Archive for the ‘TNA’ Category

*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Results For June 10th

Here are spoiler results for TNA iMPACT set to air on June 10th, courtesy of Tim Capture and Wrestlingnewsworld.com:

* Xplosion match: Max Buck vs. Chris Sabin. Winner via springboard tornado DDT, Chris Sabin

* For Impact, Brian Kendrick vs. Homicide. Douglas Williams comes out to do commentary. Winner via kick to the face, Brian Kendrick

* AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe, Kazarian and Beer Money come out. AJ says as you can see, Ric Flair is not with us. Due to his absence, he will take control of the situation. The situation being that they are in an eight man match thanks to Hogan and Bischoff. Problem is there’s five of them in the ring. Five doesn’t work, it’s always four. Solution is, Kazarian is out. Flair’s music hits but Jay Lethal comes out dressed and acting like Flair. He asks if he heard that AJ is in charge? He says AJ will never be the man because he, Ric Flair is the man. Right now you’re looking at god. Lethal goes on doing the Flair impersonation, drops the elbow on his jacket and all. He says AJ is right about one thing, there is definitely an eight man match tonight. He introduces his team: Abyss, Mr. Anderson and the fourth is Abyss because he counts twice. Lethal says we’re not doing this tonight, we’re doing this right now. Team Lethal rushes the ring but there’s too many for them until Hardy’s music hits and he makes the save. Team Lethal stares down Team AJ. Team AJ leaves as Lethal elbow drops his shirt.

* The Motor City Machine Guns come out to join commentary.

* Roxxi and Rosie Lottalove vs. The Beautiful People. Winner via Roxxi Driver on Lacey, Roxxi and Rosie Lottalove. After the match Madison Rayne attacks Roxxi. The Beautiful People beat up Roxxi and Rosie and leave.

* Bischoff is backstage with Miss Tessmacher and Matt Morgan. Morgan just wants to know who his tag team partner. Bischoff says you’re going to find out tonight.

* Hulk Hogan is waiting for him at the entrance ramp right now. Morgan’s music hits and he comes out to see who his partner in the tag title match is. He’s not happy he’s finding out right now. Hogan’s music hits. Hogan comes out and says Morgan is the biggest crybaby he knows. There’s a reason he’s out there by himself. He backstabs everybody. Hogan asks if viva la raza means anything? Hernandez comes out and rushes the ring. Hernandez is beating Morgan down. He chokes Morgan out with his shirt and leaves. The referee gives the X sign and security rush out with a stretcher. They hook Morgan into the stretcher and go to leave but The Band’s music hit. Security leaves Morgan in the ring. The bell rings and Eric Young gets the pin. Afterwards they stretcher Morgan out.

* A pissed off Jesse Neal comes to the ring with a concerned Shannon Moore behind him. Neal calls out Bubba and wants him to come out so he can talk to him to his face, man to man. Bubba comes out with a concerned Devon. Security and agents stay between them. Neal asks why if he has a problem he can’t settle it like a man has something to say. Shannon basically calls Bubba a douchebag. Devon says he’s going to give Shannon a pass on this one. This is between them and Neal because they trained Neal. Devon then tells Bubba to get his head on straight and leave the kid alone. Bubba takes the opportunity to cheap shot Neal. Security gets in between everybody and Team 3D leaves.

* Kurt Angle is out for a match. He says this Sunday at Slammiversary his first victim from the top ten will be tenth ranked wrestler Kazarian. In preparation he’s asked the greatest X Division wrestler there is to come out and throw everything he has at him.

* Kurt Angle vs. Amazing Red. Winner via Angle Slam, Kurt Angle.

* AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe & Beer Money, Inc. vs. Jay Lethal, Abyss w/Chelsea, Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy. Winner via Styles Clash on Jay Lethal, AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe & Beer Money, Inc. After the match, AJ’s team all threw up the Four Horsemen sign.

* Backstage, RVD is looking for Sting but Sting finds him first and attacks him. Sting is wearing a championship belt with tape on it that says deception. They’re fighting all over the place and fought into the merchandise stand. They eventually end up in front of the crowd. They fight up the entrance into the ring. Looks like Sting stole the world belt at some point and that’s what he has on. Sting gets the advantage when he threw RVD into a chair set up in the corner. He beats him down with a chair and then says “You see this belt pal? It’s a deception. It’s yours till this Sunday.” RVD gets on the mic and asks if Sting thinks this is over? He was just pacing himself. Sting is at the entrance and is to leave but Hulk Hogan comes out and hits Sting and takes him to the ring. RVD and Hogan take turns hitting him. RVD whips Sting into a big boot from Hogan in the corner. RVD hits a 5 Star Frog Splash. Music hits, we go to commercial.

* Xpolosion match, for the TNA Knockouts Women’s Championship, Madison Rayne defeats Taylor Wilde.

Sound Off 110: Don’t Tell Kane, But We’re Celebrating May 19th!

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Solomonster Sounds Off

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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 110)

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Est. Runtime: 64 minutes

A rare weekday edition of the Sound Off celebrating MAY 19TH (!!!) with thoughts on a pretty good edition of Raw, Bret Hart and The Outsiders as champions in 2010, Michael Cole getting his ass handed to him on NXT, the future of Jim Ross and your questions!

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

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TNA Officials Recommend Dixie Carter Fire 15 To 20 People

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA is reportedly going through a lot of cost-cutting measures although nothing has been specifically said other than they are happening. Only one person has been let go at this point, ring announcer David Penzer, and it wasn’t cost-cutting as much as just him having heat.

What is known is that those close to TNA president Dixie Carter recommended an extensive list of talent — 15 to 20 names — to be cut. Thus far, Carter has refused to cut those requested since she doesn’t want talent who have been loyal to the organization be unemployed in these uncertain economic times.

Nonetheless, the company has greatly increased its payroll since last year, and most business aspects are either the same or down, with the exception of a huge increase in merchandise sales at live events.

TNA Set To Release Talent – Who Should They Let Go?

Update: TNA Officials Recommend Dixie Carter Fire 15 To 20 People

TNA Wrestling is at another “turning point.” With the Monday night experiment over, iMPACT! returns to Thursdays and we begin another new chapter for the company. TNA has incurred a great deal of expenses this year – from acquiring talent (Hogan, Bischoff, RVD, Jeff Hardy, Ric Flair, Scott Hall, etc.) to going live on Monday nights.

As we reported here on SEScoops.com last week, TNA’s budget needs to be reeled in and as a result – talent will need to be released in order to cut costs.  We’ve heard that several wrestlers were told on Monday that they’re being released, but we need further confirmation on exactly who is being let go before we can report it.

TNA has over 64 superstars and knockouts on their roster – much more than the RAW and SmackDown brands, which have about 40 each.

With many releases on the way, we want to hear from you – who should TNA let go??

TNA’s got a wide range of superstars on their roster and a chance to redefine their product. Should TNA stick with established (and expensive) household names? Many of them have big money contracts and do little to draw fans or elevate young talent.  Should they focus on keeping just a few big stars and build around today’s breed of developing stars (Desmond Wolfe, Pope, Samoa Joe)? What about cutting all of the legends (Hogan, Flair, Sting, Jarrett, Nash), saving a ton of money and focusing solely on young talent? How about tag teams and the X-Division?

Comment below and tell us what you think about who TNA should cut and what their strategy should be moving forward.

(To view the entire TNA superstar roster, click here.)

TNA Reportedly Cuts Talent, Kurt Angle Upset Leaving Mondays

— TNA officials have reportedly cut a few performers since yesterday. While a few names have begun circulating, they have not yet been 100% confirmed. (source: pwinsider.com)

— Regarding Impact’s move back to Thursdays, an upset Kurt Angle commented with the following:

“I was upset that TNA is going back to Thursday nights. I know in time we could have had the Monday Night Wars. I have mixed feelings about this. I can’t wait to come back. The Monday Night Wars were one sided, and rightfully so. But TNA deserves an applause for trying. Maybe it was too early, but TNA tried, and TNA will try again when the time is right. Remember WWE wasn’t built over night and in time TNA will be right up there.”

Hulk Hogan Has Medical Scare Before Having Back Surgery

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan had a big medical scare this week after doctors thought they found an abnormality with his heart.

Hogan is set to undergo another back surgery in the coming weeks and has been going through the usual battery of pre-op medical tests to insure he’s healthy enough to go under the knife. According to TMZ.com, doctors discovered a problem with his Electrocardiography (EKG), which monitors a patient’s heart function.

Sources close to Hulk tell TMZ.com that Hogan was sent to a cardiovascular specialist in Florida for further testing. After another extensive round of medical tests, doctors were able to medically clear Hulk who was understandably “very worried” during the whole process.

Hogan’s heart has been deemed healthy and he’s scheduled to undergo back surgery soon.

*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Thursday

SEScoops reader Ray sent in the following results from Monday’s iMPACT! tapings, set to air this Thursday:

Quick spoilers from TNA Impact, which was being taped out of sequence:

*TNA champ Rob Van Dam & Jay Lethal defeated Beer Money Inc.

*Roxxi defeated TNA Knockouts champ Madison Rayne in a non-title match.

*The Beautiful People defeated Sarita & Taylor Wilde.

*Eric Young defeated Shannon Moore.

*X-Division champ Douglas Williams defeated Kazuchika Okada.

*There was a segment where the Top 10 was announced and Kurt Angle returned, stating he was going to wrestle his way through all ten to get to RVD.

*There was a Rob Terry vs. Orlando Jordan bout that saw Jordan lock a submission on Terry and refuse to let go. No official decision announced.

*Jeff Hardy pinned Sting after Ken Anderson interfered and hit the Mic Check on Sting. Hardy didn’t want anything to do with Anderson and Sting laid them both out with the bat.

*They do a segment where Desmond Wolfe attacks Abyss to prevent him from taking Chelsea and carves him up with a bottle. In the end, Abyss makes a comeback and carries her off. Chelsea was doing a Miss Elizabeth deal where she thought Wolfe was going too far.

*Eric Young pinned Shannon Moore. Team 3D confronted Jesse Neal but there was friction between Devon and Bubba over how they were treating Neal.

*Kazarian won an X-Division Battle Royal.

King Of The Mountain Returning, More On TNA Budget Cuts

– TNA is taping the next 4 episodes of iMPACT! this week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. By Wednesday, we’ll have a full look at how TNA storylines will unfold over the next month leading up to Slammiversary on June 13.

– One of the top matches at Slammiversary will be the annual King of the Mountain match. Qualifying matches for KOTM will begin on Thursday’s iMPACT!, being taped on Monday night in Orlando.

– As noted earlier, TNA will be making budget cuts in the very near future. The company has spent a ton of money this year on new talent (Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Anderson, Orlando Jordan, Scott Hall & more), going live on Monday nights and related marketing costs.  While many in the company understand that talent will have to be let go to save money, TNA President Dixie Carter is fighting to keep as many people employed. She realizes that these are tough times with the economy, especially in the wrestling business and doesn’t want anyone without the ability to make a living. (Source: F4Wonline.com)

*Spoiler* For Impact Tapings, Former WWE Star In Orlando

(source: PWInsider.com)

— Roxxi is in Orlando, Florida and expected to work this week’s iMPACT! tapings. Four shows will be taped over the course of the next three days.

— Former WWE performer Kevin Thorne was reportedly spotted at The Impact! Zone in Orlando.

— Brooklyn, NY will host a TNA Live! event on Friday, July 2 at MCU Park at 7:00pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday at www.brooklyncyclones.com, the MCU Park in Brooklyn, Citi-Field in Flushing and charge by phone at 1-718-507-TIXX.

TNA Releases Coming, Sting Injured, The Band, MCMG

– The reason why Sting and Jeff Jarrett’s “match” turned into a brawl last night at Sacrifice is because of Sting’s shoulder injury, which prevented him from working a traditional match.

– More TNA releases are expected to be announced soon, possibly this week, as the company plans on making some budget cuts.

– The Motor City Machine Guns are the new #1 contenders to the TNA Tag Team Titles after winning the triple threat at Sacrifice. No word yet when they will receive their shots against The Band.

– Speaking of The Band, they are now defending the belts under the “Freebird rule” – meaning, any two of them can defend (Hall & Nash, Hall & Young or Nash & Young).

– Ring announcer David Penzer is said to be done with the company. His contract expired recently and he’s been telling people he’s  leaving the company. Jeremy Borash handled the ring announcing at Sacrifice.

(Partial credit: f4wonline.com)

Tara Done With TNA, Anderson Turning Face, The Band

Here are several news items coming out of Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view:

– TNA Knockout Tara (formerly Victoria in WWE) finished up with TNA at Sacrifice, losing to Madison Rayne at pay-per-view. Tara recently blogged that she was unable to come to terms with TNA regarding a new contract.

– TNA is teasing a babyface turn for Mr. Anderson following his match with Jeff Hardy at Sacrifice. Anderson put his hand out for a shake to Hardy but Hardy turned him down. Anderson cut a cocky promo before the match that was well received by the crowd, so there appears to be enough fan interest there to turn him face.

– Douglas Williams has reclaimed the TNA X Division Championship after defeating Kaz at Sacrifice.

– After Abyss defeated Desmond Wolfe at Sacrifice, Wolfe’s valet Chelsea is now the property of Abyss for the next thirty days.

Heat On ODB Over Online Remark, Update On The Amazing Red

— There is heat on ODB over a comment she made online last month disparaging the Knockouts division.

After watching the Apr. 12 episode of iMPACT!, she wrote on her Facebook account: “Just watched from my DVR the Knockouts match. Wow, WTF is happening to our division?” This was in reference to a teased ‘Leather & Lace’ match between Angelina Love and Velvet Sky.

In another note, her contract expires later this year.

— Amazing Red has not been used much in recent months due to problems with his knee.

— There has been talk of bringing back squash matches to iMPACT! in order to get guys such as Rob Terry over.

source: www.f4wonline.com

Opening Match For Sacrifice PPV, Jordan “Controversy” Planned

— TNA announced today on its Facebook account that tonight’s Sacrifice pay-per-view will open with the three-way #1 Contender’s Match to the TNA Tag Team Championship between The Motor City Machineguns, Beer Money, Inc. and Team 3D.

— Orlando Jordan is expected to do something “controversial” during tonight’s Sacrifice pay-per-view. He is scheduled to face Rob Terry in a match for the TNA Global Championship.

— Qualifying matches for Slammiversary’s annual King of the Mountain bout will begin Thursday on iMPACT!. This week’s episode is being filmed tomorrow.

TNA Sacrifice PPV Results: May 16, 2010

TNA Sacrifice Results
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Results by: Sean Hopkins

We get a videopackage highlighting the main feuds heading in to tonight, as well as the ‘sacrifice’ theme of the show, with many of the competitors talking about what they’re willing to give up to open the show. The pyro hits and Mike Tenay welcomes us to the show. He immediately begins hyping the World Title match between AJ Styles and RVD later tonight in a rematch of the match where RVD won the title. The Motor City Machine Guns’ music hits, and it’s time for the #1 Contender’s match.

Beer Money, Inc. vs. The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team 3D
#1 Contender Match

Beer Money is out next to a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd, but a bit more cheers than I would have expected. Team 3D is out last, to a pretty big pop, unsurprisingly. Robert Roode and Alex Shelley look to start things off in this match. They lock up and Roode snap mares Shelley into a rear chin lock. Shelley is right out of it, and they chain wrestle for a bit. Roode hits a big shoulder block that takes Shelley off his feet, and after a bit more chain wrestling, Shelley hits a hurricarana, and then a wheelbarrow into a bulldog that’s good for a near fall. Shelley charges Roode, but he runs into a tilt a whirl backbreaker. Roode tags in Storm and Storm comes in with a big right hand to Shelley’s face before taking Sabin off the apron. Shelley tries for a superkick, but Storm rolls to the outside, where he eats a round kick from Sabin. Back in the ring we get some great double team work from the Guns on Roode. Sabin tags in and we get some double team on Storm’s arm. Storm is able to come right back though with a high knee, but he gets tagged rom behind by Brother Ray. Ray locks up with Sabin and goes to work on his arm, taking him down to the mat, and wrenching down again. Ray goes to the well once to often and Sabin is able to turn the tide with a couple of round kicks to the ribs. Sabin avoids an elbow drop, but he eats a big right hand and a big boot from Ray. D-Von tags in and we get a backbreaker/leg drop combo that’s good for a near fall that’s broken up by Shelley. Shelley leap frogs D-Von and hits a dropkick, but when he tries to slingshot himself on top of Bubba on the outside, Ray moves and Sabin crashes. Ray rolls Sabin back into the ring where D-Von goes to work, slamming Sabin down. D-Von goes for the cover and it’s broken up by Storm. Ray tags in and hits a big chop to Sabin before knocking both members of BMI off the ring apron. Bubba slams Sabin down and climbs to the second rope, but when he goes for the senton, Sabin moves and as able to tag in Shelley. Shelley comes in as a house of fire, working over both members of 3D. Shelley goes for a double cross body and he’s caught, but Sabin dropkicks Shelley and connects to hit the cross body. miscommunication causes both members of 3D to collide when Ray goes for the dive. Sabin dives out of the ring and hits BMI. Shelley tries for a double stomp on Ray, but Roode tags in and hits a sick running clothesline on Shelley.

Storm is in and BMI hit a double team suplex on Shelley before doing their Beer Money chant. Roode crotches Shelley on the middle turnbuckle before hitting a falling neckbreaker. Roode tags in and slams Shelley down. Storm hits an elbow drop and Roode hits a knee drop before locking in a rear chin lock. Shelley fights out, but he gets a running back elbow for his trouble. Storm tags back in and hits Shelley with a big right hand. Roode locks in a rear chin lock of his own. Shelley fights back up to his feet but he gets a right hand. Shelley avoids a dive from Storm, and hits an enzugiri, but Roode tags in and stops Shelley from making the tag. Roode tries for a suplex but Shelley lands on his feet and is able to make the tag to Sabin who comes in as a house of fire. The Guns almost get the pin but D-Von is in and it all start to break down. Everyone is in and 3D start throwing bodies to the outside. It’s down to 3D and BMI. Ray hits a bionic elbow on Storm, and 3D hits a doomsday decive on Roode. Sabin hits a springboard cross body out of nowhere and goes for the pin on Ray, but he only gets two. 3D throws Sabin out of the ring, and set up for a 3D on Roode. Storm comes in and spits beer in D-Von’s eyes. Guns hits Roode with a double team in the corner before hitting a neckbreaker/cross body combo. Sabin pins Ray, and gets the three count.

Winners and NEW #1 Contenders: The Motor City Machine Guns

Madison Rayne (c) vs. Tara
TNA Knockouts Championship vs. Career

Tenay and Taz talk a bit about the Abyss/Wolfe match coming up later tonight and apparently the police are in the building investigating Wolfe and Chelsea for filing false police reports. We get a run down of the events that have led up to this match. Orlando Jordan is the first man out to the ring, he’s lowered down on a trapeze, with what looks to be no safety equipment hooked up. He gets no reaction. Rob Terry is out next, coming right out, and Jordan is right on top of him. Terry fights Jordan back into the corner and buries his shoulder in Jordan’s midsection before beating him around the ring and hitting a giant hip toss. Terry clotheslines Jordan in the corner and almost takes Jordan’s head off with a huge lariat. Terry hits a big back body drop and splashes Jordan in the corner before hitting a big side slam. Terry goes for the pin and gets two. Terry tries for another back body drop and catches a boot to the face, and Terry replies with a spin kick.

Terry clotheslines Jordan to the entrance ramp, where Jordan tries to crawl away, but Terry takes him back to the ring and tosses him over the rope. Terry hits a running powerslam that’s good for another two count. Jordan begs off for a bit, and when Terry goes for a kick, Jordan catches Terry’s foot, hangs it up on the ropes, and kicks it before slamming him to the mat. Terry kicks and wrenches away at Terry, working over his leg. Jordan rolls to the outside and wraps Terry’s leg around the ring post. Back in the ring, and Jordan contines to focus on the knee, driving his own knee down into Terry’s knee before just punching away. Jordan tries for a couple of submissions but Terry fights him off, so Jordan goes back to working on Terry’s knee. Terry tries to crawl to the ropes, but Jordan stops him and stomps on his midsection. Terry fights him off again, but Jordan goes right back to work, hitting Terry with punches to the face before turning back to his knee. Jordan hits a knee drop with a really stupid set up and goes for a mounted pin, but only gets two. Jordan climbs up to the middle rope and pulls down his knee pad, but when he goes for the knee drop, Terry moves out of the way.

Terry gets up to his feet, where he hits the freak buster out of nowhere. He pins Jordan and gets the three count.

Winner and STILL TNA Global Champion: Rob Terry

As Terry makes his way to the back, Orlando Jordan charges up the ramp and attacks him from behind. Jordan sets the title belt down, turns Terry over, and slams his knee down into the belt. Jordan grabs the Global title, and throws it down on top of Terry. Backstage Team 3D are complaining, Ray is talking about how his eyes still burn. Ink Inc walk in and compliment them on their match. 3D compliment them on their first shot tonight, and Ray says to be careful. Moore says that the Book of DILLIGAF says they’ll be the new champions tonight. Ink Inc walks out. Ray is pissed because Neal said they would take care of 3D tonight.

Kazarian (c) vs. Doug Williams
TNA X Division Championship Match

We get a video package highlighting the history between these two men leading up to this match, including Doug Williams being stripped of the Title even though he wasn’t able to be present due to an erupting volcano. Doug Williams is out to heat from the crowd, and he’s still wearing the X Division Title. Kaz is out next to a lot of love from the crowd. Both men lock up and Kaz backs Williams into the corner where he breaks clean, kind of. Another lock up, and Williams is able to lock in a front chancery, before switching it all around and taking KAz down to the match. Kaz locks in a headscissors, but Williams powers out of it. Both men are back on their feet and they lock up. Williams takes Kaz down again and they trade holds on the mat. Back up to their feet and Williams backs Kaz into the corner to break things up. Shoulderblock from Williams and he locks in another front chancery. Kaz fights out of it and hits an arm drag going right into the arm bar. Another arm drag from Kaz right into another arm bar. Kaz scissors the arm and also goes to work on Williams’ wrist. Williams fights out of it, flips Kaz over, and they trade holds yet again. Kaz comes out on top, but Williams utilizes the ropes to break the hold. Kaz goes to work on Williams’ arm again and Williams bails to the apron but Kaz won’t let go. Kaz kicks Williams to the floor. Williams rolls back into the ring and Kaz hits a crazy slingshot dive into a roll up for a near fall. More mat wrestling from both men and Kaz tries to go for the pin, but Williams bridges out of it. Williams fights back up to hits feet and take Kaz down for a near fall, and Kaz bridges out. Williams takes Kaz to his butt in a neck tie submission dropping back with his knees in Kaz’s back. Kaz turns it right around into the same hold on Williams.

Kaz puts Williams on the top rope, but Williams fights down to the mat, and tosses Kaz from the top, where Kaz faceplants into the entrance stage. Kaz makes it back to the apron at six, but Kaz catches him with a neckbreaker in the ropes that sends Kaz right back down. Kaz rolls back into the ring and Williams gets right on him, locking him in a front face lock, and scooting to the outside where he slams Kaz into the apron chest first. Back in the ring and Williams locks in another front head lock, but Kaz fights out of it, suplexing Williams into the ropes before dropkicking him to the outside into the guard rail. Kaz slingshots himself to the outside with a cross body block to take out Williams. Back in the ring, Kaz hits a springboard dropkick, going high risk again, and both men are down. Both get up at about four, and Kaz hits a clothesline/forearm/spinkick combo before hitting a big swinging neckbreaker that’s good for a two count. Kaz charges Williams into the corner, and Williams almost hits the chaos theory, but Kaz counters into a roll up for a near fall. Williams back body drops Kaz to the apron, but Kaz comes right back with a slingshot DDT that’s good for another two count. Both men are up and Williams hits a couple of head butts and a big clothesline to put Kaz down. Williams hits a running knee in the corner and he teases going to the top but waves it off. Back in the ring Kaz is able to fight back, hitting a springboard back elbow.

Williams hit a ridiculous buckle bomb, and it looked really bad, like Kaz may have a concussion after this. Williams hits a suplex and goes for a pin but Kaz kicks out. Kaz hits what looks to be a reverse Russian leg sweep, but it’s not enough to keep Williams down. Kaz fights out of a pile driver with a back body drop, and he sends Williams to the top. He goes for an electric chair drop, but Williams fights out of it, and hits a chaos thoery. Williams pins Kaz, and this one is over.

Winner and NEW X Division Champion: Doug Williams

Chelsea and Desmond are arguing over who’s idea this whole thing was. Chelsea asks Desmond is he thinks about what will happen if Abyss wins. Wolfe says he’s fully aware of what’s at stake. Wolfe says she’s his, not Abyss’ or anyone elses’. Chelsea says she doesn’t want the ring anymore, and wants Wolfe to call the whole thing off. Wolfe says it’s not all about Chelsea, because the TNA Rankings also come out this week, and a win will help him in the standings. Chelsea is still freaking out. Wolfe says nevermind, because she’ll always be his.

Madison Rayne (c) vs. Tara
TNA Knockouts Championship vs. Career

We get a video package of the past few months and what has led up to this match, starting with the ridiculous Lockbox match, all the way up to Tara challenging Madison and putting her career on the line. Tara is out to the ring first to a bit of an apathetic reaction for someone who this could be their last match. It gets a bit better the closer she gets to the ring. Rayne is out next with Lacey and Sky backing her up. Rayne actually tells TBP to go to the back, that she’s got this. Tara attacks from behind sending Rayne out to the ramp, but Rayne fights right back, sending Tara into the ring. In the ring, Rayne hits a running knee and locks in a submission, but Tara fights right out of it. Tara crawls to the outside, and Rayne stomps on her arm. Rayne goes to the apron and Tara sweeps her leg out from under her. Tara sends Rayne face first into the ring apron before rolling her back into the ring and getting a quick near fall. Tara argues with the ref, and it allows Rayne to get a couple of quick roll ups on Tara. Rayne goes for pin after pin before just hitting a big clothesline. Tara begs off before hitting a face buster and backing Rayne into the corner. Tara sends Rayne across the ring by her hair.

Tara hits a suplex and floats right over into a guillotine choke that turns into a front face lock, but Madison fights out of it and kicks Tara away. Rayne starts to fight back and takes Tara off her feet with a couple of big right hands before kicking Tara in the side of the head. Rayne gets caught with a short arm clothesline from Tara, and Tara tries for the widow’s peak, but Madison fights out of it. Tara goes for the widow’s peak again, but Rayne rolls out to the floor. Tara sends Rayne back into the ring where she goes right for a big slam. Tara goes to the top rope and hits a big moonsault, going right for the pin. Rayne kicks out at two and Tara looks like she’s losing it. Tara kicks away at Rayne and goes right back to the top rope. Another moonsault, but Rayne rolls out of the way. Rayne hits a crazy neckbreaker on her shin, and she goes for the pin, getting the three count.

Winner and STILL TNA Knockout Champion: Madison Rayne

Rayne celebrates with her title on the way up the ramp, as Tara comes to the realization that her time in TNA is over. Thank you Tara chants from the crowd. Tara gets choked up before going over and grabbing her pet tarantula and showing it off for the crowd. Security comes out and apparently they are there to escort Tara to the back. She goes, while getting lots of love from the crowd. Christy Hemme is backstage with The Band. Eric Young interrupts to answer why he joined The Band. EY says there was no one else that was good enough to join them when Pac went down. And they realized that there was more money to be made by standing shoulder to shoulder instead of nose to nose. Hall says it’s not show friends, it’s show business. Nash says that Hall and Nash aren’t the champions, The Band are the champions, and on any given night, they might be facing any combination. Nash says Ink Inc. won’t be winning the titles tonight.

Scott Hall & Kevin Nash (c) vs. Ink Inc.
TNA Tag Team Championship Match

Neal and Moore are out to the ring first to a really nice pop for such a new team. Hall and Nash are out next, and they get a bit of an apathetic reaction. Hall and Moore look to start things out for thier respective teams. Hall tosses his tooth pick in Moore’s face, and Moore responds with a slap to Hall’s face. They lock up and Hall wrenches right away at Moore’s arm, then starts slapping repeatedly at his head. Moore flips out of it and surprises Hall with a roll up. Another lock up and HAll hits a knee to Moore’s midsection before sending him into the corner and hitting a dropkick. Hall tries again but Moore gets the knee up and hits a dropkick from the middle rope. Moore hits a big spin kick to Hall and goes for the pin but Hall fights right out of it. Hall shoves Moore and points over to Nash, tagging him in. Neal tags in and Nash takes him right into the corner, burying his knee into Neal’s midsection and hitting him with a big elbow to the side of the head. Neal recovers and pounds right back on Nash, hitting a big head butt. Nash turns it right back around and chokes Neal with his boot in the corner. Nash distracts the ref while Hall hits him with a right hand from the outside. Neal tries to fight back against Nash, but Nash hits another knee before tagging in Hall. Hall locks in an abdominal stretch before doing the worst assist from a partner in front of the ref ever.

Neal is able to fight back with a hip toss, but The Band continues to dominate. Nash tags in, and Neal is finally sble to tag out to Moore, who comes in and uses his quickness to surprise both members of the band. Moore hits a big cross body to Nash before tagging in Neal. Moore hits a big neckbreaker before turning his attention to Hall. Nash avoids a spear and Neal connects with the ref. Neal takes Nash off of his feet with punches, and EY is on his way down to the ring with a kendo stick. Nash is able to use the stick on Moore, but Neal hits a spear on Nash and grabs the stick. EY cuts him off and takes the stick, and Brother Ray is there out of nowhere. He grabs the kendo stick from EY and whacks him. Ray goes into the ring and talks trash to Nash before whacking Neal with the kendo stick. Nash rolls over on top of Neal, and gets the three count.

Winners and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: The Band

After the match The Band celebrate with their titles while Brother Ray looks on disgustedly.

Desmond Wolfe vs. Abyss
Chelsea vs. Ring

We get a video package of the events that led up to this match, focusing on Wolfe trying to frame Abyss for attacking Chelsea.

Desmond Wolfe is the first man out to the ring accompanied by Chelsea. Abyss is out behind Wolfe before Desmond even gets to the ring and he attacks. Abyss pounds on Wolfe on the entrance ramp, and Wolfe falls out to the floor. Chelsea tries to go to the back, but the ref grabs her and says she must stay ringside. Wolfe tries to fight back, throwing his robes into Abyss’ face, but Abyss fights right back, sending him into the ring. Wolfe kicks Abyss and hits him with a right hand, but when he tries for a cross body he bounces off of Abyss’ chest. Abyss pounds on Wolfe for a bit on the mat. Wolfe starts to fight back with a couple of forearms, but he walks right into a couple of clotheslines from Abyss. Abyss signals for the chokeslam, and Chelsea is up to distract Abyss. Wolfe hits a shoulderblock, sending Abyss to the floor. Wolfe goes out to the floor where he sends Abyss shoulder first into the ring post. Wolfe sends Abyss back into the ring, where he kicks at Abyss’ arm before working over the wrist and elbow, locking in a top wristlock. Abyss is able to power out of it, but Wolfe comes right back with a big boot to Abyss’ shoulder. Wolfe wrenches at Abyss’ arm, taking him off of his feet. Wolfe continues to work over the shoulder and elbow of Abyss, with a great over the neck arm bar. Abyss gets back to his feet, and punches his way out of this hold. Wolfe answers with a couple of shoulder blocks, but on the fourth Abyss comes with a shoulder block of his own that takes Wolfe off of his feet. Wolfe turns right back to the Arm with another top wristlock.

Abyss fights out again, and Desmond is quick with a knee to the midsection. Abyss tries for a chokeslam, and when Desmond fights out of it, he gets a kick to the chest instead. Clothesline in the corner from Abyss followed by a side slam is good enough for a two count, and Chelsea is looking upset on the outside. Abyss signals for the chokeslam again, and he gets Desmond in position, but Wolfe goes to the arm and snaps Abyss down with a quick DDT that’s good for a two count. Abyss works over Abyss in the corner, hitting a giant running European uppercut. Wolfe goes for another series of shoulder blocks to Abyss’s injured arm. Wolfe tries for the rebound lariat, but Abyss catches him with a chokeslam. Chelsea is down and Abyss catches her in chokeslam position. Chelsea throws in her purse and is able to distract the ref and Wolfe grabs some brass knuckles. Wolfe hits Abyss and pins him, but Abyss kicks out at two. A couple of shots from Wolfe have no effect on Abyss as he Hulks up. Abyss hits a giant black hole slam, pins Wolfe, and gets the three count.

Winner of the match, and Chelsea’s services for 30 days: Abyss

After the match, Chelsea looks terrified. Abyss stalks down the ramp, gets in her face, and says he’ll see her on Thursday.

Christy Hemme is backstage with Mr. Anderson. Anderson actually calls down the mic backstage. He calls Christy Kristin. He mocks Jeff Hardy, and asks if he could possibly be one of the creatures of the night. He tells Hemme to close her eyes. He says he’s sitting in the front row with his face painted and a pair of panties on his head, and he’s chanting ‘Let’s go Hardy’ and ‘This is awesome’. He says he doesn’t need or want to do that because he’s an asshole. He says while Hardy has his fans, he has a following, and he likes to call them Anderson’s assholes, and tonight, they will loudly and proudly drown out the creatures of the night as they proclaim the winner of the match, once again, Mr. Anderson. He let’s the crowd do it, and thanks the assholes, before walking off, and coming back in with another Anderson.

Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy is out to the ring first to a big pop, despite the giant pop that Mr. Anderson just got in the backstage area. Mr. Anderson is out to the ring next, to a bit less of a positive reaction than Hardy. Anderson jumps Hardy as soon as he gets in the ring. We get some ‘I’m an asshole’ chants from the crowd. Another lock up, and Anderson buries his knee in Hardy’s midsection before punching and stomping away at him. Hardy fights back, picking Anderson up and dropping him right down on his back. Hardy tries for a flying clothesline, but Anderson ducks it and Hardy flies out to the floor. Anderson follows Hardy to the outside, where he sends him back first into the ring apron. Anderson rolls Hardy back into the ring where he goes for an elbow drop, but Hardy rolls out of the way. Hardy comes back, hitting a running clothesline in the corner, before following it up with another and pounding away at Anderson. Hardy tries for the corner dropkick, but Anderson gets his foot up to block it. Anderson puts his knee to Hardy’s ribs, before trying for a quick pin that’s good for a two count. Anderson pounds on Hardy in the corner, and when Hardy tries to fight back, Anderson is right there with a series of right hands to Hardy’s face. Anderson picks Hardy up and goes to work, pounding on him before locking in a low abdominal stretch. Hardy is able to fight up and out of it, but he walks right into another knee from Anderson that’s good for another near fall. Anderson heads up to the second rope and he jumps off. Hardy gets his boot off, but Anderson catches it and hits an elbow drop.

Anderson just pounds away at Hardy, trying for another pin attempt, but he still can’t keep Hardy down for three. Anderson picks Hardy up and locks in a regular abdominal stretch. Hardy fights out of it, and tries for a headscissors in the corner, but Anderson tosses his feet over and Hardy ends up crotched on the top rope. Anderson charges Hardy, but he finds himself backdropped over the top rope out onto the entrance ramp. Hardy goes under the ring and grabs a chair, which he sets up on the entrance ramp. Hardy backs up down the ramp, charges at Anderson, and uses the chair to get air to hit a leg lariat to send Anderson and himself back into the ring. Hardy tries for a pin but he only gets two. Anderson and Hardy trade blows in the middle of the ring, and Hardy gets the better of it, hitting a series of clotheslines and a quick neckbreaker. Hardy sends Anderson into the corner, hits a clothesline, and follows it up with a clothesline. Hardy goes for another pin, but it’s only good for two. Hardy goes for a suplex, but Anderson fights out and hits a standing Green Bay plunge that’s good for a two count. Anderson tries for the mic check, but Hardy fights out of it. Anderson sends Hardy into the ropes, and turns him around, connecting with the mic check. Anderson goes for the pin and Hardy is able to get to the ropes. Another pin and Hardy kicks out at two.
Hardy catches Anderson with a couple of quick kicks before hitting a big front suplex. Hardy climbs to the top rope, but he goes back down to the mat and stomps at Anderson’s back. Hardy hits the twist of fate, pulls off his shirt, and goes to the top rope, but Anderson cuts him off. Anderson hits Hardy with a couple of big right hands, and he shoulder Hardy. Hardy is able to fight out of it, and Anderson falls to the mat, with Hardy landing on top of Anderson’s head. Hardy climbs to the top rope and hits a swanton bomb to Anderson’s back. Hardy goes for the cover and gets three.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

After the match, Hardy celebrates, and Anderson grimaces. Hardy motions up for the microphone, but it doesn’t come down. Anderson opens his hand, and extends it to Hardy. Hardy backs off without shaking Anderson’s hand.

Christy Hemme is backstage with Ric Flair and AJ Styles. Flair says he knows AJ will bring back the gold. AJ says these are dark times for TNA. The man holding the title has no business doing so. RVD won the title on a fluke and Styles will prove it, not only for him, but also for Ric Flair, because he deserves to be surrounded by greatness. Styles says he’ll make RVD’s run seem like a blip on the radar, and there’s two things RVD can do about it. Nothing, and like it.

We get a video package, showing Sting’s return to TNA after hiatus, and his building feud with Jeff Jarrett.

Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett

Jeff Jarrett is out to the ring first, announced as the founder of TNA and the King of the Mountain. Jarrett doesn’t come out, and Tenay says there’s something going on backstage. Sting is assaulting Jarrett backstage and Jeff is already busted open. Sting sends Jarrett into a couple of metal lockers. Sting locks in an arm bar, using his bat, and wrenches back. Sting uses his bat to beat Jarrett to the ringside area. Sting beats Jarrett up to the announce area, before they go down toward the ring. Sting beats Jarrett all around the ringside area, sending him into the barricade, and Jarrett is bleeding profusely. Sting dismantles the ring steps before sending Jarrett face first into them. Sting picks up Jarrett before smashing him in the back of the leg with his baseball bat. Sting traps Jarrett’s arm on the ring steps, under his baseball bat, and stomps straight down. Sting continues to use his baseball bat to work over Jarrett’s arm, trapping it and dragging him around the ringside area. Sting finally tosses Jarrett into the ring. He climbs in after him, hits the Scorpian death drop, and pins Jarrett, winning the match as soon as it officially begins.

Winner: Sting

After the match, Sting screams at Jarrett before circling him for a little bit. Sting leans down with a mic in his hand, saying if Jarrett wants to play the deception game, he’s no different than ‘those guys’ and they’ll pay just like he did tonight. Medical staff is out to check on Jarrett and Sting continues to circle with his bat in hand.

Sting watches as the medics try to ‘pop Jarrett’s shoulder back into place’. They bring out a stretcher, and the crowd is actually chanting for Sting. Sting walks out to the entrance ramp, and he watches as Jarrett is carries out of the ring. Sting stops the medics once they get him out of the ring, and he shoves Jarrett off of the stretcher. Hogan is out, and Sting climbs back in the ring, laughing and twirling his bat. Hogan checks on Jarrett, and he walks out with the medics.

Christy Hemme is backstage with RVD. He says that this is the first of many interviews. He says this Championship is different from many that he’s held in the past because he stands for everything the TNA Title stands for. He’s the best, coolest, most popular wrestler in TNA, and he’ll stay the Champion. He says let Styles complain, because he’ll come around that with RVD in TNA, more people will be coming to see him, but more people will see him getting his ass kicked, because he’s RVD, and he’s the whole F’n show.

Rob Van Dam (c) vs. AJ Styles
TNA Championship Match

We get a video package, mixing in ring footage with backstage ‘off the cuff’ interview footage of RVD. It sets up the title match very nicely. AJ Styles is shown backstage, walking to the ringside area with Ric Flair in tow. Styles flips up his hood on his robe before walking out. When he hits the entranceway, he gets a warm reception from the crowd. The Champion is next, shown walking to the ring from the backstage area. When he hits the Impact Zone, the reaction is great, with a ton of love from the fans. We get formal ring introductions from JB, and like every TNA PPV main event, after much, much, much fanfare, we’re finally ready to kick things off. After a lot of standing around, and some posing from RVD, both go for a kick, with neither scoring. More standing around and a bit more posing. We finally get a lock up, and AJ pulls Van Dam’s hair, using it to pull him back into the corner. AJ and Van Dam get in each other’s faces, and RVD poses again. AJ tries to interrupt, but he ends up on the receiving end of a clothesline from RVD that sends him to the outside. Van Dam poses again, and AJ uses the opportunity to pull him to the outside, where he goes to work with chops. AJ tries to send Van Dam head first into the entrance ramp, but when he tries for a moonsault off the entrance ramp, RVD avoids it and connects with one of his own before rolling back into the ring and posing again.

AJ is able to make it back into the ring, and Flair distracts RVD, leading to Earl Hebner ejecting Flair from the ringside area. Flair protests, but eventually makes his way to the back. AJ sulks on the outside and argues with Hebner, but Hebner won’t budge. Flair goes to the announce table. RVD goes to the outside but AJ catches him with a right hand and rolls back into the ring. RVD tries to follow, but Styles sends him back to the outside into the barricade, and follows him with a tope over the top rope. AJ rolls RVD back into the ring where he stomps at Van Dam. Flair on commentary is very distracting, not in a good way. Styles slams RVD down and hits a beautiful knee drop.

RVD scores with a kick to Styles’ face out of nowhere, and he follows it up by pounding on AJ in the corner. Styles is able to charge RVD in the corner, but RVD gets his elbow up. When he climbs the ropes though, RVD finds himself shoved off face first into the entrance ramp. Styles rolls RVD back into the ring and he goes for a quick cover but he only gets two. AJ locks in a rear chin lock with his knee in Van Dam’s back for extra leverage. RVD is able to get to the ropes to force a break, so AJ pulls him back to his feet. AJ and RVD trade chops and forearms respectively, with AJ getting the advantage. RVD fights right back with a series of rights, but he runs into a big boot and a tornado DDT from Styles that’s good for a near fall.

AJ hits a series of stiff kicks to RVD’s back, just laying them in. Styles chokes RVD against the middle rope, and he gets into it with Hebner upon breaking the hold. RVD tries to fight back against Styles, but Styles hits a series of rights to RVD’s face, and a dropkick to RVD, who’s on his knees. Styles locks in a rear chin lock, but RVD is able to fight up to his feet. Styles tries to send him into the corner, but RVD comes back with a springboard single leg dropkick and both men are down. Van Dam hits Styles with a couple of clotheslines and a big kick that sends AJ into the corner. RVD rolls into Styles and hits a monkey flip, launching him over. RVD goes up top and tries for the 5 Star frog splash, but Styles is able to move out of the way. Styles connects with a springboard clothesline that’s good for a two count. Styles rolls RVD up, but it’s still not enough to keep him down. RVD tries to come back, but Styles responds with a Pele kick that’s good for another near fall. RVD avoids a splash in the corner, and connects with a Northern lights suplex that’s good for a two count. Both men are back on their feet, and Styles is able to lock in a small package for two. RVD hits a reverse Manhattan drop, before crotching AJ on the top rope, and leaping to the top turnbuckle to a single leg dropkick. RVD tries for rolling thunder, but Styles gets his knees up to block it. Styles gets Van Dam up in a torture rack, and spins him out into a powerbomb, that’s good for a two count. RVD is able to kick AJ away, but AJ comes right back with a flying forearm that’s good for another near fall.

Styles goes for the Styles clash, but RVD counters out of it, and both men trade roll ups. Both men go for, and connect with clotheslines at the same time and both men are down. RVD and Styles trade blows in the middle of the ring and RVD gets the advantage with a pretty innovative roll up. Styles goes for the figure four but finds himself rolled up again. Styles charges RVD in the corner but ends up backdropped out to the apron. AJ jumps back into the ring onto the second turnbuckle, and connects with the moonsault DDT. Styles tries for the springboard 450, but RVD moves out of the way. Flair runs back down to the ringside area, but Jay Lethal is out to stop Flair from interfering. Lethal and Flair trade chops on the entrance ramp, with Flair getting the advantage. Lethal connects with a low blow, and a chop of his own before locking in a figure four on the Nature Boy. Back in the ring, Styles crotches RVD on the top turnbuckle, and tries for a superplex, but RVD instead drives AJ throat first across the top rope. RVD goes to the top, and leaps off with the 5 Star frog splash. RVD pins Styles, and this one is over.

Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: RVD

After the match, Van Dam celebrates with his title while AJ and Flair sulk their way to the back.

Abyss Says He Wants To Wrestle Hulk Hogan

TNA star Abyss spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to promote Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice event.  Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The Evolution of his Character:

“I’m really proud of the character. I think it has matured a lot over the years. In this business, to keep any kind of a character at all, at any level, relevant for an extended period of time — I’ve been with TNA for going on eight years and I’ve been there since basically close to the beginning — so you gotta switch it up. You gotta try different stuff or you kind of get stale by doing just the same old thing. I’m proud of what we did with the character. I really like the original stuff. I really like the stuff coming back with the whites (clothing) and the insane asylum stuff. I really liked all that stuff and then the transformation now into the stuff with Hulk (Hogan). That’s been obviously a dream come true. I’ve really enjoyed the different sides of it. I think that keeps the character interesting, when you can see him when he’s happy, when he’s angry, when he’s sad, when he’s mad. You see different sides of the character and that keeps the character kind of fresh.”

Wanting to Wrestle Hulk Hogan:

“I would love it man. I think it would be great. It would be an honor, no doubt about it. It would be the biggest moment in my wrestling career. I sincerely doubt there would be a bigger moment in my career than me against Hulk Hogan in a singles match. I would love it and I think we could pull off something special. I have no doubt in that.”

The Best Advice that Hogan Has Given Him:

“He’s given me so much so I could go a million different ways to answer this but I’ll go this way with it,” said Abyss. “One of the things he’s really taught me was to really use the story you’ve been given and incorporate it in your match and work smart. He’s taught me to maximize the tools you’re given when it comes to putting a match together and an angle together.”

To hear what Abyss said about his hardcore wrestling style, working with Mick Foley and Hulk Hogan dubbing him the “John Cena of TNA,” visit Fanhouse.com.

Report On What Friends Believe Triggered Kanyon’s Suicide

The latest issue of Power Slam, an independent monthly non-kayfabe wrestling magazine published in the United Kingdom, features a story on the recent passing of Chris Kanyon. James Mitchell, a close friend of his, contributes heavily to the piece, giving his views on the troubled life of his departed friend. The article talks about Chris struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and how he wanted to create a positive gay wrestling persona, described as a ‘normal masculine babyface who just happened to be gay’. However, no major wrestling company was willing to experiment his idea.

The conclusion of the article notes that a few of his close friends, including Mitchell, believe “the last straw” for the troubled former wrestling star was the debut of Orlando Jordan’s ‘openly bisexual’ character in TNA Wrestling.

Here is what was written: “Mitchell and some other of Kanyon’s close friends believe the last straw for the troubled Kanyon was likely the TNA debut of Orlando Jordan’s ‘openly bisexual’ character, which seeks to exploit the character’s sexuality for cheap heel heat instead of promoting tolerance and acceptance. Those who were close to Chris are of the opinion Kanyon regarded this as a mockery of the wrestling angle he felt was his “life’s work” and “destiny”. He took a fatal overdose of pills shortly after the character’s appearance on the Monday March 29 iMPACT!.”

It should be noted that Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported similar claims in his piece last month detailing the life and times of Kanyon, saying two different friends of his independently speculated that he may have watched the character’s debut on the Mar. 29 episode of iMPACT! and saw Jordan playing a role that in his mind felt was destined to be his. They felt it set off his latest bout of depression — past the point of no return — as he stopped returning phone calls following that particular evening.

“It could have been, hell that was his idea,” said Robert McLearren, one of Kanyon’s closest friends outside the business. “That would make sense. The last time I talked to him was Monday afternoon. I could only imagine how he felt knowing someone else got his angle.”

McLearren said his final conversation with Kanyon involved him trying to find a book on ecstasy.

“He thought that could finally be the key to helping him find stability,” he said. “That’s the last I heard from him. I texted him over-and-over again throughout the week, but with no response. Chris was incredibly unhappy. The unhappiness was punctuated by short periods of mania, but for the most part, he just wasn’t whole after he left wrestling. He told me once that since he was a kid, that’s all he could think about, all he wanted to do. After that was gone, he just didn’t feel like he had anything to live for, the only dream he had was gone. You throw in living with bipolar, and it made for a bad cocktail.”

RVD Talks About iMPACT! Moving Back To Thursddays & More

TNA Champion Rob Van Dam spoke to SLAM Wrestling this week to promote Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Mr. Monday Thursday Night said about:

The Way He’s Used in TNA vs. How He Was Used In WWE: “In WWE, a lot of times friends would come to the show and say, ‘Wow, you get the loudest reaction out of all the wrestlers here, how come you’re not in the main event and how come they don’t have any RVD T-shirts?’ and that’s what I always dealt with before. Now, I feel like I’m in a great position as champ. I have no doubt I’m going to do my part to show the best matches anybody has seen in TNA, so it’s pretty exciting.”

TNA’s Move Back to Thursday Nights: “It’s going to allow us to shine and grow. And from what I can see, most of the other boys seem to feel the same way. Dixie told us that this was from listening to polls from the fans and I think probably SpikeTV also wanted it and it really seems like it will be a good thing now. WWE, they own Monday night and that’s not going to change.”

TNA’s Monday Night Run: “Dixie (Carter) never said, ‘Hey, we’re going to beat the hell out of them on Monday nights, we’re going to take over and own it. She always said, ‘We know we’re going up against a much bigger company, we’re doing this slowly, we’re going to try to win battle-by-battle.’ She always seemed to have everything in perspective. As long as it didn’t put too big of a hole in them financially, I think it was a great move.”

To read the full interview, including what RVD thinks about working with AJ Styles and an update on his wife Sony’a health, visit Slam.Canoe.ca.

TNA Signs Knockout Who Injured Daffney Last Month

TNA Wrestling has signed female wrestler Mary Kate Duignan to a Knockouts contract.

Duignan, who is a graduate of Team 3D’s Wrestling Academy wrestles on the independent scene as Betsy Ruth and Miss Betsy Rosie, worked a tryout match against Daffney prior to the April 20th TNA iMPACT! taping from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Daffney was hospitalized after a bonsai dropthat left her with a bruised sternum and temporary spinal trauma. Thankfully, she did not suffer any nerve damage.

Duignan confirmed the news on her Twitter page, writing:

“My my my news sure does travel quickly! Thanks for all the support guys! It’s much appreciated :) Haters keep hatin cuz I gots a “Lottalove.”

Ruth called signing with TNA “most emotional day ever” and thanked her trainers (Team 3D) and her fellow students at the 3D academy.

Helms Expected To Join TNA Soon, Update On Shelly Martinez

— Gregory Helms is expected to join TNA Wrestling once his ninety-day no-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment expires later this month. He has already made a verbal deal with the organization through Jeff Hardy and will most likely be performing under his WCW ring name, Shane Helms. On another note, there is talk of starting a faction with Hardy, Helms, Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal. (source: f4wonline.com)

— As reported earlier, Shelly Martinez, who performed as Salinas in TNA Wrestling, recently inquired about returning to the organization. Online, she has made it no secret that she would like to return to the company as she has been actively campaigning and even going as far to say that it was her “dream” to manage Shannon Moore. After not hearing back from Terry Taylor, TNA’s Director of Talent Relations, she noted yesterday on her Twitter account that she wrote to him to ask him about her status. She received her answer, writing the following this afternoon:

“So Terry Taylor said there is no opportunity at TNA for me :(”

— TNA will be holding television tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando on July 12th, 13th, 26th and 27th. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Von Erich Possibly Leaving TBP, Hogan Unaware Of Knox, More

Props to f4wonline.com for some of the info used in this report:

– There has been talk of Lacey Von Erich leaving “The Beautiful People” and turning babyface.

– Taz recently talked to Hulk Hogan about bringing Mike Knox in, but “The Hulkster” reportedly had no idea who he was. Eric Bischoff, on the other hand, vaguely remembered him. Nonetheless, there is said to be slight interest in using the recently released WWE star.

– A match pitting Samoa Joe against Matt Morgan could be a late addition to Sunday’s Sacrifice pay-per-view, but a final decision had not been made as of yesterday.


Bischoff Talks JR & Heyman In TNA, iMPACT! On Thursdays

TNA’s Eric Bischoff was the special guest on last night’s live edition (05/10/09) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem. You can feel The Mayhem live every Monday night (at 7PM ET/6PM CT), exclusively on MondayNihtMayhem.com.

Eric joined The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for his return to “Your Home of Wrestling Radio” & for the launch of his exclusive/all-new monthly interactive segment on Monday Night Mayhem, “The Hot Seat With Eric Bischoff” (flavored by Sizzlin Sauces).

To listen to an MP3 of the appearance, click here. Here are the highlights:

His thoughts on the move of TNA iMPACT back to Thursday nights, TNA never intending to compete with the WWE, & the experience of gaining more exposure for the TNA brand as a result of going head-to-head with World Wrestling Entertainment:

“First, I don’t recall fans en mass telling us not to go to Monday nights. On the contrary, I remember quite a bit of enthusiasm & energy, just because it was a chance to create competition & provide an alternative. There were a lot of fans that spoke out and said it was the wrong decision, but there was a lot of fans that felt the other way. What happened after the move (as we did some research, along with Spike TV), it was determined that while there were fans who enjoyed the competition, there was also a lot of fans that weren’t able to check out both. It was a problem for them having to switch back & forth. Unlike the WWE, TNA does not have a lot of other programming, so there’s only one TNA vehicle out there, and putting it head-to-head made it difficult for some fans of TNA. As far as WWE being too big to compete with, they’re a monster. We never intended to compete with WWE, we intended to position ourselves on Monday night, because that’s where the traditional wrestling fan audience is, and we thought that would be a great way to gain exposure for the TNA brand. That’s why we went to Monday nights, not to compete.”

Rob Van Dam capturing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, the signing of RVD/what if means to the company now & for its future:

“RVD, in my opinion, is one of the better things that has happened to us in a while. He’s just got a different vibe, a different energy, and he appeals to a different audience again. Hoping that change (the TNA World Title change) is something that resonates with people who might not have otherwise tuned into TNA previously. One of the reasons RVD is here is to expand our audience, and he is clearly a guy that is worthy of being the TNA World Heavyweight Champion.”

Those Who Feel “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan is getting lost in the shuffle of TNA’s tag team division & the chances of seeing him return to the singles spotlight:

“I’m not the head of creative, and I don’t pretend to be. I’m a big supporter of Matt, and his future will be determined in the weeks & months to come. One of things I’m not going to do is talk about storylines & internal creative decisions, because A) there’s enough spoilers out there; I don’t need to do any it, and B) it’s not fair to a lot of other people involved. Matt Morgan is a great talent; I think he’s got a bright future, and those of you who are Matt Morgan fans should just sit back, watch, & enjoy.”

The confidence he has in TNA going to improve in the months ahead & his reaction to certain fans complaining about particular aspects of TNA, including those who are harsh to criticize the older wrestlers/talents in the company:

“Is TNA going to improve? Absolutely. Anyone who is objective who’s been watching it for the last couple of months, would be hard-pressed to deny that this product is evolving…and in a good way. In terms of older wrestlers, I heard exactly the opposite. I heard a lot of people say, who are fans of both WWE & TNA, they like seeing brands, names, & faces they recognize and that they have a history with. That’s not to say they want to see them dominate the show, and we don’t need research to tell us that. I’ll be careful to say that ‘all fans want to see one thing,’ because that’s not true.”

The likelihood of seeing either Jim Ross and/or Paul Heyman in TNA soon:

“I don’t know. I don’t know what Jim is thinking & his point of view. I like Jim, and he & I have a pretty good relationship, and we stay in touch from time-to-time. I don’t have this kind of conversation with him, and quite frankly, it’s been a few months since I spoke to him. Heyman…no idea. But who knows, time will tell. Never say never right?”

Jeff Hardy Talks Favorite Matches, Dream Match & More

Jeff  Hardy was interviewed on the TNA website by teen actor Booboo Stewart. To read the full interview, visit TNA’s official website (LINK). Here are some highlights of what Hardy said about:

Favorite Career Match: “Overall, it would have to be at WrestleMania X-Seven in Houston,” Hardy said. “It was the second TLC Match and it’s the one where Edge speared me when I was hanging from the belt hook above the ring.

Favorite TNA Match: “In TNA, it was definitely Monster’s Ball from the first ever Bound for Glory in 2005. It was me, Abyss, Rhino, and Sabu. Both of those matches were matches with stipulations. If you want to know about my favorite regular match of all time, it was at Great American Bash 2008 against Umaga.”

His Dream MAtch: “It would be ‘The Charismatic Enigma’ Jeff Hardy against ‘The Icon’ Sting in a paint vs. paint match. I’m talking about the crow version (current) Sting. It has never happened before, but never say never.”

His Band Peroxwhy?gen:  “I haven’t come up with a name for the specific type of music yet. Sometimes I refer to my poetry as “emoetry”…written emotion, but to best describe it, it’s a combination of alternative rock and grunge metal.

Jeff Hardy’s In Court Today For Drug Charges (Updated)

Jeff Hardy's Mugshot from his September 11 arrest

UPDATED (5/10): TNA star Jeff Hardy appeared in a Moore County, N.C. court on Monday morning. The case has been continued to Tuesday, June 3rd, according to prowrestling.net. After contacting the Moore County Criminal Courthouse, we were told no additional information will be released regarding the trial until Friday at the earliest.

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After several rounds of hearings and delays, Jeff Hardy’s trial stemming from his drug arrest last year is set to begin next Monday (5/10) in Moore County, North Carolina. Hardy’s drug charges went to a grand jury back in January and they found that there was enough evidence to indict Hardy and send the case to Superior Court.

Hardy was arrested on September 11th, 2009 after police raided his home in Cameron, North Carolina. A joint investigation conducted by officers with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office narcotics and select enforcement units and the Fayetteville Police Department led to the search.

According to the police report, a search of his residence yielded 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine and items of drug paraphernalia.

He was charged with felony trafficking in opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

If convicted of all charges, Hardy faces upto 14 years in prison.

TNA Interested In Women’s Wrestler Following Fans’ Requests

Dixie Carter recently had her Twitter account flooded with a number of requests from fans to sign independent women’s wrestler Lizzy Valentine, who performed in the short-lived MTV series Wrestling Society X as a valet for Evan Bourne. The overwhelming number of requests caught the eye of the TNA president as she’s expected to receive another tryout match soon. It cannot be said that Carter does not listen to the fans as Shannon Moore returned to the organization after she was besieged with requests to sign the tattooed grappler.

Valentine took part in tryout dark match last December, defeating Amber O’Neal. She can be seen on Wrestlicious, performing under the name “Kandi Kisses.” This August will mark her ten-year anniversary in the wrestling industry, which has included lengthy stops in Mexico and Europe.

source: www.f4wonline.com

Update On Maria’s TNA Negotiations, Carter Upset With Tara

— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis has had discussions with TNA regarding joining the organization, but money is said to be the main hold up.

— TNA president Dixie Carter had a meeting with Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) last Monday concerning her recent blog post criticizing the organization. Varon was upset because she felt some people in TNA were bad mouthing her on the way out. Carter said she never said one bad word about her. Things were then settled as Varon apologized for her online remarks.

Also note, there are still no plans for Varon to remain with the organization. Her contract expires on Friday, May 21.

— TNA has held a World X Cup Tournament every other year since 2004, with the last one taking place in 2008. This year would have been the next one but there are no plans for a tournament at this time.

source: www.f4wonline.com