– During an interview Gerweck.net last week, Rob Van Dam stated that a Knockout who recently departed TNA Wrestling would be returning to the organization.
When asked his thoughts on Velvet Sky, Angelina Love and Winter, he replied, “One of the names you mentioned is going to be coming back I believe. Or so I’ve been told.”
– Taryn Terrell, who appeared as Tiffany in WWE, made her TNA Wrestling debut Thursday on Impact Wrestling being introduced by the Vice President of the Knockouts Division, Brooke Hogan, as the special guest referee for the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship match between Madison Rayne and Miss Tessmacher. It will be Terrell’s role going forward as Brian Hebner and Brian Stiffler both noted on Twitter that she is the organization’s newest referee.
– The man seen on Impact Wrestling that will be featured on this week’s “Gut Check” segment is Nashville independent wrestler Lani Kealoha. He will be appearing as Kris Lewie.
– Road Dogg and Josh Mathews have more clips on “Are You Serious?,” including a clip of Heidenreich sharing a very personal poem with Michael Cole. Also featured are The Demon vs. Vampiro in a Graveyard Match and “Maniac” Mike Davis competing in the world’s first (and last) bungee jump match for the Global Wrestling Federation in 1992.
– According to F4WOnline.com, TNA Wrestling is expected to conclude AJ Styles’ storyline with Claire Lynch next week on Impact Wrestling with a paternity test segment. Lynch, who is portrayed by actress Julia Reilly, is believed to have parted ways with the promotion.
TMZ.com released a video Thursday of CM Punk backing WWE’s decision to terminate A.W.’s contract after he cracked a “rape joke” on the July 30, 2012 episode of Raw.
“He got fired. Yeah. He made a rape joke. I don’t think—I don’t like to see anyone lose their job, but if anyone is justified in getting fired, ya know, making fun of rape… I don’t think that’s funny,” Punk said outside Mr. Chows in Beverly Hills, California on Wednesday night.
A WWE spokesman claimed to TMZ.com last week that it wasn’t just the “rape joke” that cost A.W. his job, but rather “because he continued to exhibit poor judgment by making offensive and inappropriate comments on live television and on social media.”
A.W. responded to Punk’s remarks via Twitter, writing, “I see @CMPunk has become a bit vocal in saying I should have been fired for an (Alleged) rape joke. Well then why wasn’t Big Show fired?
“He wasn’t fired because he draws more money than I do. With @WWE it’s not about Morals… It’s about Money.”
A.W. then posted multiple messages alluding that Punk is racist, based on Punk’s cult-like savior character as the leader of the Straight Edge Society.
“This scene look familiar to anyone..?? Hey @CmPunk I know rape jokes aren’t cool but what are you suggesting here? pic.twitter.com/s1mSNFx8.”
“@WWE sure knows how to entertain its PG Universe. Charles Manson or the AntiChrist.. You decide! pic.twitter.com/9pcnnz1g.”
He also re-tweeted a message reading, “HAHA i could see punk being a strait-edge-KKK supporter when the cameras go off….”
A.W. then responded to his critics, “ALLOW ME TO SAY THIS TO YOU WANNA BE “HE PLAYED THE RACE CARD” HATERS!! ITS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE BUT AN OFFENSIVE TO SENSITIVE VIEWER ISSUE..”
– WWE pays tribute to “Macho Man” Randy Savage all September on WWE Classics On Demand with “Macho Madness.” The synopsis for the month of programming reads, according to WWE Magazine: “Relive unforgettable matches and moments featuring one of the most popular Superstars of all-time, “The Macho Man” Randy Savage. Plus, see the entire 2012 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, including behind-the-scenes footage. Don’t miss the pomp and circumstance all month long on WWE Classics On Demand.”
– According to WWEDVDNews.com, a Raw 1,000 DVD and Blu-ray is scheduled to be released in December. The title will include moments from the 1000th episode, if not the entire episode, in addition to highlights from the history of the program.
Also scheduled for release is Best PPV Matches of 2012 before the year concludes. This title will be released on DVD and Blu-ray. The 2012 edition of the Survivor Series will be released on Blu-ray after last year’s show was only released in the format in Europe.
– The August 17, 2012 edition of WWE Vintage Collection pays tribute to Canadian wrestlers with the following matches: Dino Bravo vs. Sam Houston (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – July 25, 1988), Lance Storm vs. Chavo Guerrero (WCW Monday Nitro – July 31, 2000), Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero (WCW Thunder – January 15, 1998), Edge vs. Christian (WWF Unforgiven – September 23, 2001), The Hart Foundation vs. The Rougeaus (WWF live event at Boston Garden – September 10, 1988). (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
Primary names being discussed for the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 6 at Madison Square Garden are individuals with connections to the New York City area.
* Mick Foley, who hails from New York and was inspired to become a professional wrestler after watching “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka leap from the top of a steel cage in Madison Square Garden
* Kevin Nash, who defeated Bob Backlund in eight seconds at Madison Square Garden to win the WWF Championship.
* Bob Backlund, who declined an invitation to be enshrined in 2004 and headlined numerous events at Madison Square Garden in the 1970s and 1980s.
WWE officials have also discussed enshrining the late Randy Savage, although it is unknown as to whether his family, the Poffos, have been approached on the matter.
Triple H has taken a much greater role in coordinating the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and WrestleMania than he has in the past for the events. It was his decision to reach out to Bruno Sammartino in June and he personally handled site surveying for MetLife Stadium.
– WWE has signed Mercedes KV (real name Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado), a 20-year-old New England-based women’s wrestler.
The official Facebook page of Chaotic Wrestling announced Friday evening, “JUST ANNOUNCED in LOWELL, MA – Mercedes KV will be leaving Chaotic Wrestling as Women’s Champion, to report to the WWE training facility, FCW/NXT in Florida. All of us at Chaotic Wrestling want to congratulate Mercedes and wish her luck!”
Mercedes participated in a talent evaluation clinic for WWE in June at Florida Championship Wrestling headquarters, prompting speculation that she could join the sports-entertainment organization. She has been wrestling for two years and is billed at 5 foot 5 inches and 114 pounds.
– Former WCW United States Champion and Chicago Bears defensive tackler Steve “Mongo” McMichael announced Thursday on the Waddle and Sylvie Show (ESPN 1000 Chicago) that he will be running for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois.
McMichael, who owns Mongo McMichael’s restaurant and sports bar in Romeoville, said he was encouraged to run by his customers, who are unhappy with various issues in the village including a lack of businesses and empty store fronts. The Four Horsemen alumnus plans to seek signatures in October to be on the mayoral ballot and expects to run against Mayor John Noak in the April election. (Article)
– According to SuperLuchas.net, former TNA Wrestling star Alex Shelley has signed a contract with WWE.
– WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, Alberto Del Rio, Mark Henry and James Durbin of “American Idol” fame and others brought the be a STAR Alliance’s anti-bullying message to 500 sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Los Angeles’ Markham Middle School on Friday morning.
McMahon encouraged those bullied, “Know that you are not alone. There are many WWE Superstars, many celebrities, a lot of successful people who have been victims of bullying. You can overcome it. You can stand up against it.
“Be a STAR is such an incredibly important message for me,” she explained. “I have three young girls, and teaching them about bullying, how to stand up against bullying and providing them with all the tools necessary to do just that is incredibly important to me.”
– “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero stated on Twitter that he will be sidelined for a few months.
Enclosing an image of a broken collarbone, Dinero tweeted, “Looks like Pope will be out of action for a couple months. Damn You Aces & Apes!!! ~PHS.”
– A video has surfaced online of TNA Wrestling personality Claire Lynch appearing in an infomercial last year for 360 Cookware, a Stainless Steel Cookware Set. After Lynch was identified online last week as Julia Reilly, an Orlando-based actress and model with a lengthy resume of commercial and acting appearances, she made a concerted effort to erase her Internet presence, including the contents of her official website and YouTube Channel. This video was briefly removed but is now back online with embedding and comments abilities disabled.
Lynch has not appeared on TNA Wrestling programming since her identity was revealed. She was, however, acknowledged on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling as AJ Styles said he must have been drugged to sleep with a “foot” like Claire. She was also referred to as a “lizard.”
– Past and present TNA Knockouts Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Winter, Rosita and Bonnie “Rain” Maxson are advertised to appear at Boston Super Megafest taking place November 17-18 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel 1657 Worcester Rd. Framingham, Massachusetts. Additional information is available here.
– WWE Superstars, Divas and celebrities spread the ‘be a STAR’ anti-bullying message during the SummerSlam VIP Kick-Off Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday. The party also celebrated a successful year of WWE and The Creative Coalition’s be a STAR Alliance; WWE has held more than 40 anti-bullying rallies, speaking to more than 25,000 children.
“I think for our Superstars to be able to go to kids today and say, ‘embrace those things that make you different, embrace those things that kids maybe pick on you for now, because those are the things that make you unique, they make you who you are and be proud of who you are,’” said WWE Chief Operating Officer and Superstar Triple H.
Through WWE and The Creative Coalition’s anti-bullying campaign, children are encouraged to “be a STAR: Show Tolerance And Respect.”
“If you are being bullied, there is a way out of it – go to an adult, go to a parent, go to a guardian, go to a teacher, go to somebody,” Triple H said. “Don’t let it just it just happen. Don’t just put up with it. Don’t think there’s no way to stop it. You can stop it. And if you know somebody who is being bullied, help them stop it.”
– HoyLosAngeles.com spoke to SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia, who recalled her unconventional route to WWE in 1999.
Garcia, who had not watched wrestling since she was a child and was an aspiring musician in the New York City area, was contacted by her agent to audition for a television role with WWE. It was successful and she was soon offered a one-year contract to become the ring announcer of Raw. Garcia, however, would only commit to a two to three month trial run at first. After falling in love with WWE, she signed a one-year contract and “here I am, (thirteen) years later,” Garcia says.
After ten consecutive years on the road, Garcia parted ways with WWE in September 2009. She explains, “I did not want to start a marriage with me traveling everywhere.”
It would appear that WWE has parted ways with developmental wrestler DT Porter as he is no longer listed on the roster page of FCWWrestling.info. He rarely appeared on Florida Championship Wrestling cards after joining the developmental promotion last year.
In May, Porter, whose real name is Brian McGhee, posted a message on Facebook crying for help due to alleged mistreatment from camp officials. He then claimed that his account was hacked. The “help” statement read:
“Guys, I don’t know how much longer I can handle this. Every day is a constant struggle to keep my sanity. I love wrestling and it’s all I ever wanted to do. Already going crazy since I’ve been for like ten months now, but it gets worse. Every day a trainer goes out of his way to rib or disrespect me in front of the boys because I’ve been out so long. I can’t clear myself. I wanna wrestle more than anything, but I don’t even know who I am anymore. It’s so fucking hard. I just feel it just building inside of me and I don’t know how much longer I can contain it. I have daydreams of just fucking everyone up on some real shit. I’m not a kid. I’m a fucking man. But what do you do when the people in charge of helping you get to the main roster are the ones making your life the hardest. I’ve been drinking almost every day. It’s to the point to where I keep Vodka and Gin in my trunk. Help me!”
He later deleted the Facebook message and claimed he was hacked.
– As reported earlier this week, the woman portraying Claire Lynch—purportedly pregnant with AJ Styles’ child—on Impact Wrestling is Julia Reilly, an Orlando, Florida-based actress and model. She is 36-years-old and has 15 years of acting experience. TNA Wrestling held an audition a few months ago for the role and she was chosen because she resides in Orlando, where Impact is taped, which saves them money on airfare.
Reilly also works at Universal Studios Orlando—where Impact is taped—as Olive Oyl by the theme park’s “Popeye” ride. It is something Reilly has tried to conceal—she did not list it in her resume, which she deleted last week after her identity was revealed online.
– TNA Wrestling producer Eric Bischoff congratulated former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon on her triumph in the Connecticut GOP Senate primary on Tuesday.
He wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to Linda McMahon on her nomination. Smart, strong, experienced. Ct. voters are fortunate to have a legitimate leader.”
Bischoff had also tweeted on last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, writing, “It was a solid show that reached its goal. Looking forward to producing a “big moment” ep soon. Pacing.”
– Mick Foley hits the stage of a Long Island comedy club in the latest edition of “Outside The Ring.” The Hardcore Legend talks about nearly quitting the endeavor after hitting some initial snags but he eventually found his niche.
– WWE.com has added “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock to its Alumni page. His ties to mixed martial arts and the UFC are acknowledged in his bio.
– Kelly Kelly, who has sporadically appeared for WWE in recent weeks, noted on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Los Angeles, California.
– After it was reported earlier today that Caylee Turner was not listed among WWE’s developmental talent on the relaunched FCWWrestling.info, but her profile remained online, the profile was removed. This would indicate that she has been released from the organization.
Turner, the younger sister of Alicia Fox, joined the promotion in June 2010 to begin her professional wrestling career. In February 2011, she was released from her WWE contract in order to participate in the filming of the rebooted Tough Enough series on the USA Network. After finishing in fourth place on the program, Turner, whose real name is Christina Crawford, re-signed with WWE. She regularly competed for the developmental promotion, which culminated with her capturing their Divas Championship on June 29, 2012. She has not lost the belt.
– Lena Yada, who appeared as a backstage correspondent for ECW on Syfy in 2008, attended Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown taping in Austin, Texas. She sat among the audience and then went backstage, where she tweeted a photo of herself with ring announcer Lilian Garcia.
– Former WWE Superstar John Morrison appears for Pro Wrestling Holland on March 2, 2013 at Dynamo in Eindhoven, Holland, according to the I.P.A. Network.
– WWE.com has announced that Kevin Rudolf will perform “Don’t Give Up,” SummerSlam 2012’s official theme song, live on pay-per-view this Sunday.
– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia talked exclusively to RedCarpetTips.com about her top red carpet and beauty tips. The WWE Diva says it takes a lot of work to look good.
“The first thing is the dress… then the day of, you know, just the curlers and the hair and the make-up,” Garcia says, also noting tanning. She says “It’s a process!”
– WWE.com has released a poll asking fans whether Shawn Michaels’ injury on Raw will affect Triple H’s chances of defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.
– Big Show is featured in a public service announcement promoting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s anti-drunk driving campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
– Donald Trump congratulated former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon on her triumph in the Connecticut GOP Senate primary on Tuesday.
The eccentric billionaire wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to Linda McMahon on her victory in the Connecticut Senate primary. She is an amazing woman–smart as you get!”
– Former WWE Superstar Edge is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. The WWE Hall of Famer is free to appear for any wrestling organization since he is no longer under contract to WWE.
With the relaunch of WWE’s official NXT website on Tuesday, FCWWrestling.info, the Divas roster page no longer lists former Tough Enough contestants Sofia Cortez and Caylee Turner—a general sign of a talent departure from developmental.
Cortez announced Saturday on Twitter that she was released from her WWE developmental contract.
Turner’s absence from the index could be a website error as unlike Cortez, her profile remains online.
Yahoo.com published a brief article noting that former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon won her GOP Senate primary on Tuesday night after spending almost ten times as much as her opponent and $61 million over the course of two campaigns to try to win the seat for U.S. Senator from Connecticut. When McMahon campaigned in 2010, she broke Connecticut state records for out-of-pocket spending by splurging $50 million of her own money—and still lost. This time around, McMahon spent over $11 million to defeat former Representative Christopher Shays by a three to one margin, who had spent approximately $1.2 million.
According to MyFoxNY.com, McMahon actually spent $15.7 million of her personal money on the campaign, which would bring the total thus far to approximately $66 million.
After the race was called Tuesday night, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee immediately attacked McMahon over her WWE past.
“Linda McMahon is a greedy CEO who made millions marketing sex and violence to little kids, all at the expense of the health and safety of her own employees,” said Executive Director Guy Cecil. “Everything about McMahon’s record, principles and agenda prove that she is wrong for Connecticut. There isn’t enough money in the world to convince Connecticut voters otherwise.”
Deadline.com has announced a partnership between Warner Bros. Home Video and WWE Studios to co-produce a Scooby-Doo animated feature that will find Scooby and the gang solving a mystery at WrestleMania.
WWE Superstars Triple H, John Cena, Kane, The Miz, Brodus Clay, Santino Marella, Sin Cara, AJ Lee and chief Vince McMahon are slated to appear in animated format and provide voiceovers for the film.
WWE.com summarizes the film’s plot: “When Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania, the entire gang travels in the Mystery Machine to WWE City to attend the epic event. However, when a mysterious ghostly bear appears and threatens to ruin the show, Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred work with WWE Superstars to solve the case.”
Warner Bros Home Entertainment will distribute the film via Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and digital download while WWE will use its considerable resources to promote the title, said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi.
Speaking to Steven Muehlhausen of The Fight Club Chicago at last week’s Chicago Comic Con, Kevin Nash addressed his controversial Grantland.com remarks stating that the professional wrestling industry died at WrestleMania XX when the pay-per-view event concluded with “Vanilla Midgets” Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero—small-statured, gifted technical wrestlers that lacked big in-ring personalities but were beloved by fans—reigning atop as world champions.
“(People getting mad) at something I said ten years ago, yeah okay. It’s great that it’s still relevant ten years later. I guess I’m not allowed to have an opinion,” Nash said, who had also claimed in the Grantland.com interview that his comments regarding wrestlers such as Benoit and Guerrero were “a double work.”
He stated in the Grantland.com interview that he has the same problem with today’s “Internet heroes,” CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.
“They are not bigger than life,” Nash told Grantland.com. “I bet they could both walk through airports and not be noticed unless they have a gimmick shirt on and the belt.”
Nash is now suggesting that his remarks concerning Punk and Bryan are “a work.” He tells Muehlhausen, “Because they are on TV and if I would want to have an angle with somebody, I think I would want to work with the top guys.”
Nash says Punk would fit in well with his proposed nWo relaunch.
“He has that nWo grit to him, he kinda runs by his own accord,” Nash said. “He’s very anti-establishment, and I personally like him. I like hanging out with him. So if I’m going to work with somebody, I’m going to work with someone that I enjoy hanging out with.”
Nash also discusses SummerSlam with Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar and notes a never before known fact about the night D-Generation X “invaded” WCW. The interview is available at www.sportstownchicago.com/kevinnash.
The woman portraying Claire Lynch—purportedly pregnant with AJ Styles’ child—on Impact Wrestling is Julia Reilly, an Orlando-based actress and model. After her identity was exposed last week by Live Audio Wrestling and across wrestling message boards, Reilly made a concerted effort to erase her Internet presence.
Her official website, JuliaReilly.net, had featured her lengthy resume of television commercial appearances, as well as photos and videos, but all content was removed following the outing. She also has a YouTube channel featuring her demo videos, such as herself selling RoboMops on the Home Shopping Network, hosting various cooking shows and appearing in a Subway commercial, but all have been made private. Her page on LinkedIn was also deleted.
Reilly’s description of herself on her official website had stated, “Julia’s true talent lies in her warm approachable personality and her ability to deliver technical jargon in a conversational manner.
“In a live enviroment, Julia is excellent at gathering a crowd and able to connect with customers to successfully deliver your company’s message.
“On camera, Julia is friendly, personable and believable.”
During a Q&A session with fans on Saturday at the Chicago Comic Con in Rosemont, Illinois, WWE Champion CM Punk implied that TNA Wrestling is a minor league wrestling company.
When asked who he would work with if it could be any single wrestler, Punk replied “Samoa Joe.” He was then asked which independent wrestler he would like to see in WWE. Punk again replied, “Samoa Joe.” When the fan noted that Samoa Joe works for TNA Wrestling, Punk remarked, “I know. You said indy, didn’t you?”
Kurt Angle, who competes for TNA Wrestling, was not pleased with Punk’s statements. He tweeted:
Punk wants to Say Tna Is An Indy League? I Was On top in Wwe when You Were trying to Get a Job Anywhere. It Was My Choice to go to Tna. …
At Monday’s Raw at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, WWE had arena personnel confiscate fans’ signs pertaining to former Superstar A.W., whose contract was terminated last Friday due to his continued use of offensive and inappropriate comments on live television and on social media following his crass remark on the July 30 episode of Raw.
A.W., whose real name is Brian Jossie, is not pleased with WWE’s actions Monday. He vented on Twitter, “Anyone that has had their sign taken from them in support of me should realize that the #WWE are the real bullies!!! #BeAFuckingStar.”
Jossie also took offense to JTG’s “burial” on Raw, which he says stems from the WWE Superstar’s “controversial remarks” on Twitter last week where he said his “locker room brothers” were being taken advantage of. Before JTG encountered Ryback for his match, Jossie predicted, “After JTG just ripped their ass on twitter he’s showcased but I’m fired for saying support Linda! Now watch them bury him…” Then after Ryback had soundly beaten JTG, Jossie lamented, “What else can I say… JTG just got did in for his disrespect to his masters.. #IAintOnThePlantation.”
Jossie had stated hours earlier, “I’m not a racist!! I’m a realist! The only race card that got played was the Senate “RACE” Card!. He also noted, “Vince didn’t want some no name Negro associated with his less than stellar half mummified ass wife! #Vote4ChrisMurphy.”
Jossie then challenged “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who hosted “Piper’s Pit” on Raw, to a verbal duel.
“I would love to be on Pipers Pit!! That muthafucka would be speechless! He ain’t neva met a guy like me….,” Jossie wrote. “AbeWashVsPipersPit! In my opinion Piper’s Pit wins. He was allowed to speak his mind! They would neva let me speak my mind #ILLUMINATED.” He continued. “I’d destroy that muthafucka!! #BigFanOfThePit #HeAintBettaThanMe..”
Finally, Jossie noted: “I will be addressing the wrestling universe soon..
“The #WWE is afraid of me…
“Vince you shook my hand and betrayed me within the same week…”
– After JTG pleaded his case to make some noise on Raw, his wish was granted by program General Manager AJ Lee as the quirky Diva placed him in a one-on-one match against Ryback. WWE broadcaster Michael Cole acknowledged JTG’s “controversial remarks” on Twitter last week where he cryptically stated that his “locker room brothers” were being taken advantage of—F4WOnline.com reports his source of contention stemmed from lower-tier wrestlers’ financial compensation for WrestleMania XXVIII.
Following the Cryme Tyme founder’s loss to Ryback, Cole stated, “I can’t wait until JTG tweets about this.”
– Zack Ryder mentioned on Twitter that he was not at Raw in Dallas, Texas, writing, “#NotAtRaw.” Rather, he drove to Austin, Texas, the site of Tuesday’s SmackDown taping.
– Raw viewers who check in to GetGlue.com will receive a free Trish Stratus Diva Summer Series sticker.
– Christian is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. He is currently not scheduled to compete this Sunday at SummerSlam.
– As fans lined up outside the American Airlines Center for Raw, a WWE crew member said Daniel Bryan would debut a new T-Shirt this Sunday at SummerSlam. He surveyed fans on four shirt designs and asked them to pick the one they like.
– Two matches were taped Monday night in Dallas, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty
* Alex Riley vs. Drew McIntyre
According to a fan account, Curtis debuted a new look in his match.
No dark match was held before the taping.
– Following her victory over Beth Phoenix and Eve on Raw, Kaitlyn posted a Tout of Layla gearing up the Texas native for her match against Eve on SmackDown. A position in SmackDown General Manager Booker T’s administration will be on the line when they fight.