TNA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy heads back to the Superior Court of Moore County in North Carolina next Wednesday to face multiple drug trafficking charges.

The charges against him are as follows: conspiracy to traffic in Opium, trafficking in Opium by possession, two counts of possession with Intent to Distribute, felony possession of cocaine, felony maintaining a controlled substance in a vehicle/dwelling/place and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is represented by a pair of lawyers, including a top defense attorney who has also represented Tupac Shakur and other celebrities.

Hardy and his longtime companion Beth Britt recently become parents to a baby girl. The couple tends to be coy regarding their marital status, but those close to them say they are not married.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Raven was said to be legitimately upset over TNA Wrestling writing him out of television recently. On a recent episode of iMPACT!, he was forced to put his employment on the line in a match against World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy. Hardy won the match and Raven was booted from the company as a result. His release from the company is legitimate.

Though he was written out of television, he then worked the opening match of a live event in Nashville, beating AJ Styles clean with a DDT. It is said that TNA is having wrestlers parting ways with the company go over in their final matches to keep them happy and motivated.

— The fact that new referee Jackson James is the son of Eric Bischoff was guarded even backstage at the Turning Point pay-per-view and subsequent television tapings. Garrett Bischoff trained at the Nasty Boys wrestling school in Florida before debuting in TNA Wrestling. It was not a secret to people at the school that he is Bischoff’s son, but TNA talent were lied to by company officials even after the news surfaced online.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Hulk Hogan was moving around backstage at a recent set of television tapings than he was at Bound For Glory. He’s still in noticeable pain and moves gingerly, but he was in such bad shape at the October pay-per-view that most everyone kept away from him.

— Stevie Richards worked with wrestlers who received tryout matches prior to the last set of iMPACT! tapings. Many feel this could be his new role with TNA Wrestling due to the EV2 faction disbanding. However, one source hasn’t ruled out the possibility that some of the EV2 wrestlers could be brought back once Dixie Carter regains control of the company on television.

— TNA Today is back with an all-new edition featuring TNA Knockout SoCal Val interviewing a fan favorite in the organization, Jesse Neal.

To view the video interview, here.

— Kevin Nash continues to deny reports that he has re-signed with TNA Wrestling. There is talk, however, that a deal is in place.

One company official not aware of whether Nash had re-signed, assumed it was only a matter of time if he had not.

“They are talking,” said the official. “He’s got somebody’s ear. And by somebody, I mean Dixie Carter.”

— In a battle of former tag team partners, Sarita squares off against Taylor Wilde on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion. To view the match, click here.

— TNA Knockout Cookie is advertised to appear alongside former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy at Poitin Still Irish Restaurant and Pub (located on 774 Main St. Hackensack, New Jersey) on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Folowing Thrusday’s episode of TNA iMPACT! on Spike, here’s a look at the updated card for TNA Final Resolution on Sunday, December 5th:

TNA World Championship Match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Matt Morgan

Submission Match:
Jeff Jarrett vs. Samoa Joe

Casket Match:
Abyss vs. D’Angelo Dinero

First Blood Match:
Rob Van Dam vs. Rhino

Full Metal Mayhem Match
TNA Tag  Champions The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Generation Me

Falls Count Anywhere:
Tara vs. Mickie James

TNA TV Championship Match:
AJ Styles vs. Douglas Williams

TNA X-Division Championship Match:
Robbie E vs. Jay Lethal with Cookie in a Cage above the ring.

Beer Money vs. Ink Inc.

Mickie James performed her theme song, Hardcore Country, at the Nov. 16 iMPACT! taping (set for air on next week’s show). The segment featured Eric Young wearing bottom-less chaps while playing the cowbell in a takeoff of Will Ferrell’s “More Cowbell” skit years ago on Saturday Night Live.

Many backstage felt James was put in a tough position because she wasn’t given much notice to perform, not to mention without her actual band. She legitimately sang over a music track as a makeshift band comprised of two production crew members pretended to play instruments.

While some within the organization felt it was unprofessional to have James perform on short notice and under those circumstances, others praised her for not balking at the opportunity to perform on national television or upsetting creative by complaining about the situation.

The segment turned into an angle as Tara attacked James from behind while she was performing. Young then attempted to restrain Tara, but was struck with the cowbell. The segment may have to be edited as James suffered a wardrobe malfunction when she fought back—she placed her hand over her breast, not to mention that her skirt flew up. The two rivals continued brawling before security gained control of the situation.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Rhino is believed to be working on a nightly deal with TNA Wrestling. He was telling people at Turning Point that he had yet to receive a contract offer from the company.

One TNA source noted that the company had originally intended to part ways with Rhino when his contract expired, but he’s staying put for the time being due to his current program with Rob Van Dam. However, the belief amongst many in the organization is that he will be gone once the storyline concludes.

— Bruce Prichard, who recently joined TNA Wrestling, has not been involved in creative or agents meetings. Rather, he produces pre-taped segments. He has kept a low profile since joining the organization a few weeks ago, but a number of wrestlers and personnel are said to leery of him due to his reputation for playing political games in WWE.

— Jeff Hardy and his fiancée Beth brought their infant daughter backstage to the Nov. 15 iMPACT! taping.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Kurt Angle noted on Twitter that he is looking to film a “good vs. evil” movie alongside fellow TNA star Rob Van Dam. He also commented on the state of his former employer, World Wrestling Entertainment.

“I truly look a wwe and it’s not the same without shawn, HHH, rock, austin and me. They have incredible talent like ‘Taker, kane and others. I thank GOD vince game me a chance, but any talent won’t be is HUGE as we were. I’m not trying to benefit Tna. I love Tna. But wwe needs upper talent. I hope they do it, but when I was in wwe, the talent was incredible. Rey mysterio, cena and orton picked up the slack. But is wwe like it was? Tna has Awesome talent. I Pray we can compete up against the Monster wwe someday. I will do my very best. I loved wwe when I was there-but tna is better for me. I Pray we both succeed incredibly. Kurt.”

— AAA star Zorro noted in an interview with miluchalibre.com that he has been offered a two-year contract by TNA Wrestling. The deal would allow him to continue working for AAA as well. The Mexican wrestling promotion have given him permission to accept the offer.

— Eric Young is accepting bookings via Bill Behrens at showbis@aol.com. They are, however, subject to approval by TNA Wrestling.

A video has been posted on YouTube featuring TNA champion Jeff Hardy giving some strong criticism of WWE star CM Punk.

It’s worth noting that the video was not posted by Jeff Hardy and there’s no date given as to when it was recorded. The video is choppy and contains some NSFW language, so you’ve been warned.

— After suffering a concussion last month as a result of an accidental chair shot from Jeff Hardy, Mr. Anderson isn’t expected to return to the ring until early next year. With that being said, it’s been indicated that he’s feeling better and he may take part in some angles before then.

— It would appear that Hulk Hogan has gotten married as he indicated the following yesterday on his Twitter account: “Sitting outside with my dogs and new awesome Mrs Hogan.the waves are crashing and life is beautiful.only positive vibes.like attracts like HH.”

It was recently reported that Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel had applied for a marriage license in the state of Florida.

— Mickie James will be performing songs from her country music album and taking part in a meet and greet this Saturday at Cullen’s Cove, which is located at 6233 Mechanicsville Tpke. Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111.

source: PWInsider.com

— The newly created TNA Immortal Championship was a belt specifically made for Jeff Hardy and thus will not replace the actual TNA World Heavyweight Championship over the long run. The assumption of many within the company is that the longtime belt will return once Hardy loses the Immortal Championship.

Though the purple belt has been panned online, a number of people within the organization are high on its appearance. One TNA source deemed it “beautiful” and raved about the designer’s attention to detail.

The word amongst the locker room was that the belt cost the company $18,000.

— TNA Wrestling color commentator Taz noted today on Twitter that he is dealing with a financial situation, which has left him highly upset.

Taz wrote, “To my supporters, Sorry I haven’t been on here for a few days. Something PISSED me off last week- so I have nothing nice to say, still mad.”

He then added, “My anger has to do with $$. Thats all I can say right now.”

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Dixie Carter recently filmed a segment where she threatens to take back control of TNA Wrestling through legal means. The segment is expected to air this Thursday on iMPACT!.

Carter has kept a low profile at TNA events since she lost control of the company in the ongoing storyline. She has not been sitting at ringside, nor mingling with the fans prior to shows as she did prior. She has been backstage at most television tapings, although she did not attend Tuesday’s show.

source: prowrestling.net

Former WWE and TNA star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman went on Twitter this week and ranted about a number of topics, including why he wasn’t contacted to appear at “Old School” RAW, WWE’s Wellness policy, his release from TNA and more.

Here are some highlights of what Waltman wrote on Twitter.com/therealxpac:

Not Being Contacted To Appear On “Old School” RAW:

“I dont know why I wasnt at Old School Raw. Maybe everyone should call them and ask them. (203) 352 8600. they are going to kill me for that. Dont tell them I told you to call though:) Not that they wont find out anyway, with all the wwe undercover operatives scanning twitterverse. Maybe I just slipped their mind. If u listen to their version of history, i barely existed.”

Waltman has been outspoken about WWE’s PG product and suspects that his comments may have put him on bad terms with the company. He tweeted:

“F— em if they cant take a joke. 4 f— sakes, the election is over. Enough with the PG bulls— Vince. I love you Boss, but come on.”

“Trust me, Im not trying to get a job. Im doing fine & having fun. I just like to play harmless ribs. Someone’s gonna be pissed though. lol!”

WWE’s Wellness Policy & Whether He’d Quit Weed To Get A Job With WWE:

“No. I wouldnt. Thats my own choice & even Vince doesnt want to stop the boys from smoking weed. Its a bs policy.”

“As long as there testing for marijuana, which is totally retarded, I will not pass their drug test. They will drop the pot thing. watch”

“Drop the marijuana policy. The IOC doesnt even ban it, except during competition. F— it, While your at it, lay off the steroid policy too. People want to see guys with great bodies & the boys want to take it.”

“Now the ban on somas & the whole wellness policy in general is great. That would give WWE an idea if anyone’s health is affected.”

His Release From TNA:

“Everyone ask Dixie Carter why TNA chose to announce I no showed Lockdown when they knew my situation over 1 wk prior.”

“Also ask Dixie Carter why she told me we would get through this together & then I received a an e mail saying weve got nothing for you.”And even though they could really use me. Im not looking for a job there either. TNA that is. Dixie Carter is a good woman however.”

“TNA did not f— me at all. Just shoot strait with me. Too many people there who feel threatened by me, behind the scenes.”

“But I was part of the reason Konnan won his lawsuit vs TNA for racial descrimination. Im surprised they brought me back anyway. Some people in TNA were wrong & they were guilty. I witnessed it & had the balls not to remain silent. I get the reason they dont want me..”

– Ric Flair is said to be a strong supporter of Matt Morgan. Flair sees tremendous potential in Morgan and has been mentoring him behind the scenes at recent iMPACT! tapings.

– TNA president Dixie Carter is getting serious about protecting her talent from head injuries and recently spoke to former WWE star and concussion awareness champion Chris Nowinski. As part of this effort, TNA star Ken Anderson recently announced on Twitter that the company has banned unprotected chair shots to the head.

– To update the story of TNA’s Miss Tessmacher working at a Hooters restaurant in Houston, TX, the latest is that she did in fact work there – but it was only so she could enter a Hooters waitress bikini contest.

– The “Hulk Hogan & Friends” panel discussion that was scheduled for this week in Green Bay, Wisconsin has been rescheduled until January 21st, 2011. Among the Hogan friends who will be appearing are the Nasty Boys, Brutus Beefcake, Jimmy Hart, Greg Valentine, Jim Duggan and Koko B. Ware.

– Independent wrestler TJ Perkins will be getting a TNA tryout in January. He has worked for the company before, wrestling as the masked star “Puma” in the 2006 and 2008 World X Cup tournaments.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– TNA officials believe that Sting will once again re-sign with the company. Sting has been working on a year-to-year basis for several years now, with Spike TV often contributing to his expensive contract renewals. If he does decide to stick with TNA, he would be brought back in January with some of the other TNA headliners who have been off television, like Kurt Angle.

– There has been talk of Kevin Nash being brought back to TNA. Click here for more on his recent TNA departure and Nash teasing that he’d like to wrestle The Undertaker at WrestleMania.

– TNA’s EV 2.0 storyline has essentially run its course and was not originally booked to last this long. Many within TNA are pleased the ECW originals got as much exposure as they did, but it’s really time to move on.

– Tommy Dreamer’s reported wrist injury was originally feared to be a break, but ended up “only” being a ligament injury with deep bruising.

– TNA Reaction will not air after iMPACT! on 12/16. Spike TV’s programming schedule lists the shows 1,000 Ways to Die and Phowned! that evening.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Former TNA star Homicide was interviewed by Canada’s Slam Wrestling and spoke candidly about his release from the company. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Politics In TNA, Being Miserable & His Eventual Release:

“I’m not going to lie to you, I was telling my girlfriend honesty, it hurts everybody. When I speak the truth, it hurts. I didn’t say anything aggressive. I was frustrated in the end. I’m very confident that I can do better. Politics just got me in the butt and just caught me. I was miserable at the end of my days in TNA, I didn’t like it.”

Despite all that, Homicide looks back fondly on his time in TNA. He told Slam, “I miss the boys, I miss the staff, I miss everything,” he said. “I became a smarter businessman when I went to TNA.”

Working With Hernandez & Konan In Mexico:

“He’s in Mexico right now, he’s still in TNA, but he’s doing more coverage in Mexico. There’s a big rumor that me, Hernandez and Konnan are going to do the 5150 tour in Mexico, and hopefully we’re going to bring it to the States and we’re going to have a LAX reunion.”

You can read the full interview at Slam.Canoe.Ca.

Tonight is the premiere for the A&E television special, “Finding Hulk Hogan.” The show, which has gotten mixed critical reviews, will chronicle the recent events in Hogan’s life, including Nick’s car accident and the resulting lawsuits, his messy divorce, falling in love again with his fiancee Jennifer McDaniel, TNA and more.

Related News: First Review Not Good For Hogan’s A&E Special

Here is A&E’s official preview for the show:

“Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, has been world-famous for almost thirty years. From the fan frenzy of Hulkamania all the way through to the tabloid-driven fascination with his family, Hulk has lived his entire adult life in the public eye. Losing nearly everything in the aftermath of his divorce, a pending lawsuit from his son’s tragic car accident, and a body riddled with injuries from years in the ring, Hogan must now start over at a time when he thought he would be happily settled into his retirement. Emotional, and completely honest, “Finding Hulk Hogan” tells his side of the story — and gives viewers a Hulk Hogan they’ve never seen before.

The one-hour special premieres Wednesday, November 17 at 10PM ET/PT. Weaving together verite footage, Hogan gives fans a stark glimpse at his entire life, including his darkest moments of depression, thoughts of suicide, alcohol and prescription pill abuse, his broken marriage, losing his entire fortune, deciding to return to Totally Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling despite severe medical warnings, making amends with his children, finding God and committing to his girlfriend, Jennifer McDaniel.

• Pictures of HULK HOGAN’s Fiancee – JENNIFER McDANIEL

Candid interviews with Hogan and the people in his life help chronicle the ups and downs and round out the story of a man who is trying to rebuild the pieces of his empire and move forward with his life.”

— Regarding Lacey Von Erich’s departure from TNA Wrestling last week, she was not fired. The third generation wrestler asked for her release from the organization and was granted it.

— TNA Wrestling officials are interested in bringing Hernandez back to activity, but he has indicated that he’s not quite ready to return yet as he’s enjoying his main event status with Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA).

Hernandez was sent to the Mexican wrestling promotion in the spring with the idea that it would get him over as an authentic Mexican babyface which they could use as their own.

— Last Thursday’s episode of TNA ReACTION drew a 0.7 cable rating, with 754,000 viewers.

— TNA Wrestling commentators have yet to acknowledge Winter (formerly known as Katie Lea Burchill in WWE). The basis of the supernatural character is that nobody can see her but Angelina Love.

— TNA Wrestling will tape the Nov. 18 edition of iMPACT! tonight in Orlando, Florida. The Thanksgiving Day episode will be taped tomorrow.

sources: PWInsider.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– TNA Wrestling ran a live event at The Asylum in Nashville, Tennessee over the weekend, the venue where TNA held its first shows during the “Wednesday night PPV era” almost a decade ago. It was the last time TNA will be at the Asylum, as the venue is shutting down.

Injured star Mr. Anderson appeared in the ring prior to the main event. Anderson said he wasn’t cleared to wrestle yet due to his recent concussion, but introduced The Pope for a match against Jeff Hardy.

– TNA President Dixie Carter appeared at the final Asylum show and thanked fans for their support. She was met with a “Thank You Dixie” chant.

– Last week’s episode of TNA iMPACT on Spike TV drew a 1.16 cable rating with an average of 1.63 million viewers, on par with what the show’s been doing for the past 5 years.

– The Motor City Machineguns are heading to Japan next month to wrestle two shows for New Japan Pro Wrestling. MCMG will be wrestling the team of No Limit at the 12/11 Osaka show and will wrestle the team of Apollo 55 the next night in Aichi.

Lacey Von Erich announced on her Twitter page this evening that she has decided to leave TNA Wrestling.

“I decided to respectfully leave TNA today .. I want to try new things, like be a sports host or something :) Love ya’ll!”

She also noted the following on her Facebook page:

“Let’s face it I was no Von Erich in the ring :) But it was so much fun! I’m getting married, and would love to do something local, luckily I live in L.A. so it shouldnt be too difficult! :)”

Von Erich joined the promotion in October 2009 to replace Angelina Love in “The Beautiful People” faction.

Hulk Hogan and his fiancée, Jennifer, filed for a marriage license this week in Tampa, Florida, reports TMZ.com.

Those close to the TNA Superstar tell TMZ the couple wants to be married by Dr. Michael Beckwith — a spiritual guru based out of Los Angeles.

Hogan commented to the website, “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

A&E will be airing a special on Hogan’s personal life next Wednesday, Finding Hulk Hogan.

Related News: First Review Not Good For Hulk Hogan’s A&E Special

The first review is in for the upcoming A&E’s reality TV special “Finding Hulk Hogan” and its not too flattering.

John Griffiths of US Weekly wrote the following:

“Wrestler turned reality fixture Hulk Hogan opens up about his divorce, money woes and bout with depression in a tell-all special. Don’t fret: He soon finds God and a career as an exec for TNA Wrestling. Considering his stature in pop culture, this effort could have been a bit more insightful and less self-promotional.”

“Finding Hulk Hogan” premiers on A&E on Wednesday, November 17th at 10pm (ET).

— TNA Superstar Kurt Angle said “anything is possible” today on his Facebook account in regards to a possible return to WWE.

“A lot of you want me back in WWE. I appreciate your kind words. I love TNA but anything is possible,” he wrote. “Dixie Carter has been wonderful to me. She cares about my well being. That means more to me than anything. So I would never count out WWE, but TNA is my loyalty right now.”

— The seating chart for WrestleMania XXVII has been released online. To view it, click here.

The event is being held on April 3, 2011 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

— The Nov. 6 episode of A.M. Raw drew a 0.52 cable rating, with 646,000 viewers. The rating is way down from the previous week’s 1.04 figure.

— Kevin Nash disputed online reports that he has re-signed with TNA Wrestling.

“I did not sign with TNA wrestling co.” he wrote on Twitter.

Those spoken with in the company today regarding the report were not aware that he had re-signed, but couldn’t say for sure that he had not.

— Tara’s character has been tweaked to that of a “cougar.” Creative plans call for the 39-year-old to attempt to strike a romance with members of Generation Me, of which are 14 (Max) and 18 (Jeremy) years her junior.

— TNA Wrestling newcomer Winter (a/k/a Katie Lea Burchill) celebrates her 30th birthday today.

source: prowrestling.net

— Kevin Nash has reportedly signed a new deal with TNA Wrestling, thus ending his contract dispute with the organization.

The former World Champion last appeared for TNA on the Oct. 14 episode of iMPACT! where he and Sting announced they were walking away from the company rather than join Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s regime.

— Matches taped yesterday in Orlando, Florida for an upcoming edition of Xplosion were Sarita vs. Taylor Wilde and Rob Terry vs. Okada.

— TNA Wrestling’s Director of Public Relations, Steven Godfrey, recently got married in Monroe, Louisiana. An article on his marriage can be read here.

source: PWInsider.com