TNA Wrestling announced Thursday that Impact Wrestling will remain live through the end of 2012. The following press release was issued:

TNA “IMPACT WRESTLING” TO REMAIN LIVE ON THURSDAY NIGHTS THROUGH THE END OF 2012

New York, NY – September X, 2012 – – Spike TV’s highly-rated weekly series “IMPACT WRESTLING” will continue to run LIVE in its current 8:00pm timeslot through the end of 2012, it was jointly announced today by Dixie Carter, President, TNA Entertainment, and Kevin Kay, President, Spike TV.

The move to broadcasting LIVE has been a ratings boon and has provided a significant rise in the show’s social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Spike TV began airing “Impact Wrestling” LIVE, instead of its traditional taped format, on May 31 from Universal Studios on Thursday nights. As a result the change, Spike’s 8-10pm timeslot has grown +33% in households, +47% in Men-18-49, and +35% in viewers.

Details for “IMPACT WRESTLING” production plans for 2013 will be announced at a later date.

– The Connecticut Democratic Party continues to attack Linda McMahon with racy WWE footage that occurred while she reigned as the sports-entertainment organization’s CEO.

After releasing an attack video Monday showcasing clips of Edge and Lita’s “Live Sex Celebration” and Triple H dressed as Kane simulating mock sex with a mannequin in a casket, the party posted a video of the infamous “Hot Lesbian Action” segment that occurred on Raw ten years ago. The video, which was posted on Vimeo.com, was quickly removed due to a third-party notification by WWE claiming copyright infringement.

Eric Bischoff, the then-figurehead of Raw, announced on September 9, 2002 the introduction of an exciting and revolutionary new segment—“H.L.A.” Roughly an hour later, Bischoff returned and introduced two women—Looney Lane and Savvy from the California-based independent promotion Ultimate Pro Wrestling. They were given no names—the on-screen graphic simply identified them as “The Lesbians.” The two young ladies proceeded to kiss each other deeply and strip down to their undergarments in front of the audience. Bischoff them summoned the enforcer tandem Three Minute Warning, who proceeded to assault the two young women into unconsciousness.

– Ezekiel Jackson, who has not appeared in a WWE ring in over two months, tweeted an update regarding his whereabouts Wednesday. The one-time Intercontinental Champion suggested he has been sidelined with an injury.

“Met with Doc. here in beautiful Birmingham Alabama… I’m on the right track, healing well and can begin training… #myjourneycontinues,” he wrote.

– Arda Ocal of The Baltimore Sun has compiled photos of the WWE T-Shirts John Cena has donned through the years on television, which now stands at 25. Ocal notes that Cena has debuted five shirts at WrestleMania, five at SummerSlam and four at Survivor Series.

– Unlike most WWE Divas, Layla is still on the market. In response to a tweet asking whether she’s single, the former Divas Champion wrote Wednesday, “Yes!!”

– SmackDown General Manager Booker T appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer to promote his recently released autobiography, From Prison to Promise: Life Before the Squared Circle. The six-time world champion recalled the hardships he encountered growing up in Houston, Texas, breaking into professional wrestling, his time in World Championship Wrestling, accepting a contract buyout to join WWE when WCW ceased, and more. The audio interview is available here.

– WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

– John Cena could be kept out of the ring for as long as two months after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow Tuesday. The official WWE website announced Wednesday at 5:40 p.m. that the prognosis for his recovery is now six to eight weeks.

Their statement reads, “The information published about John Cena’s recovery was given to WWE.com prior to surgery. In speaking to Dr. Andrews after the procedure, in light of the amount of work that needed to be done and the number of bone chips removed, the prognosis for recovery is closer to six to eight weeks. Knowing John Cena, the former WWE Champion will do everything he needs to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”

In a Twitter message Wednesday, Cena disputed WWE’s report Tuesday that he would be sidelined for two to three weeks. He wrote, “I spoke in depth with my surgeon Dr James Andrews and he specifically told me due to the amount of fragmentation, SIX WEEKS is a safer time table for recovery. I apologize on behalf of a website whos credibility is now equal to #theonion please @wwe web guys, get your monkey frankin facts straight!”

– Big Show will return to Nickelodeon’s “Supah Ninjas” to reprise his role of “Two-Ton Harley,” a biker and prison escapee. The official WWE website announced Wednesday that “The World’s Largest Athlete” is taping an episode this week for the teen action comedy’s upcoming second season.

Due to John Cena undergoing arm surgery Tuesday, Big Show will return to action at this week’s Raw live events as CM Punk’s opponent. He had requested and received time off following SummerSlam.

– Promoting his upcoming appearances on Syfy’s supernatural drama series Haven, former WWE talent Adam “Edge” Copeland explained in an interview with TheTVAddict.com why he cut his signature locks last spring prior to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

“I was just tired of having long hair. I just chopped it off before I got inducted in the Hall of Fame for WWE in April. The day before, I just thought, ‘Why not come out on stage with a new haircut?’ So I did,” he said.

“And I thought if Dwight’s an ex-Army Ranger, at some point he’s had short hair so it’s not that far a stretch that he would have short hair again. Then in the context of timeline-wise, you can get your haircut any day and look different. I don’t know. I just wanted to do it.”

– Former TNA Wrestling star Karen Jarrett is accepting requests for wrestling show and autograph appearances through Bill Behrens of www.sbibookings.com. She is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

– Afa Anoa’i, Jr., who appeared as Manu for WWE in 2008 and 2009, is on Twitter at twitter.com/samoanstorm. Since leaving the spotlight, he has continued to compete for numerous independent promotions.

The official WWE website announced Tuesday that John Cena underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow. Dr. James Andrews removed several pieces of bone cartilage from Cena’s elbow through a scope. He went home to Tampa, Fla. and immediately began rehab.

WWE initially stated that it would likely take four to six weeks for Cena to recover from a surgery of that nature before changing it to “two to three weeks.” Cena tweeted an update on his recovery status Wednesday afternoon disputing the company website’s second report.

“Some #jackwagon from @wwe dotcom apparently posted me recovering in 14 days,” Cena wrote. “I spoke in depth with my surgeon Dr James Andrews And he specifically told me due to the amount of fragmentation, SIX WEEKS is a safer time table for recovery. I apologize on behalf of a Website whos credibility is now equal to #theonion please @wwe web guys, get your monkey frankin facts straight!

He continued, “You folks have my word i will try my best to get healthy as quick as i can, and im sure i wont stay away from #raw but as of now I am supposed to lay low for SIX WEEKS. I will send surgery photos and video to @wwe so they can see how bad it really was. I am also sure that if @wwe took a second to reach out to the actual surgeon, that Dr Andrews would gladly comment.

“Ok, im now off the soap box and back to being just a one armed man. Enjoy your day.”

This week on MLW Radio, Konnan talked to co-host Mister Saint Laurent and Court Bauer about a recent backstage encounter with Kurt Angle while the Olympic Gold Medalist was wrestling for AAA at Triplemania. The incident was the result of an earlier MLW Radio podcast in the spring where Konnan had revealed that while he was in TNA, Angle had confided in him that Vince McMahon had tried to lure Kurt back to WWE by regularly sending him flowers. Kurt responded via Twitter vehemently denying the allegations. Fast forward to TripleMania in August, Konnan states:

“Remember when we were talking about Kurt Angle? I was like, hey, cool dude. I even marked out when I heard he was coming to TNA, but give me a break about the flowers thing. People sending him tweets telling him ‘Konnan said you got flowers from Vince’ and he said I was delusional.

“Well he showed up in Mexico for a show, for Triplemania, about a month and a half ago and we hadn’t talked since [the flower controversy]. He came in and literally for like the first three hours he wouldn’t even speak a word to me. He wouldn’t even look at me when I was going over the match. Obviously I’m going to have to tell the guy that he did say [Vince sent him flowers]. Maybe he doesn’t remember it, but we have to squash it because I can’t work like this. And then — I don’t know what happened — but he just totally chilled out. Without me talking to him, all of a sudden he’s very serious, wouldn’t talk or look at me and then the next minute he was alright and like hugging me.”

The new episode of MLW Radio is available for free at MLW.com and on iTunes (search: MLW Radio), along with episodes featuring MVP, The Ultimate Warrior, Billy Corgan and many others.

The main event was listed as Sheamus and Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler.

Michael Cole made his entrance to cheers at first but some boos picked up before he finished making his entrance. Normal reactions for Lilian Garcia and others.

WWE Hall of Famer Edge opened the show. Lilian Garcia announced his name and the crowd erupted! He started by saying “this never gets old.” He talked about how he misses it and he doesn’t know what else he wants to do. He eventually introduced a video of Kane and Daniel Bryan arguing about the titles and hugging it out again from Raw. After that video a “Yes” chant broke out.

Edge continued but Daniel Bryan’s entrance interrupted him. Bryan started by saying he wanted to correct Edge’s use of pronouns and said, “We are not the tag team champions, I’m the tag team champions” over and over again until Edge cut him off. Edge asks how this happened. Bryan says he’s one with his emotions. The crowd was hot for this with bunch of “Yes” chants. Edge eventually said, “Excuse me,” and Bryan asked, “Do we have to bring up your ex-wife?” Bryan asked “Does anyone really know you Edge”? He told Edge to go back to acting and retirement and said there’s nothing Edge or the fans can do to make him snap.

Edge said that sounded like a challenge. Bryan and Edge went back and forth saying “No, it doesn’t” and “Yes, it does” until Kane’s music interrupted them. Kane said, “Your both wrong because I’m the tag team champions.” Kane and Bryan went back and forth as Edge interrupted them. Bryan and Kane said Edge seemed mad and should use Dr. Shelby’s techniques to help. Edge ran over what’s happened these last few weeks and said Kane is not Barney the big red dinosaur, he’s the Big Red Machine. He recalled how they both tortured each other through out their careers and asks Kane if he remembers it. Kane said yes and he has to take care of that right now as Edge removes his jacket Kane holds out his arms for a hug.

Edge hesitated for a while and then Kane hugged Edge. As they hugged, Bryan started screaming “No!” until Edge told Daniel to join the hug. He started to but Damien Sandow interrupted, saying he was there to help everyone. He said some stuff using his great big words before Edge interrupted and told him to shut up. He said he would rather watch Bryan and Kane hug it out longer than he can listen to Sandow talk. Edge played with the Yes and No’s to see who Sandow should wrestle. Booker T showed up on the screen and said Sandow would be in action next against Kane..

1. Damien Sandow defeated Kane. Kane worked over sandow the majority of the match, and as he went for the chokeslam he was interrupted by Bryan holding up the belts and climbing onto the apron. Sandow took advantage, hit Kane with his finisher and stole the win.

Backstage, Kane was flipping out while looking for Daniel Bryan. He found Dr. Shelby. Shelby, who told Kane to calm down. Kane said if he doesn’t give him his title belt back he will rip the beard off his goat face. Bryan hopped out of a bin behind Shelby and they started yelling at each other until Shelby interrupted and made them promise to share the titles and for Kane to not rip his beard off. Shelby said he will talk to Booker T and get Bryan a match to make Kane feel better since Bryan cost Kane his match…

Alberto Del Rio was in Booker T’s office. Alberto Del Rio complained about how Booker T waited to revoke the Brogue Kick right before the match on Sunday. Booker T said he does feel bad but Del Rio needs to earn another title match and implied he could do so by winning the tag match tonight.

2. Layla defeated Natalya. Eve was on commentary for the match. Layla, while never losing focus on Eve outside the ring, won with a falling neckbreaker in roughly one minute.

Lilian Garcia announced the main event for tonight. It looks like they are taping it early tonight since the dark match is advertised as Randy Orton vs. Del Rio vs. Sheamus for the title.

Del Rio makes his entrance to boos followed by Vickie Guerrero saying “Excuse me” as she was booed to announce Dolph Ziggler, who got no reaction at all. Orton got tons of cheers. The crowd was hot for this show! I haven’t heard it this loud in Philly for some time. Sheamus got a reaction just below Randy Orton’s in all cheers.

3. Sheamus and Randy Orton defeated Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler. Vickie, Ricardo, Del Rio, and Ziggler were huddled at ringside before the match got underway. Sheamus and Del Rio started. Late in the match, Orton went to his vintage move set of the scoop slam and DDT through the ropes. Ziggler got involved and Del Rio got a back breaker for a two count. More offense for the heels as a RKO chant broke out. Orton went for a tag but Del Rio stopped him until Orton was able to get Del Rio out of the ring. Orton made the hot tag as well as Del Rio. Sheamus and Ziggler went back and forth. Del Rio got involved but ended up taking an RKO as Sheamus hit his Brogue Kick on Ziggler for the win.

Sheamus and Orton play to the hot crown and slap hands with fans as they cut to a shot outside the Wells Fargo Center Daniel Bryan makes a silent Entrance with the lights off for his match.

4. Cody Rhodes beat Daniel Bryan. Bryan got in “Yes/No” battles with the crowd early on as he screamed no with every hit he landed on Cody. Bryan and Rhodes went back and forth before Bryan got the No! Lock in just over two minutes into the match. Kane’s pyro went off twice around the ring as Daniel got up and was distracted until Rhodes hit Cross Rhodes to steal the win. Kane laughed…

A Wrestlemania 29 ad airs as Brodus Clays Disco Ball lowered…

Backstage, Daniel Bryan was looking for Kane. When he found him, Kane was laughing. Bryan asked, “What was that?” Kane said he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Bryan complained about the pyro. They went back and forth about how Kane belonged in a basement and Bryan belonged in a petting zoo. They saw Sandow and Rhodes looking on as they said their stint as champions is a joke. A tag match was made between the four, and Kane and Bryan argued over who they are more afraid of. Dan notes that it’s nice to see the tag belts getting a lot of attention…

Brodus Clay made his same old boring entrance, which this crowd was very hot for again. Marc noted that he is still surprised by the turnout and reactions so far…

5. Brodus Clay beat Heath Slater. Brodus did his usual offense routine until Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre attacked Clay from behind for the DQ. Eventually, Mahal locked in the Camel Clutch and the heels celebrate over Clay…

6. Santino Marella defeated Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro got a hold locked on Santino, but he fought back and got the Cobra out. A distraction by Aksana led to Cesaro hitting finisher. Aksana fell into the ring and hurt her leg so the ref didn’t make the count. Eventually, Santino rolled up Cesaro for the win. Cesaro grabed a mic and told Aksana, “I’m thinking something, let me tell you in five different languages.” He followed up by saying, “We’re finished.” Aksana looked concerned as we went to break with another graphic for the Kane/Bryan vs. Rhodes/Sandow match…

7. Kane and Daniel Bryan beat Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes by DQ. The Prime Time Players, The Uso’s, Tyson Kidd, and Justin Gabriel came out to serve as lumberjacks. Rhodes hit the Beautiful Disaster for a good near fall on Bryan. He worked him over until a double cross body sent them both down. Sandow and Kane tagged in.

Kane worked over Sandow. He went for the chokeslam, Sandow fought out, but Kane eventually landed the move. Rhodes hit Kane with a chair for a DQ finish. Kane took both Rhodes and Sandow out, and Bryan held a chair over Rhodes to “Yes!” chants. He decided to share and allow Kane to hit Rhodes with the chair. Funny moment. Both men dealt dual chair shots to Sandow and the crowd chanted “Yes!” Kane then grabbed every lunberjack from ringside and the champs delivered more chairshots than Triple H gave Undertaker at WrestleMania 28…

Lilian Garcia told the fans about the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and thanked fans for coming. No dark match for the night despite the advertised Triple Threat. Overall, an average show with a very hot Philly crowd.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Matches taped Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Tyson Kidd vs. David Otunga, and The Prime Time Players vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso.

A taping was also held for WWE Saturday Morning Slam on The CW. Bouts taped were Sin Cara vs. Jinder Mahal, and Justin Gabriel vs. Zack Ryder.

A dark match was held before both tapings as Kofi Kingston beat WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose following Trouble In Paradise.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Silvervision.co.uk has revealed the content of WWE’s nWo: The Revolution DVD and Blu-ray, scheduled for release on November 6.

The synopsis reads: “In the mid-90s, a malicious group of renegades ‘invaded’ World Championship Wrestling, shaking the landscape of the sports-entertainment world and turning the tables on Monday Night War. Little did anyone know, the shock of the century was yet to come. When Hulk Hogan did the unthinkable and turned his back on the fans, The Outsiders had officially become The New World Order, and chaos ensued. Now, relive the history of one of the most infamous and controversial factions of all time with this brand new documentary. Get the inside scoop from those who lived it, such as Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, as well as new interviews from Superstars who were inspired and enthralled by the nWo. Also featuring the definitive matches and moments from the era, including battles for the WCW World Heavyweight title, stunning defections to the nWo and the internal strife that eventually tore the group apart.”

Documentary

Stars Align

Free Agents

The Outsiders

Bash at the Beach

Here’s the nWo

Element of Reality

Fan Interest

nWo vs. WCW

Rivalry versus Sting

The nWo. Goes Mainstream

Internal Strife

Restoration Attempt

nWo 4 Life

Matches and segments

Scott Hall’s Nitro Debut
Nitro – 27th May, 1996

Kevin Nash’s Nitro Debut
Nitro – 10th June, 1996

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper confronts Eric Bischoff
18th November, 1996

Hollywood Hulk Hogan confronts “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
30th December, 1996

The nWo’s WWE Debut
No Way Out – 17th February, 2002

The Outsiders vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Sting & Lex Luger
Bash at the Beach – 7th July, 1996

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
The Giant vs. Hollywood Hogan
Hog Wild – 10th August, 1996

WCW World Tag Team Championship Match
The Outsiders vs. Harlem Heat
Halloween Havoc – 27th October, 1996

Syxx vs. The Bounty Hunter
nWo Saturday Night – 9th November, 1996

WCW World Tag Team Championship Match
The Outsiders vs. The Steiner Brothers
Souled Out – 25th January, 1997

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Hollywood Hogan vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
SuperBrawl VII – 23rd February, 1997

Hollywood Hogan & Dennis Rodman vs. Lex Luger & The Giant
Bash at the Beach – 13th July, 1997

Las Vegas Sudden Death Match
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage
Halloween Havoc – 26th October, 1997

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting vs. Hollywood Hogan
Nitro – 29th December, 1997

No Disqualification Match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Hollywood Hogan vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage
Nitro – 20th April, 1998

Match for Control of the WCW World Tag Team Championship
Sting vs. The Giant
Great American Bash – 14th June, 1998

Hollywood Hogan & Eric Bischoff vs. Jay Leno & Diamond Dallas Page
Road Wild – 8th August, 1998

War Games Match to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Team WCW vs. Team Hollywood vs. Team Wolfpack
Fall Brawl – 13th September, 1998

No Disqualification Match for WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Goldberg vs. Kevin Nash
Starrcade – 27th December, 1998

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Goldberg vs. Bret “Hit Man” Hart
Nitro – 20th December, 1999

Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall vs. The Rock & “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
RAW – 11th March, 2002

Blu-ray Exclusive Content

nWo Legends of Wrestling Roundtable Discussion featuring Kevin Nash, Jim Ross, JJ Dillon, & Michael Hayes

The Beginning

The nWo Concept

Hogan Turns his back on WCW

Putting Vince out of business

Ratings war

Pointing fingers

Goldberg

Cutting Edge & Controversial

Downfall

Invitation only
WCW Saturday Night – 27th July, 1996

Nothing Personal
WCW Saturday Night – 3rd August, 1996

Modern Day Gladiators
Monday Nitro – 19th August, 1996

Worldwide
WCW Saturday Night – 7th September, 1996

Room Service
Monday Nitro – 30th September, 1996

It’s Not Easy Being King
Monday Nitro – 20th January, 1997

The Real Hot Rod
Monday Nitro – 17th March, 1997

The Madness
Monday Nitro – 28th April, 1997

All Over But The Crying
WCW Pro Wrestling – 15th June, 1997

– The Great Khali is tentatively scheduled to return to WWE’s squared circle in approximately a month.

In late July, Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh, underwent surgery to remove a pituitary gland tumor that’s the cause of his tremendous size. The tumor was discovered through WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, according to a report by ABC News. It was noted that he would be healthy enough to return to the ring within months.

– Promoting the third season of Haven on Syfy, former WWE talent Adam “Edge” Copeland discussed making the transition from professional wrestling to acting during an interview with SciFiAndTvTalk.

“Once I became a wrestler and then as the years progressed I came to the realization that, well, I’ve done everything there is to do in wrestling, and now I can’t get cleared physically to do it any more, so what can I do? Anytime I’d done any acting I really enjoyed it, and it’s something creative,” Copeland said. “No matter what it is, I have to do something creative. That’s just the way I’m wired. I don’t do well in offices, so I need be doing something, whether it’s writing a book, painting, drawing, the theatrics of the WWE or acting, I need this. So I guess it [acting] is somewhat of a natural extension of the wrestling, but it was a happy accident, for sure.”

Copeland also discussed the evolution of his Edge character, coping with WWE’s strenuous travel schedule, his character’s role on Haven, and more. The full interview is available here.

(source: PWInsider.com)

John Cena underwent arm surgery on Tuesday to remove bone chips in his elbow today, according to WWE.com Dr. James Andrews removed several pieces of bone cartilage from Cena’s elbow through a scope.

Cena is heading home today to Tampa, FL and will immediately begin rehab.

WWE initially stated that it would likely take four to six weeks for Cena to recover from a surgery of that nature. The report now states that he is expected to recover in two to three weeks.

WWE.com Update:  “Cena is expected to recover in two to three weeks. An update on his recovery time is expected Thursday when he is reevaluated.”

Cena is currently scheduled to appear at Thursday’s NXT TV taping from Winter Park, Florida. No word on whether the surgery will affect this appearance.

– In this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for Raw, Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara respond to The Prime Time Players’ attack from behind. Plus, Layla suspects Eve had something to do with Kaitlyn’s being viciously attacked at Night of Champions, Wade Barrett discusses his future plans and Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vow to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship from Daniel Bryan and Kane.

http://youtu.be/V-qgFn0xlUDcY

– The official WWE website announced last week that a new Bret Hart video title, Bret Hart: Unreleased Matches, will be released on March 5, 2013. The WWE Hall of Famer is giving input to the project.

He tweeted Tuesday, “Starting to review matches for the new “Unreleased Matches” DVD.”

– On this special edition of Superstar Toyz, Kofi Kingston shows off his “BOOM Room” where he displays his championship titles and favorite WrestleMania gear.

http://youtu.be/V-nr3gCerkptY

– WWEShop.com has released the Jerry Lawler shirt broadcaster Michael Cole sported on Raw Monday, “Jerry Lawler Long Live the King Authentic Men’s T-Shirt.”

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appears at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame located on 30 East Main St. Amsterdam, New York on Saturday, October 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

– A Steel Cage Match between WWE Champion CM Punk and John Cena was held after Raw went off the air Monday. The bout resulted in a disqualification loss for Punk since Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio interfered, leading World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and Randy Orton to surface and even the odds. Ziggler was left in the ring as he took the babyface wrestlers’ respective finishers.

– During a commercial Monday night on Raw promoting this week’s episode of WWE Saturday Morning Slam on The CW, it was announced that Zack Ryder will be in action. The program will also feature segments on WWE Champion CM Punk and The Miz.

– As reported Sunday, Randy Orton was caught on camera using the middle finger gesture during his match against Dolph Ziggler at Night of Champions. According to F4WOnline.com, Orton’s flippant action stemmed from a group of fans ringside chanting “Orton sucks.” Following the match, Orton reportedly threatened a fan that he would “kick his ass” after the show.

– As “Miz TV” concluded on Raw, Ryback tossed furniture out of the ring, including the microphone into the crowd. A fan grabbed the object and began yelling “Goldberg! Goldberg!,” with his remarks being heard throughout the arena. Ring crew members chased the fan down and took the microphone away. It is not known whether he was ejected from the event.

– It was announced at Raw Monday in Bridgeport, Connecticut at Webster Bank Arena that a SmackDown taping will be held at the venue on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Ticketmaster.com is holding a pre-sale with the code WWEBridgeport.

– On Sept. 30, SmackDown ring announcer and songstress Lilian Garcia will perform during halftime at Metlife Stadium – the site of WrestleMania XXIX – when the New York Jets take on the San Francisco 49ers. Garcia was at the Jets’ facility in New Jersey on Monday doing media and rehearsing for the appearance.

– 2012 WWE video releases WWE: Falls Count Anywhere – The Greatest Street Fights and other Out of Control Matches and ECW Unreleased, Vol. 1 are now streaming on Netflix.

(source: PWInsider.com)

A video advertisement released by Connecticut Democrats on Monday morning featuring racy WWE footage that occurred while Linda McMahon reigned as the sports-entertainment organization’s CEO was taken down within hours.

WWE had the video, which featured clips of Edge and Lita’s “Live Sex Celebration” and Triple H dressed as Kane simulating mock sex with a mannequin in a casket, pulled at 3:51 p.m. on Monday afternoon. The page now features a statement reading: “Vimeo has removed or disabled access to the following material as a result of a third-party notification by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. claiming that this material is infringing: PG TV?.”

The video is one of many clips to be removed in recent days as the sports-entertainment organization takes down material which it says “has been misused in political environments” and seeks to transition into a “more family-friendly” brand.

Here is the press release the Connecticut Democratic Party released Monday morning touting the video:

WHAT LINDA MCMAHON DOESN’T WANT YOU TO SEE: CONNECTICUT DEMOCRATS ROLL OUT NEW CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT MCMAHON’S RECORD THAT THE WWE IS TRYING TO HIDE

The WWE is scrubbing the internet of sexually explicit material from Linda McMahon’s tenure as CEO

WHAT LINDA MCMAHON DOESN’T WANT YOU TO SEE: CONNECTICUT DEMOCRATS ROLL OUT NEW CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT MCMAHON’S RECORD THAT THE WWE IS TRYING TO HIDE

(Hartford, Connecticut) In response to news that the WWE is scrubbing the internet of sexually explicit material from Linda McMahon’s tenure as CEO, the Connecticut Democratic Party is launching a new campaign to highlight the truth about McMahon’s past. The fact is that Linda McMahon made millions marketing sex, violence, necrophilia, and abusive treatment of women to children – all at the expense of the health and safety of her own workers – and is now spending a fortune on attacks and lies to try and distract from her record.

To kick off the campaign, today the Connecticut Democratic Party is re-releasing a video that highlights the type of programming Linda McMahon marketed to children. The video includes footage of wrestlers engaging in lewd sex acts, including one scene in which a wrestler has sex with a corpse.

To watch the video, click here.

“Linda McMahon made millions peddling sex, violence, necrophilia, and abusive treatment of women to kids – all at the expense and safety of her own workers – and is now spending a fortune on attacks and lies to distract from her past,” said Nancy DiNardo, Chairwoman of the Connecticut Democratic Party.

“Despite the WWE’s best efforts to play cover-up, they can’t erase Linda McMahon’s past. Why would Linda McMahon’s WWE cronies be trying to body slam the truth? Because Republican candidate Linda McMahon is afraid of it. We’re going to make sure Connecticut families have the facts and know the truth about Linda McMahon’s record.”

– WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler was released from the hospital in Montreal and is home in Memphis. Michael Cole announced that there will be an exclusive interview with Lawler on next Monday’s Raw.

The official WWE website has released video of Lawler’s return home.

– Before Raw went on the air Monday, a match featuring Drew McIntyre versus Jinder Mahal was taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.

A match featuring Ted DiBiase vs. JTG also took place but it is unclear whether it will air on Superstars.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura appeared on tonight’s edition of Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN for an interview. The program replays at midnight and 3:00 a.m.

– WWE’s mobile service announced this evening that Jim Ross will fill in for Jerry Lawler at the announce booth tonight on Raw.

Their statement reads, “BREAKING NEWS: Tonight LIVE 8/7 CT on USA Network. Jim Ross returns to Raw announce booth while Jerry Lawler continues his recuperation.”

Raw will feature a three-man announce team since John “Bradshaw” Layfield will also call the action. Joey Styles tweeted, “THIS JUST IN: @JRsBBQ to join @JCLayfield and @MichaelCole on commentary tonight on @WWE #RAW. @JerryLawler headed back to Memphis!”

– Kelly Kelly is ranked No. 13 on Sports Illustrated’s “Top 15 Sports WAGs on Twitter” list. SI Says of the sexy, smart and powerful Diva, “WWE diva Kelly turned heads at SummerSlam last year when she smooched a mystery man at ringside. The mystery man turned out to be Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray, and the two have been an item ever since.”

– In an effort to raise cancer awareness, WWE has changed the link colors on their Twitter page to pink.

– According to an account backstage at tonight’s Raw show in Bridgeport, Connecticut, John Cena is walking around fine after rolling his ankle last night at Night of Champions. As of 4:00 p.m., he was scheduled to compete on the show.

– Before World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio squared off last night at Night of Champions, SmackDown General Manager Booker T reinstated the Brogue Kick, which aided The Celtic Warrior in retaining his title. According to F4WOnline.com, Sheamus is moving on to a new opponent on television as Big Show is scheduled to confront him tonight on Raw. This will lead to a match at Hell in a Cell on Oct. 28.

– Zack Ryder is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine. The Raw Superstar excitedly tweeted a photo of the issue.

– John “Bradshaw” Layfield addressed his appearance on Raw tonight at the announce booth via Twitter: “Yes back on @wwe raw with my burden, @MichaelCole ! Like Usain Bolt having to run with crutches being with Cole!”

(source: F4WOnline.com)

– In this week’s WWE Download webisode, Dolph Ziggler takes another jab at Randy Orton as he mocks The Viper performing an animated celebration after hitting the RKO. Ziggler also gives his take on the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.

http://youtu.be/V-5qSzFJxiTkk

– Saturday’s edition of A.M. Raw featured last Monday’s Raw match where WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler suffered a health scare. However, the entire time frame of the ordeal, and immediate aftermath, was cut out of the broadcast as the match jumped from moments before Lawler suffered the heart attack to the crowd settling down after having chanted his name.

– Spike TV will air the 2005 film Doom, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, on Friday night at 12:35 a.m.

– After reportedly being shunned by Beyoncé, Hollywood heavyweight Kim Kardashian has ‘wrestled’ up a new pal in former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler.

New York Daily News reports Sunday that Kim K. was spotted with the former Miss Hancock a number of times last week.

“They’ve known each other for years and have always been friendly, just not best friends,” said a source.

– As reported this morning, John Cena will debut new pink attire in recognition of breast cancer awareness at tonight’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event in Boston, Massachusetts. The Cenation leader addressed the charitable endeavor on Twitter this afternoon.

“2nite is a big nite as far as #WWENOC but it is also much bigger than that. Thank u S.G.K. For allowing me 2 be part of #riseabovecancer,” Cena wrote. “It is an honor to be partnered with the Susan G. Komen organization, a very proud day for all of @wwe Now time for #WWENOC.”

– Former WWE Diva Maryse Ouellet is currently on the lookout for her beloved dog Flake. The pet escaped from her babysitter’s home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles Saturday night while she was in Las Vegas, Nevada promoting her fashion line.

Enclosing a photo of the dog, she tweeted, “Please if you see my dog Flake in Hollywood area, call the number thats on him thank you.”

Don’t expect the likes of Alex Shelley, Velvet Sky, Devon, Angelina Love or even Hall of Famer Ric Flair to pop up in a WWE ring anytime soon. According to Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer, Vince McMahon’s company is steering clear of any and all recently affiliated TNA Wrestling talent while the two grappling organizations do battle in court.

On May 23, 2012, TNA Entertainment, LLC. filed a lawsuit in Nashville, Tennessee against World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Brian Wittenstein, a former office worker for both organizations. TNA accused WWE of obtaining secret contract information in an attempt to poach their talent in violation of Tennessee’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

Wittenstein, who worked for TNA Wrestling for three years, was terminated on August 3, 2011. At that time, he entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release, preventing him from disclosing certain confidential TNA information. TNA alleges that Wittenstein violated the agreement by downloading confidential TNA trade secrets and providing that information to WWE after joining the organization months later. Although WWE fired Wittenstein and alerted TNA officials as to the disclosure of the information, TNA claims WWE waited three weeks to notify them and has used the confidential information, including data regarding wrestler compensation, to recruit contracted TNA talent to work for WWE. Wittenstein’s contract with TNA had specifically ordered that he not share confidential information about the organization after his employment ceased.

Matt Morgan, who had teased joining WWE since concluding his contractual obligations to TNA in June, resurfaced at Saturday’s house show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dressed in street clothes, Morgan entered the ring through the crowd and laid out Robbie E. Meltzer wrote on the F4WOnline.com message board regarding Morgan’s apparently renewed partnership with TNA, “I guess that tells you about that TNA lawsuit now since they didn’t take Morgan.”

It has also been speculated that Alex Shelley and Ric Flair could wind up in WWE now that both individuals are free agents. Meltzer, however, reveals that the organization is not negotiating with either talent despite being legally able to.

“Nobody is talking about Shelley and they won’t even officially talk to Flair even though his non-compete is up,” he wrote.

Following the lawsuit filing, it was reported that TNA was looking to cut costs by restructuring talent contracts when they expired. This ploy appears to have led to the respective departures of Devon and Velvet Sky since both talents reportedly left the organization due to their financial terms not being reached on new deals.

– Though presently the bodyguard for TNA Wrestling star Robbie E, Rob Terry aspires to come into his own and become the star attraction of the Orlando-based promotion.

“My goal in the wrestling world is to become the Impact Wrestling world heavyweight champion and the face of Impact Wrestling,” he told BodyBuilding.com in an interviews. “I’d love to meet as many of my loyal supporters as I can. Impact Wrestling has some of the best fans in the world.”

He also revealed that his dream opponent is Hulk Hogan. Regarding “The Hulkster,” he states, “He has done so much in this industry and was one of the first wrestlers to inspire me.”

The 6-foot-5, 295 pounds grappler uses bodybuilding to hone his massive physique and competitive edge. He says of his overall philosophy on training, “My philosophy on training boils down to one thing and one thing only: intensity. Intensity is what I bring to the wrestling ring and to the weight room; it’s what takes me out of my comfort zone and pushes me to the next level. There are many training routines out there. People tend to jump from one program to another. I believe that no matter what program you’re using, if you apply intensity, believe in what you’re doing, and give 100%, you’re going to grow.”

Terry also reveals his workout routine, his biggest lifts, how he wound up in TNA Wrestling and more. The full interview is available here.

– Brooke Hogan, Executive in Charge of TNA Wrestling’s Knockouts division, is going for a new look. She tweeted the following photo of herself with black hair.

Speaking to ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com, Kurt Angle discussed his movie career, various stars of TNA Wrestling talents, wrestlers small in stature being involved in the heavyweight championship scene and whether he still aspires to compete in mixed martial arts. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Whether he’s still interested in competing in mixed martial arts: “The last time I talked was two and a half years ago with Dana White, I took the UFC physical. We just couldn’t come to terms on a starting time. I wanted it 3-6 months, Dana needed me in four and a half weeks and I understand he wanted me to be ready and he needed me at that point and it just wasn’t gonna work out.”

When asked whether White had an opponent in mind for Angle, he responded, “Well, they wanted me to be on Ultimate Fighter but I told them I wouldn’t do it for free. So he came up with a very nice deal, that being I would get paid very well for that, thank god, and a 6 fight deal. I didn’t want to go in there half prepared. I wanted to go in there full blown. I’m 43 now, I tried out for the Olympics or I was going to and I got injured five different times last year. So my body’s just not holding up the way I want it to so I don’t think it’s going to be a possibility.”

On being the go-to guy in assisting new talent in getting over: “I really enjoyed it, I took it as a compliment. At TNA they did the same thing. They’d bring in somebody like the Pope or Mr. Anderson or whoever else that was coming in that was coming from WWE or had somewhat of a name, the first program they’d do would be with me. I’ve always enjoyed that it’s a good challenge and Desmond Wolfe was another one that came from Ring of Honor. So I like that and I know that the company has faith in me. Both WWE did and TNA had the faith in me to make the guys look as good as I could.”

Whether Austin Aries is too small to be TNA World Heavyweight Champion: “No. I think Austin Aries as champion, I think he deserves it, he’s an awesome talent. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, unfortunately their tragedies really damaged the ability for smaller guys to step up and become champions. I don’t know why but I think they were just unfortunate. I don’t think it was because of their size, I think they were just terrible tragedies that happened with both those families and it’s gotten a little bit of a bad reputation now, the under 6 foot club and I don’t think it should be that way. I think any size is a good size.”

The full interview is available here.