TNA star Kurt Angle was Jim Ross’ guest on this week’s Ross Report podcast on PodcastOne.com. During the interview, Angle revealed that he was recently offered a new contract from TNA but has not signed it. Angle said his current TNA deal expires on September 21st and was very clear that the next contract he signs will likely be his final run as an active wrestler. After his recent knee surgery, Angle said that he’ll be able to wrestle again by October, but Jim Ross urged him to be cautious and not return before he’s fully healed.

Angle, who has been clean and sober for a year, acknowledged that he’s not physically able to compete at the level he used to. Especially without the aid of pain medication, he’s feeling a lot of aches and pains from his long in-ring career. Jim Ross said Angle will probably never be 100% again and asked Angle if it’s realistic for him to get back to 80%. JR said Kurt Angle at 80% is still superior to most of the wrestlers on the WWE roster today and the overall tone of the conversation was that Angle is planning to retire in WWE.

Do you want to see Kurt Angle finish up his career in WWE? Comment below and tell us what you think – and who he could wrestle at WrestleMania 31 if he does return.

Speaking of Kurt Angle, he also addressed a rumor circulating online (not here) that he was recently on a plane with several WWE writers and was “passed out” during the flight. The rumor stated that photos were taken of Angle while he was sleeping and the photos were circulated backstage at last week’s SmackDown tapings. Angle responded to the report on Facebook:

“I’m excited to say I’m coming up on My 1 year anniversary of being clean and sober. Im Very Humbled. GOD has truly Blessed Me. It’s been a difficult but exciting road to living alcohol/drug free. Then some heartless individuals want to create rumors of Me “passed out” on a plane. Wow! I guess You can’t take a nap on a plane when Youre a recovering addict. But it only makes Me want to stay clean even more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling, the final show before the 6-sided ring returns next week, when the first round of tapings from New York City begin airing.

– A confrontation between Bully Ray and Dixie Carter’s new henchman, Rhino.

– 20-man Battle Royal to determine the #1 Contender to Lashley’s TNA World Heavyweight title

– Tag Team Champions The Wolves vs. Magnus & Bram.

– X Division Champion Sanada vs. Austin Aries.

– Knockouts Champion Gail Kim vs. Angelina Love vs. Brittany vs. Madison Rayne in a four-way match.

Former WWE, WCW and ECW star Lance Storm recently posted a blog at StormWrestling.com about TNA’s decision to bring back the 6-sided ring. Storm spoke at length about why the 6-sided ring is going to result in worse matches, more injuries and an inferior television product.

“The first and obvious fact is that the 6 sided ring is stiffer. Now granted I’ve never worked in a 6 Sided ring but I’ve spoke to many who have and they say unanimously that when they switched from the hexagon to the square ring the ring was significantly softer. Creating a 6 sided ring is more mechanically challenging and constructing a floor that gives well is much easily accomplished with only 4 sides. A stiffer ring means 1 of 2 things are going to happen, the boys will either have to tone down their style taking either fewer or less dramatic bumps, or they are going to have to put up with increased damage to their bodies which will eventually lead to more injuries and potentially increased dependency on pain killers. Neither of these options are a good thing and this alone illustrates how this particular decision should not be made by people in the company who don’t have to work in it.”

He added that the 6-sided ring does not look as good on television.

“Another factor that no one seems to be aware of is that the 6 Sided ring doesn’t shoot as well for television, and TNA Impact Wrestling is becoming more and more a Television wrestling company. Why doesn’t is shoot well for TV you ask? Well it’s quite obvious if you sit down and think about it a little. When you set the ring up for TV you need to have a clear view from the Hard Camera (the stationary camera used for most if not all distance shoots). To get the best view you have to put a flat side of the ring facing the hard camera. In a square ring you then have flat sides along the right and left side of your TV screen. This allows the majority of your running spots etc. to run side to side on your screen, which is the best angle to shoot most spots.”

The Thursday, July 3rd edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV scored a final cable rating of 1.02, up from last week’s 0.9 final draw, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Thursday’s edition of Impact Wrestling averaged 1.325 million viewers, which was also up compared to last week’s average of 1.136 million viewers.

– Wrestle-1 announced in Japan earlier today the signing of Seiya Sanada to a joint contract with both TNA and W-1. Sanada was expected to sign a joint deal with both promotions, as we reported recently, and the deal was made official today.

– Former TNA star Cody Deaner has released a new CD with his band, “The Deaner Dynasty Band.” The official description for the project reads as follows:

“Only know Cody Deaner the WRESTLER? Well … get to know Cody Deaner the ROCKSTAR too! This is a Rock ‘n Roll album from start to finish. The CD features 9 tracks of melodic acoustic guitar, some heavy electric guitar choruses, and solid bad-ass drumming (provided by Cody himself) making this a must-have album for any Cody Deaner fan … or any Rock n’ Roll fan for that matter! The CD comes with a glossy cover and glossy liner notes with band member info, recording info and a never-released photo of Cody. The CD itself comes with a personal message and autograph from Cody himself.”

For more information, visit CodyDeaner.com.

Plans for this year’s TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view, which is scheduled to take place in Japan, is for the card to feature a mixture of TNA and Wrestle-1 stars.

While the card has yet to be decided, Wrestle-1 wants their top four guys on the show. There’s a good chance that a considerable amount more of W-1 stars could wind up on the show.

The idea right now is for the lineup to feature both matches based off of television story lines in TNA, as well as TNA vs. Wrestle-1 interpromotional matches.

It’s worth noting that the wins will likely be split between TNA and Wrestle-1 guys pretty evenly, as neither company is looking to bury the other.

Former TNA X-Division Champion Petey Williams announced his retirement this weekend in Detroit. Prior to his final match, which was against Chris Sabin, Williams tweeted the following:

This Saturday at @XICWDetroit its my last wrestling match. Stop by if you are in the area.

— Petey Williams (@iPeteyWilliams) July 4, 2014

After the match, Williams thanked all of his fans for their support throughout his career.

Thank you to everybody who was ever a part of my pro wrestling journey. #CanadianDestroyer

— Petey Williams (@iPeteyWilliams) July 6, 2014

The following are highlights of a new Miami Herald interview with Abyss:

On taping the event in Japan and returning for Bound For Glory: “It was a huge honor. It is a huge honor. We are going back for Bound For Glory, which I think is incredible to do our biggest pay-per-view internationally in Japan. For me personally, to go there is a huge honor. The Japanese culture of wrestling is storied. It’s got unbelievable tradition, and it’s an amazing thing to be a part of and to see and to see the different presentations of the sport around the world is something that always impresses me. I love learning. The Japanese fan base is incredible. Wrestling in Japan is a big deal. It’s a big thing. To be there with legends like the Great Muta and to be able to show the TNA banner there and show off our style of Impact Wrestling and share it with Wrestle-1 and the great fans of Japan is pretty exciting.”

On the Abyss and Joseph Park characters: “The character has been so many places. He has done so much. He has had so much done to him. I just would like to keep striving forward. The character has had so much longevity. It has been around for a long, long time in this company. That’s rare in wrestling to begin with, so I’m proud of that. I wouldn’t mind seeing the character open up and show the intelligence of the monster a little bit more. That’s something that you may see down the road. I just want to keep plugging away and doing what Abyss does and giving the people a product that people can walk away from and say, ‘Wow that was special.’”

On advice he gives to TNA’s younger talents: “I always tell them to remember who you are and don’t ever change. These guys the Ethan Carter’s, the Bram’s, the Jessie Godderz, the Robbie E’s, Davey [Richards] and Eddie [Edwards] of the Wolves and Rockstar Spud. These guys have an unbelievable work ethic. They are so humble. I remember that is how I was. I remember that advice I got in this business when I was first in TNA with the Dutch Mantell’s and the Terry Taylor’s of the world and Jeff Jarrett. That’s the one thing I remember. Remember who you are and don’t ever change who you are. Don’t sacrifice your attitude or your work ethic. That’s what I tell them, but these guys are already on that page. I just give them the friendly reminder. When you’re working with talent like that it’s such an incredible feeling to see them succeed.”

Check out the complete interview at MiamiHerald.com.

Jeff Jarrett’s new Global Force Wrestling promotion reportedly had plans to use the six-sided ring, an idea that makes sense as it was Jarrett’s idea to use the same ring while he was in TNA. Some within TNA feel that one of the reasons they decided to bring back the six-sided ring was to “beat Jarrett to the punch.”

As far as GFW is concerned, the company is reportedly “in the middle of negotiations” for a television deal, but no specifics are known at this point.

Speaking of GFW, one source close to the company claims that the rumors that Toby Keith is no longer financially involved with the promotion are untrue.

Former TNA Writer Vince Russo recently wrote a column at his site PyroAndBallywho.com speaking on the removal and return of the six sided ring, TNA’s recent tapings outside of the impact zone and more.

TNA Possibly leaving Spike:

“I am fairly confident that after nearly a 9 year run on Spike where they’ve been the networks biggest draw, they will either re-sign with the network, or, hop aboard with a new partner who can see the potential if the proper monies and resources were committed to the product.”

6-sided ring:

“The concept from the get-go involving the 6-sides was that it would have separated TNA from WWE early on. That was one of the first conversations that Jeff Jarrett and myself had. If a viewer at home is flipping through the channels on a Thursday night and stumble upon a “new” wrestling show sporting a ring to the likes that they had never seen before, they just may stop and “check it out”. And, that’s all we were looking for in those early days of TNA—for people to just give us a look-see. When Eric came into TNA, the first thing he wanted was for the ring to go away—so the ring went away. I’m not too sure if anybody else who was there at the inception of TNA—agreed with his order, but nonetheless, it was here today and gone tomorrow. . And yes, there was no discussion—it was an order.”

TNA Taping Outside Of Orlando:

Over the next 10 weeks, you are going to see some rabid—not only wrestling, but also TNA fans—on your television screen. Yes—things really DO matter when you have a paying customer who cares. My insiders are telling me that the NYC shows were INCREDIBLE—OFF THE CHAIN. If they’re as good as people are saying, this is going to give TNA a wave of momentum that they’ve never gotten before in the history of their business.

As previously reported, TNA is hyping up a “major announcement” that will be revealed in London later this month. It has since been confirmed that the announcement is related to a new TNA television series that will air in the British market.

As noted, TNA wrote the Dixie Carter character off of television with the big table bump at the Impact Wrestling taping in New York City. The same angle was also designed to be Tommy Dreamer’s exit from the current TNA story lines.

It is believed that Dreamer will remain working with the company in an agent role, however the NYC taping was said to be his last television appearance for the time being.

The following announcement comes from the official TNA website, ImpactWrestling.com:

Kurt Angle Makes Decision on TNA World TV Title

Kurt Angle was named as the Executive Director of TNA Wrestling this past week on Impact Live by the TNA Board of Directors and he’s already making changes. Effective today – the TNA World TV Title is now inactive.

What does this mean? We reached out to Kurt Angle for a comment.

Kurt – “The TV Title was left dormant by the Dixie Carter and MVP administrations for over a year. Taking over as Executive Director has required me to fix issues they left behind. Championships are the reward of competition inside the ring between wrestlers striving to be the best. As of now, the TV Title is inactive. I’m looking for our roster to step up their level of competition and wrestle on a higher level for the World Heavyweight, X-Division, Knockout and World Tag Team Championships.”

Every summer, the value of X-Division Championship is raised as that champion is given the choice of cashing in that title for a shot at the World Title at Destination X (July 31st on Spike TV). Kurt’s focus on championship competition starts with this Thursday at 9/8c on Spike TV with Kurt Angle’s Red, White and Blue Throwdown. Angelina Love will defend the Knockouts Title against Gail Kim. The Wolves will defend their World Tag Team Titles and World Heavyweight Champion Lashley will defend against former Champion Eric Young.

The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

– On Thursday night, IMPACT celebrates Independence Day early with Kurt Angle’s first broadcast as the Executive Director of Impact Wrestling! The new Boss has promised a special “Red, White and Blue Throwdown” on Thursday, and he has announced some MAJOR bouts that will take place this Thursday!

– Already announced by Angle is former TNA World Champion Eric Young getting his one on one rematch for the TNA Title against Lashley. Will EY be able to shock the world once again and become a 2 Time World Champion in the process?

– In another HUGE matchup, Bully Ray will battle EC3 in a Tables Match! Can Bully get his revenge on Dixie Carter’s nephew and finally put him through a table AND end his winning streak?

– The Knockouts Championship will also be on the line on Thursday as titleholder Angelina Love of The Beautiful People defends against her longtime nemesis Gail Kim!

– PLUS, after MVP was removed from power, Bobby Roode is officially back on the active roster! Is it time for Roode to begin his climb back to World Title contention?

The following are highlights of a new Undisputed Wrestling Show interview with legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette:

On TNA Director of Creative Writing David Lagana: “It’s like they are on f—ing acid. I know Dave Lagana, I like Dave Lagana, would never let him close to the f—ing book. He doesn’t know how to book wrestling because the only experience he had was booking ‘sports entertainment.'”

On TNA Vice President of Television Production and Director of Talent Relations John Gaburick: “The f—ing goof they hired to be the head of their creative, the Big John character (Gaburick), was an out of work friend of Kevin Dunn’s who gave a pity job to to produce Tough Enough. He’s never booked a f—ing fart after a dinner at Taco Bell.”

On TNA Creative Writer Matt Conway: “Matt Conway is the guy who Dixie (Carter) put on the creative team when it was Jeff (Jarrett) and Dutch (Mantel) and (Vince) Russo, I’m sorry I threw up a little in my mouth, because they weren’t telling her what was going on. So she took some stooge who worked in the office, he’s a fine kid, but he don’t know shit from apple butter about how to f—ing book wrestling. She put him on the creative team so he could stooge to her about what they were talking about behind her back.”

On TNA Ring Announcer and member of creative team Christy Hemme: “I can’t say this without laughing out loud! They just put Christy Hemme on the f—ing booking team! What the f—, she couldn’t book Lassie at a pet shop! She’s a nice girl, but what the f—!”

On the state of wrestling today: “If I stop to dwell on the state of wrestling today, it was literally making me an insane person. That is why I just ignore it for the most part. If you care about the business and if you want to see the business succeed, the things that people do that are the people who are in charge will drive you insane.”

Check out the complete interview at AngryMarks.com.

TNA President Dixie Carter, the most prominent character on Impact Wrestling over the past several months, is being written off television.

This is the latest significant change to TNA’s television product, along with the 6-sided ring returning at the Manhattan Center tapings.

At last week’s Impact tapings from New York City (airing in July & August), Dixie Carter was powerbombed through a table by Bully Ray.

Dixie was injured during the spot, reportedly fracturing two small bones in her back. Despite how it sounds, it’s being described as a “minor” injury.

Video: Bully Ray Powerbombs Dixie Carter Through A Table

(Source: PWInsider.com)

The following is from ImpactWrestling.com:

TNA Wrestling To Make Major Announcement at London Film & Comic Con (LFCC)

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will make a major announcement for British and Irish fans at the London Film & Comic Con (LFCC).

The announcement will be made as part of a special TNA panel Q&A for fans and media at the event at 5pm on Saturday July 12 in Earls Court 2.

Taking place from July 11-13 at Earls Court, LFCC is Europe’s largest signing event with 100,000 people expected through the doors.

Fans will be able to meet TNA Superstars James Storm, Magnus, Brooke, Robbie E, Al Snow and Jeremy Borash throughout the weekend.

As well as the best that TNA has to offer, London Film & Comic Con will also star Carrie Fisher, Stan Lee, John Hurt, Michael Madsen, Jenna Coleman and guests from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica, Lord Of The Rings, Heroes and more – giving fans the chance to meet more than 100 idols of the big and small screen.

To find out more visit www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com

– TNA star Jessie Godderz noted on Twitter recently that Kai Greene, who is one of the bigger names in bodybuilding, was at the Impact Wrestling show on Thursday. Godderz tweeted the following:

Having a blast at @IMPACTWRESTLING with @RobbieDurand and @KaiGreene @FLEX_Magazine @muscle_fitness pic.twitter.com/hfzYaDblV7

— Shawn Perine (@shawnperine) June 27, 2014

Speaking of Godderz, he recently made headlines on TMZ for doing 40 pull-ups on a street traffic light. He tweeted the following about that, which contains a link to the video:

VIDEO of me on @TMZ doing 40 PULLUPS OFF A STREETLIGHT! I'm PEC-Tacular AND BACK-Tacular! @ShawnPerine #TNANYC #BB16 http://t.co/R0AOVoWx6E

— Mr. PEC-Tacular™ (@MrPEC_Tacular) June 27, 2014

There are some in TNA who claim Dixie Carter suffered a back injury as a result of the power bomb she took from Bully Ray through a table on Impact Wrestling.

Regardless of her physical condition following the table spot, the point of Dixie going through a table was reportedly done by design as a way to write her character off of television for the time being.

Gunner joined TNA in 2010 but his story goes back to 2001 when he began wrestling but a year later he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner and reached the rank of lance corporal serving in the Iraq War.

The 32-year-old from Hickory, North Carolina, is a one-time TNA tag team champion with James Storm and a one-time TNA Television Champion.

We caught up with Gunner to talk about working with the Nature Boy Ric Flair, his dad being involved in story lines, wanting to become TNA Champion, plus much more.

Q. How did you first get into the sport of professional wrestling?

I’ve been a wrestling fan since the age of five and I started wrestling in 2001, and i joined the marine corp 2002 to 2006. I was wrestling before i went to bootcamp and during my time in the marine corp I would travel 20 hour round trips or so every weekend I could to wrestle on certain shows, so I was juggling both at the same time. I’m just living my dream.

Q. Who were some of the wrestlers that you enjoyed watching whilst growing up?

I could sit here and talk to you about that all day, some of the ones that come to mind are; Macho Man Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, and Ric Flair. The main one for me was Macho Man, I was a massive fan of Randy Savage.

Q. What has it been like getting to work with guys you enjoyed watching like Kurt Angle and Ric Flair?

They are both very knowledgable guys, so it was great for them to pass their knowledge on to the younger guys like myself who are the future of the company and the future of the business.

Ric managed me for a while so he would be at ringside for my matches, and just him knowing how to tell a story and paint a picture was amazing. Kurt Angle is a machine, anytime you’re in the ring with him you are going to have to work, but that is great, it has taught me the never say die attitude.

Q. What has it been like in the TNA dressing room with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett, Sting, AJ  Styles, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian all leaving the company?

Professional wrestling is a business and like anyone that works in any business we are all expendable. All of those guys that have left the company are off still doing great things, and even though it’s a shame to lose top guys like that it gives the younger guys in the locker room the opportunity to step up to the plate. Those are big boots to fill, nobody is going to be the next Sting or AJ Styles but it gives us a chance to build new characters and new stars.

Q. Your rivalry with James Storm saw some real life elements brought in the the storyline, was that something you enjoyed?

James and I have our differences and we just don’t like each other, but he is still an amazing performer, he can fight and he knows what he is doing in the ring. Those matches I had with James enabled me to step up even more, and it has given the fans the opportunity to invest in my character.

Bringing my father into the storyline was a great experience that I enjoyed. Wrestling is totally different now to when I was a kid, when everything was larger than life and seemed as though it had just come out of a comic book, the guys could still work but now the fans want to know what the wrestlers are like in real life.

Q. What is your next target?

I’ve got my eyes on the big prize, the TNA Heavyweight Title. I feel like I was robbed on the last TNA tour in the UK when I wrestled Magnus for the title and James Storm interfered. I think I’m ready for another title shot, Eric Young is the champion and we have a friendship but when it comes to business we both want to be world champion. Obviously he doesn’t want to lose it, but I want to win it, that is my main goal to be champion.

For more information you can follow Gunner on Twitter @TNA_GUNNER

The following are TNA Impact Wrestling tapings results from the Manhattan Center in New York City, airing Thursday, August 14th. Thanks to Tom for the live report:

– Bully Ray comes to the ring. He cuts a promo and thanks the fan for helping him put Dixie Carter through a table. Devon joins Bully and Team 3D gets a big pop. They’re interrupted by Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy. Matt Hardy said it was the first time they had all been in the same ring in over a decade. He congratulated them on their Hall of Fame induction. They cut promos. Bully said it sounds like the fans want one more match between the two teams and we’ve got Team 3D vs. The Hardys for later tonight. It will be a TLC match.

– Eric Young, Bobby Roode and Austin Aries vs. MVP, Kenny King and Bobby Lashley is next. Lashley’s team gets the win after MVP knocked Aries off the top rope with one of his crutches. Lashley speared Aries for the win.

– Rhino, Rockstar Spud and Ethan Carter III come to the ring for a promo. Rhino is wearing flip-flops and Ethan has his head bandaged from the Thursday night injury. Spud is sporting a black eye it looks like. Kurt Angle interrupts them to a big pop. Angle has all three of them surrounded by officers from the New York City Police Department. They resist and get taken down by the cops and arrested. Apparently these were House of Hardcore students dressed as police. Angle had them arrested because they refused to wrestle.

– Mr. Anderson vs. Gunner is next, as a result of something that happened between the two on the 8/7 episode. The crowd gets bored during this match, chanting for John Cena and Rusev. They also sing Adam Rose’s theme song. The match ended when Shaw came out and attacked Anderson. Fans thanked Shaw for ending the match.

– The Wolves defeated Robbie E and Jessie Godderz.

– Abyss comes to the ring and calls out Bram and Magnus. Bram is still in possession of Janice. They announce a Hardcore Ladder Match between Bram and Abyss for “next week” which is the next set of tapings in August. Janice will be hanging above the ladder.

– Low Ki vs. Tigre Uno vs. Crazzy Steve vs. Homicide vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Manik in an X Division Scramble match is next. This may be to crown a new #1 contender. There are two wrestlers in the ring at a time while the others wait in their own corner for a tag. The match came down to Homicide and Low Ki. Ki gets the win.

– Team 3D vs. The Hardys in a TLC match is next. This was described as an awesome match and the match of the night. Team 3D got the win. Both teams embraced after the match and celebrated together to end the show. Bully Ray called The Wolves to the ring for a promo. They may have been building to something between the teams at Bound For Glory.

As noted earlier in the Impact Wrestling taping results, former TNA X-Division Champion Austin Aries surrendered his title in order to receive a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley at the Destination-X show.

As a result, the title became vacant and was put on the line in a mini-tournament. Samoa Joe, Sanada and Low Ki would all go on to win their qualifying matches, leading to a triple-threat match that will air on the August 7th edition of the show. That match took place tonight, and Samoa Joe won, marking his fifth reign as X-Division Champion.

TNA star Ethan Carter III was hospitalized and required stitches after taking a bad shot during his hardcore match at the Impact Wrestling television tapings on Thursday night in New York City.

Speaking of the Impact Wrestling tapings, it’s said that last night’s set of tapings were among the best shows in quite a long time. The show was also sold out with people turned away at the door. Tonight’s set of Impact Wrestling television tapings are reportedly sold out as well.

The Thursday, June 26th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV scored a final cable rating of 0.9, according to Nielsen Media Research. The marks a decline as compared to the 1.01 final rating that the show drew last week.

As noted earlier, Thursday’s Impact Wrestling show drew 1.136 million viewers, which was also down compared to last week where the show drew 1.330 million viewers.

The Thursday, June 26th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV drew 1.136 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. This marks a decline compared to last week, where the show drew 1.330 million viewers.

Impact Wrestling on Thursday faced unique competition as the NBA Draft took place during the same time slot, a show that drew 3.451 million viewers on ESPN.

The final Impact Wrestling rating should be out later today.

At Thursday night’s Impact Wrestling tapings from the Manhattan Center in New York City, Bully Ray put Dixie Carter through a table.