Former one-legged WWE Superstar Zach Gowen recently published a column about TNA signing a one-legged wrestler in Chris Melendez. Below is an excerpt.

“The goal of any successful wrestler is to create a connection with his or her audience. That connection will motivate the audience to feel a certain way. If you feel strongly enough about the personality, you will buy in (i.e. tickets to the next show to see your most hated wrestler get his butt kicked or you might buy your favorite wrestler’s merchandise). People buy on emotion and justify by logic. This how the wrestling business works and operates. That connection between wrestler and audience is the spark that will light the wrestling business-model fuse, hopefully culminating in an explosion of millions of dollars of revenue. The most successful wrestlers in history have had the strongest connections and also (not by accident mind you), their characters on screen are very close to who they are as people.. A few examples that come to mind are Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, and Ric Flair.

The point of that preamble is this: with his backstory, his spirit, his will to succeed, and his love for professional wrestling, Chris Melendez has an opportunity connect with the wrestling audience (and beyond) just as much as any of the guys I mentioned above. There is no ceiling for him. There is no shelf life. I want to make that abundantly clear. There is no shelf life for someone who connects with an audience. I’m already invested in his story NOT because he has 1 leg but because of his story of bravery, patriotism, heart, and overcoming of odds. I’m rooting for him to succeed and I’m behind him 100%…..and this is without ever seeing him. THAT’S the foundation of a strong character.”

You can read the complete column by clicking here.

Wrestle-1 executive Jimmy Suzuki garnered heat from fans after comments he made recently about not having a TNA Knockouts match at the TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view in Japan. Suzuki later defended his comments on Twitter with the following tweets:

Sorry if anyone took wrong…I was event producer for NKPWA in Korea and always had girls in the show. Took some for Japan

— Jimmy Suzuki (?????? (@JimmySuzuki1) September 24, 2014

I used to be the booker for JWP and Neo Lady's and helped Hustle.I brought many ladies from USA and Mexico.

— Jimmy Suzuki (?????? (@JimmySuzuki1) September 25, 2014

TNA Knockout Gail Kim also took to Twitter to defend the Wrestle-1 executive.

@WWEDrico @ChrisRiddle @JakeVerterano @HAVOKTNA @JimmySuzuki1 you're wrong about jimmy! He loves women's wrestling and respects it

— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) September 24, 2014

@iNNCwrestling @JimmySuzuki1 I think they were misunderstood I've known jimmy a long time and he's always respected women's wrestling!

— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) September 24, 2014

– TNA President Dixie Carter recently congratulated Magnus and Mickie James on the birth of their son. She wrote the following on Twitter about the subject:

Congrats to @MagnusOfficial & @MickieJames on the birth of your son & future World Champ! Thrilled for you both!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) September 25, 2014

– Below is the video promo for next week’s TNA Impact Wrestling show, which features a TNA Knockouts Championship match between Havok and Gail Kim.

http://youtu.be/wY8wbMsfybY

– TNA Impact Wrestling tapings in Bethlehem, PA. on Sept. 16th drew approximately 350 fans. On Sept. 17th, 200 fans, on Sept. 18th 275 fans and on Sept. 19th 650 fans. It’s worth noting, however, that TNA heavily papered some of those tapings to make the arena look more full, particularly the Thursday night tapings.

– TNA is reportedly looking to return to the Manhattan Center in New York City in January. When a fan recently asked Dixie Carter on Twitter about the possibility of TNA returning to NYC, she replied with the following comment..

Stay tuned RT @theredstandard: The final #Impact from the Manhattan Ctr up next! Wish it isn't the last. More TNA shows in NYC please!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) September 25, 2014

TNA revealed the first couple of matches for this year’s Bound For Glory event, which takes place in Tokyo, Japan, on Twitter late Friday evening.

Below are the tweets confirming the first matches for their biggest event of the year.

#BreakingNews: #BoundForGlory match of @muto_keiji & @TajiriBuzzsaw vs @seiyasanada & @JamesStormBrand confirmed. More Monday!

— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 27, 2014

#BreakingNews: #BoundForGlory match of @SamoaJoe vs @OneWorldWarrior vs @kaz_hayashi for the X-Division Title confirmed. More Monday!

— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 27, 2014

Apparently many people within TNA are confident that the company will continue to operate after their Spike TV deal expires heading into 2015. The main issue right now is what kind of company they will be. Some are under the impression that they will become a bare-bones skeleton company, while others feel they will be a top-level indie style company such as Ring Of Honor. There are others, however, who feel TNA will continue running as they have been, budget-wise.

There is some talk that claims more permanent budget cuts will be brought on by TNA’s new deal, some that could really change TNA as we know it.

The fact that top-level talents such as Bully Ray and Samoa Joe were not offered any kind of significant deals is considered a strong sign that TNA is not willing to bank on the idea that next year with a new network is a guarantee.

Andrew Lee sent along the following …

The following are highlights of a new Sports Vibe UK interview with TNA Knockout Taryn Terrell:

On how she got started in the business: “In 2007, my friend who is a huge wrestling fan took me to a show. I was at a point in my life where I was done with university and at a dead end. I remember watching a match between Candice Michelle and Beth Phoenix. I figured that’s what I wanted to do. So I started researching and found out about the Diva Search. Although I didn’t win, I bothered the hell out of WWE for a job. Now it’s become my passion and my world.”

On who she looked up to early in her career: “At the time, Beth Phoenix was an incredible worker and there’s women like Trish Stratus who I aspired to be like. When I first started out, they were who I looked up to. There was also Natalya who is such an incredible wrestler and worked so hard with the girls. She taught me so much of what I know today. She’s somebody who I have so much respect for.”

On the differences between being a WWE Diva and a TNA Knockout: “I think at the end of the day, it’s a different company with a different schedule but we’re all after the same goal to become incredible female athletes and entertainers. Whether you’re here or there, we all want to get in the ring to do our best. There is a difference. It’s a total different company. There are girls who have obviously come over. I worked with Gail Kim in WWE and now we’re both in TNA.”

On TNA Bound For Glory in Japan: “Being able to take something like Bound For Glory to Japan is such a cool opportunity. Sometimes, we forget there aren’t just people in the United States watching us but also in Japan. We’re connecting with all those people, so to go over there to meet them and perform in person is a wonderful opportunity for them and for us.”

Check out the complete interview at SportsVibe.co.uk.

This week’s edition of TNA Impact Wrestling drew a 0.81 rating with 969,000 viewers.

This is down from the previous week’s “No Surrender” show, which did a 0.88 rating and 1.11 million viewers.

Wednesday’s Impact ranked #48 in overall viewers on cable and #18 in males 18-34.

This was the first time in 4 weeks that Impact drew less than a million viewers.

The reason TNA is letting Wrestle-1 handle a lot of the work for this year’s Bound For Glory show is said to be part of a money-saving deal that Jeff Jarrett put together when he was still with the company.

TNA will only have to cover the travel costs for their talent, as well as their pay for the event. Wrestle-1 will be handling the production and will air a television show in Japan with the idea that they are presenting the biggest TNA event of the year.

Wrestle-1 will then transmit the Bound For Glory tape to TNA headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, where Mike Tenay and Taz will do the voice-over work for the U.S. broadcast. The pay-per-view itself will air that night in its’ normal 8pm EST. time slot.

Regarding The Wolves being pulled from this year’s TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view, apparently both Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards were unaware that they were off of the event, even after it was first announced in Japan.

As noted earlier this week, the main reason The Wolves were taken off of the lineup was due to Richards’ injuries.

There is said to be a lot of confusion regarding the Bound For Glory lineup this year and as of Wednesday, the card was still not finalized internally.

Austin Aries won the “Gold Rush” tournament on Wednesday’s edition of TNA Impact Wrestling, earning himself a future title shot of his choice. Aries is scheduled to pick his title shot on next week’s show.

Also announced for Impact Wrestling next week is Havok vs. Gail Kim for the Knockouts Championship, The Wolves picking the stipulation for their final match against Team 3D and The Hardy Boys and Bobby Roode speaking out on his future in TNA.

As we reported earlier today, TNA President Dixie Carter reportedly held a meeting with TNA talent backstage at the Impact Wrestling television tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, informing them that the company will be announcing a new television deal that will see the company air a show on January 7th, which would be the first Wednesday after their deal with Spike TV expires.

According to television industry sources, TNA has likely not signed an official deal with anyone as of yet, however they are allegedly in “serious talks” to do so at this point. The belief is that TNA will actually sign an official deal and one that will see the company remain on television on Wednesday nights.

If everything goes as planned, TNA will be holding a live television taping from the Manhattan Center in New York City, New York on January 7th.

As far as which network TNA will move to once their deal with Spike TV expires, as noted in the past, WGN America and Velocity are two names that are being discussed, along with an additional option that is not an actual cable station.

In addition to those three options, the fourth is believed to be CMT. Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey of “Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment,” who has worked with TNA closely in the past, teased something with WGN on Wednesday via social media.

The following are highlights of a Ring Rust Radio interview with TNA performer Robbie E.

On the changes Impact has been through and if TNA stays on Spike TV: “I think change is a good thing. It keeps things fresh and exciting. The new night is a shock to some people. Our ratings are already where they normally were. Wrestling really hasn’t been on Wednesday nights before. I think it’s a new setting, it’s ours, and we own it. As far as whether we end up staying on Spike TV or going somewhere else it doesn’t really matter. Our fan base is going to follow and TNA is here to stay.”

On Bound for Glory being in Japan: “Change is good, something different is good. It is pretty rare and random for a wrestling P.P.V. to be held outside the U.S. especially somewhere like Japan. I think it builds excitement, it’s something different, and you don’t know what to expect. I’m excited to be a part of it; everyone is excited to be a part of it. I think it will be fun as a fan to watch. I think it will be a whole new cool experience with everyone involved.”

On he and Brooke starring in The Amazing Race: “When you think of me and when you think of Brooke, you think of two of the wildest and craziest people in wrestling. I think we are perfect for reality TV. We are the perfect two people to race around the world and do a whole bunch of crazy stuff. It is going to be a wild and exciting 12 weeks. You’re going to see Robbie E. do things you probably didn’t think he would ever be willing to do. Let’s just say I don’t like animals.”

Check out the complete interview at BlogTalkRadio.com.

Wrestle-1 announced that former TNA Tag-Team Champions The Wolves will not be competing at the TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view in Tokyo, Japan in October. The reason for The Wolves will not be able to work a match on the card is due to Davey Richards’ injuries.

Additionally, W-1’s Jimmy Suzuki has claimed that reports of Bobby Lashley competing at Bound For Glory are incorrect.

TNA and W-1 are also reportedly planning to finally announce some matches for this year’s Bound For Glory event later this week.

TNA President Dixie Carter reportedly addressed the entire TNA locker room during the Impact Wrestling television tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

According to those who were part of the meeting, Carter told the wrestlers that she believes that the company will have a new television home on January 7th and expressed happiness with Impact Wrestling airing on Wednesday nights.

The following is from TNA’s official preview for tonight’s Impact Wrestling broadcast:

Tonight, TNA Wrestling presents IMPACT on Spike TV. The show tonight presents 10 TNA superstars with the opportunity of a lifetime. However, only 1 superstar will be able to mine his way through The Manhattan Center in New York City leaving with a guaranteed Championship match. It’s appropriately called the “NYC Gold Rush.”

As the sun sets on our summer in NYC so too will the dreams of 9 TNA Wrestlers. As per Executive Director Kurt Angle, tonight there will be 5 qualifying encounters, pitting 10 of TNA’s best in one on one competition. The winners advance to a chaotic, frantic & One Fall to a Finish finale that will surely be brutal.

Why would these men put themselves in such a violent affair? For the prize! The winner earns a guaranteed Championship Opportunity, at anytime, for ANY Championship he sees fit for the taking.

Why wouldn’t the winner simply choose the World Title? Well, would you want to face The Destroyer, Lashley? Would a “Bro” pick any title other than a Tag Team Title? What if a beaten down Samoa Joe was simply too weak to defend The X Title?

– The CBS reality show “The Amazing Race,” which features TNA stars Robbie E. and Brooke Tessmacher premieres this coming Friday night.

– TNA performer Matt Hardy celebrates his 40th birthday today. Hardy was born on September 23, 1974.

– The official Twitter account of TNA tweeted the following today to promote the NYC Gold Rush tournament on this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling.

Don’t miss #IMPACTonSPIKE this Wednesday! The winner of the NYC Gold Rush gets a shot at any #TNA title! http://t.co/q6NXYpHqSO

— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 23, 2014

According to multiple sources, there was a lot of talk backstage at the Impact Wrestling television tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania last week that Austin Aries could be parting ways with TNA due to his contract expiring.

While we don’t know when Aries’ TNA contract officially expires, it is worth noting that during the summer when Aries was not being advertised for the 2015 TNA U.K. tour, many considered this a sign that his deal with the promotion would be up before the end of this year.

Following last week’s TNA television tapings, Aries tweeted the following, adding to the speculation that he may be departing the company in the near future:

Much love to my entire @IMPACTWRESTLING family. We all busted our ass and put our bodies on the line with passion and pride. Thank you.

— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) September 20, 2014

The following are highlights of a new v2 Wrestling podcast interview with TNA star Bram:

His time with TNA so far: “This is a great company to work for. It’s very much up my alley. It’s similar to the stuff I used to watch as a kid, so to be here and be with the talent that I’m around, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

The name Bram: “TNA came up with that. They were searching for a British name that was unique. And I think they searched where I came from and somehow Bram popped up and then that was that. It’s good because it only has four letters in it so it’s easy to spell! I think also Bram Stoker too because I have a dark side so maybe that had something to do with it too. I don’t think it’s a generic name. I’m good with it now. When people yell Bram, I know that’s me.”

His friendship with Magnus: “And that’s real too – that’s a shoot, that one. We used to wrestle on the UK scene and we would bump into each other and that’s when we became best buds. So being with him here now, after all that we have gone through, for me is absolutely fantastic. To come here and beat everyone up with my best mate, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

TNA’s backstage atmosphere: “This locker room is one of the best that I have been part of. Everyone busts their ass, the boys are great, the office is great, all the bosses are fantastic, they all keep us in the loop, everyone wants best for us from top to bottom so the morale is always, from what I’ve seen, always spectacular. We all go out there and bust our asses, we put on the best show that we can, regardless of what’s floating around. It’s a great vibe – it really is.”

Working for WWE NXT vs. TNA: “There is a lot more freedom [in TNA]. If I have an opinion, I feel that I can voice it slightly better. It’s all generally the same. It’s a tough question, but being in developmental, because in their eyes you are still not 100% ready, there’s more schooling on it and more micro management.”

Check out the complete interview at TNAAsylum.com.

TNA issued the following today …

TNA and SONY SIX Announces the Signing of their first Indian Wrestler: Mahabali Shera

Chandigarh, 22nd September 2014: Marking a historic moment in the world of wrestling entertainment, TNA and SONY SIX together announced the signing of the first ever Indian wrestler Mahabali Shera into the global roster of TNA Wrestling.

Catering to the sustained demand and popularity of the sport, the announcement marks a significant investment by SONY SIX and TNA to the growth of wrestling entertainment viewership across the Indian market.

This momentous announcement comes after a yearlong search for an Indian wrestler which begun with Hall of Fame star Kurt Angle’s visit to India in 2013. The TNA superstar selected and mentored Mahabali Shera, welcoming him into the elite faction of the TNA global talent roster.

Under his guidance, the 24-year-old, Mahabali will feature across TNA’s programming line-up of TNA Impact Wrestling (Monday nights) in a bid to grow the popularity of wrestling in India through local connect.

Viewing the market potential, SONY SIX and TNA, through this announcement, state their collaborated vision of exponentially growing and reaching out to a broader fans base for TNA in India.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, Sony SIX commented, “We are thrilled to partner with TNA in creating this iconic moment with the unveiling of the first ever Indian wrestler for TNA. India is home to some of the most passionate wrestling fans and through our consistent offering, high quality content and market reach we will make Mahabali Shera a household hero and fuel growth and popularity for TNA.”

On the launch announcement of Mahabali Shera into TNA roster, TNA President Dixie Carter said, “Signing Mahabali to our roster as the first Indian wrestler is a testament to TNA’s commitment to our Indian viewers and our continued focus on international brand expansion. With his in-ring talent and incredible story of achieving his dreams, we are confident viewers will quickly connect with Mahabali as he represents the people and nation of India throughout the world.”

Speaking on Mahabali Shera joining TNA, Kurt Angle said, “It’s great to be back in India where TNA Wrestling is enjoyed by millions. This visit makes it even more special as I introduce Mahabali Shera as the newest TNA Superstar. Mahabali Shera is a great athlete who has showcased tremendous potential and skill, which strengthens my belief that he has what it takes to become a champion.”

Being signed on by TNA, Mahabali Shera said, “TNA is one of the biggest wrestling entertainment organizations in the world and I am deeply thankful and thrilled to be a part of it. With the organization featuring some of the best wrestlers in their talent roster, it is a great opportunity as well as honour for me. I hope my inclusion in the TNA storyline will be a catalyst for audiences in India to connect with TNA and enjoy the sport exclusively on SONY SIX.”

TNA schedule on Sony SIX:

Monday
TNA Impact Wrestling
9.00pm – 11.00pm

Tuesday
TNA Greatest Matches
9.00pm – 11.00pm

Wednesday
TNA Xplosion
9.00pm – 10.00pm

TNA Greatest Matches
10.00pm – 11.00pm

On Sunday night, longtime “Wack Packer” of the Howard Stern Show and mega-wrestling fan Eric Lynch, who was better known to Stern fans as “Eric The Actor” or “Eric The Midget,” and who had worked with TNA on various projects, passed away due to hearth complications.

Following the news of his passing, several TNA stars tweeted their condolences to his family and honored him via Twitter. Below are some of the tweets.

Sad to hear about the passing of Eric the Actor…I am happy to be able to have shared some entertaining moments with him. @HowardStern

— Bobby Roode (@REALBobbyRoode) September 21, 2014

Sad to hear about the passing of Eric the Actor…I am happy to be able to have shared some entertaining moments with him. @HowardStern

— Bobby Roode (@REALBobbyRoode) September 21, 2014

He was small but lived large. Sad you have left us @EricTheActor. Will miss you. @HowardStern @sternshow pic.twitter.com/UJuemIM2ZN

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) September 22, 2014

RIP Eric the Actor. A great friend to TNA and @IMPACTWRESTLING Truly one of a kind. Some awesome moments together. RIPEricTheActor

— Abyss (@TherealAbyss) September 21, 2014

Echoing the sentiments of my @IMPACTWRESTLING friends about Eric The Actor. One of a kind and a great fan of our business. #RIPEricTheActor

— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) September 21, 2014

Following the WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view on Sunday night, the official TNA Impact Wrestling Twitter account posted the following tweet, taking a jab at WWE via social media:

While we like the #iPhone6, @SamsungMobileUS is also great. Angry with #WWENOC? You have options too. #ImpactOnSpike Wednesdays at 9/8c

— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 22, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: Undertaker In VERY BAD Condition, Celeb Says “Keep Him In Your Prayers”

As noted earlier, Low Ki was crowned the new TNA X-Division Champion at last night’s Impact Wrestling tapings from Bethlehem, PA.

*Spoilers* 4 Weeks Of Impact Wrestling Tapings Results

According to a source in TNA, the reason Samoa Joe dropped the title to low key is because he was injured at the first batch of tapings on Tuesday night. Joe attempted to work through the injury, but he further aggravated the situation and it was soon clear that he would need time off.

At this time, there’s no word on the nature of the injury nor how long Joe will be out of action.

The following are results of the TNA Impact Wrestling television taping from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Friday, September 19, 2014. Results are courtesy of F4WOnline.com.

Again, lots of stuff taped out of order as most was taped for 11/12 and 11/19. The Full Metal Mayhem match was taped for several weeks earlier.

Wolves over Hardys over 3-D opened the show in the Full Metal Mayhem match. Apparently, another super match although if you were at the tapings yesterday with the Hardys in a tag title tournament and 3-D no longer teaming, you knew who would win.

It was announced Samoa Joe has vacated the X title because he’s not cleared to wrestle.

Tyrus (Brodus Clay) b Eric Young

Gunner b Samuel Shaw no DQ. Brittany tried to help Shaw but it backfired.

Austin Aries b Bobby Lashley via DQ. Story is Lashley is going crazy no longer being champion and killing people.

Taryn Terrell beat Havok and Gail Kim in a three-way to win the Knockouts title

James Storm, Manik and Great Sanada ask the Wolves to join their group. Richards turned Storm down. This turned into a brawl. Storm then cashed in his Feast Or fired tag title match from December that nobody remembered. Storm brought out his mystery surprise as Abyss.

Abyss & Storm b Edwards & Richards to win the tag titles

Chris Melendez b Kenny King via DQ when MVP interfered. Ken Anderson made the save.

Bobby Roode did an interview. Apparently at some point, Lashley destroys his friend Eric Young. Roode wants a fight with Lashley right now. They ended up brawling. They are going to have a title match some time soon.

Low Ki over Tigre Uno, Manik and DJ Zema Ion to win the vacant X title with a Ki Krusher off the top rope on Uno.

MVP attacked Kurt Angle backstage.

Ethan Carter III & Tyrus did an interview.

Bram b Tommy Dreamer in a hardcore match. Dreamer used a replica WWE U.S. title match as a weapon. Magnus interfered to lead to the win and Al Snow made the save.

Kurt Angle did an interview about MVP attacking him. MVP came out and Angle attacked him. Kenny King came in. MVP laid out Angle with a kick to the head. Ken Anderson tried to save but Lashley speared him. Bobby Roode laid out King. Roode cleaned house on Lashley while MVP escaped.

• WANDERLEI SILVA RETIRES And Completely TRASHES UFC In New Video! [WATCH HERE >>]

The following are highlights of a new interview with Matt Hardy:

You’re back in TNA and working a programme with Team 3D (The Dudley Boyz). What’s it like being with them again?

Its good fun! It’s like a time warp. It’s so strange. We’ve been separated and we haven’t been in the ring with those guys for about 12 years. You know as soon as we start working with them, we start having memories of old matches we had in Peoria Illinois – random cities across the world, it’s a great dose of nostalgia. I think it’s cool because we’re all at a point where we can still go pretty strong in the ring and have a great match and not disappoint the people. We don’t just get dressed up and come out as the Dudleys and the Hardy boys and play around for a couple of minutes, we can actually get out there and do an older version of ourselves and still kick ass and that’s pretty cool.

You are back to being a tag-team with Jeff after a successful career as a singles wrestler. What’s the allure of tagging again?

Every time now – especially as we get older – that I team with Jeff, it’s truly magical. We grew up as legitimate blood brothers and it’s a magical moment because our whole dream was to one day be the tag-team champions of the world and we did that multiple times. So anytime someone asks me, even if I’m embarking on the greatest singles run of my career and no-one can touch me, I would always go and work with Jeff. For me that’s as good as it gets because that’s what we always wanted to do when we were children. Few people get to live that dream and so, well anytime I can go back and team with Jeff, I’m certainly up for it and gonna love it.

What does the future hold TNA and Spike TV?

I’m really not sure. You know things came out and Spike have extended TNA and they’ll try and work it out but a part of me believes that similar to a relationship that comes through a turbulent period, it’s time to move on and look somewhere else. If the right scenario is found and they have a good TV partner, it could turn everything around for TNA. You have to wait and see and timing is everything, so we’re on Impact wrestling on Spike through the end of the year and we’ve got a few months until then and it’s going to be really interesting to see how things unfold. I think things are going to be fine here at Impact wrestling – and I don’t even have to say that because I’m not someone that’s under contract or a strict employee of the company. There’s so much speculation and conjuncture online but I think things are going to be absolutely fine here.

What does this sort of speculation do to wrestlers working for the company?

I’m at that point where I’m basically a brand in myself. At the end of the day I know that Matt Hardy is going to be OK and I know that appearing on Impact wrestling is only going to make me stronger. So I don’t need to think twice about it. For other guys it can be difficult. Younger guys, newer guys that aren’t really sure where their futures going to be, they have bills to pay they have families to feed. Speculation is also highly, exponentially accelerated by online reports now and that’s just the state of the game. Every internet journalist is going to print a story and put up what they think is a “scoop” and put their spin on it. No-one knows the true story except the people in TNA that are dealing with the TV people and that’s it!

We’ve heard some pretty great rib stories from TNA wrestlers, so give us your best one..

Oh man! There’s so many of them, even going back to the day when we were first learning about the art of the rib. Well, I first learned from probably the most famous ribber – that was Owen Hart. Even when we were first starting on TV as part time workers, Owen was always constantly up to different jokes. Probably the greatest rib I’ve ever been involved in happened at a pay-per-view event where Owen used me as one of the guys to stand guard and make sure that Vince McMahon and the office guys didn’t leave the building. He told them not to leave a specific room they were in because he told them that there was some emergency across the building. In the meantime, he rushed all of the hoardings that they bought for the set into Vince’s office and they crashed and ruined it which was pretty hilarious and also pretty gutsy on Owens part to rib the boss like that.

Check out the complete interview at HuffingtonPost.co.uk.