— The general attitude in TNA regarding Jeff Hardy’s legal situation is that it’s not a big deal and the TNA Champion will likely not face jail time. As reported earlier, Jeff Hardy’s court hearing on February 16 resulted in another continuance, with his next court date scheduled for March 21st.

— TNAknockout ODB returned on Thursday’s episode of iMPACT! to answer Women’s Knockout Champion Madison Rayne’s open challenge. ODB lost to Rayne. Eric Bischoff is said to be a big fan of the ODB character, which might have been a factor in her being brought back.

ODB was phased off television last year when the company began focusing on looks and showcasing “The Beautiful People.”

— TNA Knockout Traci Brooks is advertised for this Saturday’s AWE Superstars of Pro Wrestling event at Fluvanna County High School in Palmyra, Virginia. Visit awesomewrestlingentertainment.com for more information.

(Partial Source: pro wrestling torch)

TNA’s advertised “most shocking event of the year” was revealed at the end of Thursday’s iMPACT! – and it was vignette hyping “3/3/11” and the return of Sting.

The 3/3/11 video is clearly a knock on WWE’s 2/21/11 videos, which led to the Undertaker’s debut.

There had been a great deal of speculation that 2/21/11 meant Sting’s WWE debut, however WWE never mentioned Sting at all, so TNA celebrating that WWE failed to deliver on something they never promised doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But hey, it’s TNA.

Here’s the video:

SpikeTV issued the following press release on Thursday:

ANGELINA FROM THE “JERSEY SHORE” TO GET IN THE WRESTLING RING AND ISSUE A SPECIAL CHALLENGE
Angelina To Guest Star In Two Episodes Of Spike TV’s “TNA iMPACT!” In March

New York, NY, February 24, 2011 — Angelina Pivarnivck, a former cast member of MTV’s megahit series “The Jersey Shore,” is taking her talents into the wrestling ring. Angelina will appear on two upcoming “TNA iMPACT” episodes on SPIKE TV, Thursday, March 3 at 9:00pm ET/PT and Thursday, March 10 at 9:00pm ET/PT.

In the episode, Angelina will meet and partner with the wrestling duo “The Shore,” comprised of Cookie and Robbie E, and make her professional wrestling debut in the TNA ring. Angelina and “The Shore” share a mutual hatred of “Jersey Shore” star, J-WOWW, whom she will challenge publicly to meet her in the ring for a full-on brawl.

Last October, J-WOWW made an appearance on TNA where she pounded the trash-talking Cookie (who bares a striking resemblance to Snooki).

This special TNA “iMPACT!” event tapes Thursday, February 24 at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC. ‘TNA iMPACT” airs on Spike TV Thursdays at 9:00pm ET/PT.

TNA has been teasing the “most shocking moment of the year” will take place on tonight’s iMPACT! ..

A TNA source has informed us that Steve “Sting” Borden is backstage at today’s iMPACT! taping in Fayetteville, North Carolin.

However, it is not known what his role at the event will be.

It was reported earlier today that Borden had re-signed with the organization. His prior contract expired in December.

Borden last appeared for TNA Wrestling in October.

FOXSports.com is reporting that New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott, who got national attention during the NFL playoffs for cutting a pro wrestling style promo after a game, has signed a deal with TNA to appear at tonight’s iMPACT! tapings from Fayetteville, North Carolina.

View Here: Bart Scott’s Post-Game Wrestling Promo That Went Viral

Scott’s NFL contract will likely prohibit him from engaging any physical activity, but Scott will be working with Hulk Hogan on camera in TNA.

Following Scott’s post-game wrestling promo that got him so much attention, Hulk Hogan told the New York Daily News that Scott could absolutely have a career in pro wrestling once his football days are over.

“I knew when Bart looked down the barrel of the camera he believed in himself and in what he was saying,” Hogan said. “That makes him a real dangerous man. When his career’s over and he wants to make some real money, tell him to give me a call and we’ll break him in the right way.”

Tune in next Thursday night, March 3rd to see Bart Scott on iMPACT!

– There is concern in TNA over Kurt Angle’s condition after he was pulled from singles main events against Jeff Jarrett at last weekend’s TNA live events. Instead of Angle having to carry a full main event singles match, they had him team with Beer Money to face Jeff Jarrett and Ink Inc. Beer Money carried most of the match, with Angle basically taking part in the match’s finish.

– Tonight is a big night for TNA – the company will tape the March 3rd episode of iMPACT from Fayetteville, North Carolina. This will be only the second iMPACT! ever taped outside of Orlando.

Advertised for tonight are the return of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair vs. AJ Styles, Karen and Jeff Jarrett renewing their wedding vows.

– Former TNA Knockout Chelsea is now working on a show called The College Experiment, airing Thursday nights on FUEL TV.

– The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT! on Spike TV:

• Kurt Angle vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson
• Eric Young & Orlando Jordan vs. Gunner & Murphy
• Crimson vs. Magnus
• Rob Terry vs. Scott Steiner in a posedown
• Madison Rayne’s open challenge

TNA is also teasing the “most shocking moment of the year” at the end of  tonight’s broadcast.

Based on what we’ve heard, there’s a strong chance the shocking moment will be … the return of Sting.

— Ric Flair resurfaced last week on iMPACT!, his first TNA appearance since the organization’s tour overseas. A source said that backstage, Flair acted as if nothing occurred overseas.

— The debut of TNA iMPACT! on Challenge TV in the U.K. on February 8 drew 134,000 viewers. It is the most watched episode of iMPACT! in the country. By comparison, the final airing of iMPACT! on Bravo drew 37,000 viewers (airing Christmas Day).

— TNA Wrestling has posted a video of Karen Jarrett (now nicknamed “The Princess”) indicating that she needs help coordinating her wedding.

Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas recently interviewed TNA producer Al Snow.  Here are the highlights of what Snow said about:

– Thoughts on wrestlers using Twitter to air grievances: “It shouldn’t be a venue to air gripes or complaints, by no means. The wrestling business was a closed business for a very long time (Jimmy can attest to this). It’s kinda like remember when you were a kid, and you were at home and something would happen within your family and it was never spoken outside of the house because it was your family. It was nobody else’s business because nobody else could appreciate or understand the situation, and therefore, would pass judgment on something they really didn’t have a part in. Because at the end of the day, the only people who are gonna have to go to bed with it and wake up with it are you and your family – and that’s kinda like the wrestling business.”

– On TNA talent using social forums (via Twitter) to comment on the competition: “We’re the ones who rely on and depend on the wrestling business for our livelihood and how we’re gonna feed our families. So why throw dirt on each other and throw muck around, or air out our grievances or talk about the competition in a public forum. It’s okay to do all of those things amongst ourselves, but once it goes outside those doors, and goes into an area where people don’t have a real stake in what happens or what it being said then it’s like your cousin Jim who went to jail – you don’t want to share that with anybody because he’s your cousin – he’s your family.”

– On his job description as a producer for TNA: “A communicator who conveys message from an agents meeting to determine what type of business we want to accomplish from a particular match – pushing a storyline, getting a babyface over, make a character, put heat on a heel, or start teaching the audience (6-montsh out) that a certain guy could be a champion so that 6-months later he becomes a viable threat/contender to the title (in the eyes of the audience).”

– “The most oxymoronic term out there is a ‘smart-mark’. Just doesn’t exist. Because how can you be smart at something – knowing somebody is lying to you, while actually believing the lie. It’s a term created by fans who believe they’re on the inside of something that they’re not really on the inside of. They’re not a part of the business because they don’t have a real stake in it.”

– “A great example is if you ask what was the best match of WrestleMania 3. Most people would say Savage/Steamboat. But it was Hogan/Andre because 93,000 people paid to see Hogan/Andre. The best match isn’t about ‘working’ or ‘taking the best bumps’, it’s the match that draws the most people and makes the most money. That’s the best match.”

– Also Al Snow discusses ring psychology, internet smart-marks (and the irony of the term), lack of guidance in present day wrestling scene, his upcoming movie roles and much much more. The twenty-minute interview can be heard here.

TNA’s official site released the following announcement on Monday promising a shocking surprise for Thursday’s iMPACT!.

PREVIEW: THURSDAY’S iMPACT BROADCAST ON SPIKE – DON’T MISS THE FINAL MOMENTS FOR THE SHOCKING SURPRISE OF THE YEAR!

Don’t forget to watch Total Nonstop Action Wrestling every Thursday night starting at 9/8c with iMPACT! If you can’t watch it Thursdays, make sure to set your DVRs to record it!

THIS THURSDAY, DON’T MISS THE FINAL MOMENTS OF IMPACT FOR THE MOST SHOCKING SURPRISE OF THE YEAR – GUARANTEED!!!

Plus, the road continues to the March 13 TNA Wrestling “Victory road” Pay-Per-View event, also available on TNAOnDemand.com.

— Mickie James’ enthusiastic review of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to WWE over the weekend on Twitter reportedly upset some of her wrestler colleagues as they feel she shouldn’t be putting over the competition.

She wrote: “Finally getting a chance to catch up on @TheRock’s charismatic return… Literally got chills… & remembered why I do… What I do!”

— It’s said that Kazuchika Okada was shoehorned into the role of Samoa Joe’s lackey because TNA Wrestling officials ‘feel obligated’ to use him due to a working agreement with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Okada, whom the company signed a year ago, was completely relegated to Xplosion until last month when he was revealed as the camera man whom Joe had hired to follow “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero.

— In a follow-up on last week’s iMPACT!, the show drew 1,544,000 viewers overall, with a 1.13 cable rating.

sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, PWInsider.com

— Isis the Amazon’s tryout match prior to last Tuesday’s TNA iMPACT! taping was deemed “terrible” by one company source.

Though her in-ring capabilities are considered lousy, it was noted that she worked with a wrestler who is also considered green, Leva Bates, a student of the Team 3D Academy Of Professional Wrestling. The source doesn’t rule out TNA using Isis again, due to her tremendous size.

• Check Out: Pictures Of Isis The Amazon’s TNA Debut

— Hulk Hogan was briefly backstage at an iMPACT! taping last week, reportedly for a photo shoot. “The Hulkster” is advertised for an appearance at Thursday’s iMPACT! taping in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

— TNA returns to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi on April 29, 2011 and the Memorial Hall in Joplin, Missouri on May 5, 2011. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Desmond Wolfe has been hanging out backstage at most iMPACT! television tapings. He shows up early in the day, visits with friends and is usually gone by showtime. He remains under contract to TNA Wrestling and is out on medical leave with an undisclosed illness.

— TNA Wrestling announced on Twitter that any fan who was able to catch Jeremy Borash during his jog near the site of Friday’s show in Huntington, West Virginia would receive a backstage pass to the event. After outrunning a man in his fifties and three teenagers, the fan in video below earned a pass after he “ran for his life.”

To see the video, click here.

— Crimson celebrated his 26th birthday yesterday.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero has heat with wrestlers in the locker room because they feel he’s not making an effort be an effective heel. They think he tries to portray himself as a babyface or “cool heel” in his promos.

— TNA Knockout Tara put over Trish Stratus’ return to WWE on Sunday, writing on Twitter: “I wish I could have watch my girl @trishstratuscom tonight. I’m sure she stole the show.”

Stratus wrote in response, “Well… It was no Chicago street fight- now that was stealing the show!”

— TNA Knockouts Traci Brooks and SoCal Val, as well as former Knockout Chelsea, are advertised for Mega Con, which takes place March 25-27 in Orlando, Florida. Visit megaconvention.com for more details.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— TNA Wrestling officials were understanding of the travel issues that prevented Generation Me from making their scheduled appearance at last week’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. However, they were not pleased with the duo relaying their predicament on Twitter. Management feel Max and Jeremy should have allowed them to come up with a replacement plan and announce it at once rather than sharing details of their travel problems online.

The next day, Max took a shot at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson while watching his WWE return, writing on Twitter: “The Rock would not pass a wellness policy test.” The comment was later deleted.

— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to WWE garnered a rave review from Tommy Dreamer. He wrote yesterday on Twitter: “I just saw the Rock’s return & the 2/21/11 video. AMAZING. If anyone wants 2 know why wrestling is the best. Watch that. Gave me goosebumps!”

— Angelina Love is auctioning off a wrestling outfit worn at Genesis 2007 and on episodes of iMPACT!. To view the auction, click here.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

– The February 17 episode of TNA iMPACT! scored a 1.13 cable rating, down from 1.20 the previous week and 1.31 on February 3.

The first hour scored a 1.15 before dropping to a 1.11 in the second.

iMPACT! averaged 1.5 million viewers over the course of two hours, down from 1.7 million viewers last week and 1.9 million viewers on January 27 and February 3. It was tied with the January 6 episode for the fewest average viewers of the year.

— Isis the Amazon, the six foot nine woman who was to have appeared as the protégé of Vickie Guerrero on the third season of WWE’s NXT, wrestled a dark match against Florida independent women’s wrestler Leva Bates prior to Tuesday night’s TNA Impact taping in Orlando, Florida. Company officials were aware of her prior to her involvement with WWE last year, but showed no interest after watching tapes of her wrestling. They reportedly changed their tune on her because she appeared for WWE.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer says she has been wrestling on the independent circuit since 2007, but had never heard of her until a few months prior to her appearance on NXT. He described her wrestling ability as beginner level and exuding no charisma.

Isis the Amazon, who participated in a tryout match for TNA Wrestling earlier this week, posted numerous messages on her Twitter account yesterday dismissing the report that she upset those in the locker room with her conduct backstage.

According to the Pro Wrestling Torch, the organization’s female performers collectively made it clear at this week’s television tapings that they would not work with her if she is signed, citing her poor attitude.

“Heat comes & goes. Even if I had it, why would I care? All that matters is that I give what I do 110% & have a positive attitude,” she wrote in response to a message that she has “heat” amongst the locker room.

She then added, “I don’t ever pay attention to dirt sheets. They’re there b/c average people live average, boring lives & need a target like me for amusement & a cheap laugh. I’m not putting it over & I’m don’t talking about them, IE giving them credit. F*** ’em.”

Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) spoke out in defense of Isis, saying she didn’t upset the locker room, and that she’s a total sweetheart.

Isis also commented on her wrestling ability drawing unflattering comparisons to The Great Khali. She said that Tommy Dreamer, who also works as a producer, told her she has a lot of potential.

“People can say what they want. When a guy like Tommy Dreamer who had worked closely with the Great Khali comes up to you & tells you that you have mass amounts of potential, I’d focus on that as motivation over some stupid dirt sheet talking s***,” she said. “My name is still coming out their mouths for a f****** reason- NEVER forget that. So long as I’m doing what I need to be doing, everyone else trying to bring me down can “suck it”.

Company sources indicate Isis garnered major heat amongst the locker room due how she carried herself at the events, as if she is already a “big star” in the wrestling industry.

“I’ve never seen a guy or a girl rub the locker room this much the wrong way,” said a TNA employee.

Meanwhile, Matt Hardy similarly dismissed a report indicating that he upset his peers by taking credit for the recent TNA Impact ratings surge coinciding with his arrival to the organization.

“GIVE ME THE HEAT!” he wrote Wednesday in response to a headline reading “Backstage Heat On Matt Hardy Over Twitter Comments.”

He then changed his tune on the subject, writing today that only “inaccurate scumsheets” say he’s arrogant with his boastful remarks on Twitter, not his fellow wrestlers.

Isis the Amazon, the 6-foot-9 wrestling diva who was to have appeared as the protégé of Vickie Guerrero on the third season of WWE’s NXT, wrestled a dark match against Florida independent women’s wrestler Leva Bates prior to Tuesday night’s TNA Impact taping in Orlando, Florida.

Though her in-ring abilities are considered horrible, the feeling is that she will be offered at least a short-term role with TNA Wrestling. However, the Pro Wrestling Torch reports today that the organization’s female performers, the TNA Knockouts, collectively made it clear backstage at this week’s television tapings that they would not work with her if she is signed.

Company sources indicate Isis garnered major heat amongst the locker room due how she carried herself at the tapings, as if she is already a “big star” in the wrestling industry.

“I’ve never seen a guy or a girl rub the locker room this much the wrong way,” said a TNA employee.

Check out these pictures from Isis the Amazon’s TNA debut:

(Source: pwtorch.com)

– TNA star Jeff Hardy’s pending court case was delayed once again on Wednesday morning. Hardy was not there in person. Hardy’s attorney James Van Camp represents another client in a murder trial and was not able to appear today, which led to the continuance. The next court date is scheduled for Wednesday March 16, three days after TNA Victory Road and the two nights of iMPACT! tapings that follow.

– Former WWE developmental Aloisa, best known on the indy scene as the 6-foot-9 wrestler Isis The Amazon, was recently approached by MTV about filming a reality show on her unique life. (Source: Diva Dirt)

Isis The Amazon received a TNA tryout in Orlando and it’s said there’s a good chance she’ll be offered a spot on the TNA roster.

– Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter this week that she and a number of TNA stars took part in a film shoot that involved “lots of flames” and was “lots of fun.”

– UFC star Tom Lawlor was in attendance for Monday’s TNA iMPACT tapings from Orlando.

– The pre-sale for TNA’s Lockdown pay-per-view at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 17th begins this morning at 10am. The pre-sale password is “Lockdown.”

Credit to reader Eric for sending in the following TNA iMPACT! tapings results from Tuesday night, set to air on Thursday, February 24th:

* Gunner and Murphy defeat Eric Young and Orlando Jordan with Beer Money on commentary.

* Brother Devon comes out and talks about Brother Ray’s attack on his kids at Against All Odds. We see Ray backstage. He taunts Devon for the attack and rips them. Ray is getting ready to powerbomb someone through a table backstage but Tommy Dreamer makes the save. They fight out to the ring. Devon accidently punches Dreamer as security breaks everything up.

* Mr. Anderson comes out and sits in a chair, saying he’s calling the shots now. Anderson wants his world title rematch. Rob Van Dam comes out and they go back and forth on the mic before getting into a fist fight.

* Immortal comes out and Bischoff makes it RVD vs. Anderson for the main event. Jeff Jarrett whispers to Bischoff and he makes it RVD vs. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle.

* Crimson defeats Magnus.

* Scott Steiner vs. Rob Terry in a posedown is up next. Terry comes out with workout equipment. Terry cuts a promo on Steiner. Steiner comes out in a suit and they talk trash. Terry attacks Steiner from behind and chokes him with a tension band. Security breaks it up.

* Ric Flair comes out and tells AJ Styles to come get on his hands and knees to apologize. AJ comes out and says he’s been avoiding Flair because he wants to beat him up. Flair goes to hit AJ but it’s blocked. AJ attacks Flair until Hernandez makes the save. AJ eliminates him. AJ low blows Flair and kicks Hernandez. Flair is bleeding bad here. Hernandez launches AJ back into the ring. AJ comes back and takes out Hernandez on the floor. AJ goes for a Styles Clash on Flair but Hernandez makes the save. Fortune comes down to help Styles. Hernandez goes to retreat but is attacked by Matt Morgan.

* Madison Rayne comes out for a non-title match and says she will knock out who ever is put in front of her. ODB comes out to answer Madison’s challenge in her TNA return. Madison gets the win with her finisher.

* Mr. Anderson defeats Kurt Angle and Rob Van Dam in a solid main event. The match is interrupted by Karen and Jeff Jarrett, distracting Angle. Anderson hits the Mic Check for the win.

Former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion ODB returned to TNA Wrestling at tonight’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida, reports WrestleBabe.net.

Coming off her successful title defense against Mickie James at Against All Odds, Madison Rayne boasted overcoming every obstacle the company has placed in front of her. The Ohio native says she’s bored, and subsequently issues an open challenge to any woman in the world. Three-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion ODB answers her challenge, receiving a ‘thunderous reaction’ from the Impact! Zone audience.

The match concluded with ODB succumbing to Rayne via pinfall following the Rayne Drop.

ODB last appeared for TNA Wrestling in the spring. She officially parted ways with the organization in June. ODB said during an interview last summer that she left TNA due to unhappiness and to recharge her batteries.

— According to the latest issue of Figure Four Weekly, the average number of buys per TNA Wrestling pay-per-view event is approximately 17,000 in North America.

By comparison, the average TNA Wrestling pay-per-view event garnered approximately 26,500 North American buys in 2007.

These numbers are based on sources within TNA Wrestling. The organization doesn’t publicly release pay-per-view buy numbers.

— Rosita, who made her TNA Wrestling debut last Thursday on iMPACT!, and Sarita, are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Super Luchas.

— Glamour model and entertainment personality Reby Sky sat amongst the crowd at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida.

Isis the Amazon, who was to have appeared as the protégé of Vickie Guerrero on the third season of WWE’s NXT as Aloisia, wrestled a dark match against Florida independent women’s wrestler Leva Bates prior to tonight’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida, reports WrestleBabe.net.

The six foot nine grappler pinned Bates following a chokeslam.

Bates has previous TNA Wrestling experience as she competed against Awesome Kong in the $250,000 Fan Challenge in June 2008. She is a product of the Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling in Kissimmee, Florida.

Florida based independent women’s wrestler Niya worked a dark match last night against Madison Rayne. Billed as Niya Verino from Las Cruces, New Mexico, she lost to the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion.

Niya is a product of the World X-Treme Wrestling (WXW) promotion in Florida, which was founded by WWE Hall of Famer Afa “The Wild Samoan”. She has also worked matches for Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) as TNA newcomer Rosita’s tag team partner.

— Traci Brooks returned to TNA Wrestling at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida.

She came to the aid of Kazarian following a post-match beating from Robbie E and Cookie. TNA Wrestling ring announcer Jeremy Borash welcomed Brooks back to the company.

TNA Wrestling released Brooks from her contract last March following seven years of tenure.

— Former TNA Women’s Knockouts Champion ODB is backstage at tonight’s iMPACT! taping. She parted ways with the organization in June.

— Isis the Amazon, who was to have appeared on the third season of WWE’s NXT as Aloisia, is backstage at tonight’s iMPACT! taping.

source: prowrestling.net

— Douglas Williams was dropped on his head during a match with Hernandez at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida. The match was stopped for Williams to be evaluated.

Williams is said to be fine following the injury scare. He is not expected to miss any ring time.

— Independent wrestler Bobby Shields wrote an article discussing his experience at the Team Taz Finishing Camp. The goal of the camp is to assist wrestlers in learning the nuances that may be preventing them from grabbing the attention of one of the major wrestling promotions.

— On Twitter, Matt Hardy confirmed the rumor that he is dating Reby Sky, a glamour model and entertainment personality who recently turned down a WWE developmental contract offer.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch