Archive for the ‘TNA’ Category

Dixie Carter Talks iMPACT! Going Live Every Week & Traveling

TNA President Dixie Carter was interviewed on the Between the Ropes radio show last night, which you can listen to at BetweentheRopes.com. Here’s what Dixie said about:

Going Live Every Week: “There are talks, but I don’t think that it’s going to affect the show whatsoever. There’s also benefits to taping because you can make sure your show is perfect .. Smart business decisions are more important than anything else right now. We should take a lot of those dollars and instead of just going live right away, use it to help spread the word on TNA.”

Taking iMPACT! on the road: “We do lose something in our education process of being in the same place all the time. We don’t have that ability to go into all of these different regions outside of house shows, which are really our best indicator right now of how well things are getting over in different regions of the country.”

Jeff Hardy TNA Update, Karen Angle Backstage & More

– The latest word on Jeff Hardy is that he has a contract waiting for him once he clears up his legal issues, indicating that he had not signed when it was reported last month. Hardy is scheduled to go to trial in North Carolina on March 17th.

– Bubba the Love Sponge is still with TNA and was backstage working at last night’s iMPACT tapings.

– Dave Taylor has received high marks in his first week as an agent with TNA.

– Karen Angle was backstage at the TNA iMPACT tapings this week. Currently there are no plans for her to return with an on-air role.

Partial source: PWInsider.com

Bill Goldberg Comments On TNA, Former WCW Wrestler Hired

— Bill Goldberg posted the following note on his Twitter account concerning apparent rumors that TNA has offered him a contract:

“Let’s get the record straight…From my lips……TNA has not contacted me. Period. No B.S.”

— Ticket prices for the 2010 Lockdown pay-per-view at the Family Arena in St. Louis — which go on sale Feb. 26 — are as follows:

Row 1: $156.00
Rows 2-3: $131.00
Remaining: $81.00
Lower Level Rows A-J: $61.00
Lover Level Rows K-T: $46.00
Upper Level Rows A-E: $31.00
Upper Level Rows F-R: $26.00

— Former WCW performer “Squire” David Taylor was hired by TNA over the weekend as an agent, replacing Scott D’Amore. He has received high marks thus far.

(source: PWInsider.com)

*Spoiler* Ric Flair & Hulk Hogan To Wrestle In TNA

TNA Monday iMPACT!

TNA Monday iMPACT!

It was announced at Tuesday night’s TNA iMPACT tapings that Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair would make their in-ring debuts for TNA on the live Monday night March 8th iMPACT!.

Hogan will be teaming with Abyss to take on the team of Flair and TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles.

So Ric Flair will be returning to action on national television almost 2 years after his big sendoff at WrestleMania 24, which coincidentally also took place from Orlando, Florida.

What do you guys think – are Hogan & Flair in action a good move for TNA on the first night of the new Monday Night War? Comment below.

TNA Holding Hogan Fu-Manchu Contest Lockdown Weekend

THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FU-MANCHU MEETS THE WORLD’S LARGEST FU-MANCHU

St. Louis, Missouri (February 12, 2010) –Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling’s Hulk Hogan brings his blonde locks and fabled fu to St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch, for the inaugural “Hogan Fu-Fest”, set for Friday, February 26. The “Hogan Fu-Fest” will be a gathering of Fu’s from around the world as TNA Wrestling and Hogan attempt to set a world record for most Fu Manchu’s in one location at one time.

“Hogan Fu-Fest” will take place at Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood (620 Market Street) and is sponsored by Doc’s Harley Davidson of St. Louis. “Hogan Fu-Fest” will unite fu fans from around the world for one fu-nky afternoon. The spectacle starts at 2 p.m. CT.

The best or most creative fu’s will win ringside tickets to “TNA Lockdown 2010”, the pay-per-view extravaganza from Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, set for Sunday night, April 18 at the Family Arena in suburban St. Charles, Mo.

“The Mustached American community of St. Louis is honored to welcome the world-renowned mustache of the man himself, Hulk Hogan,” said Dr. Aaron Perlut, chairman of the St. Louis-based American Mustache Institute (AMI).

“Biblical texts suggest that it is indeed a dangerous proposition – on par with hurricanes, tsunamis, or earthquakes – to bring together the two largest mustaches in the world, worn by Hulk Hogan and the Gateway Arch.”

The AMI will be honoring the Hulkster at the “Hogan Fu-Fest” for his long-standing upper-lip hair(s).

“The Power of The Fu is unstoppable,” Hogan said. “The Gateway Arch was fu-turistic when it was built. Today it embodies the spirit of Hulkamaniacs worldwide.”

Hogan is personally inviting anyone with a real-life Fu to attend – and also anyone who is creative. “Hogan Fu-Fest” attendees are welcome to draw, build or buy a Fu for the event. TNA Wrestling also will supply fake fu’s for those who need one for the event, as TNA is hoping to set a world record at Hogan Fu-Fest.

“Even I will sport a Fu to support Hogan,” said TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter.

TNA Wrestling’s Lockdown 2010 pay-per-view extravaganza is scheduled for Sunday night, April 18, at the Family Arena in suburban St. Charles. Lockdown is TNA’s first 2010 PPV away from the company’s friendly confines of The iMPACT! Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.,

AJ Styles, the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Championship, leads the St. Louis invasion of TNA stars, along with U.S. Olympic Gold Medal
winner Kurt Angle, Ric Flair, Jeff Jarrett, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Samoa Joe and more.

Tickets for “TNA Lockdown” go on sale Friday, February 26, at www.MetroTix.com, the Family Arena box office or charge by phone at 314-534-1111.

WHO: TNA Wrestling’s Hulk Hogan
WHAT: “Hogan Fu-Fest” – Judging of Fu Manchu’s to win front row tickets to “TNA
Lockdown 2010”; Many prize giveaways, attempting to set a world record for largest gathering of Fu Manchu wearers.
WHEN: February 26, 2-4PM
WHERE: Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood (620 Market Street)

RVD Updates His Status & Says He’s Leaning Towards TNA

Rob Van Dam appeared on the Right After Wrestling Sirius XM satellite radio show on Monday night and gave an update on his wrestling future.

Now that TNA iMPACT! is moving to Monday nights starting March 8th, could we see “Mr. Monday Night” back where he belongs? Van Dam said, “I feel fairly optimistic because I know TNA is trying really hard to make a good deal for me and that’s basically where we’re at.”

He added that there’s a “good possibility” he will consider an offer from TNA and WWE’s hectic travel schedule is something he’s not looking to relive. “Everything is worth putting on the table to consider, but when it comes time to consider going back to that full-time travel schedule with WWE, that’s not something that I’m wanting to do right now,” RVD said. “The schedule with TNA and also probably their appreciation for RVD might also be a benefit over WWE.”

RVD says that WWE wants him back too, but TNA has been more pro-active about trying to sign him. “WWE would love to have me come back on a full-time basis, but as you know by pointing out that Hogan called into my radio show and stayed on for about an hour, they have been very pro-active and trying to acquire RVD,” RVD said. “That leads me to believe I would have a good spot if things do work out there. We’ll see.”

WWE wants him, but RVD has not forgotten that he was unhappy towards the end of his last run there.  “WWE had me so burnt out because my contract said I would get a weekend off every month and I never did and they wouldn’t give it to me,” RVD said. “When I would tell them I’m so burnt out I don’t want to be here and I’m resenting traveling and coming to work every day, they would double-book me. So, that’s how it went down.”

Controversial TNA Angle Features Man-On-Man Kiss

TNA newcomer Orlando Jordan kissed a man prior to his match with Samoa Joe at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando. The former WWE United States Champion was escorted to the ring by a man and a woman. He had his arms around both of them and kissed each prior to his match.

This reportedly didn’t go over well with everyone backstage in TNA as some felt the company “crossed the line” as it were. One TNA performer offered the opinion that the angle will turn off viewers from Spike considering it’s specifically geared towards men.

It’s worth noting that before Jordan’s release from World Wrestling Entertainment in May 2006, there were creative plans for him to be repackaged with a bisexual gimmick in a storyline involving former TNA performer Stephanie Finochio (a/k/a Trinity) and a friend of his with no prior background in the wrestling industry. While bisexuality is considered taboo in some wrestling circles, it was passed for Jordan since it’s his lifestyle in the real world. It should be noted that the storyline was Jordan’s idea because creative had no plans for him at the time.

THE SOUND OFF CELEBRATES 100 EPISODES!!!

solomonster

Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 100)

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

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes

| TNA officially moves to Monday nights starting March 8th, so is the war back on?

| Survivor Series could take no more Montreal talk, so it committed suicide. Will an old-school WCW event be taking its place?

| Tyler Black wins the Ring of Honor title, but did ROH wait too long to pull the trigger?

| Bryan Danielson gets a new (crappy) name, but will he be making his TV debut next week on the new NXT show?

| A ton of other good stuff, including your questions, so get cracking people!

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

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

TNA Press Conference Recap: iMPACT! Moving to Mondays

TNA Monday iMPACT!

TNA iMPACT! Moving to Mondays

At today’s TNA press conference from the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, TNA president Dixie Carter confirmed what leaked out over the weekend – that TNA iMPACT! will officially be moving to Monday nights on March 8th.

As previously reported, the 2-hour show will begin at 9pm (Eastern) and go head-to-head with WWE RAW for 2 hours. They will be live every other week.

Hulk Hogan came out says it’s “game time.” Hogan said being in TNA and taking them to Monday nights is bigger for him than any wrestling moment in his career. Hulk Hogan thanked TNA, Dixie Carer and her father Bob for all their help and giving him the opportunity to take TNA to the next level.

There was then a Q&A session.

Q: How long will TNA on Monday nights last? Will this be a 3-month experiment or is it a long-term thing?

A: Dixie Carter said, “Forever.” iMPACT! on Monday nights is a move they are committed to making and Spike is firmly behind them.

Q: Why go 9-11 instead of 8-10?

A: Dixie said they could have done either. They’ve moved time slots a number of times already and the fan base follows them wherever they go. Hogan said they want to go head-to-head. They want to take WWE head on. Everybody wants to see a fight and TNA wants to prove itself

What are Hulk Hogan’s thoughts about the first Monday Night War?

A: Hogan said it took WCW 6 months to get on their feet and start doing weekly shows in front of 15-20,000 people. He said TNA has a better roster and TNA does everything better. They will win the war because they have a better product.

Q: Were there any talks of iMPACT! going to 3 hours?

A: Dixie says no. There’s been talk of additional programming, but not a 3-hour iMPACT!

What kind of reaction are they expecting from Vince McMahon?

A: Hogan said he’ll give us the insider view on that – he expects no reaction. He said Vince doesn’t acknowledge his competition and will no-sell it, but the talent is cheering them on. The entire wrestling industry is a monopoly and people want TNA to succeed so there is another big company to possibly work for. Hogan said even though Vince won’t show he’s worried, WWE corporate is panicking.

Wha are Spike TV’s expectations for the ratings on Monday nights?

A: Dixie says they expect the rating to grow over time. This is a war and wars are fought over the long-term. If they can hold their Thursday rating (around a 1.2), they will be alright. Overall, they want to give wrestling fans something to be proud of and don’t want fans to be ashamed that they like wrestling.

Hogan summed everything by saying the atmosphere in TNA is like his church, where everybody is genuinely excited to be there.

TNA Lockdown Main Event, Ultimate X Returning & More

– The Pope D’Angelo Dinero is the new #1 contender to TNA’s World Heavyweight Title after winning the 8 Card Stud tournament at last night’s TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view. The Pope will face AJ Styles for the belt at TNA’s Lockdown pay-per-view.

– It is confirmed that the Ultimate X match will take place at next month’s TNA Destination X pay-per-view. As noted before, this will be an all-X Division TNA pay-per-view.

– Eric Bischoff posted a message on his Twitter page (Twitter.com/ebischoff) in response to the news that TNA iMPACT! is moving to Monday nights on March 8th. Bischoff wrote:

“Head to head. I love it. For a guy that would rather fight than…., I want to thank TNA and all the people behind the company. Lets fight!”

TNA iMPACT! Officially Moving to Monday Nights On 3/8

Entertainment industry publication Variety is reporting that TNA Wrestling is set to announce on Monday that it’s flagship TNA iMPACT! show is moving to Monday nights starting March 8th.

Variety.com writes that iMPACT! will air head-to-head with WWE RAW for 2 hours, from 9-11 p.m. (Eastern time) and will be live every other week.

“We’ve always wanted to go on Monday nights,” said TNA president Dixie Carter. “That’s where the wrestling viewing audience is accustomed to being.”

Eric Bischoff calls iMPACT! moving to Monday nights “a little bit of history repeating itself. Bischoff said, “This is a great opportunity for TNA to step up and get noticed and showcase their product. I’ve said since the moment I started talking to Dixie, in my opinion we should go head-to-head with ‘Monday Night Raw.’ To me, it’s a battlefield — and to win the battle, you have to be on the battlefield.”

When asked to comment on WWE’s new competition on Monday nights, WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman said, “We’re not too concerned. We’re in good shape.”

TNA Against All Odds PPV Results (2/14)

TNA Against All Odds 2010

Ric Flair storms in the Impact Zone upset about getting in a car wreck last week. He’s also mad that Bischoff is going to be the referee tonight. Flair says he hates Bischoff’s guts and tonight, he’s going to make Bischoff pay him the respect he owes. Flair says he’s a God around here. Flair says he’s looking for Bischoff, OR ELSE.

We get the usual video package that normally opens the show. This package highlights the 8 Card Stud Tournament. The winner of the Tournament will become the #1 Contender, and get a shot at Lockdown next month. There’s also a bit about the Championship match between Joe and Styles thrown in for good measure.

The pyro hits and Mike Tenay welcomes us to Against All Odds. He immediately begins to hype the Championship match with Eric Bischoff as referee. He also hypes the 8 Card Stud Tournament, which will open the show. Desmond Wolfe’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring.

8 Card Stud First Round Match

The Pope vs. Desmond Wolfe

The bell rings, and both men circle each other. Pope is getting huge chants. Pope and Wolfe chain wrestle for a bit, but Wolfe pushes Dinero into the ropes, causes a break, and cheap shots him with an elbow. Wolfe locks in an interesting submission, but Pope quickly reverses. Wolfe fights out, but neither man can gain an advantage. Wolfe hits a big European uppercut, but he walks right into a series of elbows and a big forearm from Pope. Wolfe comes back with a shoulderblock, but quickly falls victim to a flying forearm. Wolfe tosses Pope out to the floor, and catches him by surprise, but when he goes for a Tower of London, Pope fights out.

Wolfe begins to work over Pope’s arm and shoulder, locking in a modified rear chin lock with an arm bar. Pope begins to fight back with a couple of chops, but Wolfe responds with a quick DDT that’s good for a near fall. Pope hits a slam, but Wolfe locks on and hangs on to a cravat. Pope eventually fights out, but Wolfe catches him with a boot. Pope comes right back with a series of forearms, and an inverted atomic drop. A flying forearm drops Wolfe, and when he gets up, he walks into a bitch slap. Pope hits the Coronation, and he goes to the top rope. Pope hits a flying cross body but it’s only good for two.

Wolfe catches Dinero on the top rope and he goes for the tower of London, but Dinero fights it off. Wolfe hits a Mongolian chop and hits a superplex instead. He goes for the pin but he can only get two. Wolfe looks to be getting frustrated. Wolfe goes for the lariat, but Dinero ducks it and catches him with a roll up for two. Wolfe chops away at Pope in the corner, but when he chargers him, Pope moves, and Dinero hits a rope assisted neck breaker. Pope hits the double knees to the back, and goes for the pin. The ref counts three, and this one is over.

Winner and Moving on in the 8 Card Stud Tournament: D’Angelo Dinero

Flair is shown walking around backstage and he walks into Bischoff’s office. He asks what makes Bischoff think he can make himself the special referee. Flair says Bischoff thinks he’s God, but the only Wrestling God in TNA is Flair. If Eric wants to do anything he needs to go through Flair since he’s Style’s manager. Bischoff says that Flair is pissed off because his boy is in a match with Samoa Joe and a ref that he can’t buy. Flair says he doesn’t need to buy the ref because Styles has Flair and that’s all he needs. Bischoff says he’s going to call it down the middle and Flair needs to keep his distance. Flair backs off and leaves the office.

JB is backstage, with Hernandez and Matt Morgan, the next two men to go into battle in the 8 Card Stud Tournament. Hernandez says they’re facing each other by luck of the draw, and they’re making the most of this opportunity. Morgan says they’re going to be the tag champs for a long time, but how could they not jump at the opportunity for a World Title match. Morgan says they want to have a match for bragging rights to see who’s better. He wishes Hernandez good luck and they walk away.

8 Card Stud First Round Match

Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez

Hernandez is out first, followed by Morgan. Both men get nice pops from the crowd on their way to the ring.

Both men give each other a fist bump before locking up. Morgan backs Hernandez up into the corner and breaks clean. They lock up again and this time Hernandez backs Morgan up, also breaking clean. Another fist bump, another lock up and Morgan locks in a headlock, but Hernandez fights out. Morgan puts Hernandez down with shoulder block, then another, but a third attempt and Hernandez knocks Morgan down instead. Hernandez sends Morgan into the ropes and Morgan tries for the Carbon footprint but he can’t get it. Hernandez tries for a border toss but Morgan fights out. Morgan hits the rapid fire elbows in the corner and Hernandez goes down.

Hernandez tries for a high risk move, and it looks like someone botches it, but they recover quickly when Morgan connects with a big lariat. Morgan hits a big splash in the corner, and then another, and he follows up with a side slam, but Hernandez kicks out at two. Hernandez begins to fight back, but he eats an elbow and finds himself back on the canvas. Morgan chokes Hernandez on the ropes, and he hits a big leg drop, launching himself over the top rope. Morgan hits a big leg drop on the apron reminiscent of the Undertaker, but it’s only good for a two count.

Morgan hits a couple of short arm clotheslines but he still can’t keep Hernandez down. Morgan locks in a chin lock, but Hernandez fights out of it, but quickly goes down to a clubbing blow across the back. Hernandez reverses an Irish whip, and slingshots over the top rope, catching Morgan with a big shoulder block and both men are down.

Hernandez is fired up, he hits a series of clotheslines, a big splash, and a spinebuster, but he can’t keep Morgan down for three. Hernandez hits a huge delayed vertical suplex holding Morgan up for a ridiculous amount of time. Morgan rolls out to the entrance ramp. Hernandez launches himself over the ropes and connects with Morgan, but he immediately falls to the floor and grabs at his shoulder.

Morgan won’t allow Hernandez to get counted out, and he holds the ropes to let him back in the ring. Morgan immediately locks in a hammerlock, throws Hernandez into the corner, and grabs the tights for a pin. Mogan gets the three count.

Winner and Moving on in the 8 Card Stud Tournament: Matt Morgan

Hernandez doesn’t look to happy with Morgan as he makes his way to the back.

Christy Hemme is backstage with Kurt Angle. Angle says he has to apologize to Hogan. He says since Hogan arrived in TNA, he doubted his agenda, but he proved himself to Angle on Thursday when he saved him from Hall and Syxx Pac, he says he’ll never doubt Hogan again. As far as his match with Mr. Anderson tonight, he says he’s going to mow through the Tournament, and become the #1 Contender, and that starts with Ken Anderson. Angle says he’s going to introduce Anderson to TNA the only way he knows how, by beating him in the middle of the ring.

8 Card Stud First Round Match

Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle

Mr. Anderson makes his way to the ring first to a bit of an apathetic reaction from the crowd. The mic lowers, and Anderson does his whole ring introductions schtick. Angle is out next, to a huge pop from the crowd.

The bell rings and we’re ready to kick this one off. The crowd is solidly behind Angle. Anderson catches Angle with a kick, but Angle shrugs it off, and on the next attempt, goes for the ankle lock. Anderson is able to make it to the ropes though, preventing the hold. Angle connects with a headlock takedown on Anderson, taking him to the mat and holding on. Anderson fights up to his feet, but quickly falls victim to a shoulderblock, and another side headlock.

Anderson is finally able to fight out with a couple of big blows to Angle’s back. Anderson chokes Angle with his boot, but that fires up Angle who responds with a back body drop and a snap suplex, but it’s only good for a two count. Angle takes Anderson to the corner, and he hits exactly 10 punches before backing off, and whipping Anderson into the other corner. Angle charges Anderson in the corner, but Anderson moves and Angle connects with the ring post.

Anderson grabs a chain that Angle wears around his neck, and rubs it across Angle’s forehead, cutting him open. Anderson punches away at him in the corner, but Angle fights back, only to walk into a big DDT. Anderson goes for the pin but it’s only good for two. Anderson stomps away at Angle and locks in a rear chin lock, wrenching away.

Angle is able to fight his way up to his feet and out of the hold, with a series of elbows and right hands. Angle takes Anderson down with a couple of clotheslines, and a huge belly to belly suplex. Angle tries for the cover but only gets two. Angle is whipped into the corner, but he explodes out with a big lariat that’s good for another near fall. Angle hits a big release German suplex and he holds on, connecting with a second, and a third.

Angle tries for the Angle slam, but he can’t get it. Anderson connects with a Finlay roll, and it’s good for a two count. Anderson goes to the corner, and goes to work, trying to tear away at the turnbuckle. He distracts the ref, and unties the opposite turnbuckle. He tries to send Angle into the turnbuckle, but Angle blocks it and responds with an Angle slam. Angle goes for the cover but Anderson kicks out at two.

Angle locks in the ankle lock, but Anderson is able to kick him off. Angle charges Anderson, but he ends up running head first into the exposed turnbuckle. Anderson uses this to his advantage and hits the mic check. Anderson goes for the pin, gets three, and this one’s over.

Winner and Moving on in the 8 Card Stud Tournament: Mr. Anderson

After the match, Anderson brings Angle his medal, and spits in his face before walking to the back.

Bischoff is backstage with Abyss and Mick Foley. Bischoff says he hopes both men understand, but running a wrestling company is tough. He’s responsible to put on the best card he can, and he needs to ensure no games. He tells Foley and Abyss to go at it like it’s their last match, because if he suggests any kind of gamesmanship, Abyss will lose his mask. Foley says that’s not going to be a problem, but how do he and Abyss know Bischoff isn’t going to be unfair when it comes to their match. Bischoff says that it will be a No DQ match, and he wants to give the fans an opportunity to watch each man beat each other. He says if no one uses a barbed wire bat, Abyss’ mask will be gone.

8 Card Stud First Round Match

Abyss vs. Mick Foley

Abyss is the first man to make his way to the ring, and he looks a lot less concerned than he did just a couple of seconds ago in Bischoff’s office. He gets a good reaction, anyway. Foley’s music hits, and he makes his way out to the ring carrying the barbed wire baseball bat. Foley gets a respectable reaction from the crowd.

Abyss looks concerned again. The bell rings, and both men lock up. Abyss locks in a head lock, but Foley fights it off, only to get hit with a big shoulder block. Foley goes for the bat, but Abyss knocks him down and kicks it away. Abyss beats on Foley in the corner before hitting a big splash. Abyss picks up the bat, and the crowd wants him to use it, but he throws it down. Abyss says he can’t do it. Foley slaps him in the face. He does it again, and three more times before hitting a couple of forearms. Abyss responds with a couple of forearms of his own that send Foley to the floor. Abyss follows out, but he’s quickly thrown into the barricade. Foley grabs a chair and whacks Abyss across the back.

Foley slams Abyss’ head into the ring steps, and screams at him. Back in the ring, Foley grabs the bat, but charging Abyss, Abyss gets his foot up and knock Foley away. Abyss chokes Foley against the ropes, but he lets his guard down and gets hit with a spinning neck breaker. Foley pounds on Abyss in the corner, hitting a series of forearms. Foley hits a running knee, and goes for a bag in the corner, with lots of thumbtacks. Foley spreads the tacks across the canvas. Foley pounds on Abyss and Abyss teases falling in the tacks. Foley charges, but Abyss catches him in chokeslam position, he takes him away from the tacks before slamming him down though. Abyss goes for the pin, but he only gets two.

Abyss takes the trademark sock away from Foley, and he puts it on, but he immediately gets caught with a double arm DDT. Foley goes for the referee, taking off his shoe, and stealing his sock, but when he goes for the mandible claw, Abyss catches him with one of his own. Foley applies his own, and Abyss looks to be fading fast.

Foley lets go of the hold before the referee can drop Abyss’ hand three times. Foley grabs the bat, but when he goes for Abyss, he walks right into a black hole slam into the tacks. Abyss goes for the pin, and he gets three.

Winner and Moving on the the 8 Card Stud Tournament:Abyss

After the match, Abyss checks on Foley, looking very upset and helping him remove some of the tacks from his back.

Christy Hemme is backstage with the Nasty Boys. Knobs says they know why they’re there. They’ve been friends with Hogan for years, and Hogan called them up and told them to show all the tag teams in TNA how it’s done. Saggs says the Nasty Boys aren’t bottom feeders, they go right to the top, and 3D is the top. Saggs says if they can’t beat 3D, why are they even there. Knobs says that Team 3D is going to Nastyville.

Team 3D vs. The Nasty Boys

The Nasty Boys make their way to the ring first, and this match is announced as a Grudge match (isn’t this their first meeting ever?). The crowd doesn’t look too thrilled to see the Nasties. Team 3D get a much warmer reacting from the crowd on their way to the ring.

3D rush the ring, but the Nasties are waiting, and the immediately begin the beat down on Ray and D-Von. I’m not sure if normal tag team rules apply of if this one will be tornado rules. Everyone is just brawling right now and the referee is standing around. 3D begin to come back, sending Knobs to the floor and taking Saggs out with a double clothesline. Saggs retreats to the floor, and the Nasties try to regroup.

The Nasties circle the ring, but 3D refuses to follow. The Nasty Boys finally make their way back to the apron, and this one looks like it will be traditional tag team rules. Ray and Sags are going to start things off. Sags takes Ray down with a knee, and he rakes at his eyes in the corner, before hitting a charging clothesline. Knobs takes in, but Ray fights back with a series of quick rights, only to fall victim to a poke to the eye. Sags tags in, and the Nasties signal for their armpit spot from 20 years ago. Ray fights out and makes the tag to D-Von, they take down Sags with a double clothesline, but Knobs pulls Sags to the floor.

Sags finally makes his way back into the ring after a long break (how blown up are the Nasties already?). Sags tags out to Knobs, and D-Von is able to fight out, taking Knobs down with a clothesline. D-Von goes after Sags, but he’s caught with a low bridge, and he falls to the floor. Sags chokes D-Von on the floor while Knobs distracts the ref. Ray comes in from nowhere and knocks Sags down hard. Back in the ring, Knobs takes D-Von down with a slam and hits a big elbow. Sags tags in, and the Nasties hit a double shoulderblock.

D-Von begins to fight back against Sagas with a series of right hands, but Sags hits D-Von with a quick kick to take him down and prevent a tag. Ray loses his cool and that allows for a Nasties double team. Knobs is in now, and he locks in an abdominal stretch. Knobs adds extra pressure with a couple of big blows and he tags in Sags. Sags rakes D-Vons eyes, and the Nasties try for a double team, but D-Von ducks a charging Knobs and clotheslines Sags. D-Von makes the tag to Ray who comes in and cleans house.

Ray splashes both Nasties in the corner, and he tries for a uranage, but Sags doesn’t seem willing to take it. 3D hit the Wassup headbutt on Knobs, and follow it up with a 3D on Sags. Jimmy Hart is there and he gives Knobs a foreign object. Knobs hits Ray, reverses the pin, and the referee sees it and counts to three. This one’s over.

Winners: The Nasty Boys

It looks like Jimmy Hart has made his way to TNA.

Bischoff is backstage with Samoa Joe, he says tonight is a whole new ballgame. Joe says he knows, the most important thing is for a company to have a champion it can believe in, and AJ Styles is not that man. Bischoff says he and Flair have more history than he cares to discuss, and he doesn’t want to see Flair’s boy with the championship, but with the stripes on, he feels like he has to call it down the middle. Joe says if Bischoff takes care of Flair, he’ll take care of AJ. Bischoff says Joe needs to keep control of his temper, take care of AJ, and he’ll take care of everything else.

8 Card Stud Second Round Match

D’Angelo Dinero vs. Matt Morgan

Pope is on his way out to the ring first, once again decked out in all his ring gear (the mask too). Morgan is out second, also once again donning his robe. Both men get a decent reaction, but the Pope seems more popular.

The bell rings, and this one’s ready to go. Both men lock up, and Morgan uses his power to toss Pope back immediately. Another lock up, and we get the same result. Morgan points out the size difference. Ppe ducks a lock up and kicks away at Morgan’s leg. Morgan shoves him away, but Pope won’t stop. Morgan eventually tosses Pope over the top rope. Morgan follows , and he slams Pope right into the ring apron.

Morgan tosses Dinero back into the ring, and he follows, but Pope responds with a couple of quick strikes to the midsection. Morgan puts him right down, and into the corner, where he hits the rapid fire elbows. Morgan hits a big splash, and gets Pope into side slam position before just simply dropping him. Morgan chokes Dinero by stepping on his throat, and he follows it up by choking him on the top rope and hitting a leaping leg drop.

Morgan rolls back into the ring and locks in a big bear hug. Pope looks to be fading, but he comes back with a big elbow to the head, a kick to the knee, and a dropkick to the knee. Dinero goes for a cross body, but Morgan catches him, and hits a fall away slam. Morgan goes for the cover, but he only gets two. Morgan picks up Pope, but Pope counters with a DDT out of nowhere and both men are down.

Both men get back to their feet and Pope gets the advantage with a fiery series of forearms and a big elbow to the side of the head. Pope slaps Morgan, but it just makes him angry. Pope drop toe holds Morgan into the ropes, but going for the Coronation, Morgan hits a huge lariat. Morgan goes for the pin, but Pope kicks out at two. Morgan looks shocked. Morgan pounds on Pope in the corner, hitting a series of headbutts. Morgan tries for the Carbon footprint in the corner, but Dinero dodges it and Morgan is hung up. Pope connects with the double knees, goes for the pin, and this one is over.

Winner and Advancing to the Finals of the 8 Card Stud Tournament: D’Angelo Dinero

8 Card Stud Second Round Match

Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson

JB is backstage with Mr. Anderson. Anderson makes JB repeat several times that Anderson beat Kurt Angle before saying no, that he destroyed Angle. Anderson says that he beat Abyss a month ago at Genesis, and he’s going to go all the way tonight and grab the title shot, then the title at Lockdown. He says he’s the guy they call Mr. Anderson… Anderson (of course interrupting JB).

Anderson is out to the ring next, and the crowd really just doesn’t seem to care. Anderson doesn’t introduce himself this time, instead we go straight into the match. Both men lock up and Abyss tosses Anderson in the corner. Anderson ducks a lock up and hits a couple of kicks, chops and punches, but when he tries to whip Abyss, he ends up finding himself being whipped. Anderson tries for a cross body, but Abyss isn’t moved. Anderson calls for a test of strength, but he slaps Abyss instead. Anderson goes for a body slam, but Abyss doesn’t budge, and slams Anderson instead.”

Anderson tries to rip of Abyss’ mask, but Abyss backs him up into the corner and prevents it. Anderson chop blocks Abyss’ knee and chokes away at him in the corner. Anderson ties Abyss’ knee up in the ropes and pounds away at it, before hitting a running dropkick straight to the knee. Anderson charges in again, but he finds himself in chokeslam position. Anderson fights out, but walks into a back body drop. Abyss hits Anderson with a couple of big right hands, and a splash in the corner before following up with a side slam, but it’s only good for a two count.

Abyss tries for the shock treatment, and even with Anderson ripping t the mask, he hits it, but he can’t keep Anderson down for the three count. Anderson kicks at Abyss’ knee, and he climbs to the middle rope. Anderson jumps off, but gets caught in chokeslam position. Anderson messes with Abyss’ mask, blinding Abyss and almost causing him to chokeslam the referee. Anderson kicks the back of Abyss’ leg, hits the mic check, and pins Abyss, scoring the three count.

Winner and Advancing to the Finals of the 8 Card Stud Tournament: Mr. Anderson

Christy Hemme is backstage with AJ Styles, and AJ says obviously Hemme wanted to be with he Valentine. Styles says he’s beat Joe before, and he’ll beat him again. Styles spouts off a ton of stuff about how he’s the greatest wrestler ever, before talking about how expensive his earring is. The camera pans over and Flair says he feels better because he knows Bischoff will call the match down the middle.

Taz and Tenay run down the tale of the tape, this match would look to be going in AJ’s favor, except for the fact that Bischoff will be the special referee. Eric Bischoff is shown backstage. He runs into Hogan. Hogan says he knows what Bischoff is up to, 15 years of animosity, Eric needs to let it go. Bischoff says it’s over. Hogan says the talent has to depend on him and Bischoff, so it’s up to Eric to call it down the middle, even if he doesn’t want to. Bischoff looks really disappointed and says ‘dammit’. Bischoff is the first man out to the ring, to a somewhat mixed reaction.

Samoa Joe is shown backstage walking toward the entrance ramp, pounding on his Feast or Fired briefcase. His music hits, and Joe makes his way to the ring, to a warm reception.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match

Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles w/ Ric Flair

* Special Referee: Eric Bischoff

Styles is shown backstage being hyped up by Flair. Styles is in a robe reminiscent of one of Flair’s signature robes, only with a hood. Flair says AJ is Stylin’ and Profilin’. Styles music hits and the Champion makes his way to the ring with Flair in tow. AJ still gets a pretty good reaction from the crowd.

JB is in the ring to do formal ring introductions for both men (it’s good to see him back on screen and back in the ring doing big time introductions). Not only do both men get an introduction, so does Bischoff, briefly.

The bell rings and this one is started. Both men lock up, and Joe backs AJ up, but AJ reverses it. Joe goes to punch AJ, but AJ bails to the floor. Styles makes his way back into the ring, and we he knees Joe instead of locking up. Styles locks in a headlock, and takes Joe down to his knees. Joe fights out and rocks AJ with a shoulderblock. AJ tries for another shoulderblock, and gets rocked yet again. AJ teases a third, but punches Joe instead. Joe responds with a huge shoulderblock. Joe beats on AJ in the corner with a series of jabs and kicks. Joe hits a running elbow, and a big kick, knocking AJ down to the mat.

Joe hits a running high knee in the corner, but it’s only good for a one count from Bischoff. AJ starts to mount a comeback, hitting a jawbreaker, and a chop, but Joe catches AJ with a huge leg lariat out of nowhere. Joe takes AJ off his feet with a big chop. A kick to the chest takes AJ off his feet, another to the back of the leg staggers him, but another attempt results in a dragon screw from AJ. Styles goes to work, stomping at Joe’s knee while Flair screams ‘the knee’.

“AJ continues to work over Joe’s leg, stomping away at the ankle. Styles tries for the figure four, but Joe kicks him off and to the outside. Joe follows out with a suicide forearm that knocks AJ back into the barricade and Joe is favoring his knee. Joe sends AJ back into the ring, and he follows. AJ begs off and rolls to the outside and when Joe follows, AJ pokes him in the eye and mounts an offense. AJ catches Joe with a chop, sends him into the ring post, and stomps away at him. AJ looks under the ring, and instead he pulls up some of the ringside padding.

AJ tries for a suplex on the exposed concrete, but Joe blocks, and tries for one of his own. AJ reverses, but Joe responds with a big chop that takes AJ down. Styles rolls back into the ring, and Joe stares down and stalks Flair for a bit. Joe rolls back into the ring, and falls victim to a dropkick to the jaw. AJ hits an elbow to the back of Joe’s head and locks in a rear chin lock.

Joe and Styles trade blows, with Styles getting the advantage thanks to a beautiful dropkick. AJ takes Joe into the corner and he hits a series of chops, but Joe turns it around and hits a couple of his own. Styles turns it around, hits a couple more of his own chops, and takes Joe down with a big forearm to the side of the head. The crowd seems split right down the middle on this one. AJ puts Joe on the top turnbuckle, and he goes up, trying for a hurricarana. Joe blocks, and comes off the middle turnbuckle with a leaping leg lariat, but it’s only good for a two count.

Joe sends Styles into the corner, and when Styles dodges a splash, Joe responds with a huge uranage. AJ fights back, taking Joe down and wailing on him with a couple of big rights. Bischoff takes AJ off of Joe, and that allows Flair to slam Joe’s knee against the ring post. Styles clips Joe’s knee from behind, and he goes to work on the knee with a trio of elbow drops.

Styles continues to stomp at Joe’s knee, kicking, wrenching and hitting knee drops. Styles locks in a modified indian deathlock into a backbridge. Joe knocks AJ away, but AJ goes right back to Joe, locking in the figure four.

Joe almost ends up with his shoulders on the mat for a pin, but he’s able to kick out at two. Flair adds leverage to the hold, and Bischoff catches it, breaking up the hold. Styles hits a couple of chops, but when he charges Joe, Joe backdrops him to the outside.

Joe ducks a punch from AJ, and hits a couple of big clotheslines. AJ tries for a high risk move, but he jumps into an inverted atomic drop. Joe is a house of fire and he goes for the pin, but he only gets two. Snap powerslam from Joe but it’s still not good enough for three and Joe is starting to get frustrated. Joe works over AJ in the corner with a couple of strikes. AJ ends up on the apron, but he comes back in with a springboard forearm. AJ goes right back to work with closed fists to Joe’s face. Joe comes back with a series of open hand slaps, but when he charges Styles, he eats an elbow, and a moonsault inverted DDT, but it’s still only good enough for two for Styles.

Styles teases the Styles clash, but Joe reverses out into the rear naked choke. Joe turns it into an amazing suplex, sending AJ overhead. Joe places AJ on the top turnbuckle, and he sets up the musclebuster, connecting, but Bischoff is distracted with Flair. Bischoff clocks Flair on the floor. Joe pulls Bischoff in the ring, and they argue. Joe turns around into the Pele kick from Styles. Styles clash, rolled over into a pin, and a very slow count from Bischoff still results in a three count.

Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: AJ Styles

After the match, Flair gets on the mic and demands that Bischoff raise Styles’ hand. Styles and Flair celebrate on their way to the back.

We get a re-cap of the events of tonight leading up to this match. This is the third match of the night for each man, so it should be interesting to see how energetic both are.

Christy Hemme is backstage alongside Mr. Anderson. Anderson says he’s going to make this short and sweet. He says he’s all about checking things off his personal bucket list. Beat Kurt Angle, check. Put Abyss away once and for all, check. Send Pope back to the Harlem Street corner where he belongs, you might as well check it. Anderson is one match away from a title shot. Anderson says the Pope better say his prayers, because he’s about to be excommunicated by… you know.

JB is with Dinero. Pope says that Anderson holds no status with Pope, and he doesn’t respect it, so he’ll call Anderson, Junior. Pope says tonight he’ll step in the ring, and everyone will declare that the Pope’s prophecies are true. Pope says he’s going to give Anderson two slaps, and the DDE, Pope is jumped by Hall and Syxx Pac, who beat on Pope an slam him into the TNA set. Hall says they heard Hogan was having a party, then he says don’t turn your back on the WolfPac.

8 Card Stud Finals:

D’Angelo Dinero vs. Mr. Anderson

Pope’s music hits first, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to be making it out in this one. His music is cut, and the announcers play dumb. Anderson’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring.

The referee rings the bell, and Anderson tells him to count. The referee starts the ten count. Pope finally crawls out at 7, but Anderson charges down the ramp with a big clothesline. Anderson breaks the count again, and beats on the Pope some more on the ring apron. Anderson catches Pope with a right hand, and he goes back to break the count yet again.

Anderson continues to pound away on Pope and he brags about how easy it is. Pope catches Anderson with a slap, and this one’s turned into a match. Pope and Anderson fight down to the floor and both men finally make it into the ring. Anderson immediately bails and the fight spills to the ringside area. Anderson catches Pope with a knee and a blow across the back before launching Pope into the ring steps. Anderson breaks the count.

Styles and Flair are shown watching in the back. Anderson pounds on Dinero on the outside before breaking the count again. Anderson makes his way back into the ring and allows the ref to count, but Dinero makes it back to the apron, where he’s immediately knocked off by Anderson.

Pope is able to make it back to the apron again, and this time he catches Anderson with a shoulder to the gut. Pope starts to come back with a couple of strikes, but when he goes for a suplex, he’s not able to connect, and Anderson reverses it instead. Anderson goes for the pin, but he only gets two. Anderson sends Pope flying into the corner, and follows it up with a kick to the top of the head.

Pope comes back with a slap and a small package, but Anderson kicks out and is right back on the offensive. Anderson tries for a couple of covers, but he can’t hold Pope down. Anderson chokes Pope on the bottom rope. Pope blocks Anderson and sends him into the corner, coming in with a series of rights and lefts, but Anderson is quick to fight back with a bevy of strikes of his own. Anderson again chokes at Pope. Anderson locks in a rear chin lock.

Pope fights out, and he’s able to duck a couple of clotheslines, but Anderson catches him with a knee. Anderson tries for another pin, but he still can’t keep Dinero down. Anderson stomps away at Pope, just continuing to work over the ribs. Anderson hits a short arm clothesline, but it’s still only good for a near fall.

Anderson locks in another rear chin lock, and takes Pope down to the mat, but it’s not long before Pope is able to fight back up to his feet. Pope fights out of the submission with elbows and a series of forearms. He takes Anderson down with a clothesline. Pope hits an inverted atomic drop and follows it up with a shoulder block. Pope hits a suplex, and follows it up with a German suplex. He tries for another, but Anderson fights out. Pope hits an STO, but he only gets a two count. Anderson cuts off Pope with a knee to the midsection and a clubbing blow to the back. Pope comes out of nowhere with the 4 Up. Pope hits the double knees to the chest, but Anderson kicks out at two.

Anderson comes back with a big clothesline, and he calls down the microphone. He says the crowd is one mic check away from the next number one contender. Anderson goes for the mic check, and connects. Anderson pins Pope, but Pope kicks out at two, and Anderson looks shocked.

Anderson flips out, hits a Finlay roll, goes to the top, and tries for a swanton bomb, but Pope moves out of the way. Pope dodges a charging Anderson and he responds with a double knees to the back. Pope pins Anderson, and this one is over. We have a new Number 1 Contender.

Winner and NEW #1 Contender: D’Angelo Dinero

Pope celebrates as the show goes off the air.

REFRESH NOW for the Latest Update!

SpikeTV Exec Talks About Monday iMPACT!, Hogan & More

Spike TV Senior Vice President Brian J. Diamond spoke to the Miami Herald about a number of TNA topics. Here are some highlights:

Having Hulk Hogan in TNA: “Hulk Hogan is a name that transcends wrestling into the pop culture. So adding him to the mix was the icing on the cake. Hulk is an amazing guy. He is revered by wrestling fans and people around the world, and it was an incredible acquisition. We are so proud and excited to have him as part of the team.”

January 4th: “It was tremendous. Obviously we were going head-to-head with WWE. It was not in our anticipation that we were going to beat them in the ratings, but the fact that we did what we did on that night and basically planted the flag and said, `We’re going to go with this.’ It was a big deal.”

iMPACT! Moving to Mondays Permanently: “It’s something we’re looking at right now. Obviously, the success of Jan. 4 lends itself to that, and after that success, it’s making us take pause and consider that. As to when and how and where, that remains to be seen, but that result on Jan. 4 made us look at it and say, `Maybe we’re onto something.”’

How Involved Spike TV Is With TNA: “We work very closely with TNA. Ironically, their base of operation for the television production is in Orlando [Universal Studios], and we happen to have a gentleman who works for us — who actually at one time ran the studios where TNA records. So he’s there all the time when TNA taping is going. We’re very actively involved. It’s a collaborative relationship. We work very closely together on how things are going to play out. Having said that, they’re the experts when it comes to wrestling. They know what works and what doesn’t. In combination with our television expertise, it works really well.”

To read the full interview, visit MiamiHerald.com.

Kong Reportedly Suspended, More On TNA Possibly Going Live

— It has been confirmed that TNA recently suspended Awesome Kong. A decision was made to suspend the TNA Knockout after she refused to appear on the company’s recent UK tour. As noted earlier, Kong and TNA are in the midst of a contractual dispute as she has asked repeatedly for a raise.

Specifics of her suspension remain unclear as it’s possible the suspension will conclude before Sunday’s pay-per-view and the next round of television tapings next week. It is believed that she was suspended for a few weeks.

— Though the official Universal Studios schedule lists Mar. 8-9 as dates for iMPACT! tapings, talent schedules still list Mar. 1-2. Meanwhile, it’s possible that TNA hasn’t updated the talent schedule to reflect a change back to the Mar. 8-9 tapings that are advertised on the Universal Studios website. Whatever the case may be, talent are scheduled to be in Orlando on Mar. 1 unless they hear otherwise.

(Credit to prowrestling.net for some of the information used in this report)

BIG News: TNA iMPACT! Moving To Mondays In March

As reported earlier, TNA sent out a press release on Friday stating that Dixie Carter and Hulk Hogan would be making a “major announcement” on Monday afternoon. It is almost certain that TNA will be announcing that iMPACT! is moving to Monday nights in March.

Following the ratings success of January 4th’s Monday night iMPACT! special, TNA and Spike have been working out a deal that would bring iMPACT! to Monday nights permanently. While there were a serious of hangups during the negotiations, most of the major hurdles of been cleared.

iMPACT! is expected to run from 9-11pm (eastern), head-to-head with WWE RAW for two hours straight. The show will not be live each week at the beginning, but it’s certainly an option down the road if the show is a success and the show generates more money.

As for what qualifies as successful, it’s believed that a 1.2-1.5 is what both sides are expecting. There is always the possibility that Spike moves the show back to Thursday nights in the event that the rating falls off significantly, but the network is said to be behind TNA and will give them some time to establish themselves on Monday nights.

(Credit to PWTorch.com for some of the information used in this report)

Update On Lashley’s TNA Status, Foley Praises Russo

— Earlier this week, Bobby Lashley’s superstar profile was removed from the TNA website, leading many to speculate that he was leaving the company to pursue his MMA career full time. Lashley posted a brief message on his LashleyNutrition.com site telling fans to stay tuned:

“Alot of fans are asking me about my future in wrestling. I will address everything at a later date. Thank you for the support. – Bobby”

— In an interview with Fanhouse.com, TNA star Mick Foley had some positive things to say about the often-criticized head writer of TNA, Vince Russo. “I think even Vince Russo would probably agree that him being world champion was possibly not the best idea in the world. But he’s a very creative guy,” Foley said. “He loves to write. He loves to make characters and I think people who, you know the people who chant ‘fire Russo’ really have no idea how large of a contribution he made to the wrestling product that they sometimes seem to like. I’m talking about the wrestling product overall as in this generation of wrestling. I think he was one of the key guys right up there with the top on-air talents.”

Backstage Details On How Much Money The TNA Knockouts Earn

Credit to the Pro Wrestling Torch for some of the information used in this report:

Though they may be big stars on television and draw relatively high ratings, that doesn’t necessarily translate into big checks for the stars of TNA’s Knockouts division.

In light of Awesome Kong’s contractual dispute with TNA Wrestling, multiple sources have noted that the average pay for a female performer in the organization is between $200 to $400 per appearance. However, it’s widely assumed that Christy Hemme and Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) make more money due to their past ties with World Wrestling Entertainment with sources believing that Kong makes slightly more than $400 per shot, which is considered a “high end salary” in the No. 2 wrestling organization in the world.

It’s interesting to note that a female performer who made the “high end salary” of $400, exclusively appeared on television, and appeared on every single television event held over the course of a calender year would only garner $26,000 at most. Although, that number comes in before one figures in road expenses, wardrobe expenses and taxes. Regarding travel, TNA solely covers airfare, leaving talent to cover the rest including lodging. Also note, there is no downside guarantee, thus meaning talent only get paid when they are used.

With that being said, TNA holds live events most weeks and permits talent to seek independent bookings, thus allowing them to garner more money. Furthermore, television exposure greatly increases a wrestler’s booking fee, most especially for talent previously not seen on national television.

Regarding Kong, she has asked for a raise on several occasions but company officials have apparently not honored her request despite her lofty standing on television. Kong reportedly blew up last spring when she found out that then newcomer Brutus Magnus was being paid more than her.

It was reported recently that Kong has regularly vented backstage about the company spending frivolously on newcomers. Since then, multiple sources have confirmed that she was very upset with Ric Flair’s wife being treated to limousine service on the company’s dime at a recent show. TNA never grants limo service to its female performers.

It is believed that Kong has several years remaining on her contract with TNA. She refused to appear on the company’s recent UK tour and at time it was widely assumed that she was upset with Bubba the Love Sponge’s controversial remarks concerning the country of Haiti. However, multiple sources say the issue has since been resolved and that her ongoing problems with the organization are related to pay.

The primary reason Gail Kim left TNA for World Wrestling Entertainment was due to the significant discrepancy between the amount of money being offered by both companies. According to multiple sources, Kim did not want to leave TNA, but felt she had no choice but to bolt for WWE due to the massive difference in pay.

Hulk Hogan Talks Monday Nights, Changes In TNA, Cena Trash Talking Him, Russo, If He’ll Wrestle

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was a recent guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show. Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip (MP3) of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Hogan said about:

How He & Bischoff’s Experience in WCW Will Help Them In TNA: “It’s not a cookie-cutter thing…you just lock down like you did when you ran against Vince with Ted Turner. I thought that would work just to work it in and make a crack, but things are different than they two-three months ago because of the economy. When you figure in the networks & the head of Viacom, and they’re watching the minute by minute numbers for 18-34, it’s not like you could just plug in the old NWO and do it like we did when we punked Vince out. It’s ever-changing moving parts, so we did learn from our mistakes; like when you get successful sometimes, you can get too full of yourself. Believe me, we are so grateful to be working with Dixie, we are so grateful to be with TNA, such a young company that’s got ‘more moves than a bowl of Jello.’ It’s not a public company where you gotta’ sit down with people to talk about votes & what we aren’t going to do. We don’t have a bunch of people that don’t know the wrestling business running the company. We have learned from our mistakes, and we are learning, almost like on the job training, because some of the stuff that worked two weeks ago, didn’t work last week, so we’re digging in and have our ears & eyes to the ground.”

When TNA iMAPCT! Will Move To Monday Nights: “All week we have been getting good news, and we are pushing hard in that direction. There’s stuff that’s already been scheduled, there’s budgeting issues, there’s shows for the new season, so it’s not like ‘Ok, let’s go live on Monday nights.’ Nothing is that easy. A lot of the fans, a lot of the ‘smart marks’ are saying we should go live Monday nights. They have no idea what it entails, I’m just now having people set me down after 30 years of wrestling and go ‘Guy, you know what it’s all about.’ Now you’re dealing with the network and the way the audience flips & changes…it’s almost like that metal that comes out of ‘The Terminator.’ Right when you think you have it figured out, it starts to mold, and manipulate, and shape. Pushing hard for Mondays, trying to get there, a lot of variables, but it looks much better than it did yesterday.”

If He’ll Wrestle In TNA: “I learned one thing in Australia, and that was I shouldn’t be in the ring anymore. The way my body is beat up, I was definitely on a wing & a prayer in Australia. I just needed to air my shorts out after the crazy divorce & legal stuff. If you could imagine jumping out of a plane without a parachute and know hopefully that you are going to land safely & being naked…that’s how it was in Australia. I needed to get out of the house, get back in the ring, and feel that love & that crazy vibe even if I was dragging a leg or limping around. I found out in Australia that me wrestling in a ring in not the place to be, so if I was to wrestle in TNA, the hardest part of my night is walking down that ramp and staying straight-faced, because my back, and my hips, and legs hurt so much. If you watch closely, I’m doing a bit of a shuffle out there, so if I was crazy enough to wrestle in that ring, they might be using a broom & a dustpan to sweep out the ring at the end of the match, so not anticipating going in the ring.”

John Cena Saying He’s Wasting His Time in TNA: “John’s doing what he’s gonna’ do take care of his family, true to his paycheck. We see John Cena all the time at the (Tampa Bay) Rays games with me & Brian Knobbs when we’re up in the box. He’s just doing what he has to do to cover his ass brother. You never know, one day John Cena may be working for me. Vince McMahon could be working for me…who knows?”

Big Changes & New Talent In TNA: “I’ve got all kinds of people from the WWE calling me, wanting to hang out, wanting to talk, wanting to fell me out. This thing is really going down. I mean whether you like it or not, I’m not looking for the players like back in the day. When I was running, we had these crazy big contracts, these big money contracts, but times have changed. At the end of the day, I’m looking for these guys who want to help me build a company. I’m looking for these guys that invest their hearts & their souls like Samoa Joe said…’whatever it takes.’ Like AJ Styles said, ‘whatever it takes, with no limitations.’ Those are the type of guys I’m looking for to build this company and step in. Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, if (John) Cena wants to play that game down the road, he can get real. I’m looking for guys who can get real with me & not a bunch of posers.”

Vince Russo: “My mother told me if you can’t say something good, don’t say nothing at all. Sometimes you have to look at the big picture, and sometimes if things get real nasty, you don’t want to step in shiznit, you want to step over it. Because I’m getting along with TNA right now, I’m not saying I get along with Vince Russo. I’m not saying I get along with everybody, but the big picture is for me to make a left-handed, back handed comment about this situation right now, I haven’t read his book, and I didn’t hear the radio interview. But all I know is if you’re gonna’ tell the truth, you gotta’ tell all the truth, not just part of it, and that’s all I’m gonna say.”

Universal Studios Changes TNA Schedule – 3/1 Show Removed

— Universal Studios has updated the TNA schedule on their website. Here are the changes and additions:

* The TNA tapings in early March have been moved back to March 8th & 9th, so the live special on March 1st appears to be off.

* The TNA taping on March 24th has been canceled.

* TNA will be holding tapings on April 5th, 6th, 19th & 20th.

(Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— Angelina Love posted a note on her MySpace account today making it perfectly clear that she does not have an account on Twitter. She wrote:

I’ve made this a status update before, but I guess people didn’t read it right or didn’t see it because I’m still getting messages & questions about this……..

I DO NOT HAVE A TWITTER ACCOUNT!!!!
I DO NOT HAVE A TWITTER ACCOUNT!!!!

If you are twatting with someone who says they are Angelina Love, Angel Williams or Lauren Williams (or any mix of those names) you are twatting with a poser! I have no plans to get a Twitter account either so I hope that clears it up.

— Samoa Joe, Hernandez and Sylvan Grenier headline for Top of he World Wrestling on Mar. 5 at the Pierre Charboneau Center in Montreal.

Flair Interview: TNA Holding Him Back, Styles’ Potential & More

Ric Flair and TNA Champ AJ Styles

The one and only Ric Flair was a guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show this week. Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Flair said about:

His experience in TNA thus far: “When you said I was having more fun, that is a true statement. When I’m having fun, I’m better at this business than anybody actively in this business today, and I’m having a lot of fun. With me, I’ve had a phenomenal career, I never took the business seriously until about 1989 or 1990, and even then I was having fun, but it got to be business, and I didn’t understand that.”

“I’m having a ball with TNA, and I was a little hesitant, not because of anyone from TNA, I think Dixie Carter is phenomenal…it was leaving home again. After all those years with WCW to go the WWE, it was just hard because I spent 25 years of my life waving the banner of the NWA/WCW, and it was a difficult decision to make. But I’m having a ball, I love the people I work with, I love the role I have, and I really like this thing with AJ and I, and I think it’s gonna’ be a really big factor professional wrestling business.”

AJ Styles’ Potential: “It’s funny, because I think he’s gonna’ be a phenomenal champion, but no one person in this day and age can take a company to the next level. It takes a bunch of people…and not just the people in the ring. It takes people on the Creative Team, it takes the ownership group. It’s just so many equations that fit into that word next level. Certainly AJ will fulfill everything they ask of him and be a huge part of their success, but I don’t wanna’ say that AJ can turn the company around by himself. With me with him, it’s almost a done deal.”

Coming Out of Retirement & TNA Holding Him Back: “When Hulk called me about Australia, I thought ‘why not man?’ I feel good. I’m not hurtin’, I feel like a million bucks, I work out everyday. I’ve got too much energy to be sitting around at home…Ask my wife? Way too much energy…But I felt great so when the opportunity came around, I kinda’ just went ‘Let’s do it.’ And then from there, it evolved to this, but my legacy (after meeting Dixie Carter and being there for two tapings), will be enhanced by being there, and I’ll guarantee you that. And if I haven’t shown you guys that in the last couple of weeks, something’s wrong, because I’m juts getting going. They still got me on a muzzle up there, but when I get going and when they turn me loose in TNA, then we’ll really get going.”

Whether He’d Be a Booker In TNA: “I have no interest in being part of any of the storylines or creative. If they ask me a question, I’m gonna’ give them an straight answer, because I know a straight answer would be perceived as something I really feel. I don’t get involved in anyone else’s business. I’m there primarily the role is with AJ, to make our part of the show the very best it can be, and he and I will compete together against everyone else on that show…That’s how I live my whole life.”

Hogan Turning Heel Soon, TNA’s New Ranking System

— Hulk Hogan claimed this past week on The Bubba the Love Sponge Show that he would be turning heel soon. He also said he doesn’t want daughter Brooke to become a wrestling character.

— Eric Bischoff recently came up with the idea of a ranking system for top title contenders in order to justify title shots. Fans can check out the ratings system on TNA’s Against All Odds countdown show on DirecTV.

— Starting with Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view, TNA will be putting all pay-per-view events live on the company’s web site at a cost of $14.95.

(credit to the Wrestling Observer for the information used in this report)

TNA Passes Over Former WWE Tag Team, Steiner Update, More

— Former WWE wrestler Johnny Stamboli, who wrestled as Rellik during his previous stint in TNA, inquired about returning to the organization as part of a tag team with Chuck Palumbo, but company officials were said to not be interested. Alongside Nunzio, Stamboli and Palumbo worked together as a tag team in World Wrestling Entertainment as “The F.B.I.” — Full Blooded Italians. The partnership ended when both Stamboli and Palumbo were released from their WWE contracts on November 4, 2004.

— Regarding Scott Steiner’s departure from TNA Wrestling this past week, his contract expired and he wasn’t offered a new contract. He is now accepting independent bookings through wrestling representative Bill Behrens and is also available for teaming with his brother, Rick Steiner, as the Steiner Brothers. Those interesting in booking “Big Poppa Pump” can contact Behrens at showbis@aol.com.

— Ric Flair is looking to open a gym and wrestling school in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. He owned several Gold’s Gyms years ago, and when he sold them, he had a non-compete clause which ran out at the end of last year.

(credit to the Pro Wrestling Torch and Wrestling Observer for the information used in this report)

Angle Wants A Reduced Schedule, News On Von Erich & Sting

— Kurt Angle is looking to reduce his schedule with TNA.

— Lacey Von Erich will be making her TNA live event debut at this week’s shows in Virginia. She will be teaming up with fellow “Beautiful People” members Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne to take on Tara and Angelina Love in 3-on-2 Handicapped matches. Also note, these shows will mark as Love’s return to TNA house shows.

— As a reminder, this month’s edition of TNA Epics airs tomorrow evening directly following iMPACT!. Sting will be the show’s focus.

(credit to the Wrestling Observer for some of the information used in this report)

Bobby Lashley Removed From TNA Roster

The TNA website has removed Bobby Lashley’s profile from its roster page, which suggests he is no longer affiliated with the organization.

Hulk Hogan recently said that he and Lashley would need to have ‘a serious talk’ regarding his simultaneous involvement with professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

“You can’t put [Strikeforce] ahead of us,” Hogan told Sports Illustrated. “That’s not going to work me. I’m going to fix that real quick.”

Lashley, who took his MMA record to 5-0 by defeating Wes Sims, said that his Strikeforce debut would go a long way toward deciding his future in the wrestling industry.

Lashley is scheduled to fight at Strikeforce’s next event on Apr. 17. His opponent has yet to be determined.

Hogan & Nasty Boys Mock Young Star, Hernandez To Mexico

Source: Pro Wrestling Torch

– There was some eye rolling in the TNA locker room when Hulk Hogan and The Nasty Boys had a laugh at the expense of X Division star Jay Lethal. Jerry Sags openly questioned how long TNA will keep him employed and laughed at the audacity of his “Black Machismo” character. Apparently in a tongue in cheek tone, Hogan later cracked during an appearance on The Bubba The Love Sponge Show that TNA should bring in Randy Savage to manage Lethal.

– TNA officials have spoken to the Mexican-based AAA promotion about sending Hernandez for an extended stay. While this idea has come up in the past, there are some who feel he could become a legitimate star in Mexico. On the other hand, others fear Mexican wrestling fans could turn on him once they discover that he doesn’t speak Spanish particularly well. For those curious, Hernandez is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent.