Amazing Red announced this afternoon on his Twitter account that he has parted ways with TNA Wrestling. He cites creative differences for his departure from the organization.
Red wrote, “Heys Guyz, I just wanted to let Ya kno 1st…TNA & I parted ways do to the “creative has nothing for you” line, so we r gonna future endeavor each other right now.
“Thanks to my @ImpactWrestling famo & fans… Now “On to the Next one” (Jay-Z).”
Red, however, is still listed as a member of the TNA Wrestling roster on the organization’s official website.
Max Buck, who too parted ways with TNA, reacted to Red’s announcement with the following: “Within a year, you’ve now lost (Jay Lethal), (Jeremy Buck), (Max Buck), & (Amazing Red). C’mon now.”
Red wrote in the response, “Weird huh, (X-Division run).”
Red had been appearing as Sangriento as well as himself in recent months.
Mickie James announced Thursday plans to record a second country music album; providing she raises enough money from fans to fund the project.
Through Kickstarter.com, the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is seeking $5,000 in contributions by September 2, 2011 to begin work on the project. She wrote, “I’m getting ready to go into the studio to record a new project, and I wanted to find a way to offer you a chance to not just pre-order the CD, but to have an exclusive chance to get some other goodies that have never been available (and won’t be available again!).”
Those who pledge $10 receive a copy of the album and MP3.
Those who pledge $25 receive an autographed album and their name in the album’s “thank you’s.”
Those who pledge $50 receive access to an exclusive web concert.
Those who pledge $75 receive a personalized video message from James.
Those who pledge $100 receive a one-of-kind T-shirt painted by James.
Those who pledge $200 have their name listed as an Executive Producer in the new album.
Those who pledge $2,500 receive a 30-minute acoustic concert at their home. However, they will also have to provide James with two plane tickets, a rental car and two hotel rooms.
Those who pledge $10,000 receive all of the above, plus a co-starring role in James’ music video.
Her campaign can be accessed here, which also features a video of James discussing the project. The TNA Knockout has so far raised $1,610.
iMPACT Wrestling’s Eric Bischoff was one of the featured guests on this week’s live edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.
Eric Bischoff Discusses Why He Does Not Feel Uneasy About The Future Of iMPACT Wrestling On Spike TV Amidst Reports Of The Network Looking To Rebrand, The Latest On The TNA Returns Of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, & Matt Hardy, Sting’s New Persona/Character And The Fan Split About Its Current Direction, If He Believes An Effective Relationship Between TNA & The World Of MMA Should Develop In The Near Future For The Benefit Of Both Entities, Whether TNA Plans On Adding An Additional Featured TV Program, A Possible Return To Commentating, Triple H Taking Over Vince McMahon’s Spot On WWE Television, The Strategy Of Wrestlers Being Moved From Heels To Faces Too Quickly & Its Impact On Storyline Continuity, How MTV Has Influenced The Worlds Of Professional Wrestling & Sports-Entertainment, The Evolution Of His Friendship & Business Relationship With Jason Hervey Through The Years, Plus Much More.
You can listen to an MP3 of the entire interview by visiting MondayNightMayhem.com.
Here are some highlights of what Eric Bischoff said about:
Why he does not feel uneasy about the future of iMPACT Wrestling on Spike TV, amidst reports of the network looking to rebrand:
“Once again the Internet Wrestling Community has taken ahold of a story that came out a month or two ago about rebranding, and a couple of quotes that were made, and noticed that TNA wasn’t prominently featured in that story, and jumped to conclusions. The truth is iMPACT (Wrestling) is the highest-rated show on Spike TV. iMPACT has been, over the past year, averaging the largest audience that it ever has in the history of the company. The audience is growing unlike other networks & television shows that have very short life cycles and that peak & valley very quickly. 2011 looks like it’s going to be the best year ever for iMPACT. I think the folks at Spike TV are pretty excited about it quite frankly, and I haven’t or heard anything that makes me nervous.”
If he believes an effective relationship between TNA & the world of MMA should develop in the near future for the benefit of both entities:
“Could it happen? Maybe. Should it happen? I don’t think so. MMA is a sport. It’s a legitimate sport. Professional wrestling is an entertainment property, and the similarities kind of end once you get past that they operate in a Pay-Per-View environment and in an arena environment. Anybody that operates under the assumption that there’s some really cool synergy between MMA & professional wrestling, it’s their opinion, but I don’t share it.
Whether or not he has given any thought on returning to commentating:
“Actually I have. Not on a regular basis, Mike Tenay is doing a wonderful job. I enjoy commentating. Play-by-play is one of the toughest jobs in the industry. The list of things for you to accomplish & maintain during the course of a broadcast, all while you are creating a story, and calling action, and making things seem larger than life; it’s very difficult job. I miss getting immersed in the story, and the energy, and getting caught up in the moment. It’s at those moments you forget what you’re doing, and you get caught up in the excitement & energy of that, and you do your best work. I miss that
TNA executive producer Eric Bischoff appeared on this week’s Monday Night Mayhem radio show and was asked about the TNA statues of Jeff Hardy and Ric Flair. Here’s a recap of what Bischoff said about:
Jeff Hardy: “I have no updates on Jeff Hardy. I’m not involved in his situation within TNA. I hope the best for Jeff. He’s a very talented young man. He’s a great guy. He really is. I haven’t gotten to know him very, very well, but I believe he’s a good hearted individual who just got caught up in some issues. From what I’ve heard, he’s dealing with them and hopefully successfully.”
Ric Flair: “Ric Flair is out with a shoulder injury. I haven’t talked to Ric in a while now, so I’m not sure what his status is. I know he’s anxious to get back. I’ve heard that through other people. This time of year is very busy for me with everything that has been going on with my family, I haven’t stayed in close contact with enough people. I hope to see Ric real soon. I enjoy the hell out of Ric, and respect the hell out of Ric. I love working with him. I look forward to seeing him back on Impact.”
— TNA Wrestling performer Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com that she no longer has aspirations for a career in mixed martial arts. The multi-time women’s wrestling champion cites an injury (a torn ligament in her elbow) during a Steel Cage bout against Mickie James, which will eventually require Tommy John surgery, as the main reason for mixed martial arts no longer being in the cards. Varon also cites her age, and feels that she would have been involved in mixed martial arts if she was ten years younger.
— TNA Wrestling has announced that Sting and Kurt Angle will sign the contract for their World Heavyweight Champion Match at Hardcore Justice on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. Plus, three Bound For Glory Series matches are scheduled: Samoa Joe vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero; AJ Styles vs. Devon; Scott Steiner and Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam and Crimson.
— MVP, who now competes overseas for New Japan Pro Wrestling after parting ways with World Wrestling Entertainment in December, was asked on Twitter about joining TNA Wrestling should he get homesick.
Taking an apparent shot at the Nashville based organization, he responded, “I could never be THAT homesick!”
— TNA Wrestling has announced live events for Friday, September 23 in Springfield, Illinois and Saturday, September 24 in Hammond, Indiana. Click here for full details.
Spike TV, the cable network that is home to TNA Wrestling’s flagship show Impact Wrestling, recently confirmed reports that the network will be re-branding itself in the coming months.
Spike has catered its programming to young men since it launched back in 2003 – but after several years of declining ratings, the network is looking to broaden its appeal and will soon begin airing shows for men and women aged 18-49.
Spike is expecting to lose UFC programming and it’s being speculated that the new direction for Spike may hurt TNA and their Impact Wrestling show, despite Impact doing well for Spike’s demographic. During a recent investor conference call, Spike made no mention of TNA – and UFC was barely mentioned.
If TNA were dropped from Spike, it would hurt the company big time unless they could secure another national TV deal.
While Impact Wrestling getting dropped from Spike would be a devastating blow to TNA, that seems unlikely at this point – since Impact still doubles the network’s average rating and does not cost Spike much in TV rights fees.
— Sarita, who announced three weeks ago via Facebook that she had suffered facial paralysis, continued to wear a protective mask at this past weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events as well as last night’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida. Her condition, however, has improved in the meantime.
Sarita is advertised to appear at this weekend’s live events in Texas since the organization is targeting the Hispanic demographic with Mexican America and Sangriento. She will also appear with AJ Styles at Direct Auto Insurance 6630 South Congress Avenue Austin, Texas tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
— TNA Wrestling’s annual Turning Point pay-per-view event is scheduled for November 13, 2011 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
— Gunner and Murphy are advertised to appear at EAW Wrestle War V, which takes place Friday, August 26, 2011 at the National Guard Armory in Wentworth, North Carolina.
Credit to SEScoops.com reader Eric for the following TNA Impact Wrestling tapings from Monday night’s show in Orlando:
* Kurt Angle opens the show and calls out Hulk Hogan to squash their beef. Angle says Hogan has been calling him to join Immortal. Angle runs down Hogan and Eric Bischoff and says he is going to win the World Title at Hardcore Justice. Angle says again he has never beaten Sting. Hogan talks about being the best and carrying the business on its back, changing wrestling. Hogan says he wants Angle to make money. Angle says he respects Hogan or he would be whipping his ass right now. Angle wonders if Hogan still has it. Hogan says he won’t wrestle again due to his back surgeries. They go on and Angle thinks Hogan still has it. Angle says he won’t take money from Hogan to take out Sting and that Hogan needs to do it himself.
* Rob Van Dam beat Gunner in a Bound For Glory Series match.
* Backstage segment with Eric Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson. The Network wants Bischoff to bring in more X Division wrestlers. Hogan walks in and talks about taking Angle out. Sting shows up in a suit, carrying a cage that’s got a cover over it. Sting says he is the executive of the Network and confirms Angle vs. Mr. Anderson in a cage match. Fortune will be around the ring as lumberjacks to make sure Immortal doesn’t interfere, like they always do.
* Alex Shelley and Brian Kendrick come out to cut a promo on Austin Aries, bringing him out. This all leads to Shelley vs. Kendrick vs. Aries for the title at Hardcore Justice. Abyss interrupts and wants his title shot against Kendrick tonight. Sting appears on the big screen and announces Abyss vs. Kendrick in Ultimate X.
* Crimson beat Bully Ray in a Bound For Glory Series match.
* Winter beat Tara.
* Traci Brooks comes out with Velvet Sky. They invite ODB and Miss Jackie down to the ring. Another long in-ring promo here. Velvet is going to take it anymore.
* Fortune is backstage talking about their six-man match at Hardcore Justice. Sting appears and says what’s in his cage is a present for Eric Bischoff.
* Brian Kendrick retained the X Division Title in Ultimate X by defeating Abyss. Kendrick countered a chokeslam attempt and grabbed the belt on the way down for the win.
* Kurt Angle beat Mr. Anderson in a steel cage match. During the match, Immortal came down and fought with Fortune who was at ringside. Mexican America also got involved. Bully Ray got in the cage and went to give Anderson a steel chair but held onto it, causing a distraction and Angle to hit the Angle Slam for the win. The lights went out and Sting appeared in the ring to raise Angle’s arm and have a few words.
The Young Bucks, formerly known as Generation Me in TNA Wrestling, have responded to Rob Van Dam’s dismissive comments towards them in an interview last week with the Miami Herald.
With more than 20 years of success in the wrestling industry, one would think the young upstarts of today would line up to seek the master of the Five-Star Frog Splash for advice or feedback. RVD said in the interview that’s not the case.
“I feel like I get respect, but not in that way,” Van Dam said. “I’m open to it. Most of the guys, I don’t know if they don’t feel welcome to ask me or any of the other veterans or what. That is probably an issue that we have is the young guys should ask some of the older guys. They should be saying, ‘Hey, watch my match. Let me know what I can improve on.’
“That never happens enough. Some of the young guys who are or were there, I don’t want to mention any names. There were two young guys who just left and looked like they were out of high school. The whole time they were there, they never introduced themselves or shook my hand. Things are way different than they used to be.”
Matt Jackson (a/k/a Max Buck) has since responded to Van Dam via Twitter: “I never introduced myself to (Rob Van Dam)? Then who was that guy who wore jean shorts & Golds Gym tank-tops, that I met & always said hi to?
“I’m a 26 yr old, married man w/a child on the way & have been wrestling 8 yrs around the world. I’m not a kid but thx for the compliment!”
Brother Nick (a/k/a Jeremy Buck) added, “Apparently we’re young guys straight out of high school who don’t respect veterans. Well that’s what RVD says at least. Unreal!”
He then said in response to a fan, “We said hello to him many times. We always showed him respect. If anything he didn’t show us or the boys respect because he’s always changed in his own locker room.”
Matt made light of the situation in his Twitter bio, which now reads: “Alleged ‘big-leaguer’ of RVD, one half of The Young Bucks (TNA’s Generation Me).”
— TNA Wrestling has reportedly signed Shiima Xion, who participated in the Four-way X Division Showcase tournament final at Destination X. He says he will be appearing on television soon as Zema Ion.
— Tara posted a blog on her official website relaying her gratitude for winning the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship with Miss Tessmacher last Thursday on Impact Wrestling.
She wrote, “I want to discuss the Tag Team belts for a minute. I have been wrestling for 12 years, longer than any female in either WWE or TNA. But I am still a huge fan of the industry. When the wrestlers are watching the show backstage, and someone does some crazy maneuver, the loudest reaction is always from me. And no organization will give a wrestler, or superstar ; ), the opportunity to be in a position to win a championship belt if they didn’t have faith in their character and ability. They used to kid me at WWE because I was so proud of my belt when I had it, and I would carry it around with me backstage. But after I won the tag team belt, I saw Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan watching the show backstage. I thanked them for the opportunity. At first they thought I was joking because I’m a veteran but I was still sooo excited about winning it.
“I have heard it debated whether there needs to be a Women’s Tag Team Belt. And when I was training in MMA, I’ve heard people question the validity of a pro wrestling belt. But let me say this on behalf of Miss Tessmacher and I…we worked very hard to earn these belts. We love them. And every time that we put them on the line, you are guaranteed to see our best and get an unparalleled match. Because we’re the Champs.”
Posted July 25th, 2011 in News, TNA. Tagged: Tara.
TNA star Hulk Hogan was at the big Comic-Con event in San Diego over the weekend and spoke with Alex Verrey of Mad Catz about the new Saints Row: The Third video game, which Hogan did some voice work for:
TNA star Rob Van Dam was recently interviewed by The Miami Herald and had a lot of critical things to say about his time with the promotion thus far. Here are some highlights of what RVD said about:
Young Talent Not Asking Him For Advice: “I feel like I get respect, but not in that way. I’m open to it. Most of the guys, I don’t know if they don’t feel welcome to ask me or any of the other veterans or what. That is probably an issue that we have is the young guys should ask some of the older guys. They should be saying, ‘Hey, watch my match. Let me know what I can improve on.’ That never happens enough. Some of the young guys who are or were there, I don’t want to mention any names. There were two young guys who just left and looked like they were out of high school. The whole time they were there, they never introduced themselves or shook my hand. Things are way different than they used to be.”
Being Misused In TNA: “I can’t say that I have been utilized to the fullest. I’d say very much not, but I don’t want that to come off as a complaint because I really like my deal with TNA. I’m very professional and there for whatever they need me to do. Having said that, I still care about my character and my career, and I’m very easy to get along with.”
TNA’s Lack of Brand Recognition: “We don’t have it. We have less than a handful of third party licensees, where as the big companies like with WCW there were a lot more. When they were around, they had a couple a hundred licensees. We need to get the TNA Impact Wrestling brand out there. ”
“The most common comment I hear every day from fans that spot me for the first time at a restaurant, mall or beach. The one comment I get is, ‘RVD, you’re my favorite wrestler. What happened? Are you not wrestling anymore? Why did you retire?’ I get that all the time. It’s not a bad downside for the deal I have, but it’s something I put up with. I’m always like an ambassador. I would say, ‘You got Spike TV? The show is on Thursday nights at 9.’”
“That tells me there is a void there, where a lot of wrestling fans have yet to catch onto this product. Brand recognition is so important. When I was with WWE, people would have me sign merchandise that I didn’t even know existed. I would go, ‘What the f—? There is an RVD outlet cover for your wall? I had no idea.’”
“With TNA, unfortunately right now, we are dealing with T-shirts, action figures, trading cards and then a few key chains or something. That is all we got. We have a handheld game, I guess. I don’t think that many people know about it. Then we have a big void. I’m hoping at this weekend at the Comic-Con in San Diego that the TNA office will meet some third party licensees.”
— Kurt Angle will battle Mr. Anderson in a Cage Match on next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, according to ImpactWrestling.com.
The Bound For Glory Series also continues with two singles matchups: Rob Van Dam vs Gunner and Bully Ray vs Crimson.
— Madison Rayne sent a wrestling blogger a derogatory message via Twitter after reading his review of last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling in which he criticized her comedic match with Tara.
“You sir, are a d*ckhead,” she wrote to Dustin Nichols of the Camel Clutch Blog. “Get a real job. =) that’s all!”
The blogger doesn’t feel he wrote anything horribly offensive or vulgar regarding her match. He further explains the situation here and sends a message to the TNA Knockout.
— Ric Flair has launched an online memorabilia store via RicFlair.com.
Along with autographed books, photos, posters, T-shirts and video releases, the legendary grappler is selling five minute phone calls and live video chats for $495 and $750, respectively. He is also selling custom-made replicas of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for $4,550.
— Hulk Hogan has changed his Twitter user name to twitter.com/hulkhogan. He also had the account officially verified by the social networking site, the first TNA star to do so.
— Tickets for Bound For Glory, which takes place Sunday, October 16 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are now on sale at the Liacouras Center box office and ComcastTIX.com. The event is being presented by Direct Auto Insurance.
— Kurt Angle appears at the Spike TV Booth (#3945) at the San Diego Comic-Con today beginning at 1:00 p.m. The event is located at the San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive San Diego, California.
During an interview on Thursday with the Albany Herald, TNA star Ric Flair announced that he will be returning to the ring once again in September.
Flair’s next match for TNA will take place at the No Surrender pay-per-view – but his opponent won’t be decided until Hardcore Justice next month. Flair told the Herald:
“I don’t know for sure, but it will be either Sting or Kurt Angle. It just depends on whoever wins between them on Aug. 6. You got the scoop right there, brother.”
Aside from Sting vs. Angle for the TNA Championship, also confirmed for Hard Justice on 8/7 is Mexican America vs. Beer Money for the TNA Tag Team Titles.
We’ve gotta ask – what do you think about Flair getting back in the ring again? Who would you rather see Flair wrestle – Sting or Kurt Angle? Should this be Flair’s final match? Comment Below.
Miss Tessmacher and Tara are the new TNA Knockout Tag Team Champions as they defeated Rosita and a masked Sarita for the straps on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
Tara secured victory when she powerbombed Sarita and pinned her for the three-count.
A storyline explanation was given for Sarita suddenly donning a protective mask as prior to the match, cell phone video aired of her, Tara, Tessmacher and Rosita brawling following last week’s show. Sarita suffered a broken orbital bone and jaw from the fight, resulting in her need for protection.
Sarita recently suffered facial paralysis, which she announced two weeks ago via Facebook, and legitimately needs to wear the mask. Despite her loss of muscle function, she continues to fulfill her wrestling obligations as she worked this past weekend’s World Wrestling Council Aniversario 2011 events in Puerto Rico. She is also scheduled to work this weekend’s Impact Wrestling live event tour in tag team matches against Tessmacher and Velvet Sky.
Monday Night Mayhem Recap with Eric Bischoff Hosted By The Big Mos & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent Heard LIVE Monday Evenings @ 7PM ET/6PM CT
IMPACT Wrestling’s Eric Bischoff was one of the featured guests on this week’s live edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem. You can feel The Mayhem every Monday evening (at 7PM ET/6PM CT), exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network.
You can listen to Bischoff’s appearance on The Mayhem by clicking here (MP3).
Here are some highlights from the interview:
What wrestling fans can expect from the X-Division now that the Destination X Pay-Per-View has come & gone:
“One of the things that confused/frustrated me when i first got here was the X-Division. One of the things I first talked about in creative meetings was ‘What is the X-Division? Can someone please define it to me?’ It really never got a straight answer. One of the things we have realized in the last couple of weeks is that everyone knows that in the X-Division, that style of wrestling works really well, but it’s incumbent on us, as producers, if we want to showcase that style of wrestling to clearly define it in a way that fans can understand, and then have the discipline to stick with it.”
Whether the upcoming iMPACT Wrestling TV tapings (in Huntsville, AL, Knoxville, TN, & Macon, GA) should be seen as an experimental trial by TNA & Spike TV or something that will be an long-term investment for the viewing audience:
“It’s a little bit of both. We knew when we went on the road last March that we wanted to prove a point. We wanted to show people that we could pull it off from a financial point of view. We wanted to prove to the network that it would have an impact on the overall quality of the show, and we were successful, which led to what we are going to do this fall. Hopefully, what we do this fall is going to prove that it has long-term viability & sustainability. And if we are successful, as we were in March, my hope individually is Spike TV & the executives at TNA decide that this is the best strategy for this brand. I think that’s the one thing that will change the trajectory of this brand * this company for the better, and it is taking the show on the road.”
What he feels would be the market for a proposed Hulk Hogan/Sting in-ring showdown and why, if it happened, could be a “phenomenal event”:
“It’s hard to say. It’s a little bit early, but if you look at the fan reaction to the storyline so far, I would have to say that the market would be pretty good for it. I think you have got two icons, two of the biggest names in the history of the business, who are probably nearing the end of their respective careers. I think naturally people would love to see that match for a lot of reasons. There will be some that probably does not want to see that match for their own reasons, but I think the storyline will ultimately dictate how big the market is for that match. Given the performances that we have seen out of Hulk Hogan & Sting as of late, I’ve got high expectations. If everything else is right, and Hulk is feeling it, and he’s in good enough shape, and Sting is feeling it and really wants it, I think it could be a phenomenal event if it occurs.”
— TNA Knockout Sarita is still feeling the effects of facial paralysis as she donned a protective mask at this past weekend’s World Wrestling Council Aniversario 2011 events in Ponce and Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The mask was specifically designed to protect her face as it entirely covered her mouth and left eye.
Sarita competed against Puerto Rican women’s wrestler Black Rose at both events as a heel. She won Friday in Ponce but lost Sunday in Bayamón.
Meanwhile, TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James was advertised to compete at Aniversario 2011 but scratched days before the events.
— The producers of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars are giving fans the opportunity to cast the upcoming season. Velvet Sky is asking fans via Twitter to show their support by voting for her to appear on the reality show. To vote for the TNA Knockout under the athletes category, click here.
— Kurt Angle is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.
– Jeff Hardy’s next scheduled court date in North Carolina is September 8th. The case was believed to be coming to an end in late June but has been pushed back another three months. Hardy was arrested back on September 11th of 2009.
– Former TNA star Max Buck of the Generation Me tag team had this to say about his team’s recent departure from the company:
“Simply put: If we weren’t wrestling, we weren’t making money…And a guys gotta eat. Obviously, if you’re a fan of the show, you probably hadn’t seen us for quite sometime. Aside from the television program, TNA also runs live events around the country. In 2011, we’d only been on a handful of those, as well. Now, don’t get me wrong. When you’re booked a bunch, you’re making pretty good money, which was the case for us in our first year with the company. Not so much, this year.”
— Kazarian took a shot at Sin Cara, who was suspended yesterday for 30 days due to a violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program.
“The Flux Capacitor is what makes time travel possible,” Kazarian wrote regarding the name of his finisher. “If you STEAL it, you violate the Wellness Policy and get suspended 30 days. Just sayin’.”
— Matt Morgan underwent MRIs on his lower back yesterday. The TNA star has been dealing with spasms of late that have been increasingly painful.
He is expected to receive the results within the next few days.
— Jeremy Borash celebrates his 37th birthday today.
— Abyss is advertised to appear for Pro Wrestling Destination on Saturday, August 20 in Reno, Nevada. Visit www.pwdwrestling.com for event information.
— Sarita posted a message today on her Facebook account thanking fans for their support after recently suffering facial paralysis. She did not, however, post an update on her condition.
She wrote, “Thanks to everyone for your kind words of support. Right now my mind is on a goal I’ve had for some time…wrestling in Puerto Rico! I went to the beach, trained wrestling, went to the gym, met new people and saw new places…all the things in this world that make me happy!”
She also noted that she will be on hand for World Wrestling Council’s Aniversario 2011 tonight in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She is advertised to wrestle Mickie James at Sunday’s show in Bayamón. Wearing a protective mask, she returned to action at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping.
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be performing a live concert tonight at Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and she will be participating in a meet & greet with fans. Visit JimPorters.com for more information.
This will be a homecoming for James as she spent time in Louisville while coming up through WWE’s developmental system.
Two titles matches and two Bound For Glory Series matches are advertised for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. One of the Bound For Glory Series matches will be a ladder match.
— The X Division Championship will be on the line as Brian Kendrick defends his newly won title against number-one contender Alex Shelley, who won the Ultimate X Match at Destination X.
— In a Bound For Glory Series match, Rob Van Dam battles “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner.
— In a Bound For Glory Series match, it will be AJ Styles vs. Gunner vs. Matt Morgan vs. Samoa Joe in a Ladder Match.
— Mickie James will defend the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship against Velvet Sky. This will be Velvet Sky’s first shot at the title.
— TNA is also advertising the following concerning Sting: “The maniacal Sting is once again the World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Mr. Anderson for the gold! What’s next for Sting and his mission to annihilate Immortal? Don’t miss it!”
Sting regained the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Mr. Anderson last night on Impact Wrestling, after Fortune and Kurt Angle, disguised as his clown minions, attacked each member of Immortal, preventing them from interfering in the match.
Sting lost the belt last month at Slammiversary IX, following outside interference from Eric Bischoff. He invoked his rematch clause on last night’s show.
TNA Wrestling has announced that Sting will defend his newly won title against Kurt Angle next month at Hardcore Justice, which takes place August 7. Angle became the No. 1 contender to the strap last month at Slammiversary after defeating Jeff Jarrett.
At four TNA World Heavyweight Championship reigns, Sting now shares the record for most reigns with Kurt Angle.