– TNA’s faction of ECW originals will now be known as “E-V 2.0” – Extreme Version 2.

-Scott Hall’s recent bout with double pneumonia is over and Hall has been released from the hospital after several weeks.  Nash wrote on Twitter this week:

“Scott’s home. Clean 20-plus days and sounding great. He’ll outlive us all all. Love you, buddy.”

– As we reported here yesterday, former Ring Of Honor champion Xavier worked a tryout match prior to Monday’s TNA iMPACT! tapings. Xavier was pinned by Douglas Williams following Williams’ Chaos Theory finisher. No word yet on what TNA management thought of his performance. More ROH stars are expected to receive TNA tryouts in the near future.

(source: www.prowrestling.net)

— TNA Wrestling will hold what has been dubbed a “special” edition of iMPACT! sometime next month, to be taped the night following Hardcore Justice. No date for the special has been set. Furthermore, it remains unclear at this time whether the special will air in TNA’s regular Thursday night time slot.

— Former ROH Champion Xavier is backstage at today’s iMPACT! tapings in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to work a tryout match.

— Both Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are backstage at today’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida. Bischoff, who previously said they would return this week, are taking part in their usual backstage duties.

– TNA star Jeff Hardy was injured at Friday night’s TNA Live Event from Bloomington, Illinois. Hardy suffered a hand injury during a Monster’s Ball match with Abyss, but was able to finish the match. He wrestled the next night, but was said to be noticeably protecting the injured hand during his match. Hardy is not expected to miss any ring time.

– Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler was one of the many wrestling personalities who appeared at the popular Comic-Con event in San Diego over the weekend, which is “the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world.” Keibler noted on her Twitter page that she got to hang out with TNA star Samoa Joe and former WWE superstar Gregory “Hurricane” Helms at the show and posted this picture of them together:

TNA Wrestling will tape the next two episodes of iMPACT tonight and tomorrow night at the iMPACT Zone in Orlando, Florida.

The following has been confirmed for tonight’s tapings, set to air this Thursday night on Spike TV:

* Steel Cage Match: Beer Money vs. The Motor City Machineguns

* Ric Flair will reveal the newest member of his “Fortune” stable

* Tommy Dreamer and the ECW Originals will have an announcement

– We’ve got an update on the former ECW stars that will be appearing at TNA’s upcoming “Hardcore Justice” pay-per-view, which will be a [another[ special “farewell ECW” show.

At this time, the wrestlers confirmed to appear are Jerry Lynn (who announced on his website that he’ll be fighting TNA Champion Rob Van Dam in the main event), 2 Cold Scorpio, Sandman, Sabu, Johnny Swinger and Bill Alphonso.

It’s confirmed that Lance Storm, Tajiri, Super Crazy and Amish Roadkill will not be appearing.

Former ECW stars who are currently working in TNA scheduled to appear include Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Team 3D, Mick Foley, Raven, Rhino, Stevie Richards, Al Snow, and Simon Diamond.

Stars from the original ECW that are still active in wrestling include Shane Douglas, Terry Funk, Justin Credible, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney, The Blue Meanie, CW Anderson, Danny Doring, Kid Kash, Guido, Spike Dudley and Steve Corino.

– TNA President Dixie Carter wrote the following on Twitter over the weekend regarding the PPV:

“HardCORE Justice pay-per-view card looks amazing. Not sure who Tommy is going to announce. Stay tuned.”

— The official website of Great Championship Wrestling, www.gcwaction.com, has announced that Johnny Swinger, a mainstay in the promotion, will make his return to TNA Wrestling at Hard Justice.

Swinger previously worked for the organization when it emanated from the Asylum in Nashville, Tennessee, most notably as Simon Diamond’s tag team partner. The two are expected to reunite at the pay-per-view.

— Former ECW star Michael Depoli (a/k/a Amish Roadkill) has declined TNA Wrestling’s offer to appear at next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view event, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch.

His reason for declining their invite is that he considers himself retired from professional wrestling and simply has no interest in returning.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Those within TNA suggest Desmond Wolfe is currently in the doghouse. The British wrestling star has developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, which has affected his push in the organization.

Company officials are also down on Matt Morgan, who has been discussed as being part of Ric Flair’s Fortune group. Hernandez’ two botched Border toss attempts during their Steel Cage bout at Victory Road were blamed on “The Blueprint” since Hernandez is a favorite among management.

— Company officials are said to be very high on The Motor City Machine Guns and Beer Money, Inc. following their stellar tag team bout at Victory Road.

— Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Steve Corino, who declined appearing at ECW reunion shows in the past, says he has not been contacted to appear at Hardcore Justice.

Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 118)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 39 minutes

Solomonster is back with thoughts on Money in the Bank and Kane’s title win, Bret Hart’s big return to Raw, a rare thumbs up for Michael Cole, Tommy Dreamer’s big speech on Impact, Randy Savage resurfaces and some personal words to conclude.

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

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(sources: PWInsider.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Lance Storm, who has been highly critical of TNA Wrestling’s creative process in recent years, posted a blog on his official website saying he declined their offer to appear at next month’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view event.

“I was asked if I would be interested in taking part in the TNA: One Last Stand PPV. I think it was big of them to extend me the offer, considering my general opinion of the TNA product, and want to I thank them for that, but I will not be taking part,” Storm wrote.

He continued, “I feel it would be hypocritical of me to work the show, considering my out outspoken views of the TNA product. I have a great deal of respect for the boys who will be working the show as well as the great workers on the TNA roster, but I have no desire to be a part of the TNA creative process. As for ECW, One Night Stand in 2005 was my farewell and am content in letting sleeping dogs lie.”

— Former ECW talent Yoshihiro Tajiri and Super Crazy are booked to appear at an event in Japan on August 8 and thus will not be appearing at Hardcore Justice.

— Reid Fliehr, son of Ric, will be visiting Orlando later this month and is expected to begin wrestling training with Terry Taylor. He has yet to sign a contract with the organization.

-The following was posted on the official Facebook page for Shawn Michaels and his wife, Rebecca:

The staff and crew of the national TV hunting show “The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark” (formerly Higher Grounds Outdoors) has finished filming the 3 episodes with Shawn and Rebecca on “The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark”.

The episodes were shot in Venado Creek Ranch in Texas last Febuary of this year and airs this end of July or August. The episodes will feature Shawn and Rebecca talks about hunting, hunts pheasant, shooting rifles and bows on their “dream hunts”.

“The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark” is featured on both the Pursuit Channel every (Wednesdays 12:30 AM EST / Wednesdays 7:30 PM EST / Sundays 4:30 PM EST) and on Sportsman Channel every (Tuesdays 8:00 PM EST / Thursday 12:00 AM EST / Sunday 4:00 PM EST).

To see images from their Facebook page of both Shawn and Rebecca in hunting action, click HERE, HERE and HERE.

-Jay Lethal, Mick Foley and Kurt Angle are currently on a six-day promotional tour in India designed to help promote TNA.  There has been talk of running the country sometime in early 2011.  In an article written for Yahoo News India, Angle commented, “It’s simply amazing.  I had never seen such a warm reception as the one we got at the Mumbai airport.”  You can read the full story HERE.

The last time WWE ran a tour of India, numerous wrestlers fell ill (and William Regal nearly died) and many have said that if forced to go back, they would quit the company instead.

— A promotional advertisement for next month’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view features footage of Sabu, Jerry Lynn and The Sandman, which should confirm the three former ECW World Heavyweight Champions’ involvement with the show.

— TNA Wrestling’s Before the Bell preview of Hardcore Justice has been posted online. The 15-minute video can be viewed here.

— Tommy Dreamer’s heartfelt speech at the conclusion of last night’s iMPACT! is online at the following link.

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING ANNOUNCES SPECIAL ‘HARDCORE JUSTICE’ PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT LIVE AUGUST 8

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling President Dixie Carter and “The Extreme Original” Tommy Dreamer announced that “Hard Justice,” TNA’s live pay-per-view event August 8 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, will transform to “HardCORE Justice,” a one-night-only celebration of extreme, hardcore wrestling featuring a never before seen reunion of legendary wrestling superstars.

Carter granted the request made by Dreamer and his band of hardcore originals – Mick Foley, Raven, “The War Machine” Rhino and Stevie Richards – on “TNA Thursday Night iMPACT!” on Spike TV (9p.m. ET/PT) to have “one last chance” to celebrate the history and the passion of extreme hardcore wrestling.

“Giving Tommy this chance is one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made as TNA President,” Carter said. “For years I’ve heard fans talk about the similarities between TNA and what these guys accomplished. Tommy, Mick and these superstars sacrificed everything, and not for money, but for the love of our sport and for the fans..”

Carter continued, “These guys set the bar so high with the passion they brought to this business. I’ve been lucky to have had so many work for me through the years, and now to have a locker room today with that same fire and drive to help build TNA. This is my chance to show our appreciation.”

“Dixie has allowed us to have a chance to finally thank the fans that have supported us for all of these years,” Dreamer said. “In the past, we’ve been lied to and we’ve been punished for being who we were and building what we did. Now we have a chance to get everyone back together for one last night.”

Carter also announced today that Dreamer would be given full creative control of “HardCORE Justice.” In addition to the hardcore originals, Dreamer revealed a few more names for “HardCORE Justice,”: Current TNA agents Al Snow and Simon Diamond, as well as tag team legends Team 3D and current TNA World Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam. Dreamer confirmed that Van Dam will compete at the pay-per-view event, but will not defend his title.

“TNA is the only place that this event could happen,” Dreamer said. “There are no politics to worry about and no restrictions in place. The fans know that I have a lot of extremely close friends, so they can expect anything and everything to happen. I have some surprises for everyone,” he said.

TNA officials have also announced a newly revised “HardCORE Justice VIP Weekend.” Originally created to celebrate Mick Foley’s 25th anniversary in professional wrestling, the VIP event will now feature a special “hardcore reunion” with Foley, Dreamer, Richards, Rhino and many more hardcore wrestlers on Saturday August 7 at the NASCAR Grill at Universal Studios’ City Walk. In addition, the VIP package includes guaranteed VIP early admission into “HardCORE Justice” as well as both tapings of “iMPACT!” on August 8-9, as well as a private post-show Q&A session with Foley, Dreamer and friends on August 8.

The “HardCORE Justice VIP Weekend” retails for $99, and is the only way for fans to guarantee admission to the “iMPACT Zone!” for “HardCORE Justice.” Tickets can be purchased at www.ShopTNA.com

Dreamer, who stated that more names and matches would be announced in the coming weeks on “TNA Thursday Night iMPACT!,” said that “HardCORE Justice” would be “The Last Stand” for the legacy of hardcore wrestling.

“This is it for an event like this, and it’s the perfect send off we never thought we’d receive. It’s funny, because there had never been a wrestling company that the fans would chant for by name since our time… until TNA began.”

(credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Sources indicate that in a recent meeting with TNA President Dixie Carter, Paul Heyman emphasized he didn’t believe in drastic changes, bur rather the way to go is with new talent as the key stars while using a few veterans to give them credibility, not unlike how he used Terry Funk in the original ECW. Ironically, Heyman did not support the idea of an ECW invasion when it was brought up, yet Carter went ahead and did it anyway, plugging Tommy Dreamer into the role that essentially would have belonged to Heyman (both on-screen and behind the scenes).

Heyman is also said to have told Carter to her face that of the older legends they have under contract, she could keep one and get rid of the others, and she didn’t seem to understand why. Carter has been loyal to the stars of the past and has been resistant to giving anyone the authority to hire or fire people. This includes Vince Russo and even Jim Ross, back when they were making a serious play for him.

While the Heyman deal is cold, it is nowhere close to being dead. TNA sees Heyman’s asking for points in the company as merely a negotiating tactic and is still hopeful a deal can be reached.

(source: www.prowrestling.net)

— It has been confirmed that the main event of next month’s Hard Justice will feature TNA World Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn. It is unknown at this time whether the title will be on the line.

— While Tommy Dreamer has been contacting ECW alumni to work Hard Justice, Director of Talent Relations Terry Taylor has handled the financial negotiations. The rumored payoff for non-contracted performers is said to range from $500 to $1,000.

— TNA officials have discussed the possibility of holding select house show events featuring former ECW talent in markets where the defunct promotion was most popular. The feeling amongst those pushing for it is that the ECW alumni will work cheap, thus resulting in a profitable venture for the company. However, it doesn’t appear that officials have mentioned the venture to those contacted for Hard Justice.

— Johnny Swinger will be appearing at next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view and is expected to reunite with former tag team partner Simon Diamond in a tag match, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch.

Diamond and Swinger were most notably seen in ECW as well as TNA Wrestling. During their time in ECW, they were managed by Dawn Marie. The duo have won both the NWA World Tag Team Championship and the MPW Tag Team Championship.

— Wrestling fans have a golden opportunity to meet Chelsea as the TNA Knockout will be making her first solo public appearance on Sunday, August 15, 2010 in New Milford, Connecticut at the Cruzin’ New Milford 4th Annual Car & Motorcycle Show. To purchase advanced tickets, VIP packages and exclusive limited edition items, visit www.revolutionarypromotions.com.

— New TNA live events have been announced for September 10-12 in Ohio and Windsor, Ontario. Appearing live and in person will be Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, The Motorcity Machine Guns, Jeff Jarrett and many more. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Specific event information can be found here.

— Apparently playing off WWE’s one night reunion show five years ago for ECW alumni, One Night Stand, TNA Wrestling is promoting its own reunion show as Hard Justice: One Last Stand. There is a commercial running on cable and satellite providers promoting the event as such. The commercial features TNA footage of ECW alumni such as New Jack, Raven and The Sandman. Furthermore, an audible “ECW!” chant is heard at one point during the commercial. Years ago when Shane Douglas ran the ECW reunion show Hardcore Homecoming, WWE’s legal team demanded they edit out the fans’ “ECW!” chants off the DVD release.

— The conclusion to last Thursday’s iMPACT! was heavily edited. While nothing major was cut, the segment went far longer than what was broadcast.

— As reported earlier, last Thursday’s episode of iMPACT! scored a 1.09 cable rating, with 1.44 million viewers. The rating stayed steady throughout the show as it drew quarters hours of 0.96, 1.04, 1.14, 1.11, 1.16, 1.12, 1.08 and 1.09. The show did a 0.72 in Males 18-49 and 0.51 in Males 18-34.

— Eric Bischoff said on his Facebook page that he, Hulk Hogan and producer Jason Hervey will be on hand for next week’s iMPACT! television tapings in Orlando.

He also responded to a fan’s negative remarks towards Vince Russo and suggestion to join forces with Paul Heyman.

“I appreciate your comments, but you really don’t know what you are talking about,” Bischoff replied. “While Vince and I have certainly had our differences, and we still don’t agree on everything all the time, he is a very talented guy doing an amazing job under some pretty extraordinary circumstances. Lighten up and enjoy!”

— TNA Wrestling’s Director of Talent Relations Terry Taylor has begun booking former ECW wrestlers for next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view, which will be an “all-ECW” show similar to WWE’s One Night Stand in 2005. While those contacted have are only officially scheduled for the pay-per-view, Taylor was checking their availability for the television following the event.

— TNA Sacrifice 2010 will be officially released tomorrow on DVD. Its cover art, which you can view here, features Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson and AJ Styles.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Initial plans for Hard Justice called for the event to be headlined by a TNA vs. “ECW” bout. Officials have since decided to make the event an “all-ECW” show similar to WWE’s One Night Stand in 2005. Wrestlers from the original ECW are being contacted and major TNA stars such as AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Ric Flair are not currently scheduled to appear on the show. Hard Justice is largely being put together by Tommy Dreamer.

— The Suicide character has been brought back since TNA has its action figure coming out. The character is being portrayed by Kiyoshi (Akira Raijin).

— Tomko is out of action due to an ankle injury.

Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 117)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Solomonster talks Solomonster has the mother of all rants on TNA’s supposed “epic” invasion angle, thoughts on ECW’s one last stand, Money in the Bank predictions, Jim Ross removed from WWE’s opening montage, Cena or Triple H going heel to lead Nexus, Jericho possbly leaving WWE, the new Florida promotion and Ric Flair vs. Vader from Starrcade 1993!

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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(sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com)

— TNA Wrestling officials are trying to put together a match between Rob Van Dam and Jerry Lynn for next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view, which would renew one of the most memorable rivalries in the history of ECW.

— Thursday’s episode of iMPACT! scored a 1.09 cable rating, with 1.44 million viewers. Viewership was slightly down from last week’s 1.45 million figure.

— Two TNA Knockouts celebrate birthdays today as Lacey Von Erich turns 24 years old while Daffney turns 35.

— Shannon Moore is working through a wrist injury.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— There is talk that Hulk Hogan may never wrestle again as a result of his latest back operation. His originally scheduled matches with Abyss and Sting have been nixed.

It’s worth noting that Hogan was advertised on the official TNA website for Monday’s iMPACT!, but ultimately, did not appear. He was however mentioned in a promo by Kevin Nash.

— The actual attendance on TNA’s live event in Brooklyn, New York on July 2nd was just under 5,500 total, not 5,500 paid.

— The official TNA website has updated its roster page, adding profiles on Mick Foley and Tommy Dreamer. Dr. Stevie is now being referred to as Stevie Richards. Meanwhile, Daniels, ODB, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are still listed on the site despite parting ways with the organization.

-John Morrison graces the cover of the latest Muscle & Fitness magazine, which has a feature on his daily training routine. Right now on WWE.com, there is a video from the magazine shoot where former WWE champion The Rock makes a brief cameo. To watch the video, click here.

-NXT Season 2 rookies Kaval and Michael McGillicutty captured the FCW Tag Team Titles at the group’s show last night. They defeated Los Aviadores, the team of Tito Colon and Hunico. This is Kaval’s first title run since signing his WWE developmental deal and the former Joe Hennig’s fourth run with the tag belts.

-Regarding rumors of TNA having an interest in JBL, he is definitely not going there.  He and Dixie Carter are friendly, and they had previously courted the former WWE champion prior to their Monday night debut earlier this year, but Layfield has been happily retired since losing to Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 25 in 2009.

Eric Bischoff has posted a new blog on his official website explaining his time away from TNA this month, Hulk Hogan’s health following his recent back surgery, Batista doing MMA and more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Taking Time Off From TNA: “The 4th is a special holiday for us as it is not only our favorite national holiday, but it’s also my wife’s birthday, (and now our new anniversary) as well as the anniversary of my fathers passing 10 years ago.  My friends and family from around the country have started coming out to our place in Cody as a sort of unofficial ‘friends and family reunion and it has become a big part of our lives over the last 10 years.'”

Hulk Hogan’s Back Surgery: “Just hung up with Hulk. His recent back surgery seems to have gone well and for the first time since I’ve known him, it sounds like he is taking his doctors advice and giving himself some down time to heal properly.. I get on him like his mother sometimes, as every time he previously had a back surgery, the first thing he would do the minute he was feeling better was go down to the gym and see if the surgery worked by pushing weights around. His spirits are way up, he’s feeling great and looking forward to what’s coming up.”

Batista Doing MMA: “Not so sure about Bastista’s move into MMA. Unless he has some amateur wrestling or legitimate kick-boxing background that I am unaware of, sounds like a quick payday, but not so much of a long term plan.  It takes years to develop solid wrestling skill as well as punching/kicking technique. At 40 years of age, it’s a hell of a lot of catching up to do when you are in there with fighters half your age who have been on a mat or in a dojo all their lives. That said…like Dave a lot and wish him the best.”

— Scott Hall remains hospitalized in Florida due to a bout with double pneumonia. His official Myspace page notes that he is off IVs and oxygen, but will be in the hospital for a few more days.

“It seems when he went in they did a dye test , he had a reaction to the dye and caused a small problem with his kidney’s,” reads the MySpace update. “They still have one more test to run.. but had to make sure.. the kidney’s were fine.”

To keep updated on Hall, visit his Twitter page.

— Former TNA performers Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed are advertised to reunite at the July 25 CHIKARA event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at “The Arena.” They will be facing the team of Sara Del Rey and Daizee Haze. Also advertised for the event is a tag match pitting Tommy Dreamer and Eddie Kingston against Claudio Castagnoli and Ares. For more information on the show, visit ChikaraPro.com.

— In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura turns 59 years old while former WWE Diva Cherry turns 35.

(source: www.prowrestling.net)

A teenage fan jumped the guardrail and entered the ring following the Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Morgan match at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando. The fan, who was described as being 13 years old, charged towards Anderson and held up his arm after the match. Morgan got up and clotheslined Anderson, which apparently scared the teenager as he ran away. The scripted angle continued as planned once the intruder left the ring.

There was heat on Universal Studios security for allowing the teenager to reach the ring. The fan was told that he is prohibited from attending shows at The Impact! Zone.

On another note, there was a lot of joking backstage following the incident about how Morgan should have taken the kid out.