“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero posted a lengthy blog on his official website concerning his status with TNA Wrestling.

PSW: The State of Pope In TNA

Pope wanted to share this with The Congregation as what I’m about to say is the very real, and sincere just as the message that I’m about to refer to that I received on TheElijahExpress.com:

While reading my Private Messages via the TheElijahExpress.com/Forum, I came across this message from a young man who voiced his opinion about Impact Wrestling and the current treatment of yours truly. This individual wrote in a manner that caused his words to be felt as if he were speaking in front of me. To sum it up, he stated that he hadn’t watched TNA’s Impact Wrestling since the battle royal a couple of months ago. He said he refused to watch now because of Pope’s current treatment and under-utilization on the show.

As Pope continued to read, I began to feel this great weight fall upon my shoulders, and it then became somewhat of a burden. Why one may ask?? Well, it’s simple: I aspire to be that ONE positive influence on young and old alike, to encourage them to aim higher, to let them know that anything is possible, and as the old adage goes, “Hard work will pay off.” Trust me; I do know that it will! Heck, it already has to be exact. BUT the burden rest with knowing that many (not just the kid who wrote this letter to me) around the world email Pope on a regular basis asking the very same thing: “What’s going on with TNA’s treatment of you. Last year this time you were super hot….. (fill in the blank as you know the rest.)”

To be honest, Pope knows not. What I do know is that I do what is required of me, and Pope does it well. I’m not involved in, nor do I seek to be in any backstage clique. I don’t play politics, and I don’t kiss @ss. I show up to work every day with a smile on my face, respecting my peers, and a “What’s Up Daddeh” welcome to all whom crosses paths with Pope. Much like many of you who continue to remind Pope, I worked my butt off, got close to grabbing the brass ring, got injured, came back, and here we are today. I won’t even mention my feud with Sommore Joe, or that in the midst of confusing many watching, Pope and Joe were still able to be the highest rated quarter hour on the show during the “Pope-Joe-Pig” segment, even if many never understood why we were feuding. (Side note: Being one of prophetic capability, one would think that Pope would’ve saw this coming, Ha!)

Here’s my point, Pope always look on the bright side of things, and throughout whatever hardship Pope encounters I attempt to remain positive through it all, or at least THINK positive knowing that GREATER awaits Pope. So as heavy as Pope’s heart had become after reading that young man’s email, I say to all of you that support me day in and day out, “I’m Sorry.” If you feel that I’ve let you down, or that I am letting you down, “I’m sorry.” However, know that Pope is STILL PIMP’N, that NEVER changed; It appears that plans have changed as that’s the power of the mighty pencil. It’s mightier than Pope’s ability, or your tweets, or emails. That’s just the way it is. However, don’t think for one second that YOUR VOICE doesn’t count, and do know that I will do everything within my power to achieve that ultimate goal, and that is to etch my name in the history books as the 1st African American TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Pope promises to continue working hard, and to persevere as I wish to EARN my keep, much like many before Pope which includes the likes of Styles and Joe. And while I speak of them, let Pope say this; I may not be an AJ Styles (who is truly Phenomenal and gave Pope his Greatest Match EVER), and Pope may not be a Samoa Joe (one intense, agile, and talented big man); But for the record, they’ll NEVER be “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero!

And in closing, know that Pope’s a team player and supports his company 100% as I feel we have the greatest assemble of talented wrestlers worldwide….AND to those that write in to bury Vinnie “you know who”… Trust Pope when I tell ya, THAT GUY is to Pope as a bird handler is to a caged dove that palms it, releases it, and says, “Go do what you were meant to do…Fly and Be Free!” That’s no B.S, that’s just Pope keeping it REAL! It may take some time, but Pope do believe that I’ll get there, and when I do, it will be because of YOU and I made it happen together. I hope this answers a many of your questions and concerns, and Pope truly THANK YOU, The Congregation for your unwavering support.

Until Next Time “If you can’t Change the people around you, Then CHANGE the people around you! ~PHS

Four matches have been announced for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

* A Four Corners Match will take place featuring AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jerry Lynn.

* Crimson will face Bobby Roode in a Bound For Glory Series Match.

* Matt Morgan and James Storm will face “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Devon in a Bound For Glory Series Match.

* Velvet Sky will face ODB and Jackie. If Velvet Sky wins the Handicap Match, ODB and Jacqueline have agreed to never show up in the Impact Zone again.

IMMORTAL has also issued World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson an ultimatum.

— The Wrestling Observer reports that TNA Wrestling officials want Jeff Hardy to enter a rehabilitation facility.

Hardy, who was accompanied by his wife, appeared at the Moore County Courthouse in Moore County, North Carolina on Monday to face drug trafficking charges related to his September 2009 arrest. His court hearing was once again pushed back.

Chris Shore of ProWrestling.net reports that all signs point to a deal being reached with Hardy agreeing to undergo some type of drug rehabilitation.

— Matt Morgan will appear on an upcoming episode of the self-improvement reality television series Made. The episode will air on CMT, which will soon air new episodes focused on adults as opposed to teenagers.

“The Blueprint” will be working with a 28-year-old policeman who wants to be a wrestler for TNA.

— Devon threw out the ceremonial first pitch at yesterday’s Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park. TNA Wrestling will hold a BaseBrawl event tomorrow night at the stadium.

— The Bound For Glory Series continues tonight on Impact Wrestling with two more matches: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs Gunner and Samoa Joe vs Devon.

In a 6 person elimination match, the Knockouts will be featured as Knockouts Champion Mickie James teams with Tara and Miss Tessmacher to take on Angelina Love, Winter, and Madison Rayne.

Plus, three more stars from the X-Division’s past return to do battle in a 3 Way X-Division Match with the winner advancing to the Destination X pay-per-view.

The main event will feature Sting vs. Scott Steiner.

— Jacqueline has launched a Twitter account via Twitter. She confirmed the account on her Facebook page.

— TNA Wrestling has scheduled a live event for Saturday, September 24 at the Hammond Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana.

— Angelina Love has changed her tune on Twitter as she launched an account today on the micro-blogging site. It is located at twitter.com/ActualALove.

The account has been confirmed by Jeremy Borash and Taz.

Sarita remains as the last Twitter holdout of the TNA Knockouts. She stated yesterday on Facebook that she does not have a Twitter account.

— Matt Hardy posted the following update today on Twitter: “It’s amazing how healthy your body gets when u actually have a chance to rest it, not take bumps everynight, & don’t travel on an ungodly schedule.. I’m getting.. BETTER :)”

It was reported last week that Hardy was suspended by TNA Wrestling due to continuously arriving late to live events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun a woman with a taser, “among other reasons.”

— An Xplosion Championship Challenge Match between Hernandez and Max Buck was taped last night in Orlando, Florida for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion.

Online World of Wrestling Radio:
Heard LIVE Tuesday Nights at 9pm ET
http://www.wildtalkradio.com

This past Tuesday Night, Former TNA Superstar Jay Lethal joined Alan Wojcik for Online World of Wrestling Radio, heard Live on the Wild Talk Radio Network (Wildtalkradio.com) at 9pm ET, to discuss all the topics that people wanted to know in an Hour Long Interview. Some of the topics that were on the table included the following:

The possibility of joining WWE:

“I would say yes, Only because I can honestly say that anyone that is a pro wrestler in my generation you became a pro wrestler because of one reason and one reason only and thats because of WWE. ECW was big WCW was big but I think for my generation it was WWE that made you want to become a professional wrestler and why would you not want to get a chance to work for the company that made you love this business, so I would have to say yes.”

Speaking with Randy Savage for the First Time & what Randy Savage thought of the impression:

“The first conversation we had lasted for five minutes. It was a three way call because I did not believe that it was it was really the macho man, as the guy was trying to get me to believe it was really him. He told me he liked the stuff, he didnt see it on TV, but saw it on youtube, I didnt think I offended him, I think I annoyed him, as this fan was calling him, as I am a fan of Macho Man, its very weird to have a fan call you, just to talk.”

The famous promo with Ric Flair on Impact:

“After the segment, I got to the locker room first and I was so nervous that my hands were numb and I was waiting for Flair to come back through the curtain, cause I didnt know what he thought of it, I dont know if he thought it was good, before flair came back everyone was applauding because they liked it, I thought they just thought it was funny, but when Ric Flair came back through the curtain he had the biggest smile that I have ever seen in my life, I walked up to him and hugged and then I knew it was okay.”

Who he thinks made the decision to release him from his TNA Contract:

“I dont know who makes the decision, but I can only speculate that it came from dixie carter herself, as the owner of the company, it had to go through to her at some point. All I know is that at some point as the owner of the company, in time it has to come through you.”

Receiving the Phone Call about his release:

“I was called by Head of Relations Terry Taylor while at a Baseball game. I should have seen it coming, as I hadnt been on TV in five months. It wasnt like hey Jay Lethal, you messed up, I honestly believe it was we have nothing for you. We kept you long enough with getting paid, its just now time to clean up and make some cuts.”

Being a part of TNA Destination X:

“I was originally was suppose to be apart of the Destination X PPV, even before I was release. After I was release I was also scheduled to be apart of it, but that fell through.”

Other topics include his return to Ring of Honor Wrestling, more on the conversation with Terry Taylor and the conversation they had when Terry Taylor was released from TNA Wrestling, How he got his Job in TNA Wrestling and more stories from his career. All of this was covered in this Hour Long Interview with Alan Wojcik on Online World of Wrestling Radio, which you can hear now by logging on to Wildtalkradio.com and you can listen to some of the biggest names in Wrestling each week by listening to Online World of Wrestling Radio Tuesday Nights at 9pm ET LIVE on the Wild Talk Radio Network on Wildtalkradio.com.

TNA star Kurt Angle looks to make history next summer, as the Olympic gold medalist from the 1996 summer games by returning to the Olympic stage next summer in London. Angle spoke with the ZooToday.com website regarding his chances of making the United States Olympic team.

Angle, who will be 43 next summer, is realistic about his chances of competing with the top amateur wrestlers in the world, many of whom are more than 15 years younger than him.

“I definitely think I will be an underdog,” Angle said. “I am not going to be one of the guys picked to make the team and definitely not one of the guys picked to win a medal. When I was in the Atlanta Olympics I was already a world champion so there were high expectations when it came for me to perform. A lot of people didn’t know about the broken neck because I simply didn’t want anyone to know about it at the time.”

Angle said trying out for the Olympics while in his 40s will be challenge, but it also adds something to his quest.

“It’s kind of like a Rocky Balboa underdog story, because like Rocky if I get to the Olympics I have nothing to lose. One advantage I’ll have is that I’ve been through it all before but for me not having the pressure this time round to win the gold medal will make it a better experience. I can enjoy it this time and enjoy the training. I won’t be in a place where I say ‘Oh gosh I need to go to the gym today’. I can kind of enjoy it and have a passion for it this time.”

• Pictures of KURT ANGLE’s HOT Young Fiance Giovanna (She’s A Model)

Credit to TNAInsider.com for the following spoiler results for next week’s episode of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike:

* The show starts out with Bully Ray, Gunner and Scott Steiner coming to the ring. Bully Ray tells Mr. Anderson to get out here. Mr. Anderson joins Immortal in the ring. Ray says Anderson needs to figure things out and make up his mind. He can have the full backing of Immortal and keep his title but he needs to make up his mind tonight by the end of the main event. Steiner gets in his face and says he’s either with them or against them. Gunner talks but it’s boring and the crowd is not with him at all.

* The lights go out and focus on Sting on the catwalk. He let’s out a yell and Kurt Angle takes the opportunity to sneak in the ring and deliver Angle Slams to Gunner and Steiner. Bully Ray sneaks off before he can take one. Angle tells Anderson he needs to decide if he’s on their side as well and figure it out tonight.

* In a Bound for Glory Series Match, Crimson vs. Robert Roode. Winner via Sky High, Crimson

* Backstage, Abyss is frantically looking for his mask. He holds a backstage guy up to the wall and demands the mask. In another room, Brian Kendrick is shown meditating in his robe, only to lift his hood and show that he’s wearing Abyss’ mask.

* We cut back to the ring and Kendrick comes out in street clothes holding the mask. He tells Abyss to come out and collect his mask. Kendrick once again goes off spouting philosophical points and making very little sense. The crowd is dead and is not behind him. Abyss comes out with a towel over his head covering his face. Kendrick talks some more about philosophy and energy fields and the usual and gives Abyss his mask back.

* Abyss puts on the mask and then destroys Kendrick, knocking him down and hitting a black hole slam. He goes for more punishment but Generation Me, Amazing Red and Alex Shelley come out to stop him.

* Three Way Destination X Qualifier, Jesse Sorrenson vs. Tony Nees vs. Jack Evans. Winner via 630 Splash, Jack Evans. Sorrenson is a local wrestler who is in a tag team called Hunks in Trunks and goes by Ryan Sorrenson.

* Sting is laying on top of some lockers and is singing “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor to himself but replacing words with “Immortal.” Kurt Angle walks in and says he doesn’t know if he can trust Sting tonight because he’s gone crazy. Sting is Joker crazy and says he can trust him and then goes back to singing.

* Knockouts Handicap Match, ODB & Jackie vs. Velvet Sky. Winner via DDT to Jackie, Velvet Sky. ODB and Jackie tried to use a chair on Velvet but she turned the tables and dropkicked it into ODB and hit a DDT to Jackie.

* Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam. Winner via 5 Star Frog Splash to Daniels, Rob Van Dam.

* Bound for Glory Series Match, Matt Morgan & James Storm vs. Devon & “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero. Winners via belt shot to Storm by Pope with Devon getting the pin, Pope & Devon. Devon and Pope don’t get along during the match and at multiple times Pope left the ring to seek comfort from Devon’s family. Pope used the belt when the referee wasn’t looking and tagged in Devon so he could get the points in the Bound for Glory series.

* Backstage, Hulk Hogan is shown beating up Sting. Every punch he throws, Sting just laughs at him and asks for more. Then Sting’s eyes grow wide and he says “Oh no” to which Hulk Hogan then knocks him out with a baseball bat.

* Kurt Angle vs. Gunner, Bully Ray, Abyss and Scott Steiner. Sting was supposed to be Angle’s partner but Hulk Hogan took him out with a bat in the back. Winner via Mic Check from Mr. Anderson to Kurt Angle, Immortal. Anderson made it seem like he was on Angle’s side but turned on him. Anderson jumped into Abyss’s arms after the match and celebrated with Immortal.

Former WWE star Batista joined Twitter last week and has wasted to time making headlines with his newsworthy tweets. He’s trashed WWE’s current “PG” programming, addressed talk of his recent muscle loss and now is answering fan questions about whether he’d consider working for TNA Wrestling.

• Check Out: Recent Pictures of BATISTA Looking VERY Skinny
  

Unfortunately for TNA fans, Batista said “absolutely not” about working for TNA – or any wrestling promotion other than WWE.  Batista tweeted on Mondaay:

“I keep getting asked about a possible TNA run…and the answer is absolutely not.”

“Nothing against TNA. They’ve got some great talent, but even though I don’t agree with the direction they’ve taken, I bleed WWE, which is why I’ve decided to sit it out rather than accept very generous offers from other promotions. Hope everyone can respect that.”

— Gunner stated on his Twitter account that he will face AJ Styles this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a “Bound For Glory Series” match. He also said Samoa Joe will face Devon in the BFG Series.

— Bob Ryder, Director of Talent Bookings and Travel for TNA Wrestling, refuted online reports via Twitter that Homicide and Jack Evans were backstage at yesterday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

— TNA Wrestling performer Brooke Adams (a/k/a Miss Tessmacher) competed in the 15th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant last Saturday in Miami, Florida. Representing the Hooters restaurant in Kirby, Texas, she was one of 100 contestants. She did not finish in the top ten.

— Kurt Angle will be on hand for an autograph signing this Saturday at the Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York. Visit WrestlingUniverseOnline.com for more information.

Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife Linda appeared on NBC’s Today show this morning and was interviewed by Matt Lauer to promote her new tell-all book, “Wrestling With The Hulk.”

The most newsworthy part of the interview is Linda claiming that Hulk was physically violent with her during their marriage, a claim we haven’t heard from her before.

Here’s a recap of her appearance, courtesy of SEScoops.com reader Mark Christie, as well as a video clip of the appearance:

– Matt Lauer started off by saying that they reached out to Hulk Hogan, but he had no comment. Linda was asked about her statements that drugs were rampant in the wrestling world during Hulk’s career. She said that drugs were always around the house, from painkillers to steroids. According to Linda, Hogan would often become violent, throwing chairs, smashing doors, and choking her.

– Linda stated that “Hogan Knows Best” was good for the family in that it brought them together during tough times. Their marriage ended shortly after the series was finished.

– * Pictures of LINDA HOGAN & Her 21-Year-Old Boyfriend

– Lauer then asked her about Nick Hogan’s role in the accident that seriously injured John Graziano. Linda actually said that the eight months that Nick received was too harsh of a sentence. Ugh! Lauer then concluded the interview by plugging the book.

– Overall, Linda came across as very self absorbed. She took no responsibility for her divorce, placing all the blame on Hogan. Watching her saying that Nick’s sentence was too harsh was truly nauseating. It seems that in her eyes, Nick is the golden child who can do no wrong. She showed no concern for Graziano, or his family.?Hopefully, her book will be in the dollar bin soon.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Credit to Rob for sending in  the following TNA Impact Wrestling spoilers from Monday night, set to air this Thursday on Spike:

* Samoa Joe beat Devon in what was a Bound For Glory Series match

* Segment with Mr. Anderson and Hulk Hogan. Sting interrupts, hit Hogan with the bat and played the Joker role.

* The returning Low-Ki beat Jimmy Wang Yang and Matt Bentley in a three-way.

* The British Invasion turn face on Mexican America and a match is announced for next week between the two teams.

* Six Knockouts Elimination Tag match ends when Mickie wins for her team of Miss Tessmacher and Tara against Angelina Love, Winter and Madison Rayne.

* AJ Styles and Daniels sign their contract for Destination X. Jerry Lynn came out which brought out Rob Van Dam. A four-way is announced for next week.

* Sting beat Scott Steiner. Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson attacked Sting after the match. This brought out Hulk Hogan to join in. Kurt Angle made the save to end the show.

– The word at the courthouse in Moore County, North Carolina today was that Jeff Hardy’s court case would be pushed back until Thursday of this week, due to other cases on today’s docket. We’re still waiting on official word.

– TNA will be taping two episodes of Impact Wrestling this week from the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida with the final build for the Destination X pay-per-view.

SEScoops.com can confirm that Jack Evans, Homicide, Low-Ki, Matt Bentley and Jimmy Wang Yang are all backstage at tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping. Scheduled for tonight’s taping:

* A face-to-face confrontation between Sting and Hulk Hogan.

* A 3-way X-Division match.

*AJ Styles vs. Gunner.

* Samoa Joe vs. Devon.

* An elimination match between Mickie James & Tara & Miss Tessmacher vs. Angelina Love & Winter & Madison Rayne.

In his latest online video show, TNA star Matt Hardy gets his long hair shaved off by his girlfriend, Reby Sky. The video description reads:

“Reby shows a true act of love as she not only trims Matt’s hair, but she trims Matt’s terrifying “fly-hairs” on Matt’s back! And Matt raps about the experience, enjoy!”

.. and here’s the video:

Matt posted another video of himself and Reby Sky visiting Shane Helms, who is still recovering from his recent motorcycle accident that resulted in several surgeries:

It was reported earlier this week that Matt Hardy was suspended by TNA Wrestling due to continuously arriving late to live events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun a woman with a taser, “among other reasons.” It was noted to Hardy on Twitter that a group of thirty asked for refunds when it was announced that he would not be on hand for Friday’s live event in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Instead, they were given free merchandise.

Hardy wrote, “I thank those peeps who stood up for me. I haven’t done anything wrong.. And the “Fans Voices Should Matter”-don’t ever forget that!”

He continued, “If you asked for a refund in Ft. Wayne cuz I wasn’t there, tweet me your story and I will RT it.. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Hardy also continues to take issue with wrestling websites that publish inaccurate stories.

“As I said earlier, I have no more beef with the net. They’re people tryin to make a living off of the business that we are the lifeblood of,” Hardy wrote. “With that said, you certainly can’t believe everything you read. There’s always details to situations that they have no clue about and therefore report incorrectly.”

— TNA Wrestling has announced Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe for next month’s Destination X pay-per-view.

The announcement was made in the Before The Bell promotional video.

Other matches slated to take place include an Ultimate X Match, Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn, AJ Styles vs. Daniels and Abyss vs. Brian Kendrick for the X Division Championship.

— TNA Wrestling’s subsidiary wrestling and racing hybrid league All Wheels Wrestling has announced all four team captains, three of which are former X Division stars.

Former TNA star Sonjay Dutt will captain Team 720. Former WWE performer Aaron Aguilera (a/k/a Jesus) will captain Team Dynamo. Former TNA X Division Champion Jay Lethal will captain Team Octane. Former WWE star Daivari will captain Team Defiance.

A pilot for the SPEED Channel is scheduled to be filmed next Wednesday at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida.

ImpactWrestling.com released the following concerning next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

First Time Ever: Thursday’s IMPACT To Air With Limited Commercial Interruption

Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast at 9/8c on SpikeTV – and for the first time ever, IMPACT WRESTLING will be presented with LIMITED COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION by 5 Hour Energy! That means more nonstop action with LESS commercials during the event!

Can’t watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday night? Make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the action.

Here is a preview of Thursday’s special broadcast:

– The road continues to the July 10 Destination X Pay-Per-View event! Tune in for more news, matches and X Division Superstars!

– The maniacal Sting vows to meet Hulk Hogan face to face inside the IMPACT Zone

– The Bound For Glory Series continues with two more major matches:
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs Gunner and Samoa Joe vs Devon

– In a 6 person elimination match, the Knockouts will be featured as Knockouts Champion Mickie James teams with Tara and Miss Tessmacher to take on Angelina Love, Winter, and Madison Rayne

Plus, 3 more stars from the X-Division’s past return to do battle in a 3 Way X-Division Match with the winner advancing to the Destination X PPV.

Don’t miss Thursday’s huge broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c with LIMITED COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION

During a recent interview with AsTheWorldTurnsLeft.com, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett spoke about a number of topics, including TNA working with Mexico’s AAA promotion, his relationship with Kurt Angle and much more. One of the more newsworthy topic discussed was the business side of TNA and whether the company is profitable yet. Jarrett responded with a resounding, “Yes, absolutely.” When asked why there are still so many questions about the company’s financial stability, Jarrett said:

“The thing is, I totally respect that fact. Because as a businessperson, you look at the odds of any startup business lasting more than five years, the odds are extremely against it. And in the early years, no, we weren’t making money, and that was a completely legitimate question. But as time has gone on, we’re seen in more than 100 countries worldwide, translated into 14 languages, JAKKS with our action figures, our online presence, touring over 100 events a year, internationally I think we’ve gone to the United Kingdom four times with a tour. It’s a great time to be in TNA and continue to expand.”

Jarrett was then asked about the outspoken part of TNA’s audience that criticizes the product and never seems to be happy with what the company does. Jarrett responded:

“I’ll say this: Wrestling fans, you have to take the good and bad of [them]. Because No.1, they’re highly critical of everything you do; they like to be Monday morning quarterbacks. But that’s all part of professional wrestling. It sort of makes up the uniqueness of our business. Along with that, I’m fine with them criticizing us and saying we should do this or do that. But from a business side of things, like you’re saying, when misinformation gets out, it’s not conducive for anybody when you put out total mistruths. But, hey, we’ve learned to accept it and move on. We worry about our bottom line, and let the chips fall where they may.”

To read the full interview, head over to AsTheWorldTurnsLeft.com.

Following Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact Wrestling, here’s is the updated card for next month’s Destination X pay-per-view, which will feature the return of TNA’s six-sided ring:

AJ Styles vs. Daniels

Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn

TNA X Division Title Match
Brian Kendrick vs. Abyss

Ultimate X
Austin Aries vs. Shiima Xion vs. TBD vs. TBD
* Winner gets a TNA contract.

— In Matt Hardy’s latest YouTube blog, he posted a preface for an upcoming entry that will explain ‘Who is Matt Hardy.”

“You will all understand, who the real Matt Hardy is,” Hardy says. “You will all understand, what makes Matt Hardy tick. You will all understand, why Matt Hardy… is Matt Hardy.

“I promise you this, it is going to be a YouTube entry you do not want to miss. I promise you that. I promise… you that.

“THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! Will be spoken.”

To view his video entry, click here.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be holding a live concert at Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, July 15. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit JimPorters.com or call 502-452-9531.

James also stated on her Twitter account that she will be doing a VIP meet and greet.

— Abyss stated Wednesday during a chat session on TNAOnDemand.com that he would be defending the X Division Championship (which he renamed the Extreme Title) against Brian Kendrick next month at Destination X.

— Kazarian is featured in Impact Wrestling’s latest “Why Wrestling Matters” video. The former TNA X Division Champion discusses what drives his passion and dedication for professional wrestling.

“There are a number of people out there, old and young, male and female, that want an alternative, that want a pro wrestling company,” Kazarian says. “They want to be entertained by what happens inside of a wrestling ring. They don’t want to be talked to, they don’t want to be lied to, they want to watch people fight. That’s why Impact Wrestling is important today, more so than it ever has been.”

To see the video, click here.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be appearing at a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in Elizabethtown, North Carolina on Saturday, August 20. Visit MickieJames.com for more information.

— Matches advertised for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling are Scott Steiner vs. Bully Ray in a Bound for Glory Series match and TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James vs. Winter in a Street Fight. Other matches scheduled to take place include:

* TNA World Tag Team Champions Beer Money, Inc. vs. Crimson and Matt Morgan

* Dakota Darsow vs. Federico Palacious vs. Shima Xion

* Sting vs. TNA X-Division Champion Abyss

* Velvet Sky and Miss Tessmacher vs. Jacqueline and ODB

Eric Bischoff is also advertised to call out Sting.

— Tuesday’s airing of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV garnered a 0.44 cable rating, with 609,000 viewers overall.

It is not considered a permanent move, but rather, a temporary addition to Spike’s Tuesday night line-up.

source: PWInsider.com

— We reported here yesterday that TNA Wrestling officials suspended Matt Hardy due to continuously arriving late to live events. It’s now being said that Hardy’s suspension was also due to the video he posted online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser, “among other reasons.”

Hardy was left off last week’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida due to the aforementioned reasons.

Matt Hardy tweeted the following statement in response to the online reports: “Just checked out the headlines on the ‘net.. They make me smile :-) Everything’s cool in life-luv it! It’s 95 out but I’m not sweating ;)”

— TNA Knockout Tara has launched an official website at RealLisaMarie.com.

— Rob Van Dam is advertised to appear at the Los Angeles Comic Con, which takes place September 24-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

TNA star Jeff Jarrett spoke with Dan Lovranski of The LAW for a half-hour this past weekend discussing the issues with TNA creative, the departure of Mick Foley, his program with Kurt Angle and much more. The entire interview is available at by clicking here and below are some highlights of the interview:

Using his children in the program with Kurt Angle:

“That’s the part that people have really voiced their opinion very very strongly, and it’s their prerogative to voice their opinion, but I’ve literally lived this. My parents were divorced when I was three-years old because of this business. So I’m very aware of a child’s feelings. People can judge all they want, but I know what kind of father I am, I know what kind of mother Karen is, I know what kind of parents we’re all are and I understand better than anybody where the kids’ heads are at. So it was a very understanding situation and you know I take the criticism but also understand, I take it with a grain of salt because you have to walk in my shoes or Karen’s shoes or Kurt’s shoes to fully understand the situation.”

Discussing those that have been critical of the creative team within TNA:

Keep being as critical as possible because it is absolute proof that you are watching in some shape, form or fashion. We’re never gonna please everybody and I know that. When I say that I speak from experience, and I literally mean that, I can remember as a kid going to matches when I broke into the Tennessee territory. Instead of online chats and the internet and that kind of stuff, there used to be a group of anywhere from 50 fans to 150 fans to who knows at times hanging out at the back gate. They would be raising hell bitching, complaining and saying “How come this guy didn’t do this? How come this guy didn’t do that?” Back in that day professional wrestling was perceived on a different level, but there have always been very vocal critics of professional wrestling and one thing that I learned and I learned it from my grandmother was the most vocal critic is the one that never ever missed a Monday night or a Tuesday night in Louisville or a Wednesday – they never missed. Well I know that we’re not gonna always bat one thousand not even close but we’re gonna keep attempting and keep trying to hit the home run, keep trying to keep the ball in play and know going in that we’re always gonna make mistakes. But at the end of the day, we’re gonna stay focused and do the very best we can and when you’re on the top rated show on your network, which we are at Spike you’re doing something right.”

Mick Foley’s departure from TNA recently:

“You know I’ve seen this happen countless times. There comes a point when you have employer/employee. When the employee comes to basically a fork in the road in their business life, if they have the ability to move on and don’t need the paycheck anymore and feel like they can’t work under these conditions anymore such as Mick, he moved on. My hat’s off to him, the a guy didn’t stick around and be disgruntled. If he wasn’t happy, it was time for him to move on. The worst thing a talent can do is stick around and just let things fester. Because they need the paycheck they stay, but they’re miserable, which isn’t doing anybody good, it’s doing everyone a disservice themselves included and life’s too short. If you’re not happy with the situation, move on. If you’re unhappy with it, be constructive about things and try to make a positive change, and realize that you’re not the ultimate decision maker and move on. I’ve got an immense amount of respect for Mick Foley. We go back basically he came to Tennessee in 1988, and I got started in 1986 so we go back man years. I respect his as a performer immensely but more as the person that he is.”

The recent passing of Randy Savage and his work in Memphis with the Jarrett family:

The Poffo family and the Jarrett family have a long and storied history. There were some very heated situations back in the early 80’s and then Randy came to work for my family’s promotion. In the mid 80’s when the WWF was plucking all the top stars out of every territory, Randy walked in and said that he was going, but he offered to stay as long as needed to “do business” on the way out. That’s something that my family certainly never forgot. My grandmother spoke very highly of Randy, my Dad and obviously I do. The in-ring performer that Randy was and the “it” factor and the charisma, everyone knows that side of it. But Randy was a man’s man, and you know, obviously tragic news, but I can’t say enough good about Randy. I really, really can’t – professionally and personally.

Transcribed by Rodney Rogers

— Gunner posted a diatribe on his Twitter account in response to wrestling fans criticizing Impact Wrestling’s “Wrestling Matters” initiative.

“If ya shoot why don’t u realize first “wrestling matter” is the whole package! Promo’s, matches and everything!! It takes stories to build to good matches,” Gunner wrote. “I know everyone has opinions but don’t be an idiot!!

“Wrestling is a whole new world than it used to be!! How about learning to cut a promo or do backstage SHIT before u shoot on a company.” He continued, “WWE and Impact both have promos and in ring segs for a reason…to BUILD to a match! Oh I got it, let’s just have random ass matches for no reason.

“And there is Gunner’s 2 cents worth!!! Fools.”

— Alex Shelley faces Okada in the first round of the TNA Xplosion Championship Challenge. To view the match, click here.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James and Winter have been announced for Legends of the Ring XIII, which takes place Saturday, October 8 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.