera. I think a lot of people are in for a treat.”

Punk also dismissed people who feel he shouldn’t have a mouthpiece.

“Rick Rude didn’t need anyone to talk for him, and Paul Heyman was his manager. Bobby Heenan didn’t need to talk for Ric Flair. Those are two examples of great duos,” said Punk.

“You’ll just have to wait to see what happens.”

Punk also discussed working with Bret Hart two weeks ago on Raw, not addressing Jerry “The King” Lawler’s heart attack that night via Twitter, and wrestlers he sees potential in. (Article)

– Jesse Neal, who is coming to Malone, New York on Saturday to sign autographs, is featured in a local newspaper and it notes that he’s interested in performing at WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops in honor of the friends he lost in the Navy. (Thanks to Kyle)

Neal served in the United States Navy from 1998 to 2002, where he reached the rank of petty officer. He was on board USS Cole when it was suicide bombed on October 12, 2000. Neal has a tattoo on his right forearm of the initials of his best friend, who was killed in the attack.

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, a commercial aired during Raw in the New York area confirming that WWE’s annual TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event will take place Sunday, December 16 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Tickets for the show go on sale Saturday, October 6 via Ticketmaster.

– WWE Divas Champion Eve and David Otunga met with Miss Connecticut USA Marie-Lynn Piscitelli and fans at the 10th annual Connecticut Women’s Expo over the weekend. WWE.com has published photos of their appearance.

– Two attendees at tonight’s Raw at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York attempted to enter the ring near the conclusion of the match between Ryback and The Miz. Though not shown on camera, ring announcer Justin Roberts took the guy who made it further into the ring down and dragged him out. Both individuals were pinned down hard in front of the announcers’ table until after the finish. Two police officers met security at the barricade and escorted them out of the venue.

Picture: Fan Enters The Ring During Miz vs. Ryback Match On RAW

– It was announced on Raw tonight that Randy Orton will face Big Show on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown on Syfy. The World’s Largest Athlete resurfaced on Raw on by knocking out both Brodus Clay and Tensai during their match.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

– Former WWE Champion Ultimate Warrior has been announced to appear at the Frank and Sons Collectible Show located at 19649 San Jose Ave., City of Industry, California 91748 on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. He will participating in photo-ops and signing all Warrior items with the exception of one—WWE’s 2005 DVD release The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior.

According to a press release issued Monday by Big Time Wrestling, Warrior will not sign the WWE-released documentary and no exceptions will be made.

In January 2006, Warrior filed a lawsuit against WWE in an Arizona court over how he was depicted in the video. He filed the claim stating that the video violated a March 2000 Settlement Agreement between WWE and Ultimate Creations Inc, Warrior’s corporation. That agreement allowed WWE to use footage of Warrior, but that Warrior owned the rights and trademarks to the Ultimate Warrior character and could use them in any future venue as he decreed. It was also agreed that both parties would “not disparage each other.” However, it was later discovered that Warrior made “publicly disparaging claims” against WWE. It was ruled in September 2009 that Warrior himself breached the agreement and that he was not legally able to receive damages for the same thing he accused WWE of.

– Former TNA Wrestling star Alex Shelley is scheduled to compete at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “King of Pro Wrestling” show on October 8 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan, according to a report by Puroresu Spirit. He and Kushida will challenge Alex Koslov and Rocky Romero for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.

– The official WWE website published an article Monday ranking the 20 most impressive physiques in WWE history. The late “Ravishing” Rick Rude tops the list, with the website noting that he “possessed the most chiseled physique in WWE history.”

The rankings are as follows: 20. Lance Storm, 19. Dolph Ziggler, 18. Antonino Rocca, 17. Shelton Benjamin, 16. Beth Phoenix, 15. Cody Rhodes, 14. Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, 13. “Sailor” Art Thomas, 12. Mr. McMahon, 11. R-Truth, 10. Brock Lesnar, 9. Goldberg, 8. Batista, 7. Rocky Johnson, 6. David Otunga, 5. Lex Luger, 4. The Rock, 3. Triple H, 2. John Cena, 1. “Ravishing” Rick Rude

An elated Glamazon commented on the ranking via Twitter: “To be the only Diva honored on @WWE .com’s Most Impressive Physiques in History topped by Rick Rude is surreal!! #allthesweatwasworthit.”

– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking whether there should be a limit on how long a person can remain General Manager. “No. A GM should be able to remain in power as long as they do a good job” is currently leading 65% to 35% for “Yes. A constant flow of new GMs would keep things fresh and fair.”

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

One angle that Linda McMahon’s political adversaries have hammered the U.S. Senate hopeful with is the sizable number of wrestlers who worked for WWE while she reigned as CEO to die prematurely. She is being called out again on the matter as a political action committee in support of her Democratic opponent, Chris Murphy, has released a video entitled “Job Killer.”

The Democratic Super PAC Progress Connecticut notes in the enclosed video, “Since 2002, at least 28 athletes who worked for Linda McMahon’s WWE died before reaching the age of 50 from suicide, drug overdose, heart attacks and other medical causes. Based on her record of achievement at the WWE she wants to represent Connecticut in the U.S. Senate.”

In particular, the group takes McMahon to task over the 2007 death of Chris Benoit. Enclosed is a clip noting the late wrestler’s dependency on “drugs, amphetamines, painkillers, steroids, and more.” A clip is then shown of Michael Benoit recalling a conversation he had questioning his son on his drug usage.

“His response to me at the time was, “Dad, if I want a job, I have to,” recalled Michael.

To see the video, click here.

In a challenge to WWE to have the video removed, Progress Connecticut stated, “Any attempt by WWE to coerce YouTube to take down this video for copyright infringement would be clear evidence of illegal coordination between the McMahon campaign and the WWE.”

– At Sunday’s Raw live event in Worcester, Massachusetts, WWE Champion CM Punk made an obscure reference to a TNA Wrestling talent.

The show opened with Punk and Raw General Manager AJ Lee discussing the night’s main event since Punk’s originally scheduled opponent, John Cena, was unable to appear due to injury. During the verbal exchange, Punk referred to Lee as “Allen Jones,” the real name of AJ Styles.

Lee announced Big Show as Punk’s replacement opponent and that it would be a Lumberjack Match. Big Show performed as a babyface and won the match via disqualification after Punk struck him with a chair. Following the match, Punk assaulted Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. As he was celebrating, Big Show struck him with the WMD to end the show on a high note.

– WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose faced Michael McGillicutty at all three Raw live events this weekend. McGillicutty beat Ambrose cleanly in all three bouts.

– The late Big Bossman is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

– Jim Ross announced on Twitter Sunday evening that he and Michael Cole will call Monday’s Raw at Times Union Center in Albany, New York.

– The official WWE website has an article looking at seven classic factions and reimagining them with current Superstars and Divas. One dream sequence includes John Cena betraying fans to reform the nWo.

Article writer Kevin Powers states, “Who could possibly comprise the modern incarnation of the most notorious faction of all time? It would take a major betrayal of the WWE Universe akin to Hulk Hogan’s original collusion with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The only Superstar capable of such an impactful move would be none other than John Cena.

“When Hogan deceived WCW, he was as polarized as Cena. Some still loved the classic red and yellow, others were tired of it. Judging by Cena’s reactions in various arenas all over the country, the same can be said for his creed of “hustle, loyalty and respect.” The Cenation leader could eventually just have his fill of “Cena sucks” chants, grab a can of black spray-paint and really give the WWE Universe something to “boo” about.”

Powers recreates the New World Order with Randy Orton and Christian in the role of a veteran tandem similar to The Outsiders, Big Show as a returning member, Michael McGillicutty following in the footsteps of alumnus and father Curt Hennig, David Otunga as a legal adviser, and Michael Cole fulfilling Eric Bischoff’s role as a loud and obnoxious mouthpiece.

– After sustaining a season-ending injury during last Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker immediately thought about Triple H.

“I’m laying there on the turf at the Edward Jones Dome and there’s one thing going through my mind and it’s the image of Triple H tearing his quad tendon off his knee in the ring,” Carriker said on 4th & Pain. “Why I’m thinking about that, I don’t know… I think that’s because it’s exactly where I felt it in my leg.”

Like Carriker, the WWE Superstar tore his left quadriceps muscle in May 2001 and suffered a similar injury at a pay-per-view event in January 2007. The full story is available here.

– The top two matches advertised for Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Sarnia, Ontario did not take place. Originally scheduled for the event were Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship and Daniel Bryan and Kane defending the WWE Tag Team Championship against Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. Instead, Sheamus defended the belt against Alberto Del Rio in a singles match, Dolph Ziggler faced Tyson Kidd, Wade Barrett took on Yoshi Tatsu, Kofi Kingston wrestled Ted DiBiase, and Kane and Bryan faced The Prime Time Players.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler’s miraculous recovery from a heart attack on the Sept. 10 Raw is featured in a full page story in the latest issue of The Globe tabloid.

– During an interview with WWE Magazine, Santino Marella revealed that even he though he previously said he was content with his standing in WWE, he now aspires to win a World Title.

“There are only four individual titles on the main roster of WWE, and to be one of four champions on a roster of many is pretty prestigious. I’ll continue to keep training and then hopefully one day will win the World Heavyweight Title or the WWE Championship,” Marella said. “The fans have always expressed their desire for me to enjoy success against the top guys. It was nice seeing them react to me at Elimination Chamber and to know that they still hope I do well.”

When asked which wrestlers backstage don’t understand his jokes, he revealed Cody Rhodes and The Miz.

“But that’s because they can’t laugh at themselves,” Marella said. “They’ll laugh at someone else, but when it comes to themselves—they take things way too seriously.”

– In the opening match of Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Sarnia, Ontario. Tyson Kidd picked up an upset victory over Dolph Ziggler The Canadian grappler noted of the experience via Twitter: “Sarnia definitely saw some firsts tonight! You had to be there to really experience it #WWESarnia.”

(source: PWInsider.com)

– Ryback’s match against Jinder Mahal at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Sarnia, Ontario resulted in a no contest after Ryback suffered a serious cut approximately two minutes into the bout. The match was stopped by a doctor’s orders.

– WWE has posted this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on YouTube.com, which features an intense tag team match between The Usos and The Prime Time Players! Also see Ted DiBiase back in action against JTG, Tyson Kidd vs. David Otunga and Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal.

http://youtu.be/V-7MMZNq4CNJc

– This week’s WWE Classics on Demand updates are as follows: Extreme Rules (2012), World Wrestling Federation at Boston Garden *February 7, 1987), Macho Madness – The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection (Parts 5 and 6), ECW Hardcore TV (May 5, 1998), Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (October 6, 1982), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (September 4, 1989).

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Speaking to SLAM! Wrestling, Jinder Mahal addressed his current standing in WWE, which has him both on the main roster and developmental promotion NXT.

“I actually don’t mind the travel, I am single with no family or kids so I am used to being busy. When I have a few days off I am anxious to get back to work, so doing house shows, TV and NXT hasn’t really been an issue with me. I am enjoying it, I have been on the road for a little bit over a year and it hasn’t been draining so far. I am sure it will become challenging as I progress but for now I am just having a blast traveling across the world, especially performing in front of the Canadian fans,” he said.

Mahal says his WWE highlight thus far was appearing on Raw 1,000 with a group of wrestlers to attack Kane when the Undertaker made an appearance. Though on the receiving end of a beating, he considered it a huge deal.

“Being part of Raw 1000 in the same ring with Undertaker and Kane leading an army of young hungry wrestlers was amazing,” he recalled. “In Birmingham, England I had a match with Tyson Kidd and Mick Foley was at ringside and delivered a socko to me at the end of the match. That was another one of those moments that if you told me I would be in the ring with Mick Foley giving me a socko I wouldn’t believe you. It is those moments that make me realize what I have accomplished in my life, from humble beginnings in Stampede Wrestling to coming to FCW and making my way to the roster and sharing the ring with Undertaker, Kane and Mick Foley is just the best.”

Mahal says he has high hopes for his future in WWE.

“I am going to keep working hard to climb up the ranks of the WWE. You can catch me on Superstars on almost a weekly basis and I am making waves in NXT and want to capture that title from Seth Rollins. When I am on Raw and Smackdown I try to make the best of it. I am young, just 26 and have a great deal to offer to the WWE. I am excited to see what the future brings, the possibilities are endless.”

Mahal also discusses his following among East Asian fans, facing Ryback, returning to his native Canada, and appearing on NXT. The full interview is available here.

– Linda McMahon announced Thursday night that she and her husband Vince would pay back, with interest, creditors listed on their bankruptcy filing in 1976. According to Politico.com, the debt totals more than $1 million to 26 creditors. Her announcement came two days after Connecticut publication The Day found bankruptcy records outlining the McMahons’ debts at a National Archives facility in Massachusetts. Linda previously said she couldn’t locate the documents.

Linda’s Senate opponent, Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy, was not impressed with her gesture. “Even after this stunning and desperate late-night reversal by Linda McMahon, questions still remain,” Murphy spokesman Eli Zupnick said. “Voters deserve to know who she still owes, how she plans to pay them back, how much, and why she only now decided to make right on her debts.”

An article on the matter is available here.

– Former WWE Superstar Scotty 2 Hotty is now on Facebook. Now 42, he continues to compete independently after leaving WWE in 2007.

– The following matches were featured on the September 21 episode of WWE Vintage Collection on Canada’s The Score: Bradshaw vs. William Regal (WWE Raw – June 10, 2002), Booker T vs. Lance Storm (WCW Monday Nitro – August 7, 2000), Bret Hart vs. Goldust (WWF Monday Night Raw – January 22, 1996), Sting vs. Ric Flair (WCW Clash Of The Champions – June 23, 1994). (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

– On this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, Santino Marella exuberantly celebrates his victory over the man who took the United States Championship from him, Antonio Cesaro. Plus, Layla explains why she changed her approach in the ring.

http://youtu.be/V-9nFOg_Jym5E

– After undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow Tuesday, John Cena appeared at Thursday’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The 12-time world champion apologized for being unable to compete at the event, but promised to do so when he physically able.

Cena weighed in on the event via Twitter Friday, writing, “#NXT was pretty damn impressive. @fullsail is an outstanding campus, the show is OVERloaded with talent.”

He also remarked on his rehabilitation progress thus far: “Day 3 of rehab, arm looks like old banana.”

Speaking of Cena, he is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Promoting WWE’s return to the Kay Yeager Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas on Sept. 30, The Miz addressed his starring appearance in the “The Marine: Homefront,” the third installment in “The Marine” franchise. His character will be greatly opposite to his WWE persona.

“I derived that character from a bunch of old movies … a lot of Paul Newman movies,” he tells Time Record News. “I haven’t played a good guy in seven years.”

The Miz, who grew up idolizing Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan, ventured into the world of professional wrestling after gaining fame as a cast member on MTV’s The Real World. His wrestling trainers told him he wouldn’t receive any special treatment due to his fame.

“I tried really hard,” he recalls. “… It was brutal just having people tell you you’re not going to make it. But that was the fuel … One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten was from Billy Kidman, who said, ‘Stick with it.'”

Years later, The Miz is a Triple Crown Champion after having won the WWE Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the World Tag Team Championship. He explains how he obtained such great success.

“I tried to think, what would irritate people? Why not be the most arrogant, cocky person … so that’s where it’s derived from,” he said. “But I back it up each and every time I’m in the ring. I get why people boo me.”

The article is available here.

– Thursday’s “Open Fight Night” episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV posted a 1.01 cable rating. The figure is up from last week’s show, which garnered a 0.97 rating.

The program averaged 1.340 million viewers over the course of two hours, an increase of 100,000 viewers from the previous two weeks.

– TNA Wrestling has released footage of NBA great Shaquille O’Neal’s appearance on Impact Wrestling Thursday. During a backstage encounter with Hulk Hogan, Shaq says he has back in his battle with Aces and 8s.

http://youtu.be/V-BnWzpZwY9kQ

– Crimson and Hernandez have been announced to appear at The Big Event 3 taking place Saturday, October 6 at the Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York.

(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Raj Giri of WrestlingINC.com reports that WWE Diva Elizabeth Carolan, a.k.a Beth Phoenix, will be finishing up with the company shortly. According to a source, Phoenix will be retiring in October.

Phoenix made her WWE debut in 2006 as an ally to Trish Stratus during her feud with Mickie James. She would go on to hold the WWE Women’s Championship three times, as well as the WWE Diva’s Championship.

Phoenix was en route to displacing Maryse Ouellet as the longest reigning WWE Divas Champion in history earlier this year, however lost the belt a week before she could break the record to Nikki Bella on the April 23rd episode of Raw.

Rarely seen Knockout Rosita appeared on Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman this week where she addressed her status with TNA Wrestling. The program airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 94 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Rosita on what’s the story with TNA and not being on TV in a while: “Unfortunately it has been awhile, and I know everyone was going crazy a couple weeks ago when it came to me being taking off the knock outs gallery page, but, I will finally tell all of you, I am still with TNA. I will hopefully be brought back soon. I am doing a lot more training and a lot of fresh new things. If I do come, relatively soon back to TNA, there will a new finisher, and a whole new look really. It’s going be very fresh, very new. No matter where you see me, whether it is TNA or independent show you’re going to get all of me and I guarantee you it’s something you’re going to want to see.”

Rosita on being fan friendly and being a heel: “It was something that was very new for me because, to be quite honest, on the independent scene I was always a face. It was something very new and I basically had to learn on the job. Sarita, she did an amazing job with me and took me under her wing completely. It was fun though, I can say that, it was definitely fun being a heel. When you first look at me, you’re like oh she’s so small and she’s not very intimidating. I mean, I was known as the spicy chili pepper Chihuahua-ish chick. It was different for me, but I would love to just come out as the real me and just be the natural baby face that I think I am.”

Rosita on becoming a fan of wrestling: “It’s funny cause of a lot people ask me that, they’re like, ‘Oh is the story with your dad really true?’ ‘Was he really in the towers?’ ‘Was he really a wrestler?’ Absolutely. He was an amateur wrestler in high school; I still have his trophies in my attic. He took me to wrestling events all time when I was younger. I will never forget the time he brought us to an ECW event; it was the scariest thing ever. I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was really young, I think that around 4 years old I was telling my dad, ‘I want to be a wrestler dad, I really want to!’ He was the one that actually taught me how to put on a proper headlock so whenever people compliment me on that I always give props to him.

“And my uncle was a pro wrestler in Puerto Rico so it was definitely a family thing. I grew up in it and couldn’t wait to start. My mom was very hesitant, she didn’t want me to do it, but when I was 17 that’s when I got into pro wrestling school but the thing is that my dad always wanted to be a pro wrestler, and I knew that. But the thing is when he had a night job, and a day job, kids, and a wife, there was just no time to do anything. And when he passed away, and it may sound corny, but when he passed away I said, you know what, everyone is breaking down right now, and it’s a world tragedy but for me, I always try to flip it to a positive. I always say from tragedy to triumph. I do wrestling for me and I am doing it for him.”

Rosita on 9/11: “It was so much pressure; I think that once I brought this forward and once people knew who I really was and why I got into wrestling. You were going to get the good with people who support and feel a certain way either happy or sad and want to share their stories with you. Because I have gotten that with fans all the time, ‘oh my uncle was in this’ or ‘I served in the military during this time.’ And I’ve gotten such great feedback from fans, and I also knew there was a chance I was going to get hate form it to, and I did. Especially on my Youtube video, I’ve gotten people saying ‘the U.S deserved it’ and all this stupid stuff. I’ve gotten the good and the bad. I knew that once I did on the day at a pay per view it was going to be something that was going to be big.

“When they brought it to my attention they said will you come through with this and I said, ‘Yeah, I think I can.’ And when they asked me I just finished crying my eyes out with Micky James and Tara, like right before, because I was listening to the names being read. It was around 9:00 in the morning and 9:04 was when he called, so that was he called and 9:14 was when he got cut off. It definitely took me a long time to be okay and talk about it. Right now sitting here with you guys I can talk about and be strong with it. When I got the PWI inspirational wrestler of the year, I was like you know what, I’m helping and this is good for people to hear, I have no problem with it. That day happened like any other day. He had called, and I just remember my mom frantically pacing and saying ‘no Michael, what are you talking about! What are you talking about! She turns on the TV, and I’m just watching her and she was like ‘what do you mean you’re there? I didn’t know you worked there.’

“I knew my dad worked in the World Trade Center but my mom didn’t. He had so many jobs in and out so she never knew what he was doing day to day. He would take us to that building all the time. My little brother and I would play with the walkie talkies, we were there all time. And she had no idea, I was like, ‘oh that’s where dad works, why is it on fire? What’s going on?’ I had no idea what was happening it looked like a movie, and she was like your dads in there right now! And I’m just listening to the whole thing. And my mom used to work there too, she worked on the 99th floor and he worked on the 103rd floor of the North Tower. She was just saying can you take this stairway? And I remember hearing saying him saying no it’s too dark and it’s hot, it’s really hot, and I can’t go this way and I can’t go that way.

“And I’m just, for some odd reason, I wasn’t in my body, like I was watching from afar, watching myself just frozen and listening to the whole conversation. Everyone else’s story starts out with I was at school that day and my mom pulled me from school. I was home because I had a doctor’s appointment, 10 years old at the time. I was watching it on the TV and listening to my dad’s voice on the phone. I couldn’t speak. I never spoke to him that day. But me and my brother had a great weekend with him prior to that. So it happened on that Tuesday, so the weekend before we had a great weekend with him. It’s crazy to think back to be quite honest. I didn’t get to speak to him that day, but I also think its best that I didn’t. Because I had such a great weekend with him prior, I think it was the perfect way to say goodbye. I still think back and think what didn’t I say, ‘Dad let me speak to you let me speak to you! Let me say bye!’ I still think would it have been better? But now I think, no I think we said goodbye in the perfect the weekend before. So I don’t regret it at all.”

Rosita on who her influences were growing up: “Most of them were guys, but there was one female wrestler that I look up to completely, and that’s where my finisher, the moonsault came from, it’s in dedication to Lita. Right off the bat, I remember seeing Rey Mysterio, a long time ago, and he was the one I was like, ‘wow I want to be just like him!’ I want to be the female Rey Mysterio, mask or not I want to do what he can. So Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero, Halloween Havoc 97’ was my favorite match, it was absolutely awesome. I definitely say those two. I always liked Shawn Michaels, there was something about that dance, besides the fact he was amazing, I think when I was younger I was like that dance is awesome, that little shimmy he does with his hips. Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, HBK, and the Hardy’s. When I was younger I went through a little bit of a rocker stage and it was because of them.”

Rosita on a three hour show and doing taped shows: “It was difficult some days because regardless of how good a match can be, some of those fans are so spoiled and have seen everything they weren’t going to react to really much. And some of the people were tourists and didn’t even know what wrestling was. It was very difficult. There were some nights that were really great but some nights when they have just seen everything. That’s why I loved when we went on the road, when we did pay per views on the road, or tapings on the road. It was amazing, not only did you get a bigger venue but a mix of different people who are waiting to see their favorite stars and when they finally do and see how much we put into it, it’s great to see how much they give us back. When it’s live, it’s just brings a better feel, not just to the people working, because there are no edits, no cuts, nothing. It brings the best out of the wrestlers and has a better flow.”

– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, addressed their future in the professional wrestling industry during a newly released “shoot” interview with RF Video.

Though the twin duo are currently pursuing non-wrestling endeavors, they ‘definitely’ plan on stepping inside the square circle again. Brianna, however, noted that she is unsure when that will occur. When asked if they may reemerge in TNA Wrestling, Brianna said they couldn’t imagine appearing for the promotion since WWE has been very good to them and are considered ‘family.’ They do, however, view TNA favorably in regards to their handling of female talent. Brianna said they ‘love’ how the girls are given a lot of ring time and are considered main-eventers.

– Angelina Love, who parted ways with TNA Wrestling in July following a fruitful tenure that included five title runs, stated Thursday on Twitter that she will not give interviews discussing the nature of her departure from the organization as well as behind-the-scenes matters.

She wrote, “For those who keep inquiring, I will NOT be accepting any interviews based around my leaving TNA, the reasons behind it, the state of the current Knockouts Division, management, etc etc. I’ve done my one major post-release interview already with @FeeltheMayhem, so if u need answers, go download the interview. I’ll be glad to talk about all my wonderful upcoming bookings, adventures and future gigs, but that’s it folks! Thanks!!”

– Sonjay Dutt is the featured guest on the latest edition of TNA Today with Jeremy Borash. The twelve-year veteran talks about how he worked over the years to obtain a college degree while developing his career in professional wrestling, family, an injury that consistently holds him back, the X Division and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8LHMT9wLW0

– On Raw Monday, WWE used a pink middle rope to raise breast cancer awareness. Regarding this, Jeff Hardy tweeted,

Just my opinion….Every rope should be pink!

— #BrotherNero DELETED (@JEFFHARDYBRAND) September 18, 2012

– Retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal is backstage at the site of tonight’s Impact Wrestling show in Orlando, Florida. TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter tweeted a photo of Hulk Hogan playfully choking “Shaq,” and noting, “Things are crazy backstage at Impact already! Hangin’ with @HulkHogan & @Shaq.”

– Though no longer scheduled for this weekend’s Raw live events after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow Tuesday, John Cena will be on hand for Monday’s Raw in Albany, New York at Times Union Center.

He tweeted Thursday morning, “Rehab, Day 2. Much less grouchy today. I apologize to @wwe and I also PROMISE to be at #raw THIS MONDAY IN ALBANY. just hate being hurt,” Cena wrote. “Ill be at #NXT today. I am very excited to study those I will soon be competing against. See u guys mon on #RAW.”

Big Show will replace Cena at this weekend’s Raw live events as CM Punk’s opponent in WWE Championship bouts.

– Big Boss Man is the latest addition to the official WWE website’s Alumni section. WWE says of the deceased wrestler, “From Cobb County, Ga.’s corrections department to the WWE Universe, The Big Boss Man, along with his trusty nightstick, made sure that law and order was always upheld in the squared circle.”

– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, have been announced to appear at the New York Comic Con taking place Oct. 11-15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center located on 655 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001. SmackDown General Manager Booker T, Velvet Sky and Angelina Love are also advertised to appear.