– Magnus will co-host the U.K.’s Strongest Man, TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced Thursday on Twitter. The program airs on Challenge, which airs TNA Wrestling programming, including Impact Wrestling and TNA Xplosion. Carter wrote, “Was excited to secure Magnus as co-host of the UK’s Strongest Man for @ChallengeTV! Looking forward to more exciting things in his future!”
– Posting her first message on Twitter since October, former TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich announced that she is pregnant and expecting any day now.
“I’m tired of all the Lacey posers! Not sure why anyone try’s to be me. Just an update, I’m having another little boy! Due anyday!” the 26-year-old wrote.
Von Erich, whose real name is Lacey Adkisson, left TNA Wrestling in October 2010 to pursue endeavors outside of wrestling.
– Devon successfully defended the TNA Television Championship against Kazarian on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion.
Taryn Terrell, who appeared as Tiffany in WWE, made her TNA Wrestling debut last Thursday on Impact Wrestling being introduced by the Vice President of the Knockouts Division, Brooke Hogan, as the special guest referee for the Women’s Knockout Championship match between Madison Rayne and Miss Tessmacher. It will be Terrell’s role going forward as her ImpactWrestling.com bio states that she will be the referee for Knockouts Division matches.
Terrell, a former Playboy model, broke into the professional wrestling industry in 2007 through the Diva Search and rose her way through the WWE ranks over the ensuing years, culminating with the role of General Manager of ECW. She was married to WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre, but the couple divorced in May 2011. A fight between the couple following a party at the Playboy Mansion in August 2010 reportedly led to her contract release three months later and their tempestuous relationship is believed to be the prime reason McIntyre went from being tapped as a future WWE cornerstone to a non-entity relegated to WWE Superstars. Her reputation precedes her in some TNA circles. One male wrestler after another initially had no idea who she was Thursday, and when informed, immediately asked, “Wasn’t she the crazy one?,” followed by, “She’s still hot.”
Some members of TNA brass were reportedly “shocked” with the lack of crowd reaction to her introduction since most former WWE Superstars receive a rousing ovation from the Impact Wrestling Zone audience when they appear for the first time.
Many backstage feel that since Terrell’s refereeing experience is limited—she refereed a few matches in WWE and Florida Championship Wrestling—she did well being hastily thrust into the role. Senior official Earl Hebner gave her a crash course in reffing earlier in the day.
– WWE Superstar Christian is scheduled appear for TNA Wrestling once again later this year at Bound For Glory to induct Sting into the TNA Hall of Fame. Christian appearing on a second TNA PPV this year is part of WWE’s agreement with TNA to allow Ric Flair to appear at WWE’s Hall of Fame earlier this year.
TNA was pushing for Ric Flair to be the person to induct Sting, but Flair’s recent issues with TNA and TNA’s ongoing lawsuit with WWE will likely prevent that from happening.
– As for Ric Flair’s status with TNA, his 4-month no-compete clause is up on September 6h. At that time, he’ll technically be free to work for other wrestling promotions. That said, the ongoing TNA-WWE lawsuit might keep Flair out of WWE for a few more months. WWE stated in court that they had no interest in any employees currently or recently under TNA contract – and signing Flair immediately would conflict with that position.
– TNA’s recent Hardcore Justice pay-per-view looks to have done approximately 8,000 buys, according to early estimates.
– After a brief return to TNA for the recent Destination X tournament, Sonjay Dutt is back on the independent scene with no plans for him to return to TNA.
– TNA’s live event on 8/18 from in Ottumwa, Iowa drew approxiately 1,000 fans.
The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s live Impact Wrestling show on Spike TV:
– It’s the return of the monthly Open Fight Night on Thursday’s broadcast, featuring the huge return of “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan as he vows to help Sting and other TNA superstars battle The Aces and 8s!
– As part of Open Fight Night, Sting challenged The Aces & 8s to fight them this Thursday! Can Sting, Hogan, and others finally stop the path of destruction that the gang has unleashed in TNA Wrestling? Will we finally find out their identities? What will happen when Sting and Hogan unite against them on Thursday? Don’t miss the huge confrontation on SpikeTV!
– Also on Thursday’s broadcast, it’s the return of the TNA Gut Check, as one wrestler gets the opportunity of a lifetime to earn a contract with TNA Wrestling! Can they prove they have what it takes to join the roster?
– Plus, the “Bound For Glory Series” continues on IMPACT! The annual competition is reaching a fever pitch as the final countdown is on – who will earn a shot at the World Title at Bound For Glory? Who will call who out? The series continues Thursday on SpikeTV!
– All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7c, including news on the upcoming “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View event!
– As reported over the weekend, Julia Reilly, who portrays the Claire Lynch character on TNA Wrestling programming, is believed to have parted ways with the wrestling organization. According to F4WOnline.com, her apparent departure stems from Reilly being alarmed with her identity being revealed online as well as disclosure that she moonlights as the Olive Oyl character in the Popeye ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida where Impact Wrestling is filmed. A photo surfaced online of Reilly donning an Olive Oyl costume and posing with Popeye.
Reilly is an Orlando, Florida-based actress who has appeared in informercials and television commercials. Shortly after her name came out, she went to great lengths to protect her identity online as she removed the contents of her official website and YouTube channel, and deleted her LinkedIn account. Wrestlers were told she had parted ways with the organization, but not given a reason why. Her ongoing storyline with AJ Styles is expected to conclude on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling with a paternity test segment.
– After making her debut on last Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, Taryn Terrell is now an official member of the TNA Impact Wrestling roster. The organization’s website has added Terrell to its roster page.
The former WWE Diva was introduced by 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 her bio states that she will be the referee for Knockouts Division matches.
TNA’s official site has announced that “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero is officially out of the 2012 Bound For Glory Series.
Last week at Hardcore Justice, The Aces and 8s viciously attacked Dinero, particularly his shoulder, rendering him unable to compete that night in his scheduled Bound For Glory Series match. Following a visit to the doctor, Dinero said he would 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.”
Dinero’s news has caused Impact Wrestling to officially eliminate him from the remainder of the Bound For Glory Series. In this year’s format, every wrestler was scheduled to face everyone in the tournament. Dinero had three matches left to compete in, against AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam and Robbie E.
ImpactWrestling.com says Sting will make a decision regarding the matter and those matches tomorrow night on Impact Wrestling on Spike TV at 8/7c.
– TNA stars Sting and Mickie James will be appearing at the annual Jimmy V. Celebrity Golf Classic scheduled for this weekend in Raleigh, N.C.
Golfclassic.org lists Sting as “Steve ‘Sting’ Borden: Wrestler/World Heavyweight Champion/TNA HOF” and Mickie James as “Wrestler/Singer/Two-Time TNA Champion.”
– Here is the latest episode of the TNA Today Youtube series, featuring TNA Knockout Miss Tessmacher.
“Miss Tessmacher talks about retaining the Knockouts title on IMPACT WRESTLING after losing it at the Hardcore Justice Pay-Per-View. She also talks about her celebration while doing a little bit of celebrating during the interview.”
TNA Impact Wrestling Superstar Kurt Angle has opened a healthy Cafe located in the heart of Pittsburgh.
The Health Up Cafe is a place to unwind and have a healthy meal. Guaranteed to be made fresh everyday we offer made to order breakfast and lunch, the healthy way. Whether you’re a business person with a deadline that takes precedence over a balanced meal, a mom juggling kids, work, and fitness, or a student in need of a quick meal on the way to class. Health Up Cafe has a meal or snack that fits your on the go lifestyle.
For more information on The Health Up Cafe, visit www.healthupusa.com. It is located at 707 Grant Street Pittsburgh, Pa 15219 (Entrance is on 7th Ave in the Gulf Building.
– Kurt Angle suggested on Twitter late Saturday night that he will leave TNA Wrestling if the organization does meet his ultimatum to remain a “top guy.”
He wrote, “If Tna Uses Me as the top Guy I Will Stay. I Love Tna. If Not, I Will Make A Business Decision.”
Angle stated during an interview last year with MovieLine.com promoting his appearance in the movie Warrior that he is under cotract to TNA through 2015.
– Shaun Ricker of NWA Hollywood defeated Sam Shaw in a dark match before Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast in Orlando, Florida.
– Former TNA Knockouts Angelina Love and Velvet Sky will be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of ModelsMania Magazine.
– 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.
– 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.
– Thursday’s Impact Wrestling averaged 1.46 million viewers, way up from last week (1,210,000) but up from the previous week. Impact went up against an NFL pre-season game, which drew an audience more than 3 times larger than TNA.
– Kurt Angle told the UK’s Daily Star that he does not plan to go back to WWE, but anything is possible:
“I’m really happy. It’s why I signed a long-term deal a year ago. The number one question I get asked is: ‘When are you going back to WWE?’ I don’t plan on it but I never say no. I am treated well. I have more freedom to do other things too, so it’s a win-win for me and for Impact Wrestling.”
The Olympic gold medalist also talked about TNA gaining momentum and the new faces rising to the top:
“Lots of good things have happened this year. A lot of talent has risen up – Bobby Storm and Aries. Now it’s not just Kurt Angle, Sting, and A.J. Styles. There are young guys. The revival of Samoa Joe is amazing.”
– “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.
– TNA will be holding two live events this weekend in Iowa, with a show tonight at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, Iowa and a show tomorrow night at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa.
No matches are announced for the shows yet, but TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Miss Tessmacher and Gail Kim are scheduled to appear at both shows.
– Al Snow revealed on his Twitter that the next Gutcheck challenger will be 31-year-old indy worker Kris Lewie, based out of Nashville, Tennessee.Check out this promo for Kris Lewie below:
The following is TNA’s official preview for next week’s live Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:
– It’s the return of the monthly Open Fight Night on Thursday’s broadcast, featuring the huge return of “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan as he vows to help Sting and other TNA superstars battle The Aces and 8s!
– As part of Open Fight Night, Sting challenged The Aces & 8s to fight them this Thursday! Can Sting, Hogan, and others finally stop the path of destruction that the gang has unleashed in TNA Wrestling? Will we finally find out their identities? What will happen when Sting and Hogan unite against them on Thursday? Don’t miss the huge confrontation on SpikeTV!
– Also on Thursday’s broadcast, it’s the return of the TNA Gut Check, as one wrestler gets the opportunity of a lifetime to earn a contract with TNA Wrestling! Can they prove they have what it takes to join the roster?
– Plus, the “Bound For Glory Series” continues on IMPACT! The annual competition is reaching a fever pitch as the final countdown is on – who will earn a shot at the World Title at Bound For Glory? Who will call who out? The series continues Thursday on SpikeTV!
– All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7c, including news on the upcoming “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View event!
It was announced this week that the TruTV cable network has picked up “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago,” the latest series from TNA executive Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey’s production company.
Here is the official synopsis of the show, courtesy of TVBytheNumbers.com:
Hardcore Pawn: Chicago takes viewers behind the scenes at “the baddest pawn shop in Chicago.” One of the city’s largest and oldest establishments in the pawn and gold-buying business, Royal Pawn Shop is owned by Randy and Wayne Cohen, two brothers who d on’t always see eye to eye, except when it comes to finding the best deals for the business. These over-the-top siblings will wheel and deal with just about anyone, from a sweet kindergarten teacher to an intimidating mob boss.
– Hulk Hogan will return to Impact Wrestling next Thursday night. Hogan will appear in the opening segment of the show, as TNA’s top babyfaces will call out the rouge Aces & Eights group for a potential fight.
– Miss Tessmacher regained the TNA Knockouts championship on Impact, defeating Madison Rayne four days after dropping the title to her at Hardcore Justice.
– Former WWE diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) made her TNA debut as the special guest referee for the TNA Knockouts title match. After Earl Hebner used some questionable officiating to help Rayne win the title on Sunday night, Taryn Terrell officiated the title change on Thurday night. Here is video from her TNA debut:
TNA Knockout Gail Kim recently spoke to SpencerDailyReporter.com to promote this weekend’s TNA house show tour in Iowa. says she’s been “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year. Here are some highlights of what Gail Kim said about:
Retirement: “I would love to leave wrestling at some point on a good note. Everybody wants to go out on top. Most of all, whatever I do next, I want to be passionate about. Because I’ve had wrestling so long, I know how happy you can be doing what you love. I’m looking forward to a future with my husband and what it holds.”
Working As Heel: “I’m looking forward to being the heel. I change my wrestling moves. When I’m a heel, I’m more technical and use submissions. When I’m a baby-face, I’m more of a high flyer.”
She also talked about “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year and how hard it was WWE “sitting back and watch everybody in the ring doing what I love to do.”
– 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.”
– There is said to be a lot of resentment in TNA towards Brooke Hogan. There was initially some excitement that her “star power” would bring something to Impact, but the feeling is that she’s not good in her current role, she’s not over with the audience and she’s only on television because she’s Hulk Hogan’s daughter.
– TNA is looking to bolster the X Division roster, with the company recently offering deals to Kenny King and Mason Andrews (formerly Scorpio Sky). King has signed with TNA, but there are conflicting reports as to whether Andrews has signed on yet.
– TNA star Crimson made a surprise appearance at last night’s Ohio Valley Wrestling live event, defeating OVW star Randy Royal. Crimson cut a promo after the match saying that capturing the OVW Heavyweight Title is now his #1 priority, so it appears that he’ll be working at TNA developmental for the time being.
– Aces and Eights are teasing on Twitter that they’ve been quiet as of late, a sign that we could see them appear on tonight’s Impact.
– TNA agent Al Snow has gained a lot of influence behind the scenes in recent months.
– Jeff Hardy has impressed everybody in TNA with his how he’s turned his life around. After a rocky few years, Jeff Hardy is said to be always clear-headed and a “model employee.” He’s also the company’s top merchandise mover, by a long shot.
Jeff’s TNA contract expires next February. There are independent promoters that are under the impression that Matt and Jeff Hardy will be available for bookings early next year, but there are no other indications that Hardy will leave TNA when his contract expires.
The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s live Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:
– IMPACT will feature the aftermath of “Hardcore Justice” as the road begins to September’s “No Surrender” event! STILL World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries will be there – but how will Bobby Roode react to what happened in the PPV main event? Also, NEW Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne is scheduled to appear, plus an update on The Aces & 8s and more.
– It’s the final weeks of the annual “Bound For Glory Series”, and the competition reaches a fever pitch as 12 Superstars battle for a shot at the World Championship! Thursday’s IMPACT broadcast features a huge double main event of BFG Series matches as “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy battles Bully Ray, plus AJ Styles goes for revenge against longtime enemy Christopher Daniels!
– Plus, former tag team partners Samoa Joe and Magnus will face off in another Bound For Glory Series bout on the huge LIVE broadcast!
All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV
TNA star Kurt Angle spoke with Thomas Alexander of ZooToday.com and spoke about his recent Funny or Die comedy video and whether he’d consider competing at the 2016 Olympics. Here’s what Angle said about:
Would He Try Out For The 2016 Olympics? “No! By that time I’d be 47, that’s definitely not an option for me. As I said I, found out that the requirements of the training was too much for my body to handle at this point in my career. When you make the Olympic team, that’s a milestone in itself and the training is unimaginable. The training you need to do is borderline abuse.”
Dealing With Injuries As He Gets Older: “You know when you get older it takes longer to recover. Even with the injuries that I’ve had in the past they never really kept me on the side line very long. I always thought I was invincible. This past year made me realize that I am not invincible anymore. That was something I learned the hard way.”
His Recent Funny or Die Comedy Video With RVD: “They actually contacted me after hearing I was training for the Olympics, but got injured, they said they would like me to do it and then air it just before the start of the games,” he said. “I thought it was quite an honor to have guys such as Will Ferrell and Adam McKay want me for a project. So they asked me to pick a partner and I chose RVD as my coach. I knew he’d do an excellent job and people don’t know him like I do, he’s a really funny guy.”
In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s Kurt Angle’s Funny of Die video with RVD:
TNA star Rob Van Dam was recently interview by Brian Fritz of Between The Ropes. Here are some highlights of what RVD said about:
Whether or not he has thought about slowing down or changing his style in the ring: No bro! I’m a showoff. That’s my whole job is to show what I have and my problem is the opposite. My problem is I’m always only allowed to show 10% of what I got. You know what I mean? People ask ‘I want to see more Van Daminators’. Well, that’s cool but it’s illegal to bring a chair in. I happen to be in a company that has a certain style where, if I brought the chair in and did it every single night, it might not mean as much. But back in the ECW days, that was the standard. So every night, I knew I was going to be able to give the fans their money’s worth whether it was a house show, TV or even on pay-per-view. I like to show that I can take more punishment than the other guys. I like to show that I’ve got flashy moves. I like to show that I have creativity by bringing in other factors and elements besides a regular, boring, one fall match inside the squared circle.
Whether or not he would still be in wrestling if TNA had not been around when he signed with the company in 2010 or even right now: Who knows? I didn’t think so at one point after I had left WWE. You know, a lot of fans seem to think that the weed bust got me kicked out of WWE or something. People that really follow it saw that I stayed there for a while but I see that a lot on the Internet. And you know it’s always true if it’s on the Internet! I did the time there and when my contract ran up and left in favor of not living on the road in a different town every single day, flying and driving, then trying to cut through the tension of the dressing room to get to my bag.
I left there and I was so burned out because, while I was burned out, things were getting worse the last several months. I had it in my contract that I’d have a weekend off once a month which they never gave me. And then towards the end, after I was bitching about that, they started booking me twice a day to do two shows. I said you guys are crazy! And when I left, there was a while where I thought man, I don’t care if I ever step on an airplane again, I’ve had so much of it. I don’t care if I step in the ring again, I’ve had so much of it. And, you know, my priorities were different at that moment, what I needed in my life. I thought I might not wrestle again. I didn’t even know. I was open to seeing what life might bring me. It did end up bringing me back. It wasn’t in a hurry, that’s for sure.
Whether not he came close to returning to WWE before signing with TNA: I actually contacted WWE when it looked like things might work out with TNA’s contract. I emailed Johnny (Laurinaitis) and I actually said are you sure there isn’t a part-time schedule there. I even had some ideas where they would come out financially ahead of me, paying me a limited amount of dates but it never, the conversation never got as far as me explaining what my idea was. I did explain it to Dixie (Carter), the same scenario. Johnny has responded with they’d love to have me there, please reconsider and do full-time because they need me there the whole time. I was not even thinking about doing that. Even now, I can’t imagine going back to that crazy ass schedule that I worked with them. I’m grateful that I had that time with them. Right now, at this stage in my career, it’s even less appealing than it was prior to coming to TNA.