— During an interview with Power Slam, Magnus was asked if he is dating Mickie James; he replied “yes.” He was then asked if dating a fellow wrestler is challenging.

“I always said I would never do it because of the obvious difficulties which can arise. But it’s worked out pretty well.” Magnus said. “You can’t help the way you feel: it’s one of those things. We’ve been able coexist up until this point.”

Magnus and James currently reside in Virginia.

— Velvet Sky turns 31 years old Saturday. She thanked her fans via Twitter for their birthday wishes and gifts.

“Thank you sooo much to my #PigeonArmy for all the happy bday wishes and thank you guys for all the gifts! I truly have the best fans ever!!” Sky wrote.

— Dark Angel (a/k/a Sarita) competed at Friday’s EMLL live event at Arena Mexico as she, Estrellita and Marcela beat Amapola, La Seductora and Tiffany in a tag team match.

— ImpactWrestling.com is no longer advertising a match between X Division Champion Austin Aries and Samoa Joe for Slammiversary on June 10. The match was announced on the website following Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast.

— AJ Styles turns 35 years old Saturday.

— Angelina Love has been announced to appear for RESISTANCE on Friday, June 15 in Chicago, Illinois. She is advertised to wrestle Resistance Pro Women’s Champion Melanie Cruise.

— Velvet Sky confirmed that Bully Ray is not on Twitter.

She wrote in response to a follower asking whether Ray is on the site, “NO! @IamBullyRay is of course a fake! The real Bully Ray doesn’t have Twitter!! F’n lame posers get off it.”

– This is how to NOT use social media …. Hulk Hogan made a bad gaffe on Twitter on Friday, re-tweeting a very sexual message about his daughter Brooke from one of his followers:

“@HulkHogan Hey hulk I went ballsdeep on Brooke!Could I get a retweet!”

Hogan’s Twitter page is currently down, but here’s a screenshot of the epic fail:

Meanwhile, former TNA Knockout Daffney has continued retweeting anti-Brooke messages on hers, including:

“I heard Dixie replaced (Alissa Flash), (Awesome Kong), (Daffney) and (Roxxi) w/Brooke Hogan. Talk about trading in 4 Porsche’s for a Pinto”

“Brooke Hogan looks like a man in drag.”

– Velvet Sky announced on Twitter that she and Chris Sabin are accepting independent bookings together. They are available for shows, autograph signings and conventions. Those interested can reach her on Twitter.

– SoCal Val, Daffney, Crystal Louthan and Leticia Cline are advertised to appear at Sign of the Times on Saturday, June 23 at Mother Kelly’s 490 Chestnut St. Cedarhurst, New York.

TNA Champion Bobby Roode was recently interviewed the UK Mirror during a recent media tour to promote TNA’s Maximum Impact tour next January. Here are some highlights of what Roode said about:

Impact Going On The Road: “I have a huge opinion on it. Obviously, I’m not the man who pays the bills; I’m not the wallet, so to speak, But in order for us to take that one step further I think it’s a necessity for us to step away from Orlando and do our television tapings elsewhere in the country. For us to be… I’m not going to say ‘legit’, because I believe that we’re a legit company but it’s just… for that more professional look and a different look it’ll make our company that bit better.”

His New Look: “Well, for eight years, people have had to witness how dry and curly it gets towards the end of a 30 minute match. And it was giving me a headche, It was certainly time for a change, to look a bit more modern. And it is in keeping with all the suits I wear. I look more hip.”

Ric Flair Leaving TNA & Whether He Will Be Missed: “I believe so. I think just the name, having that legendary name around was beneficial, But I don’t think it is going to hurt us, we have a lot of talent. I think Impact Wrestling can stand on its own without Ric Flair but its always nice to have a guy like that around. He has always been a pro. He’s a fun guy to be around. He’ll always be the Nature Boy. He has been one of my main inspirations. I really don’t know [about the legal situation] and I really don’t care to know.”

Scott Steiner’s Twitter Rants: “Scott’s Scott. He’s a good friend of mine so I can’t speak bad of Scott. He’s a character. Obviously he has some ill feelings to certain people but those are his own personal issues and don’t involve me. I don’t believe I have any enemies in the business and I want to keep it that way.”

Impact Wrestling Going Live: “It’s huge – a win win situation for all of us, fans and those of us in the company. When you go live, anything can happen. It excites me because it means I have to be on. When the camera’s on whatever happens, happens. And I’m sure that anticipation applies across the board in the locker room, too. Everyone feels the same way.”

Thursday night kicked off a new era for Impact Wrestling, with TNA’s flagship show going live and moving to a new start time – 8pm (eastern). Ratings are in for the show – and unfortunately for TNA, the first episode of the new era got off to a rocky start.

Thursdays’ live Impact drew a 0.89 cable rating and averaged 1.296 million viewers. It was the lowest rated first run, non-holiday Impact in years.

The rating was down 12% from last week’s taped show, which did a 1.01 rating with 1.43 million viewers.

TNA has issued the following for the new TNA Hall of Fame.

Comment below and tell us who you think should be the first person inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame.

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING ANNOUNCES “TNA HALL OF FAME” WITH FIRST INDUCTEE TO BE ANNOUNCED AT “SLAMMIVERSARY” ON JUNE 10

NASHVILLE, TN – (June 1, 2012) – TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announced the beginning of a “TNA Hall of Fame” with the first inductee to be announced at this year’s 10th Anniversary celebration, “Slammiversary” in Arlington, Texas.

TNA President Dixie Carter announced the news as part of the first live IMPACT WRESTLING event of the summer from Universal Studios.

This is TNA’s chance to recognize the great contributions of the people who gave so much to make this 10-year anniversary possible.

“This 10 year milestone is an incredible achievement for TNA,” stated TNA President Dixie Carter. “In honor of that, we felt it was time to begin recognizing the contributions of those who have made the greatest impact on our success.”

– A segment involving the TNA Knockouts and new authority figure Brooke Hogan was cut from Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling show. Mickie James acknowledged the change in plans on Twitter, writing:

“I am so sorry, gang. Seems I have lied. I assure you not purposely! I will not be on the show tonight. Watching it live backstage. Enjoy!”

Hulk Hogan addressed James’ status with the organization in response to a follower complaining that Hogan would not put her on television with him in charge. He wrote:

“Sorry u feel that way but Dixie has a whole battle plan laid out for Mickie.”

Angelina Love, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, ODB, Rosita, Tara and Velvet Sky were also backstage but not used on the live show.

Hogan also commented on Gut Check judges not offering Joey Ryan a TNA Wrestling contract. He wrote: “Working on the Ryan situation now.”

Joey Ryan Blasts TNA & Tells John Laurinaitis To Contact Him

– James Storm turns 35 years old Friday. He appeared in a taped segment on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling and would not say whether he’s returning to the ring.

Shannon Moore announced Friday on Twitter that he will not be returning to TNA Wrestling after stating in March that he would be taking a hiatus from wrestling to spend time with his family and focus on outside endeavors.

“For you asking I will not be back on Impact,” Moore wrote. “Got some injuries to take care of and a project me and (wife Julie Youngberg) are working on. Nothing but good things coming in the future. Even tho i cant be in the ring I got stuff popn away from wrestling. Working on having a Baby is first on my list with (Julie). Very important to us right now.

He continued, “And I’ll be part of wrestling in some way just not in the ring. I’ll be supporting my wife on our clothing line.”

Moore also noted that his tattoo business, Gas Chamber Ink, has made over one million dollars.

– Dixie Carter’s announcement about the TNA Hall of Fame was a surprise to virtually everyone in the back. No word yet on who the first inductee will be, but Jeff Jarrett seems like a natural choice.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Indy wrestler Joey Ryan got a huge pop from the locker room when he stood up to Taz during the Gutcheck segment. People were shocked at how well Taz handled the confrontation, since he’s known to have somewhat of a temper. After Bruce Prichard voted ‘No’ and Al Snow voted ‘Yes,’ Taz was the deciding vote that led to Ryan not getting hired by TNA. Later in the broadcast, Taz acknowledged on commentary that Ryan has a great gimmick, but is not physically ready to be a TNA superstar.

Joey Ryan tweeted the following about getting rejected:

“What a joke. @IMPACTWRESTLING is pathetic. I’m not good enough for your company? C’mon @TNADixie really? You make me laugh! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Don’t bring me in just for your NO agenda. It’s not my fault that Flair went into business for himself so why am I being punished?! Pritchard, @TheRealAlSnow & @OfficialTaz know that a NO is ridiculous. They know I’m money. I dare Tazz to say something to my face now. Somebody tell Johnny Ace he can reach me at joeyryan@hotmail.com – I know he’s not stupid enough to turn down money.”

(Sources: f4wonline.com, pwinsider.com)

– TNA officials were very pleased with Thurday’s live Impact Wrestling show and morale amongst the wrestlers was said to be high. The live aspect of the broadcast added a lot of excitement to the show.

– Brooke Hogan got along well with everyone backstage. Her new role as the head of the Knockouts division was actually Dixie Carter’s idea, not something proposed by Hogan or Bischoff.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Jeff Jarrett was not backstage at Impact. Mickie James and Tara were involved in a backstage segment, but it was not used on television.

– ODB vs. Angelina Love was taped for Xplosion. Former WWE star Cliff “Domino” Compton worked the dark match before last night’s show, losing to Crimson.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

– As previously reported, former WWE superstar performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) was at Thursday’s live Impact.

We can confirm that former WWE Tough Enough contestant Martin Casaus was also backstage at the show. He wrote on Twitter:

“Ill be at @IMPACTWRESTLING tonight for thier first live impact show,” he wrote. “I’ve been hearing a lot about #gutcheck #toughenoughgutcheck @TNADixie… At universal studios for @IMPACTWRESTLING. Theres some big time wrestling fans here! Were a special bunch of people. Love it!”

– The following is TNA’s IMPACT WRESTLING post show.

“Directly following the live broadcast of IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike TV, Jeremy Borash hosted the Live Post Show. During the post show we found out how Christy Hemme managed to avoid wardrobe malfunctions… We also hear from Eric Young about how he is the greatest lumberjack to ever live, that and he is no longer cut off… We get words from Christopher Daniels and Kazarian about exposing AJ Styles and Dixie Carter who seem to have a close relationship with President Dixie Carter”

* BIG Shakeup In TNA: Talent Leaving & Former WWE Stars In Talks To Debut

Following Thursday’s live edition of Impact Wrestling, the following is the updated card for TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, June 10th from Arlington, Texas:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Sting

TNA World Tag Team Title Match
Kazarian & Daniels (c) vs. Kurt Angle & AJ Styles

Joseph Park vs. Bully Ray

Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries

Robbie E and Robbie T vs. Garett Bischoff & Devon

It was also announced on Impact that TNA is creating a Hall of Fame will induct the first member at Slammiversary.

This week’s live TNA Impact Wrestling opens up with the roster surrounding the ring as Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida.

Lumberjack Match: Sting vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring and out first comes the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Sting is out next to a big pop. The bell rings and they go right at it.

Sting takes control early on. Roode turns it around with chops in the corner but Sting wants more. Sting unloads again on Roode and goes for the Scorpion. Roode makes it to the ropes and breaks. Sting attacks him on the apron and sends him out to the Lumberjacks. They throw Roode back in and Sting misses a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode throws Sting out now and the heel Lumberjacks beat on him before throwing him back in. Sting fights his way back in.

Back and forth action until Roode takes control and keeps Sting grounded on the mat. Sting makes a comeback but misses another splash in the corner and hits a big boot. Roode throws Sting back to the heels and they work him over. Sting fights them off as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Roode is still in control of Sting, getting another 2 count. Sting makes another comeback and nails a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode rolls out of the ring and the Lumberjacks protect him as he regroups. Sting leaps over the top rope and takes everyone out. They come back in and Sting goes for the Scorpion. Roode blocks it and applies the crossface submission.

Roode breaks the hold but goes back to work on Sting. Sting blocks a suplex and drops Roode with the Death Drop. Sting goes for the Scorpion again and locks it in. Roode taps out for the win.

Winner: Sting

– After the match, Sting celebrates in the ring when Hulk Hogan’s music hits. Hogan comes out to the stage and gives props to Sting. Hogan announces Sting vs. Roode for the World Heavyweight Title as the main event of Slammiversary.

– Tenay and Taz hype Hogan’s announcement and tonight’s show. Daniels vs. AJ Styles is still to come plus Devon defending the TV Title against an opponent that the fans chose. Also still to come – Brooke Hogan’s official debut. We go to commercial.

– Back from the break and Madison Rayne is talking about how she and Brooke Hogan will get along just fine.

– We go to the ring where Bully Ray is. He’s here looking for Joseph Park, the brother of Abyss. We see Park in the crowd again. Ray runs down Park and wants to fight. He rips into his family and finally Abyss. This pisses Park off and he comes to the ring but security stops him. Ray tells them to let him come on. Park enters the ring and Ray wants to fight. Ray confesses he left Abyss for dead. Park grabs Ray by his neck and brings him to his knees. Ray says he will sue if he hits him. Park backs off and says he won’t stoop to Ray’s level. Ray calls him and Abyss a coward before leaving the ring. Park takes the mic and says let’s fight right now. Ray walks to the ring but doesn’t get in. He says they will fight at Slammiversary.

– Up next, Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we get a Crimson promo video.

TNA X Division Title Match: Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries

They come to the ring and go at it as soon as the bell hits, trading holds. Aries takes control and nails a big elbow for a pin attempt. Sabin comes back with a 2 count of his own. Aries dumps Sabin to the floor and dives through the ropes on him. They end up on the floor and go at it. Sabin with a suplex off the top rope for a close 2 count.

More back and forth action. Sabin slams Aries from a fireman’s carry but Aries counters and rolls him up for the win.

Winner: Austin Aries

– We see backstage video from earlier of Hulk Hogan and Taz talking about Gutcheck. Taz is now a judge. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we see footage from yesterday of Taz, Al Snow and Bruce Prichard looking at Joey Ryan’s Gutcheck tape. They talk about Ryan’s character and last week’s match against Austin Aries.

– Up next, Brooke Hogan. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and Jeremy Borash is backstage with Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. JB encourages us to keep voting online for Devon’s opponent.

– We go to the ring and out comes TNA President Dixie Carter.

Dixie talks about TNA turning 10 years old in a few days. Dixie is proud of the wrestlers and thanks the fans, saying TNA wouldn’t be here without them. Dixie says at Slammiversary, TNA will be announcing the very first inductee in the TNA Hall of Fame. Dixie then talks about the Knockouts division. She puts over Brooke Hogan and out she comes to a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Dixie welcomes Brooke and says she is excited about all the things she will do for TNA. Brooke thanks her for the opportunity. She thanks the fans for welcoming her with open arms. Brooke says she grew up in wrestling and loves it as much as Dixie. Brooke says she has some big yellow boots to fill but she’s taking this serious. Brooke thanks everyone again and hugs Dixie. That’s it.

– We see Kazarian and Daniels watching backstage. They can’t believe Dixie didn’t talk about the AJ Styles situation. They’ve got something planned for later. Still to come, Daniels vs. Styles.

– Up next, the TV Title match. Back to commercial.

TNA Television Title Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Devon

Back from the break and we get more Slammiversary hype. TNA Television Champion Devon comes out first as we wait to find out who his opponent is. Jeff Hardy was picked by fans and out he comes.

Lots of back and forth action with pin attempts to start. Devon takes control mid match until Hardy hits Twist of Fate. Hardy goes up top but Robbie E runs down and interferes with Robbie T. The Robbies attack both men and the match is thrown out due to interference. Devon fights back and takes both men out. Hardy joins in and they clear the ring.

– We get a video promo for James Storm.

– Up next, more from Gutcheck. Back to commercial.

– We get a video for the feud between AJ Styles, Kazarian and Daniels.

– JB is in the ring with Bruce Prichard, Al Snow and Taz – our Gutcheck judges. JB brings out Joey Ryan to the ring. Ryan says he is kind of a big deal and right now, he is trending worldwide on Twitter. JB goes to Prichard first. He talks about Ryan’s look and calls him a hell of a talent. Prichard says Ryan has been in the business for 12 years and his vote is no. Al Snow is up next. He says he doesn’t like Ryan or his attitude but he says he has potential and votes yes. Taz must vote yes for Ryan to get the contract. JB gives Ryan the chance to cut a promo and save himself. Ryan speaks and Taz is up next. Taz says if that was the promo to save his life and get a job, then he’s out of his mind. Ryan gets in Taz’s face and has words now. Taz gets angry and votes no. Taz tells Ryan to prove him wrong. Hit the road and come back when he’s ready. Ryan continues running his mouth but didn’t get the job.

– Back from the break and we see footage of Bobby Roode speaking to fans in London last week.

AJ Styles vs. Daniels

We go to the ring for tonight’s main event. Out first comes one-half of the TNA Tag Team Champions Daniels. AJ Styles is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd.

Back and forth action to start until AJ takes control. Daniels turns it around with a big right to the face. AJ ends up on the apron and Daniels knocks him off into the fan barrier. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and Daniels is in control of AJ. Daniels with a moonsault off the ropes for a 2 count. AJ finally takes Daniels down with a heel kick to the head. AJ unloads on Daniels and powerbombs him for a 2 count. AJ springboards in with a big forearm. Daniels blocks an inverted DDT. AJ connects with the pele kick. He goes for the Styles Clash but Kazarian gets on the apron. AJ hits him but Daniels rolls him up for 2. AJ hits the inverted DDT this time for the win.

Winner: AJ Styles

– After the match, Kazarian hits the ring and the tag team champions beat AJ down. Kurt Angle runs down and makes the save. Angle applies the ankle lock on Kazarian. Daniels runs back in and hits Angle with a low blow from behind. They double team Angle now. They use ties and cuff Angle to the bottom rope. AJ tries to make the save but they lay him out with a title belt. They hit Angle with the title belt also and lay him out. Daniels takes the mic. He has proof positive of the affair between Dixie Carter and AJ Styles. He plays a phone call of AJ calling Dixie and them making plans to get together and keep it from her husband. Dixie runs out and yells for the production people to turn it off. It sounds like she drops a F-bomb and they bleep it. Dixie yells that they are finished as Impact goes off the air.

– Former WWE performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) is currently backstage for tonight’s live Impact Wrestling show in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to wrestle. It is unknown whether he will be competing during the broadcast or in a dark match.

– James Storm will provide an update on his career during tonight’s live Impact Wrestling episode. He tweeted Thursday, “My daughter & I saddled up the horses, walked them out of the barn, and seen an (Impact Wrestling) film crew coming down the drive. They want to get a update. Says it will air tonight on the LIVE show on (Spike TV). Be sure to watch.”

Storm has been off television since losing to Bobby Roode at last month’s LockDown pay-per-view event.

– Rosita, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since the April 17 episode, said on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s live show. Fellow Knockouts wrestlers Angelina Love, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, ODB and Velvet Sky have also said that they will be at the show.

– Kurt Angle set a time frame for the end of his career on Wednesday, tweeting:

“I Will Not Wrestle Past 46 Yrs Old. I Love U All GOD Bless.”

Angle, who is 43 years old, turns 46 on December 9, 2014.

– Mickie James, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since April 19, will be on hand for tonight’s live show. She poked fun at her lack of television time in recent weeks after being asked on Twitter whether she will be on the show.

“I am! At least I’m going! *almost forgot I worked there* Haha!”

– ImpactWrestling.com has added Brooke Hogan to their roster page. She debuts on tonight’s live episode of Impact as the Executive in Charge of the Knockouts.

Another new era for TNA Wrestling begins tonight – as Impact Wrestling goes live and moves to a new start time – 8pm (Eastern). The following has been announced for tonight’s show:

– TNA champion Bobby Roode vs. Sting in a Lumberjack match

– The debut of Brooke Hogan as the new head of TNA’s Knockouts division

– TNA Television Champion Devon vs. an opponent chosen by the fans (either Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson or Robbie E)

– TNA President Dixie Carter will make a “Major Announcement”

Here’s a video preview for tonight’s show:

Alex Shelley is gone from TNA after allowing his contract to expire without signing a new deal with the company. According to sources close to Shelley, he has heard from WWE officials – but reports of him signing a contract or even agreeing to terms are premature.

When he made the decision to become a free agent, WWE was not even on his radar. Shelley has been talking with New Japan Pro Wrestling for weeks and was close to signing with the promotion before he heard from WWE.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter stated during a media conference call promoting Impact Wrestling going live on SpikeTV that she will be making a ‘big announcement’ during Thursday’s show. Carter also stated that she will introduce Brooke Hogan as Executive in Charge of the female wrestling division, the Knockouts.

— Gunner announced Wednesday on Twitter that he is engaged to Jayme Jameson, an independent wrestler. He also stated that he will not be appearing on Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling.

“For all who asked, no I will not be on the live Impact tomorrow night but still watch this amazing company and talent kick butt!” he wrote.

— Yahoo! Mexico Deportes has published photos of Sarita wrestling at Arena Mexico last Friday.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

TNA plans to debut a significant format change to their weekly Impact television show on Thursday’s live show. During a press release issued Wednesday, Dixie Carter said the “wrestling format itself has become stale.” and TNA plans to unevil “the most significant evolution in this genre in more than 15 years.”

Aside from introducing new interactive elements (fan voting, ala WWE RAW starting 7/23), TNA plans to “pull back the curtain” like never before and allow fans to watch unscripted backstage talent meetings.

“What happens backstage, in the office and on the road is so entertaining that we decided it was time to pull the curtain way back and give viewers a peek at that world as well. Over the next few weeks and months, viewers will continue to see our show evolve as we expose more real aspects of our business that have always been sacred.”

Here’s the full press release:

THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF PRO WRESTLING ON TV STARTS THURSDAY MAY 31st ON TNA IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE ON SPIKE TV

TUNE IN AT NEW TIME SLOT OF 8:00p.m./ET FOR LIVE ACTION AND MUCH MORE

NASHVILLE, TN (May 30, 2012) – TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announced today that the highly-rated weekly series will be making changes to its programming to include a hybrid of reality and explosive action each Thursday, live on SPIKE TV at 8:00pm/ ET. The reality elements and production technique represent the most significant evolution in this genre in more than 15 years.

“We took a step back to look at our product with fresh eyes,” says TNA IMPACT WRESTLING President Dixie Carter. “People watch TV differently today than before, and the wrestling format itself has become stale. What happens backstage, in the office and on the road is so entertaining that we decided it was time to pull the curtain way back and give viewers a peek at that world as well. Over the next few weeks and months, viewers will continue to see our show evolve as we expose more real aspects of our business that have always been sacred,” she continued.

This announcement is a key component in the continued growth of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING brand that is bringing game-changing programming to the world of professional wrestling. Cameras will be everywhere. Meetings will be shot in real time and unscripted as we capture moments; not produced segments. Access to conversations and vantage points that have never been seen before, such as production meetings, talent evaluations and post match critiques, will be revealed. Combined with an emphasis on story structure, long term character and story development, these changes will help IMPACT WRESTLING pioneer the next generation of wrestling entertainment programming.

Going live allows IMPACT WRESTLING a deeper connection with our audience via social media. Starting with the May 31st broadcast, IMPACT WRESTLING will be the most socially interactive television program in the history of professional wrestling. Viewers will have a variety of unique opportunities to participate and influence certain elements of the program through various social media platforms. Also, backstage will take center stage, as fans will have access to live interviews being conducted featured on www.impactwrestling.com.

— Two former TNA Knockouts indicated on Twitter that they are not pleased with the Hogans’ involvement with TNA Wrestling.

Daffney, who performed for the organization from 2008 to 2010, wrote “Amen” in response to the following fan remark: “TNA will not be watchable until Hulk Hogan is dead or @screamqueendaff returns.”

She also criticized Brooke Hogan’s on-screen authority role. A fan wrote, “I think @screamqueendaff should be head of TNA knockouts. Least then it’d be credible AND shit will actually look good! #brookeisuselesstna.” She responded, “YEAH! What he said!!! #brookeisuselesstna.”

Rain, who appeared as Payton Banks in 2007 and 2008, shares similar sentiments regarding Brooke’s role. When asked whether her arrival to TNA Wrestling will aid the Knockouts division, she responded, “They don’t NEED anyone in charge of the KO’s, and NO, completely pointless.”

— Angelina Love, who has not competed on IMPACT WRESTLING since the April 5 episode, addressed via Twitter whether she will be appearing on tomorrow’s live show. She wrote, “You’ll have to watch to find out!”

– TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode confirmed Alex Shelley’s departure from TNA Wrestling. He tweeted on Wednesday:

“Best of luck to Alex Shelley, sad to see u go. BEer Money vs MCMG best of 5……never be forgotten! See u down the road.”

Shelley’s profile was removed from ImpactWrestling.com on Tuesday.

– ImpactWrestling.com has announced Robbie E as a third potential challenger for Devon’s TNA Television Championship on Thursday’s episode of IMPACT WRESTLING, joining Rob Van Dam and Mr. Anderson. One more candidate will be revealed tomorrow and then beginning at noon, fans will be able to vote who Devon defends the title against.

– In a battle of former “Beautiful People” mates, Angelina Love faces Velvet Sky on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion on Challenge.

– Alex Shelley’s superstar profile has been removed from the roster page of the TNA website, another indication that he’s on his way out of the company. Shelly recently turned down a contract renewal offer from TNA and is rumored to be jumping to WWE in the coming months.

– Last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling (5/24) drew a 1.01 cable rating with 1,434,000 viewers.

– The latest reality show produced by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey, called The Catalina premiered last night the CW network. The show focuses on the staff of The Catalina hotel in Miami, Florida. Jason Hervey made several radio appearances earlier in the day to hype the premiere. For more ont he show, visit CWTV.com.

– TNA star Matt Morgan was asked by a fan on Twitter if he’ll be at Thursday’s live Impact from Orlando. Morgan replied, “Nope!”

TNA has reportedly used up Morgan’s contracted dates and there has been talk of him jumping to WWE.

– Last week’s 5/24 episode of Impact Wrestling drew a 1.01 rating with 1,434,000 viewers.

– The TNA website has announced that Mr. Anderson is the second potential opponent to challenge Devon for the Television title on Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling show. Rob Van Dam was named on Monday. TNA will reveal two more potential challengers (one Wednesday, one Thursday) and then fans will be able to vote on Thursday who will face Devon that night for the title.

As reported on Monday, longtime TNA employee Don West is finishing up with the company.

The main reason behind West’s departure is that he was presented with an “offer he couldn’t refuse” – to be the new General Manager of the Wenatcheee Wild minor league hockey team based out of Wenatchee, Washington. As General Manager, West will be involved in all aspects of the hocky team’s operations.

No word on whether West will be an “evil” general manager and attempt to have his top players injured on purpose.

West is leaving TNA on good terms and it’s believed that he’d be welcomed back in the future.

(Source: PWinsider.com)

— On Thursday’s live episode of Impact Wrestling, Devon will defend the Television Championship against the choice of the fans. This week, IMPACTWRESTLING.com will reveal one challenger each day—the first is Rob Van Dam. Voting will open on the website at noon eastern time on Thursday, May 31st.

— MAIN EVENT chats with Velvet Sky, who discusses the challenges facing a female wrestler, how TNA has changed her life, how she uses social media to connect with fans and more.

[vsw id=”arnlOgJuJDA” source=”youtube” width=”590″ height=”330″ autoplay=”no”]

— Multiple TNA Wrestling stars are advertised for this Saturday’s Legends of the Ring 14 event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey including Austin Aries, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne, Matt Morgan, Robbie E and Rosita. (Event Information)