TNA Wrestling issued the following press release moments before the announcement on this week’s Impact Wrestling:

TNA WRESTLING ANNOUNCES PHOENIX TO HOST “BOUND FOR GLORY” ON OCTOBER 14

IN HONOR OF ITS TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THE BIGGEST WEEKEND IN TNA HISTORY WILL ALSO FEATURE THE HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION AND POPULAR FAN INTERACTION EVENT, PRESENTED BY DIRECT AUTO INSURANCE

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING has announced that Phoenix will host the biggest night in TNA history. The “Bound For Glory” pay-per-view extravaganza will air to a world-wide audience on Sunday, October 14th. Tickets for the event will go on-sale Friday, August 24th.

“Bound For Glory,” presented by Direct Auto Insurance, will be held live at the Grand Canyon University Arena starting at 5pm local time with doors opening at 3:30pm MST.

The superstars of Spike’s “IMPACT WRESTLING” will headline “Bound For Glory,” including Hulk Hogan, current TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Austin Aries, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts, the stars of the X-Division and many more. “Bound For Glory” will feature the winner of the “Bound For Glory Series” in the main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Continuing the celebration of ten years of Total Nonstop Action, this will be the biggest weekend of the year for the superstars of IMPACT WRESTLING. The weekend will feature expanded activities in the Phoenix area, including a special “Bound For Glory Fan InterAction” and the inaugural annual TNA Hall of Fame induction. As announced at “Slammiversary” in June, the first-ever inductee is “The Icon” Sting.

“TNA Fan InterAction” gives fans a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with their favorite TNA Superstars for pictures, autographs, special interview sessions and much more. “Bound For Glory Fan InterAction” will take place Saturday, October 13. For a full list of “IMPACT WRESTLING” superstars participating as well as ticket information visit: www.ShopTNA.com

Tickets for “Bound For Glory” go on sale Friday, August 24 (10am MST/ 1pm EDT) at the Grand Canyon University Arena box office, GCUArena.com or charge by phone at 602-639-8999.

* News On MORE New X Division Talent To TNA

– ImpactWrestling.com has announced that tonight’s scheduled TNA Women’s Knockout Championship Match between Miss Tessmacher and Gail Kim has been rescheduled for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

The reason for this is: “Gail Kim lodged a protest through her lawyer and upon further review of the contract, a clause was found preventing the title match from happening tonight! Gail’s lawyer had a clause hidden in the contract that required the former champion 8 days notice of her rematch.”

Brooke Hogan has announced a replacement match for tonight—TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher will team up with Tara to face Gail Kim and Madison Rayne.

– Angelina Love and Shannon Moore, who both stated on Twitter this week that they were granted their contract releases from TNA Wrestling, have been removed from the ImpactWrestling.com roster page.

– Miss Tessmacher is now scheduled to appear with Austin Aries, Kurt Angle and Velvet Sky at Direct Auto Insurance 2110 Greenridge Rd. Charleston, South Carolina on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Call 843-553-9880 for more information.

Here’s a preview for tonight’s live episode of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:

– MAIN EVENT: “Cowboy” James Storm vs. Jeff Hardy in a Bound For Glory Series match.

– More on Christopher Daniels’ “bombshell accusation” that AJ Styles is the father of Claire Lynch’s child.

– A showdown between TNA World Champion Bobby Roode and #1 contender Austin Aries.

– Gail Kim and Madison Rayne vs. Miss Tessmacher and Tara.

– Four new X Division competitors will fight this week in qualifying matches for the X Division Championship Tournament scheduled for Destination X.

http://youtu.be/DtLeYaEx3s0

The most decorated female grappler in TNA Wrestling history, Angelina Love, announced Sunday that she has amicably parted ways with the organization. Many of Love’s friends and co-workers offered words of encouragement following her parting of ways.

Velvet Sky: “Such a damn shame!! So much left to do there! I know you’re gonna move on to big things bud, good luck and as always I love u!!”

Madison Rayne: “I’ll miss seeing your beautiful face. I can’t WAIT to see the awesome things you’re about to accomplish though.”

Devon: “God is with you girl, see you soon.”

Tara: “Good luck @ActualALove! You will have success no matter where your journey takes you.”

Traci Brooks: “No doubt Angelina Love was one of the best KOs (being canadian and all). I know she’ll succeed at whatever lies ahead!”

Rosita: “I love Angel so much and it’s gonna suck not being able to work with her and have the great times we have at work BUT I will see her elsewhere and she is such a beautiful and talented woman she will excel in ANYTHING she choses to do next! I had my dark match with her. That was the match that got me signed. I will forever be grateful to her for being so awesome to me as a friend and co-worker.”

The record-setting five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is now representing herself as Angel Williams, according to her Twitter account. She lists herself as pro Wrestler/Model/Actress/Queen of all trades and is accepting appearance requests through John@Spectacularsignings.com.

TNA Champion Bobby Roode appeared on The LAW this past Sunday night to promote this Sunday’s TNA Destination X pay-per-view. The full interview can be heard here (.MP3). Here are a few excerpts from the interview:

On his first singles run after Team Canada broke up:

In hindsight, I honestly thought that when I broke off from Team Canada, I was gonna get that push. I was starting to be elevated slowly; I obviously had that match with Jeff Jarrett, I had a run with Booker T, and I was right on the brink. That extra push, I think, would have put me through the top, and I think for whatever reason it didn’t happen. Now, when I got the opportunity to step away from Beer Money, I kinda remembered that, and I wanted to really make the best of the opportunity that I had as a singles competitor, and really stand out. Whether I had two minutes on TV or twenty minutes on TV, I wanted to be remembered. I wanted that segment to be remembered; I wanted to be the best thing on the television show; I wanted to entertain people, and really show what I had to prove. I think I’ve done that, and obviously being a world champion has shown that I’m able to be a top guy outside of a tag team. It’s been a learning experience, the whole thing has been a learning experience, and I continue to learn even now. It’s been different, definitely a different run than the first time.

The events during the day of ‘Bound for Glory’ last year:

It was interesting to say the least, but the only thing I can say is that obviously things happen for a reason. Looking back, if I had defeated Kurt Angle that night and went on as a world champion as the babyface, who knows how long I would have lasted? I think just the character change, and turning into the “It Factor” and the “Leader of the Selfish Generation” gave me that little bit extra, and obviously has done well for me. It’s not only helped elevate myself, but it’s elevated other people. It’s elevated James Storm as well. Like I said, everything happens for a reason. People were obviously disappointed. I was really disappointed, but a short time after that, it was November the 3rd, I ended up winning the world title.

Hulk Hogan’s assessment of Roode at the time:

Like I said, things happen for a reason, and things are said for a reason. It’s professional wrestling, and everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. I just took it as an eye-opener, and it did put a chip on my shoulder. When I went out there that night and I lost to Kurt, that pissed me off. Hulk’s comments, and losing that night on such a big night, after such a big build-up, getting the opportunity again on television to go out there and possibly be a world champion changed my focus and changed my attitude.

Angelina Love is not the only talent to part ways with TNA Wrestling this week as Shannon Moore has as well. The X Division wrestler announced Monday via Twitter that he has been granted his release from the organization.

“Just want to let you all know I asked for my release from TNA and they granted me my release. Wanted you all to hear it from me. Thanks all,” he wrote.

Moore stated last month that he would not be returning to the organization due to his desire to spend time with his family and focus on outside endeavors.

Following news Sunday night that Love had been granted her release from TNA Wrestling, the record-setting five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion was a top trending topic throughout most of Monday.

Regarding this, she wrote, “Sooo flattered that I’ve been trending Worldwide for an entire day now thanks to the incredible support of my wonderful fans! Thank you loves!!!”

Despite their respective announcements, both Love and Moore remain listed as members of the TNA roster on ImpactWrestling.com.

– Thursday’s IMPACT Wrestling will feature Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm in a Bound for Glory series match, the latest in the Styles/Dixie storyline, more new X-Division talents debuting and more.

– Kurt Angle, Austin Aries, and Miss Tessmacher will be doing a signing on July 6th from 2-4PM at Direct Auto Insurance on 2110 Greenridge Road in Charleston, SC.

– If you enjoy watching TNA’s Impact Wrestling live on Thursday nights, you can email Spike TV at spike-feedback@spike.com and tell them you want Impact to remain live every week after the summer.

Angelina Love, a record-setting five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion, announced Sunday via Twitter that she has been granted her release from TNA Wrestling.

“To all my wonderful fans, just want to let you know I have been granted my release from TNA,” she wrote. “It was completely amicable parting of ways and I want to thank TNA and all of its employees for the wonderful journey I’ve had there over the years. Now I’m on to the next amazing chapter of my life! If you are looking to book me please contact John at john@spectacularsignings.com Thank you so much!”

Velvet Sky, who initially drew fame alongside Love as “The Beautiful People,” addressed the departure of her friend and former tag team partner.

“Such a damn shame!! So much left to do there! I know you’re gonna move on to big things bud, good luck and as always I love u!!” Sky wrote on Twitter.

Love responded to Sky, “I love u with all my heart, we did something so amazing with TBP and the memories from that will last forever! I cherish our friendship so much, thank you for EVERYTHING Ebud!!”

Their characters were portrayed as arrogant blonde Barbie dolls, whose main goal as a team was to “cleanse” the TNA roster “one ugly person at a time,” based on their belief that their physical appearance was superior to all others. The duo was such a success that even WWE took notice and made their own group of narcissistic and vain bullies. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer has said that LayCool was devised due to WWE’s creative department being embarrassed by the Love/Sky tandem making their female roster look second-rate by comparison.

– PPV provider iN DEMAND has released the latest promotional poster for the next installment of TNA’s “Unfinished Business” specials.

The feud of Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson will be the subject of the next offering, which will be available for purchase on Saturday, August 4. Here’s the poster:

– Hulk Hogan says the “main topic” of conversation when he talks to Dixie Carter and Spike TV is upgrading TNA’s minor league feel of the Impact Zone in Orlando. A fan wrote Hogan, “You guys have really stepped up your game. Great job. Only problem is the small ‘arena’ comes off as minor league. Major turnoff.”

Hogan replied:

@A_Al_Shammari yo brother you hit the nail on the head ,that is always the main topic when we talk to Dixie or Spike TV,still trying. HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 1, 2012

The promotional poster has been released for next month’s TNA Hardcore Justice pay-per-view and it reveals details about the card.

The poster reads “One Brutal Night. 12 Tortured Souls. 3 Hardcore Matches.”

The taglines for the show are “Bound For Glory Series Goes Hardcore” and “It’s Not Always About Winning, It’s About Surviving.”

Hardcore Justice 2012 takes place on Sunday, August 12 in Orlando, FL.

TNA star Austin Aries recently appeared on Just Another Goddamn Rasslin Show. Here are a few highlights of what he said about:

His Favorite Wrestlers To Work With: “I wouldn’t say there’s one, I mean there’s always a handful of guys that you have certain chemistry in the ring with, that I always enjoy getting in the ring with. You talk about Brian Danielson, Samoa Joe, just to name a couple. There are other guys as well I have a good time with: Jimmy Jacobs, even though I usually end up spilling some blood in those encounters. But yeah there’s usually a group of guys, upper echelon guys that’s always fun to get in the ring with.

His Gimmick Evolving Through The Years: “I don’t know if my gimmick has changed per se. I think I’ve evolved as a wrestler; I’ve evolved as an entertainer and performer as far as my character. It’s just different parts of my life; when you’re talking about Generation Next days, my demeanor was just very singularly focused on making it myself. We were kind of no nonsense, all business; we were new to the scene and making people take notice. Fast forward now-a-days, I’ve obviously got 12-years under my belt and I have some accolades, I’m a lot more comfortable in the ring. So, you can see a lot more confidence exuded in my demeanor. I enjoy them all; I just enjoy getting in the ring and having a lot of range.”

Impact Wrestling Going Live Every Week This Summer: “I hope it is (a full time move). This period shows that being live makes a big difference, all across the board. It’s hard to surprise people if they already know what’s going to happen, and I think that element of surprise is something that we can definitely capitalize on and we can get people interested in the product. I think it’s a great move; hopefully when the summer’s over, they can decide it was a profitable move and continue to push forward. Going live is the first big step and I think (other people have mentioned it and I kind of agree) that eventually the next step is taking the show live on the road; it would be the big leap I think we’d all like to make.”

What The Future Holds For The X Division: “It’s carved its niche in the promotion; historically it has a lot of lineage and importance and hope it continues to have its own segment in the show, focused on the X Division. Obviously, through some injures and departures, the X Division roster has been depleted, so I think there’s going to be an attempt to restock coming up here and Destination X could be a place to start that.”

* New X Division Talent Headed To TNA, Update On MATT MORGAN’s Future & More

– Thursday’s Impact Wrestling drew a 0.97 cable rating with 1,262,000 viewers.

– TNA star Kurt Angle tweeted the following message this week, claiming to be the best pro wrestler today:

“I Whipped Robbie E in 40 Seconds. I’m The Best In Wrestling today. Not Orton or Cena or CM Punk. I Am the Best. And I’m TNA!”

Since claiming to be the best pro wrestler “today” might not due his greatness justice, he clarified his statements with:

“I’m the Best Ever.

Angle also announced that he’s marrying his fiance on July 20th:

“Last thing! I’m Marrying the true Love Of My Life- Giovanna Jul20. I Am Emotional. U Meet that true Love Only Once and@Giovannaangle Is It”

* Pictures of Kurt Angle’s Future Wife Giovanna

Following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, the following are updated standings for TNA’s ongoing Bound For Glory Series:

1. James Storm: 36 points (3-0-1)
2. Samoa Joe: 27 points (3-2)
3. Kurt Angle: 10 points (1-2)
4. Mr. Anderson: 9 points (1-2-1)

5t. Jeff Hardy: 7 points (1-1)
5t. Magnus: 7 points (1-1)
5t, The Pope: 7 points (1-1)
5t. Rob Van Dam: 7 points (1-2)

9. Daniels: 5 points (1-2)

10t. A.J. Styles: 0 points (0-2)
10t. Bully Ray: 0 points (0-3)
10t. Robbie E.: 0 points (0-4)

On Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, it was announced that the upcoming Destination X pay-per-view will feature a one-night tournament to crown a new X Division champion. The first two participants will be Sonjay Dutt and newcomer Rashad Cameron. Here’s the updated card:

TNA World Title Match:
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Austin Aries.

Last Man Standing Match:
A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

Bound For Glory Series Match:
Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

X Division Title Tournament
Sonjay Dutt and Rashad Cameron announced so far

TNA Destination X takes place on Sunday, July 8th from Orlando, Florida.

* Tons of Exclusive TNA News You Won’t Read Anywhere Else

The following has been announced for next week’s Impact Wrestling show:

– Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm (Bound for Glory Series match).

– Knockouts Title Match: Miss Tessmacher vs. Gail Kim.

– Two more X Division tournament qualifying matches to determine who will compete at the Destination X tournament to crown a new X Division champion.

– An update on Chris Sabin’s condition.

Dixie Carter also announced on Twitter that the location for Bound For Glory 2012 will be revealed, and it will be a city TNA has not held a show at before.

* Tons of Exclusive TNA News You Won’t Read Anywhere Else

– Christopher Daniels and Kaz recaptured the TNA Tag Team championships from Kurt Angle and AJ Styles on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling

– Sunjay Dutt returned to TNA on Thursday night and is now in the hunt for the X division title. The wrestler he defeated, Rubix, is indy worker Jigsaw from ROH, DGUSA & Chikara.

– Hulk Hogan tweeted the following announcement about Bound For Glory Series matches now having a time limit:

Spoke with BFG Series guys to let them know a change. Going forward all BFG Series matches will be 15 minute time limit. HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) June 28, 2012

Kenn Doane has apologized for implicating Lisa Marie Varon (currently known as Tara in TNA Wrestling and formerly known as Victoria in WWE) as being involved in an extramarital affair with John Cena years ago in WWE.

He tweeted Wednesday without denial, “Never wanted Lisa to be involved obviously I was wrong 4 hinting towards her since she is the sweetest person ever. So for that im sorry.”

While discussing the role Cena played in his 2007 break-up with Mickie James to SEScoops.com, Doane divulged that Cena was having a second affair with a then-WWE Diva who was married to a man not involved with the professional wrestling industry. Doane said the woman was transferred from Raw to SmackDown in 2007 after being dumped by Cena. Two Divas transferred from Raw to SmackDown at the same time as Doane, Torrie Wilson and Varon. Wilson was in the process of divorcing Billy Kidman. Varon has been married to a man not affiliated with the professional wrestling industry since 1998, matching Doane’s claim.

Varon addressed Doane’s allegations in an interview with F4WOnline.com, where she claimed to have dated Cena in 2002 for one month when he was single and she was separated from her husband. Varon also stated that she was never Cena’s ‘road girlfriend’ as Doane alleged. Contrary to Varon’s claim that Cena was single when they dated, Raymond Rafool, attorney for Cena’s estranged wife Liz Huberdeau, said her client and Cena were together since they were in high school fourteen years ago.

Rafool told The Miami Herald (article) regarding Cena’s decision in May to file for divorce from Huberdeau, “Although it is indeed unfortunate that John Cena decided to divorce his high school sweetheart Liz Cena; particularly, after they have come so far in their lives and in his career together, Liz will and really has no choice but to pursue all of her rights and entitlements. Although Mr. Cena pushes a prenuptial agreement and that the parties have only been married for approximately 3 years, Liz Cena has always supported John Cena, even when no one else did, and stood behind him and pushed him forward to achieve their goals for the last 14 years. Sadly, divorce is not the way Liz thought her perfect love story would end.”

Furthermore, Doane was not affiliated with WWE in 2002 when Cena and Varon’s relationship allegedly occurred; he was still attending high school. He signed a developmental contract with the organization in 2004 and did not join the main roster until 2006.

– Madison Rayne claimed during a backstage segment on last week’s Impact Wrestling that she was once crowned Miss USA. Her kayfabe remark was brought to the attention of Miss USA 2010 winner and former Tough Enough contestant Rima Fakih, who upon seeing her picture, tweeted, “Well look at her pic u can tell she didn’t win.”

Rayne responded to Fakih, “….hmm, touché. But I’m still ‘tough enough’ to make it in this business… And I have a sweet ass crown. Boom!”

Rayne has since deleted the tweet.

– Chris Masters revealed on Twitter that he was not offered a TNA contract after participating in a dark match before the June 14 Impact Wrestling broadcast. However, he remains optimistic, as he believes it will come in due time.

– Garett Bischoff vs. Douglas Williams is this week’s featured match on TNA Xplosion.

– After being released from his TNA contract earlier this month, we can confirm that Flair’s contract had a non-compete clause and he is currently unable to sign with WWE. No word yet on how long he is prohibited from signing with WWE.

During the court proceedings of the ongoing TNA vs. WWE lawsuit, WWE told the court that they have no interest in signing Flair, but most believe he’ll be back in WWE at some point.

– Austin Aries has a mixed reputation behind the scenes in TNA, liked personally by some but also disliked by others. Management is a fan of his work, as evidenced by him being in the main event of the upcoming Destination X pay-per-view.

– Abyss has been pulled from the upcoming AAA tapings in Mexico on June 30th. TNA will probably send other talent instead and AAA has expressed interest in using Robbie E and Robbie T.

– TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion in India has been such a success that the company is considering another spinoff promotion in Argentina. TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett has had preliminary talks with the Endomol, an international television production and distribution company, about the project. Endomol is the company that helped TNA bring Ring Ka King to India.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Sting will be off television for several weeks as a result of last week’s attack by three mystery men. TNA has not yet decided who will be revealed as the masked attackers and it’s possible that TNA will not immediately follow up on the angle. The general feeling is that the segment did not come across well on television, but was done to explain why Sting is not part of the Bound For Glory series.

– During a recent interview with MMAJunkie.com, Bellator MMA & TNA Wrestling star “King” Mo Lawal said he’ll be reporting to Ohio Valley Wrestling (TNA developmental) in approximately two months. Lawal says his injured knee should be close to 100% by then.

He also revealed that he’ll be training with WWE Announcer Booker T in the coming weeks and wants UFC fighter Rampage Jackson to be his tag team partner in TNA. Jackson is one of many UFC fighters that has expressed interest in a pro wrestling career once his MMA fighting days are over, but we have not heard anything about Rampage talking with TNA (or WWE, for that matter).

– TNA Knockouts champion Miss Tessmacher did not compete in this year’s Hooters pageant last Saturday, despite being advertised. Instead, she worked a TNA live event from Orlando.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Nesletter)

http://youtu.be/Xz9Rckfegew

– Tonight’s live Impact Wrestling will feature Tag Team Champions Kurt Angle and AJ Styles vs. Daniels and Kazarian.

The show will also feature more Bound For Glory Series matches and another Gutcheck segment with an evaluation of independent women’s wrestler, Taeler Hendrix.

– Speaking Hendrix, management was not very pleased with her match against Tara last week or her look. Al Snow has some heat on him for selecting Hendrix as the latest Gutcheck contestant.

– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter this week that Bound For Glory Series matches will begin airing next week exclusively on Xplosion in the UK and Australia.

– There is talk behind the scenes in TNA that Hernandez has signed a new contract.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– It was revealed on last week’s Impact Wrestling that Dixie Carter and A.J. Styles have been sneaking around to help a recovering addict who has been waking up in hotel rooms with strange men. The women who played woman was an actress TNA found at a local talent agency.

VIDEO Of The “Pregnant Addict” Reveal From Last Week

The angle played out as planned from the beginning, but TNA was said to be disappointed in her performance last week.

TNA has also released the following “original, unedited” phone conversation between AJ & Dixie about why they were sneaking around:

http://youtu.be/M34k4lRwKV8

– TNA Champion Bobby Roode continues to get a lot of praise behind the scenes from management. Most TNA wrestlers enjoy working with him and the writing team (particularly Bruce Prichard) enjoys writing for him.

– Here are some recent TNA attendance figures:

* The Basebrawl event on June 22nd in Buffalo, NY drew 800 fans
* June 23rd in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada drew 2,000 fans
* June 24th in Hamilton, Ontario drew 750 fans

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Kenn Doane, who labored as Kenny of the Spirit Squad and Kenny Dykstra for WWE from 2006 to 2008, blames an affair between John Cena and Mickie James for ruining his relationship with the former Diva and costing him his job. While discussing the matter to SEScoops.com, Doane revealed that Cena was having a second affair with a then-WWE Diva who was married to a man not involved with the professional wrestling industry.

Though Doane did not specify the Diva in question, a clue he gave implicated Lisa Marie Varon, formerly known as Victoria in WWE and now known as Tara in TNA Wrestling, as Cena’s ‘Diva road girlfriend.’ Doane said the Diva was transferred from Raw to SmackDown in 2007 like him after being dumped by Cena. Two Divas transferred from Raw to SmackDown in the 2007 WWE Draft—and the entire year—Torrie Wilson and Varon. Wilson was in the process of divorcing Billy Kidman. Varon has been married to a man not affiliated with the professional wrestling industry since 1998, matching Doane’s claim.

Varon addressed Doane’s allegation in an interview with F4WOnline.com. She says, “KD said a Diva married to someone not in the business who moved from RAW to Smackdown in 2007 was sleeping with John Cena. Considering I had nothing to do with why he was whining on the internet, he sure gave enough details about someone he claims he wasn’t trying to involve. I was the only Diva married to someone not in the business who moved from RAW to Smackdown in 2007.

“I want to address this both professionally and personally. Professionally, you hear people talk about ‘backstage politics’ in wrestling. I’ll tell you what that means to me. Backstage politics is not some kind of psychological maneuvering. You work and travel with your wrestling co-workers more than you want to work and travel with anyone. The people who complain about backstage politics generally don’t have the ability to respectfully interact with others.

“I treat everyone with respect. Everyone. Ask the caterers, building security, wrestlers, executives, crew, fans, anyone, who I don’t treat with respect and they would be at a loss for words. And because you spend so much time with these people, you know a lot about the people who you travel with and work closely with. I found that the best way to not make waves is to keep my eyes and ears open, and my mouth shut when it comes to other people’s business.

“The people who complain that they were the victim of backstage politics often either don’t show people respect, or bud into other people’s business.

“On a personal level, what KD said was mostly false, although there was a little truth.

“I have been with my husband for 20 years. He’s the best guy in the world. But like any 20 year relationship, we have some good times and we have had some bad times. And anyone who I traveled with knows that. Because you learn intimate details about each other whether you want to or not.

“We have separated a few times. One of those times that we were separated, I dated John for about a month. It was not in 2006 or 2007. It was in 2002. It was when we were both in Louisville. I was married but separated. John was single. I was never his ‘road girlfriend’. I know that when we were separated, my husband also dated a couple girls. That’s what happens when you are separated.

“In 2002, it was common knowledge that John and I dated. It fed the rumor mills for people who have nothing better to do than gossip like old ladies. So for KD to use bits of information that he was only able to pick up because he was allowed in the inner circle of WWE, and smear me, when I only treated KD with respect, over an incident that he is upset about from 5 years ago, tells me that he didn’t learn anything about ‘backstage politics’ and how it relates to being a decent human being.

“Moving forward, I’m a glass-is-half-full kind of girl. Only my glass isn’t half full. My glass is 99% full. I am blessed. And I’m done discussing the 1%.”

– TNA star Matt Morgan tweeted the following over the weekend about his recent visit to Connecticut:

Had a great time on this visit to Connecticut. Conducted some very good business(stay tuned!)& got to see entire family. 2birds,1stone.

— Matt Morgan (@BPmattmorgan) June 25, 2012

It’s been widely speculated that Morgan is interested in returning to WWE when he is contractually able to do so. No word yet on the nature the “business” Morgan conducted while in town, but we’ll post an update on this story when it’s available.

– As reported earlier, WWE is teasing that Paul Heyman will be at RAW tonight to react to Triple H punching him out last week.

Heyman’s current deal with WWE runs through SummerSlam and he’s expected to be a regular on WWE television through then as a representative of Brock Lesnar.

– Madison Rayne won an undisclosed fitness competition on Saturday. She tweeted, “Did my first fitness competition (bikini) tonight!!!!! First place in my class, and overall bikini winner!!!!”

She also posted a photo of herself.

– Eric Young addressed an online rumor Sunday that he quit TNA Wrestling.

“As far as rumor I have quit TNA totally not true they last minute changed impact schedual and all my Thursday’s where booked by animal planet show,” he tweeted. “TNA is upset I’m not there but can’t wait to have me back and I will be back soon!!!!”

– A TNA Impact Wrestling World Tour event is scheduled Thursday, September 6 at Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia. Tickets go on sale this Friday via comcasttix.com, charge by phone at (800) 298-4200 and at the box office.