Archive for the ‘TNA’ Category

Hulk Hogan Leaves The Hospital & Getting Married Soon

After being hospitalized over the Labor Day weekend due to extreme back pains, TNA star Hulk Hogan has left the hospital and is said to be doing better.

Hogan left the hospital in a wheel chair and announced to reporters that were there, including TMZ.com, that he will be getting married very soon to his girlfriend Jennifer McDaniel – as soon as she shaves his legs for him. Hogan told TMZ he’s ready to “move this wedding up, and will be marrying Jennifer right away.”

Hogan is not done with the medical procedures yet – he told TMZ that because he was “too big” for the hospital’s MRI machine, he has to go to another facility for to get looked at.

* Pictures of HULK & His Fiance – JENNIFER McDANIEL (Direct Link)

Reason For Impact Preemption, Jarrett’s Marriage To Angle’s Ex

TNA iMPACT! is being preempted tonight as Spike TV is airing episodes of Gangland during the program’s regular time slot. While Spike nor TNA Wrestling has acknowledged the reason for the preemption, it is said that network officials made the decision to not air iMPACT! this week because they felt it would be hammered in the ratings by the NFL season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.

TNA Wrestling will instead present the Bound For Glory Kickoff Show on the company’s official website, TNAWrestling.com. Hosted by Jeremy Borash, the webcast will feature a Q & A session with TNA President Dixie Carter where she will answer questions form the fans.

— As noted earlier, Jeff Jarrett recently tied the knot with Kurt Angle’s ex-wife, Karen Smedley. The couple were married on August 21 at a small ceremony that few people within TNA Wrestling knew about. People within the organization discovered their marriage after Karen, more than a week later, posted photos from the wedding on her Facebook account. The two have been living together and raising their combined five children (three from Jeff’s first marriage to the late Jill Jarrett; two from Karen’s marriage to Kurt Angle).

— While Team 3D’s respective contracts with TNA Wrestling have expired, Brother Ray is still working for the promotion both as a producer and in creative.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Hulk Hogan Talks About Major Changes Coming To TNA (Video)

In the latest video shot from his hospital bed, TNA star Hulk Hogan says major changes are coming to TNA Wrestling. After getting off the phone with Eric Bischoff, Hogan says they’re on the verge of starting something big that’s going to take pro wrestling where it needs to be.

“This is going to be another era of wrestling you’re going to get to talk about like the whole NWO thing and Hulkamania when it first busted loose and we switched it up NWO-style,” Hogan said. “We’re going to switch it up again and do something totally different. This is going to be another era of wrestling. After being on the phone tonight with Eric and us putting our heads together tonight, because everything was clicking, it’s going to be crazy and a wild ride.”

Here’s the full video – what do you think is in store for TNA? Hit up the comment section below and give us your guesses.

*Spoilers* 4 Matches Confirmed For TNA Bound For Glory

200px Bound for Glory (2010)

TNA Bound For Glory: October 10, 2010

Warning: The following contains *Spoilers* for the next 2 weeks of TNA iMPACT!:

Below is the current confirmed card for TNA Bound For Glory on October 10, 2010 coming out of  Monday and Tuesday’s  iMPACT tapings.

TNA will tape another week of iMPACT tonight, which should give a better idea of the card.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Tournament Final
Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

Lethal Lockdown
Fortune vs. EV 2.0
* Fortune won the numbers advantage at Tuesday’s tapings.

TNA World Tag Team Title Match
Generation Me vs. The Motor City Machineguns

Abyss vs. Rob Van Dam

A Steel Cage Asylum match or Ultimate X is rumored to be held for the X Division Title.

*Spoiler* TNA Bound For Glory Main Event

Warning: The following contains a *Spoiler* for Thursday’s TNA iMPACT!:

The main event of TNA Bound For Glory 2010 will be Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson for the vacated TNA World Championship.

At the iMPACT! tapings, it was announced that Kurt Angle would wrestle Jeff Hardy with the winner facing Ken Anderson in the main event at Bound For Glory. After referee Brian Hebner got knocked out, his father Earl Hebner came out to referee. When Brian woke up,  there was a double-pin count where one Hebner counted a pin for Angle and one Hebner counted a pin for Hardy. Eric Bischoff came out and declared the Bound For Glory main event would be a 3-way match.

TNA Bound For Glory takes place live on pay-per-view on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Hulk Hogan Hospitalized For Severe Back Pain (Video)

TNA star Hulk Hogan was hospitalized earlier today due to “excruciating back pain,” according to TMZ.com.

Hogan has had several back surgeries in recent years and was having issues over the last few days. When he woke up this morning, he couldn’t get out of bed. His girlfriend called the ambulance and he was taken to a local hospital in Clearwater, FL, where tests are being conducted.

Hogan has posted a video on Twitter of himself in a hospital room ..

Best of luck to the Hulkster, hopefully he is out of pain soon and fully recovers.

Kurt Angle Injured, Jeff Hardy Back In Court This Week

– TNA star Jeff Hardy will return to court this Thursday, September 9th. He will report to The Superior Court of Moore County in Carthage, NC, and faces the following charges from almost a year ago…

* Felony possession of cocaine.
* Felony drug trafficking of opium
* Felony possession with intent to redistribute a Schedule III drug (two counts).
* Maintaining a dwelling for drug use and/or distribution.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia. (misdemeanor)

– TNA star Kurt Angle was injured at last night’s No Surrender pay-per-view. Jeremy Borash posted the following on his Twitter after the show went off the air:

“With Kurt Angle right now backstage. He suffered a dislocated rib on the @JEFFHARDYBRAND swanton to the floor. The amazing Dr. Tim Adair, who works for TNA backstage, has put Kurt’s rib back in place. Angle says he is good to go. What a machine.”

Borash also posted a photo of Kurt backstage with an ice pack on his ribs, which you can see here:

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Sound Off 124: 900 Reasons To Hate Raw And It’s Ridiculous Lies

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Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 124)

*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 17 minutes

Solomonster has a vicious, pre-Labor Day rant on Raw’s 900th episode from last Monday, reveals the wrestling show that actually has more episodes, discusses TNA going live on 10/7, who was conspicuously absent from their recent drug test, the NXT debacle, a scary stat on John Cena, Tyler Black threatening to take the ROH title to WWE, and learn how YOU can hear your voice on the Sound Off!

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

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TNA No Surrender 2010 PPV Results (9/5/10)

Report by Buck Woodward & PWinsider.com

They opened the PPV with footage of Mr. Anderson, D’Angelo Dinero, Jeff Hardy and Kurt Angle arriving earlier in the day, while Taz and Mike Tenay talked about their semifinal matches in the TNA World Title tournament. We then had a video package on the four contenders and their quest for the title.

TNA Tag Team Champions The Motor City Machineguns vs. Generation Me

It was explained that London Brawling was unable to appear at the show due to a “personal issue” and Generation Me was getting the title shot due to their showing against the champions on Impact.

Shelley started out with Jeremy, exchanging armlocks and holds, with both men going for early covers. Max tagged in, with the crowd chanting for Shelley. Shelley took Max down with a drop toe hold and tagged in Sabin. Sabin hit a shoulderblock for two, then the two rolled out of armbar attempts before stalemating on dropkick attempts. Shelley and Jeremy tagged back in, and the back and forth continued until Jeremy hit a back elbow and a springboard armdrag. Max tagged in and moonsaulted on Shelley’s outstretched arm. Jeremy tagged in and hit a double stomp on the arm off the top rope. Jeremy gave Shelley a jawbreaker, but Shelley dropkicked him to the ring apron. Sabin tagged in, and the MCMG hit a series of double team moves on Jeremy. Sabin elbowdropped Jeremy for a two count. Shelley tagged back in and hit a spinebuster and applied a reverse Boston Crab, turning it into a Rocking Horse. Max broke up the hold, to boos.

Sabin tagged in and but Jeremy rallied and tagged in Max, who hit some dropkicks. Max bulldogged Sabin, then kicked Shelley on the floor. Max gave Sabin a somersault stunner off the middle rope for a two count. Shelley made a blind tag as Generation Me was setting up a move. Sabin kicked Jeremy to the floor and Shelley kicked Max from the top rope for a two count. Shelley kicked Maz in the back and went for a springboard, but Jeremy stopped him and hit a neckbreaker on the apron. Max tried for some covers, but was unsuccessful. Jeremy tagged in, but Shelley blocked his suplex attempt. Generation Me hit a sandwich dropkick and Max got a two count on Shelley. Max hit a dropkick and tagged in Jeremy, who stomped Shelley and got a two count. Jeremy put Shelley in a full nelson. Shelley elbowed out of it, then avoided a dropkick and tagged in Sabin.

Sabin cleaned house, knocking Jeremy from the ring and blasting Max with elbows. Sabin hit a springboard DDT on Max, but Jeremy broke it up. Jeremy hit Sabin with a dropkick, but Shelley knocked him to the floor and hit him with a tope. In the ring, Sabin and Max punched it out, with Sabin going for a DDT, only for Max to ran him in a corner. Jeremy tagged in and Max fed him into a reverse DDT on Sabin. Shelley broke up the cover. Generation Me hit a headscissor/dropkick combo on Sabin. They went into a series of superkicks, including Sabin blocking one by Jeremy and throwing it into Max. The MCMG won the battle of superkicks, then hit Skull & Bones (neckbreaker/elbow combo) on Jeremy for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.

Winners: The Motor City Machineguns

Post-match, Generation Me attacked the Guns from behind, giving Shelley a double elevated DDT to the floor as Shelley was hanging off the apron. They had EMTs come out and act like Shelley was seriously injured. Generation Me were laughing over the injury as they exited. Shelley eventually got to his feet with the aid of the EMTs and walked out.

TNA X-Division Champion Douglas Williams vs. Sabu.

Sabu dove at Williams’ legs at the start, but Williams kept scrambling away. Douglas took him to the mat with a side mare, but Sabu turned it into a headscissors. Williams turned it into a leglock, but Sabu made the ropes. Sabu took Williams down with a headlock, but Williams broke out and grabbed a Cobra. Sabu made the ropes again. Williams applied an armlock, but Sabu backed him in a corner, and we had a clean break. Sabu kicked Williams in the gut, but Williams responded with punches and forearms. Sabu reversed a whip in a corner and hit a lariat, then delivered a slingshot somersault legdrop. Sabu applied a Camel Clutch, but Williams made the ropes.

Williams rolled to the floor, and Sabu hit a baseball slide kick. Sabu hit a slingshot senton onto Williams on the floor, then set up a table at ringside. Williams rammed Sabu headfirst into the table, then tossed him back into the ring. Williams got on the apron and kicked Sabu in the head. Williams hit a middle rope uppercut for a two count. Williams whipped Sabu into a corner and hit a jumping knee. Williams went to the top rope, but Sabu crotched him. Sabu went for a top rope rana, but Williams began to fall off the ropes, taking Sabu with him. Sabu still flipped, and Williams still went over to the mat. Sabu grabbed a chair, but the referee warned him not to use it.

Sabu stomped Williams, then used the chair for a triple jump moonsault, using the middle rope for the move. Sabu went for another chair launch, but Williams tripped Sabu face first into the chair. Williams hit a kneedrop for a two count. Williams hit Sabu with a low kick, but claimed it was to the inside of the thigh. Williams hit a clothesline, then put Sabu in an armbar. Williams drove his knee into Sabu’s back, then hit a kneedrop for a two count. Sabu kicked Williams on a charge, then hit a springboard DDT for a two count. Sabu hit a springboard back elbow, and got a two count. Sabu used a chair launch to hit a leg lariat in the corner on Williams. Sabu went for another, but Williams kicked the chair into Sabu’s midsection, then hit a gutwrench suplex for a two count.

Williams sent Sabu into the ropes, but Sabu clotheslined him to the floor. Sabu went for a chair launch, but referee Earl Hebner blocked him. Sabu got Hebner out of the way and jumped off the chair to the top rope, but Williams moved, so Sabu dropped back to the mat, then hit a slingshot senton on Williams on the floor. Sabu put Williams on the table on the floor, then went for a slingshot senton, but Williams moved out of the way and Sabu went through the table. Sabu crawled back into the ring, as Williams got ready to hit him with a chair. The referee took the chair from Williams, but with the ref’s back turned, Williams hit Sabu with the championship belt. Williams pinned Sabu at the eleven minute mark.

Winner: Douglas Williams.

Christy Hemme interviewed Mr. Anderson, who said he doesn’t care if the Pope doesn’t like him or trust him. Anderson said he is there to win the World Title, then noted how the fans would be chanting “We Are A**holes” tonight.

Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne.

Madison entered on the back of Tara’s motorcycle. Velvet was accompanied by Angelina Love. Madison choked Velvet in the corner with her boot, then punched her down and choked her on the mat. Madison put Velvet in a cravate and tossed her down to the mat. Madison put her in a camel clutch and jumped on her back, then reapplied the hold. Velvet kicked Rayne low, then slapped her in the face. Tara and Angelina argued on the floor, distracting the referee and as a result missing Velvet’s cradle on Madison. Madison gave Velvet a clothesline, then pulled on her hair. Madison used a headscissors to ram Velvet face first into the mat, then got a two count. Madison went for a leapfrog in the corner, but Velvet caught it and slammed Madison to the mat. Velvet hit some clotheslines and a back elbow. Velvet kicked away a backdrop and hit a spear, then rammed Madison headfirst into the mat. Velvet hit a bulldog, put Tara pulled her out of the ring to stop the pinfall. Tara grabbed her helmet to use on Velvet, but Angelina kicked Tara from behind. Velvet crawled back into the ring, and Madison set her up for a neckbreaker, but Velvet reversed it into a DDT for the pin at the five minute mark.

Winner: Velvet Sky.

Christy Hemme interviewed Jeff Hardy. Hardy said that Kurt Angle was the best wrestler in the world, but he wasn’t bad himself. Hardy said he was going to win the title tonight for Rob Van Dam.

Abyss vs. Rhino – Falls Count Anywhere.

Rhino attacked Abyss on the ramp during his entrance. Rhino pounded him in the floor, then tossed Abyss into the ring. Rhino pulled some weapons out from under the ring. Rhino wedged a trash can in the corner, but Abyss rolled to the floor. Rhino gave Abyss a pescado, and they brawled into the crowd. A camera man got knocked down, and they brawled into the backstage area. They brawled outside of the studio, and were fighting under one of the roller coasters at Universal Studios. Abyss rammed Rhino into steel fencing as they made their way back towards the building. They fought inside, past the interview set, and back through the crowd.

They made their way back to the ring, and Abyss tried a hiptoss, but Rhino blocked it and hit a clothesline. Rhino hit some punches in a corner, but Abyss reversed a whip and sent Rhino into the trash can. Rhino fell to the floor. They brawled up the aisle, past the ramp and near the stage. Abyss whipped Rhino into the guard rail and went for a cover, but Rhino kicked out. Rhino stopped a whip and threw Abyss threw the wooden front of the stage. Rhino went into the hole after Abyss, and as the camera man went after them, he got knocked back out of the hole. Abyss and Rhino apparently brawled under the stage to the other side, and busted back out of it (which looked really pre-cut), with Abyss now in control.

They made their way back to the ring, and Abyss slid a section of guard rail into the ring. Abyss put the rail in the corner, and went to whip Rhino in, but Rhino put the brakes on. Rhino hit Abyss with a clothesline, then blasted him several times with a cookie sheet. Abyss hit a shoulderblock in the corner, then a belly to belly suplex. Rhino set up for the Gore, but Abyss grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him on the trash can for a two count. Abyss went up the ramp and grabbed Janice. Abyss warned the referee to get out of his way, and Rhino hit Abyss with a Gore. Abyss kicked out at two. Rhino ran into a kick by Abyss, and Abyss then hit the Black Hole Slam for a two count.

Abyss went for a powerbomb, but Rhino broke out and hit a clothesline. Rhino set up for a Gore, Abyss moved out of the way and Rhino ran head first into the guard rail that had been set up in the corner earlier. Abyss then hit the Black Hole Slam for the win at the thirteen minute mark.

Winner: Abyss.

Abyss told the camera that “They are coming on 10-10-10.”

They did a video package on the Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Nash & Sting match.

Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Nash & Sting.

During the entrances, it was noted that Hulk Hogan was not at the show, as he is recuperating from more back work. Sting started out the match with Joe. Sting attacked Jarrett on the apron, and as Joe pulled him off, Nash came in and attacked Joe. Joe took Nash down with a jumping kick, then hit Sting with a back elbow and a Pele kick. Jarrett tagged in and pounded Sting in a corner. Nash hit Jarrett from the apron, allowing Sting to clothesline him. Nash punched Jarrett to the mat as he tagged in. Jarrett battled back with punched, but Nash kneed him in the gut. Nash gave Jarrett Snake Eyes, then hit a side slam for a two count.

Nash kneed Jarrett in the corner, then tagged in Sting, who went to work on Jarrett’s arm. Sting hit a Stinger Splash, which got a pop. Sting went for a reverse splash off the middle rope, but Jarrett got his knees up. Jarrett tagged Joe, but Nash distracted the referee, who missed the tag. Jarrett and Sting clotheslined each other, and both men were laid out on the mat. Joe tagged in and went to work on Sting, hitting a kick and a back splash. Joe kicked Nash off the apron. Joe ducked a Sting clothesline and dove onto Nash on the floor with a tope. In the ring, Sting gave Jarrett a Hot Shot, but it was in the corner where Sting had left his bat. The referee was watching Nash and Joe on the floor. Sting went to give Jarrett a Stinger Splash, but Jarrett hit him with the bat. Jarrett hit Sting with the bat again, then went to the floor and told Joe, the legal man, to get in the ring. Samoa Joe put Sting in a Kokina Clutch. Sting was out cold, and the referee called for the bell at the six minute mark.

Winners: Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe.

As Joe left, he picked up Sting’s bat and said “They used to call me Joe, now you can call me Batman.”

The events leading to Styles-Dreamer was shown.

TNA TV Champion AJ Styles vs. Tommy Dreamer – I Quit (non-title)

Styles came out, then hid in the side of the entrance structure. When Dreamer came out, Styles tried to ambush him with the title belt, but Dreamer dodged it and punched Styles to the ring. Inside, Dreamer went for a Texas Cloverleaf early, but Styles kicked it away. Dreamer backdropped Styles to the floor, then pulled him back first against the ringpost. They asked Styles if he quit, and he just said Dreamer sucked. Styles broke out of the hold, and they traded chops on the floor. Styles missed an elbowdrop, and Dreamer put Styles in a full nelson camel clutch. Styles responded “Screw you Dreamer” and slid out, then kicked Dreamer from the mat. Styles fishhooked Dreamer, but Dreamer wouldn’t quit. Dreamer rammed Styles back first into a corner. Styles reversed a whip, missed a shoulderblock in the corner, and Dreamer applied a crossface, but Styles rolled to the floor. Dreamer hit a clothesline from the ring apron, then went for a suplex on the ramp, but Styles reversed it.

Styles stomped Dreamer, and went for a figure four, but Dreamer picked up one of the lights on the entrance ramp and hit Styles with it. Dreamer then used the cord from the light to put Styles in a crossface variation. Styles elbowed out. Styles whipped Dreamer into the ring apron and splashed him. Styles pulled back the protective mats on the floor, and went for a Styles Clash. Dreamer backdropped out of it, Styles landed on his feet, but Dreamer shoved him shoulder first into the ringpost. Dreamer gave Styles a shoulderbreaker. Dreamer tossed a chair in the ring. Dreamer took Styles in the ring and put him in an armbar. Styles said Dreamer sucked again. Dreamer put Styles’ arm in the steel chair and legdropped it. Dreamer used the chair to apply a keylock, but Styles raked Dreamer’s eyes to break the hold. Styles pulled out a fork, but before he could use it, Dreamer hit a cross armbreaker.

Dreamer went for a crossface, but Styles pulled himself out of the ring. On the floor, Dreamer wrapped Styles’ arm in the guard rail, but Styles still wouldn’t quit. Styles lifted Dreamer and crotched him on the guard rail, then kicked at Dreamer’s knees. Styles slammed the guard rail on Dreamer’s groin. Styles pulled Dreamer’s ankle against the bars of the rail, but Dreamer wouldn’t quit. Back in the ring, Styles went for a figure four, but Dreamer kicked it away. Styles kicked Dreamer’s knee out, then pulled him towards the ringpost and crotched him on it. Styles then applied a ringpost figure four for a brief time. Styles dropped Dreamer shin first on a chair, then kicked his leg out again.

Styles put Dreamer in a figure four leglock. Dreamer escaped, but Styles slammed him on a chair. Styles put Dreamer’s head on the chair and went for a dropkick, but Dreamer moved, and Styles leg went in the fold of the chair. Dreamer put Styles in an ankle lock with the chair, then picked up the fork Styles had earlier. Before Dreamer could use it, Styles hit him with a Pele kick. Dreamer fell to the floor. Styles went for a dive, but Dreamer blasted Styles with a Kendo Stick. Dreamer hit Styles again with the stick, then have him a pumphandle slam with it. Dreamer took off his T-shirt (he had a tank top underneath) and put Styles in a crossface with the stick. Styles didn’t quit, even as the stick broke across his forehead. Styles picked up the fork and hit Dreamer in the eye with it as he went to pick Styles up. Styles dropkicked Dreamer, who was bleeding from the forehead. Styles put the fork against Dreamer’s eye and pressed it in, until Dreamer quit at the 17 minute mark.

Winner: AJ Styles.

Kurt Angle gave a brief interview about his match, which shockingly is next.

Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy – TNA title tournament semi-final.

Dixie Carter was shown at ringside, surrounded by security. Angle and Hardy traded headlocks at the start, then Angle hit some punches in a corner and went for a vertical suplex. Hardy blocked it and hit a gourdbuster, then Hardy legdropped Angle in the groin. Hardy went for a clothesline, but Angle took over and hit a wicked powerbomb. Angle applied a chinlock, switching to a side headlock. Hardy punched out of it, but Angle hit a shoulderblock for a two count. Hardy hit some forearms, then went for his elevated kick in the corner, messed it up, then hit it. Jeff kicked Angle out of a corner, but Angle grabbed a charging referee and gave him a belly to belly suplex. Angle applied a chinlock, but Jeff got out of it with a jawbreaker.

Jeff went to the top rope, but Angle raced up and gave Hardy a belly to belly suplex off the ropes. Angle went for an Angle Slam, but Hardy armdragged out of it. Hardy hit a Twist Of Fate for a two count. Hardy went for a Swanton, but missed it. Angle hit the Angle Slam, but Jeff kicked out at two. Angle went for an ankle lock, but Hardy kicked it away. Angle hit a series of German suplexes, but Hardy still kicked out. Angle went for a moonsault, but Hardy moved out of the way. Hardy hit a Whisper In The Wind for a two count.

Angle went to the floor, and Hardy laid him out on the outside. Jeff Hardy then hit a Swanton off the top rope onto Angle on the floor. Both men were slow to get up, with Angle actually crawling into the ring first. Hardy and Angle slugged it out in the center of the ring. Hardy went for another Twist Of Fate, but Angle blocked it and hit a German suplex. Angle went to the top rope and hit a frog splash for a two count. Angle went for a powerbomb, but Hardy backdropped out of it. Hardy hit another Twist Of Fate for a two count, then hit a legdrop. Hardy went to the top rope and hit a Swanton, with Angle barely kicking out of it. Hardy hit another Swanton, but Angle kicked out again. Hardy went for yet another, but Angle got his knees up this time.

Angle gave Hardy an Angle Slam, but Hardy kicked out. Angle applied an ankle lock, but Hardy rolled through and sent Angle to the floor. Hardy went to the apron and dove into Angle with a clothesline. They went back in the ring, but as Hardy went to pick him up, Angle grabbed an ankle lock again. Hardy tried to kick it off, but could not. Hardy made the ropes, but Angle dragged Hardy back into the center of the ring and reapplied the hold. Hardy managed to kick it off. Angle hit a clothesline for a two count, then went back to the ankle lock. Hardy tried to roll over, but Angle stepped around him and kept the hold on. Hardy went for the ropes again, but Angle pulled him back to the center of the ring and added a leglace to the hold. Hardy continued to struggle in the hold, and the bell rang.

They announced that the 20-minute time limit had expired. The fans chanted for five more minutes. Eric Bischoff came out and conferred with Dixie Carter. Bischoff announced that they would add five more minutes to the match.

Angle kicked out Hardy’s leg and stomped on his ankle. Angle dropped a knee on the ankle, then applied the ankle lock. Jeff kicked the hold off, and sent Angle to the floor. Jeff kicked Angle between the ropes, and on the floor, rammed Angle head first into the ringsteps. They got back in the ring, and Hardy limped to the top rope. Angle crotched Hardy, then delivered a top rope Angle Slam. Angle crawled onto Hardy, but only got a two count. They got to their feet, and Angle charged, but Hardy backdropped him to the floor. They put a clock up to countdown the final minute. Angle got back in the ring and rolled up Hardy for a two count. Angle and Hardy clotheslined each other, as the final seconds ticked down. Angle draped an arm over Hardy, but he kicked out. The buzzer (yes, a buzzer) sounded that the time had expired.

Bischoff ordered five more minutes on the clock.

Angle choked Hardy in the corner with his boot. Angle pounded Hardy with elbows, then rammed him in a corner and hit some shoulderblocks. Angle charged for another shoulderblock, Jeff moved, and Angle went shoulder first into the ringpost, then fell to the floor. Jeff rammed Angle into the ringsteps, then did it a second time. Angle was busted open. They got back into the ring, and Hardy applied a Boston Crab. Angle’s face was in a pool of blood. Angle fought out of the hold and countered into an ankle lock. Hardy went for the ropes, but Angle pulled him back into the center of the ring and added a leglace to the move. Hardy struggled with 30 seconds left on the clock. Time ran out, and we had a buzzer again.

Eric Bischoff got in the ring, and called for trainers to come look at Angle’s cut head. Angle was demanding more time. Bischoff put on a headset and was talking with someone, then was talking with the referee. Bischoff got on the mic and said that the trainers were telling them Angle could not continue due to the cut on his head. Bischoff said they were declaring the match a no-contest. Shannon Moore came out and checked on Hardy. Angle and Bischoff walked back to the locker room, arguing. Angle’s cut didn’t even seem to be bleeding anymore, as the trainers had wiped off his face.

Result: No Contest.

D’Angelo Dinero was interviewed by Christy Hemme, who noted we don’t know if Kurt Angle or Jeff Hardy will be advancing in the tournament. Dinero cut a promo on taking care of Mr. Anderson, noting he was “pulling the wool” over everyone’s eyes, and heading on to Bound For Glory.

Ken Anderson vs. Pope D’Angelo Dinero – TNA title tournament semi-final.

They locked up and jockeyed for position at the start, at one point rolling across the mat as both attempted to get control of a small package. They traded holds on the mat, with neither man maintaining an advantage, until Pope kicked Anderson in the gut after escaping a hammerlock. They started throwing punches, and Anderson stomped Pope down in a corner. Anderson kept up his attack in the corner, until he ran into a boot by the Pope. Pope hit an armbreaker, then kicked Anderson in the ribs. Pope dropped Anderson with a hammerlock back suplex. Pope hit a kneedrop, then slammed Anderson’s arm into the mat. It was noted Pope was getting revenge for when Anderson injured his shoulder. Pope kicked his shoulder and delivered a hammerlock slam, but Anderson came back with a pair of clotheslines and an enzugiri.

Anderson went for a backdrop, but Pope kicked it away. Pope missed a flying tackle and landed hard on his own shoulder. Anderson kicked Pope in the gut, then went for a hammerlock and threw Pope shoulder first into the corner. Anderson scored a two count. Pope reversed a whip, but Anderson kicked him as he charged in, then delivered a clothesline. Anderson applied a keylock on Pope’s injured arm, and Pope battled out, but Anderson hit a knee to the gut, sending Pope back to the mat. Anderson hit a pair of short-arm shoulderblocks, then hit a back suplex for a two count. Anderson went for a whip, Pope reversed, and they clotheslined each other.

They slugged it out as they got up, with Pope getting the better of it. Pope hit a shoulderblock, then hit a backhand slap. Pope straddled Anderson on the ropes, and got a two count. Pope stomped Anderson, then went to the top rope. Anderson crotched him, then went for a superplex. Pope blocked it, and they jockeyed for position. Pope hit a headbutt and Anderson got crotched on the top rope, then fell to the floor. Pope then dove off the top rope and hit Anderson with a flying bodypress on the floor, catching Anderson on his shoulder. Pope rolled Anderson into the ring for a two count.

Pope went for a Codebreaker, but Anderson blocked it and went for a Mic Check. Dinero blocked that, but Anderson grabbed a rolling Fireman’s Carry slam for a two count. Pope kicked Anderson and hit a punch, then landed the Codebreaker for a two count. Pope went for a Mic Check of his own on Anderson, but Anderson blocked it. Anderson went for a Mic Check, but Pope armdragged out of it. Pope charged Anderson, but Anderson grabbed him and hit the Mic Check for a two count. Pope hit a flurry of punches and kicks on Anderson in a corner. Pope went for the DDE (double jumping knee), but Anderson dodged it and sloppily applied a Mic Check to get the pin at the 18-minute mark.

Winner: Mr. Anderson.

Anderson picked up one of the fake dollars that Pope uses for his entrance and made it into a paper airplane, then threw it at Dinero on the floor. Dinero flipped him off as he left. Anderson acted mockingly hurt over the gesture. Anderson called for his microphone. He asked if the crowd had a good time tonight, then announced himself as being one match away from being the TNA World Champion. Anderson vamped it up before finally announcing his own name to end the show.

We were reminded that we still don’t know who Anderson will face at Bound For Glory.

Tag Team Pulled From TNA No Surrender Pay-Per-View

TNA Wrestling announced on its Facebook account this evening that London Brawling — Desmond Wolfe and Magnus — have been pulled from their scheduled TNA World Tag Team Title shot against the Motor City Machineguns at tonight’s No Surrender pay-per-view event. Generation Me will compete in their place.

TNA Wrestling’s statement reads: “Important Update: Due to a personal issue, London Brawling (Wolfe & Magnus) will not be at tonight’s No Surrender PPV. However, based on their strong showing in a recent non-title match on iMPACT!, Generation Me will now get a shot at the gold against the Machineguns tonight on PPV!”

The updated card is as follows:

SEMI-FINALS OF THE TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
Winners advance to the Finals at Bound For Glory on Sunday, October 10 to crown a new TNA World Heavyweight Champion

SEMI-FINAL MATCH
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

SEMI-FINAL MATCH
Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope

TNA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Motor City Machineguns (c) vs. Generation Me

I-QUIT MATCH
AJ Styles vs. Tommy Dreamer

X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Sabu vs. (c) Douglas Williams

TAG TEAM MATCH
Sting and Kevin Nash vs. Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH
Abyss vs. “The War Machine” Rhino

GRUDGE MATCH
Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne

Details On Luna Vachon Rejecting Offer To Appear At TNA PPV

Luna Vachon, who passed away last Friday, was asked to appear at last month’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view.

When Mick Foley learned that her home had burned down, he suggested that TNA Wrestling utilize her to manage Tommy Dreamer against Raven, since in 1995, she was used as Dreamer’s second to counteract Stevie Richards.

Vachon declined the offer, citing that she had retired.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Tara Revealed As Mystery Biker On Thursday’s “iMPACT!”

Former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Tara was revealed as the mystery biker on Thursday’s episode of iMPACT!. She removed both her helmet and mask following her tag team match victory over “The Beautiful People.”

Tara, who’s real name is Lisa Marie Varon, announced on her MySpace account in late April that she would be leaving TNA Wrestling the following month after refusing to re-sign with the company. To explain her pending departure from the organization, Tara challenged Madison Rayne to a match at Sacrifice, where she would put her career on the line against Rayne’s Women’s Knockout Championship. Tara was defeated by Rayne and her TNA Wrestling career came to an end.

After her wrestling career came to a halt, Varon continued to discuss a new contract with TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter. She returned to the organization on July 11 at Victory Road as a heel, hiding behind a motorcycle helmet and attacking Angelina Love during her match for the Women’s Knockout Championship.

iMPACT! Preempted Next Week: Replacement Show Announced

Next week’s episode of TNA iMPACT! is being preempted due to a Gangland marathon. Instead, TNA Wrestling will hold a Bound for Glory Kickoff Show on the company website during iMPACT’s regular timeslot at 9:00 p.m.

The following announcement was issued:

THURSDAY, SEPT 9: ONLINE BOUND FOR GLORY KICKOFF SHOW

This Thursday (Sept 9) at 9pmET/6pmPT, TNAwrestling.com presents the Bound For Glory Kickoff Show.

Hosted by Jeremy Borash, the webcast will feature a Q & A session with TNA President Dixie Carter where she will answer questions form the fans.

Additionally, tune in to see exclusive interviews with many of the stars who will be participating in Bound For Glory.

Updated No Surrender PPV Card Following Thursday’s Impact

This Sunday, TNA Wrestling presents its annual No Surrender pay-per-view event, live from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The announced card is as follows:

SEMI-FINALS OF THE TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
Winners advance to the Finals at Bound For Glory on Sunday, October 10 to crown a new TNA World Heavyweight Champion

SEMI-FINAL MATCH
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

SEMI-FINAL MATCH
Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope

TNA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Motor City Machineguns (c) vs. Desmond Wolfe and Magnus

I-QUIT MATCH
AJ Styles vs. Tommy Dreamer

X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Sabu vs. (c) Douglas Williams

TAG TEAM MATCH
Sting and Kevin Nash vs. Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH
Abyss vs. “The War Machine” Rhino

GRUDGE MATCH
Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne

iMPACT! Going Live In October & More “Major Changes”

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced on her Twitter account this afternoon that iMPACT! will be held live on Thursday, October 7. She wrote:

“TNA iMPACT! is going LIVE on 10/7. Remember my tweet about how TNA is going to change forever? Stay tuned”

Carter did not indicate whether iMPACT! will be live on a permanent basis. She also did not say where the event will be held. iMPACT! television tapings are currently listed to take place Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays throughout the rest of the year.

Regarding her previous remark in regards to TNA ‘changing forever’, Carter wrote on June 11, “It’s 6:30 a.m. Been up for hours. So excited I can’t sleep. TNA’s about to change forever. Can’t wait to share it w/you, my staff, the talent.”

TNA Brass Losing Faith In Mick Foley, TNA Holding Knockout PPV

— While Mick Foley is expected to return to the squared circle in October at TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view event, he is no longer considered a long-term in-ring option by those within the organization.

On the night of the company’s big angle where Fortune assaulted EV2.0, the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion was instructed to lie down when the lights went out to give the audience the impression that he was laid out during the sequence. While it’s possible this will play into the storyline, there aren’t many people within TNA who feel they can count on him to put on a good match at this point.

— A new TNA Knockouts-themed pay-per-view broadcast featuring previously aired matches is scheduled to debut Saturday, October 2.

Entitled TNA Wrestling Knockouts: Mad Sexy Vol. 1, its description reads: “TNA Wrestling Knockouts: Mad Sexy Volume 1, hosted by Playboy centerfold and TNA Knockout Christy Hemme, will feature top matches from the past between TNA Knockouts like Angelina Love, Velvet Sky and Gail Kim.”

Reaction To Katie Lea’s TNA Tryout, Angelina Thanks Fans

— Regarding former WWE Diva Katie Lea Burchill’s tryout match for TNA Wrestling last week, one observer dubbed her performance as “okay” and “nothing spectacular.” Meanwhile, talk amongst others within the company was more positive.

No word yet on whether she will be offered a contract.

— Tonight’s episode of TNA ReACTION will feature a highly regarded segment on one of the company’s rising stars.

“Watched a rough cut of this weeks ReAction. An amazing segment with one of TNA’s rising stars,” Eric Bischoff wrote on his Facebook page. “One of the best things I’ve seen in a long time. Check it out Thurs night right after iMPACT!”

— The reunion of “The Beautiful People” last Thursday on iMPACT! scored the program’s highest rated segment with a 1.15. Angelina Love caught wind of the news and thanked the fans for their support on her MySpace page, writing: “HUGE thanks to all the fans that watched TNA Impact last week and made the reuniting of the original Beautiful People the highest rated segment on the show!!!!”

James Dismisses TNA Rumors, Jarrett Marries Angle’s Ex-wife

— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced the signing of a new talent on her Twitter account on Monday, noting the individual as someone people ‘have been asking about’. Many names have been speculated, however, one person that can be ruled out is former WWE Diva Mickie James.

James’ manager Mary Michael released the following statement to Diva-Dirt.com dismissing rumors that her client has signed with TNA Wrestling: “To lay the rumors to rest, as of yet I can confirm that Mickie James has not signed a deal with TNA.”

— Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle’s ex-wife Karen have indeed gotten married. According to an individual with access to the former TNA Knockout’s private Facebook page, the couple tied the knot last month.

— For those unaware, the recently formed alliance of Magnus and Desmond Wolfe is called London Brawling, not London Calling.

Bischoff Talks Monday Nights, Bret Hart, Hogan & Russo

TNA’s Eric Bischoff was one of the special guests on this week’s live edition (08/30/09) of the Monday Night Mayhem radio show. You can listen to an MP3 of Bischoff’s appearance here.

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

His reaction to those wrestling fans that ask the question “Where is the controversy in TNA?” and if we will be seeing that on TNA programming in the coming weeks/months: “I think that you will. One of the challenges in the business today, and the same is true in the WWE, what can we do that hasn’t been done to death in the last 10 to 12 years? When I launched Nitro, and we did all the ridiculous stuff & controversial stuff that I did that put WCW on the map, nobody had ever done it before, and that’s what made it controversial. That’s why I was the ‘anti-Christ’ for wrestling fans, because I was doing things no one had done before. Giving away finishes live on the air five minutes before the competition’s show went on. All these things people said was stupid & ridiculous, how do you do that again? How does Vince McMahon do all things that are ground-breaking, controversial, & water cooler buzz? How does he recreate those elements in the guidelines of a televised wrestling show? How do you recreate that in today’s environment? Is there going to be controversy in TNA? Of course there is. Are we seeing right now? Without giving anything away, I think we’re setting it up. In the months to come, people are going to see some things that are controversial, but I don’t think anyone should raise the bar of expectations so high that we are magically going to get back to that virgin territory that we enjoyed 10 or 12 years ago.”

How much input he usually has into an edition of TNA iMPACT, his response to those that strongly believe that Hulk Hogan & himself are “running TNA,” and the current chemistry between himself & Vince Russo: “It varies a lot depending on the week. I’ve read some of the comments of some of your other guests on Monday Night Mayhem talking about me, and I think Kevin Kelly was one of the ones I read last, and I know people out there think and are under the assumption that Eric Bischoff & Hulk Hogan are ‘running TNA.’ Nothing is farther from the truth. We have nothing to do with the strategy of the company. We have nothing to do with the marketing of the company. Nobody talks to us or asks us about talent acquisitions or people getting fired. We have little to do with the day-to-day operations of TNA. The same is kinda true with regards to creative. I work closely with Vince Russo, I see the formats, I give my suggestions. Vince & I have a great working relationship, and in regards to chemistry, I would say besides my partner Jason Hervey and Hulk, there’s no one better that I have a working relationship with.”

The Internet’s constant stream of hating against TNA & why it’s easier for fans to point out the flaws of TNA than those of the WWE: “Let me put it to you this way: Misery loves company. It’s easier for people who are negative, who want to criticize without really having anything intelligent to say and without it being constructive criticism. It’s one of the reasons why I constantly am trying to raise the bar, eliminating one stupid fan at a time. When I see the kind of comments like ‘TNA Sucks’ or ‘Your storylines blow,’ or ‘Fire Russo, or ‘Fire Bischoff,’ or ‘Hogan sucks,’ I laugh at that stuff because there are a lot of people out there and because misery loves company. Let’s face it, WWE is a giant bandwagon. It’s been around a long time. It’s easier & safer when you’re the type of person who is looking for a group of miserable people to jump on the bandwagon that’s successful, because the WWE is a cable television juggernaut. It is what it is. So it’s easy to jump on that bandwagon and look down at TNA for its warts, blemishes, bumps, bruises, & dents because there’s plenty of them. TNA is not WWE. It’s not a billion dollar company with the kind of infrastructure & production staff taking their show live on the road every week. There’s so many things that we don’t have that it’s easy to point out our flaws. I think if you look at what TNA does, and does well, and tries to do. We are ‘the little engine that’s trying.’ There’s some great talent in the ring, I think we have the greatest balance of new, young & exciting talent, established talent that rates well despite what everyone else wants to believe on the Internet. If you’re objective and you’re a real wrestling fan, you’re gonna have comments, and while you may not like certain things that are happening in TNA, you’ll find plenty of things to like.”

Bret Hart’s comments about Vince McMahon “stomping out” TNA from Monday nights, the impact “The Hitman” may have had in making that a reality, & what the final outcome would have been for TNA on Monday nights had Bret Hart never come back to the WWE: “I like Bret so much so it’s hard for me to comment about things like this. Bret Hart is a little pre-occupied with the legacy of Bret Hart. Not going to deny it, the move to Monday night was a mistake. It is what it is. It was ill-conceived, it was bad timing, it was a risk, and it was a risk that didn’t pan out. I’ve taken plenty of risks that didn’t work out, and I’ve taken some risks that have. Vince McMahon has taken some risks that worked and taken plenty of risks that hasn’t. The move to Monday night was a miss, and I’ll take as much responsibility for that as anybody else. I don’t think any of it had anything to do with Bret Hart. I think if Bret Hart would have never come back to WWE, the outcome of our Monday night effort would have been exactly the same.”

His thoughts on this Sunday’s No Surrender Pay-Per-View & why his primary focus will be on the semi-finals of the TNA World Title Tournament: “I think there are some great matches on the card. The primary thing that I’m focused on is our ‘A-story,’ which is who is going to become TNA World Heavyweight Champion. You got four powerful names there, four very exciting talents four guys who could deliver anywhere in the world in either company. You got four guys who are great storytellers and can deliver in the ring. If there’s a reason to watch the Pay-Per-View, that’s the one thing I would encourage people to follow & watch, because it’s another chapter in a pretty interesting story that we laid out back in March, and I’m excited about it.”

Pope Hints Carlito Signed With TNA, Beautiful People = Ratings

— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced this afternoon on Twitter the signing of a performer to a new talent contract. Shortly thereafter, “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero commented the following on the social networking site: “Just heard the news. Now THAT….That’s Cool!”

Many of his followers believed he was alluding to Carlito, as that was the Puerto Rican star’s catchphrase during his time in WWE. D’Angelo noted in a follow-up message that his earlier tweet was purely coincidental and that he has no idea as to who was signed.

“Whoa! Just got the “News” of Pope’s earlier news. That was purely coincidental. For The Record, Pope has NO CLUE as to who was signed,” he added.

— The reunion of “The Beautiful People” on Thursday’s iMPACT! scored the program’s highest rated segment with a 1.15. The next highest quarter-hour was the main event featuring Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson, D’Angelo Dinero and Jeff Hardy against members of Fortune. It drew a 1.11.

Overall, the show earned a 1.07 rating, up from the previous week’s 0.97.

Dixie Carter Says TNA Has Signed A Top Free Agent

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter has posted a message on Twitter.com/TNADixie announcing the company has signed a top free agent:

“Just signed a new talent contract on someone you guys have been asking about. Stay tuned!”

While we haven’t gotten confirmation yet about who has signed with TNA, the timing seems to coincide with the expiration of Carlito’s 90-day no-compete clause. Mickie James has to be another strong possibility here, as she’s available to sign with TNA and has met with Dixie Carter a few times in recent months.

Read More: Carlito Announces He’s Now A Free Agent

Sound Off 123: What Happens Once The Graveyard Gets Full?

solomonster

Solomonster Sounds Off

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 123)

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Est. Runtime: 62 minutes

Solomonster missed Raw, but did see Dixie Carter’s husband get beat down on Impact, plus thoughts on the death of Luna Vachon, Serena released by WWE, Jake Roberts retires, Scott Hall vacations in rehab, a setback (and name) for the new Florida promotion, and a tearjerker of a shout out. That’ right, get the tissues ready!

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Layla’s Response Following Slam From “The Beautiful People”

This week’s episode of TNA Wrestling’s new behind the scenes program ReACTION saw the recently reunited pairing of Angelina Love and Velvet Sky slam those who have attempted to imitate The Beautful People stable over the years.

Love charged during the pseudo-shoot program, “We created a group that has been like no other for women in professional wrestling. People have tried to be like this. People wanted to join us. No can do.”

Sky added, “And for all you wannabe Beautiful People girls out there… you know exactly who I’m talking about, get a life. You will never be us.”

Angelina then cryptically noted, “And you’re not cool by the way. You’re not cool.”

Some have interpreted their message as a thinly veiled potshot towards WWE Diva alliance Lay-Cool — Michelle McCool and Women’s Champion Layla. Both have directed similar remarks towards rival performers in the past, with Love recently stating the following on her Facebook account while watching television: “So this is what I get for quickly flipping thru the channels on a friday night……a blonde & a brunette blatantly ripping something off……..BRUTAL!!!”

Apparently in response to the TNA Knockouts’ most recent remarks, Layla said the following on Twitter yesterday:

“Living the dream & so blessed!!
1 thing I know when u r attacked u have 2 decide if it’s worth the time & effort to retaliate
Not worth the press
Plus don’t deserve the press we get even tho they want it & need it :-)

Real talk”

It was reported this past June in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the Lay-Cool act was concocted due to WWE’s creative department being embarrassed by The Beautiful People making their female performers look second-rate by comparison.

To view The Beautiful Peoples’ ReACTION promo, click here.

Angle Talks About His TNA Contract Expiring, Retiring & More

Kurt Angle says he’s going to continue wrestling full-time until his TNA deal expires in a year, but after that, he’ll have to evaluate his future.

In an interview with Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun, Angle said, “I believe that you’re not going to see much more of Kurt Angle.”

“Financially, I’m fine,” he said.. “The hard part about leaving wrestling is I’ll miss it. I have a couple of food companies now and I’m doing movies. If I do retire, I think it’ll be a retirement match, and then a part-time schedule. It’s so hard for wrestlers to leave the ring. It’s difficult and I’ve given it thought. I have one year left on my contract with TNA and then I will evaluate from there.”

Angle says his knees, lower back, and neck are “always stiff,” but he hasn’t felt this good in a decade.

“I think this is probably the best I’ve felt, and it has a lot to do with the reduced work schedule in TNA where they’re not using me at every house show,” Angle said. “So having that lighter schedule has allowed my body to recuperate more.”

Angle needs to scale back the physicality of his in-ring style if he wants to continue wrestling, but he doesn’t know if he’s capable of that.

“Many people have told me, including Vince McMahon himself, that my work style is too intense; too aggressive. I don’t know if I can ‘work smarter,’ if you want to put it that way,” he said. “I learned from wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, who were under-sized, to make up for that by working with much more intensity.”

Angle also talked about his movie career, which stars in TNA he thinks have what it takes to carry the company into the future and more.

Check out the interview here:

Update On Team 3D’s TNA Contracts Expiring – WWE Bound?

To update the news that Team 3D’s contracts with TNA Wrestling recently expired … We can confirm that Team 3D did not appear at this week’s TNA iMPACT tapings and are not booked for the upcoming No Surrender pay-per-view on September 5th.

The general feeling within TNA is that Team 3D will sign new deals and the company has them penciled in for a match at Bound For Glory in October.

Regarding a WWE return, there have been people within WWE trying to get The Dudleys to return. A “Best of” DVD package for the tag team has been discussed as one of the “bargaining chips” that could be used to lure them in, but a return to WWE is just talk at this point and nothing anyone with power has made a call on.

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter