IMPACT WRESTLING Preview: Hulk Hogan’s Major Announcement

Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, as the road to Bound For Glory on October 16 continues – with Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode and more! Can’t watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday night? Make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the action.

Here is a preview of Thursday’s broadcast:

– “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan will deliver a major announcement on Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c! What does Hogan have planned just weeks before Bound For Glory? Don’t miss it, as Hogan promises to drop a bombshell!

– Speaking of Hulk Hogan, his Bound For Glory opponent – “The Icon” Sting – has asked for time to get some things off his chest. In fact, rumor has it Sting wants to speak DIRECTLY to the members of Fortune! Don’t miss the start to the huge broadcast!

– Also, Fortune members will battle this Thursday as Bobby Roode will battle “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles in a huge bout! Roode will fight for the World Heavyweight Championship at Bound For Glory, but first he has to make it past AJ Styles! Certainly, current World Champion Kurt Angle will be watching as he attempts to drive a wedge between the members of Fortune!

– In high-flying X-Division action, there will be a Ladder Match this Thursday on SpikeTV to determine who gets the X Championship shot against Austin Aries at Bound For Glory: Jesse Sorensen vs. Kid Kash vs. Alex Shelley vs. Zema Ion vs. Brian Kendrick

– The final “Queen’s Qualifier” takes place to determine the competitors in the Knockouts Championship match at Bound For Glory! This Thursday, Madison Rayne battles Tara, with the winner advancing to the Pay-Per-View!

– Plus, Crimson makes his return to IMPACT WRESTLING following his injury at the hands of Samoa Joe, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy continues his quest for redemption and so much more!

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike at 9/8c! If you can’t watch it live, make sure to set your DVR!

— Tonight on Impact Wrestling, Sting battles Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship with Hulk Hogan serving as special enforcer.

Matches slated to air include:

* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

* Mickie James vs. Winter for the Women’s Knockout Championship

* Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam in a Bound For Glory Series Match

* Austin Aries vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Jesse Sorensen

— Asistencia Asesoría y Administración officials have confirmed that Sting will be appearing on their Heroes Immortales show on Oct. 9 in Monterrey, Mexico. He will be participating in the promotion’s TNA invasion angle.

— Mickie James turned 32 years old Wednesday while Jeff Hardy turned 34.

— TNA Wrestling has announced that Sting and Kurt Angle will sign the contract for their World Heavyweight Champion Match at Hardcore Justice on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. Plus, three Bound For Glory Series matches are scheduled: Samoa Joe vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero; AJ Styles vs. Devon; Scott Steiner and Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam and Crimson.

— MVP, who now competes overseas for New Japan Pro Wrestling after parting ways with World Wrestling Entertainment in December, was asked on Twitter about joining TNA Wrestling should he get homesick.

Taking an apparent shot at the Nashville based organization, he responded, “I could never be THAT homesick!”

— TNA Wrestling has announced live events for Friday, September 23 in Springfield, Illinois and Saturday, September 24 in Hammond, Indiana. Click here for full details.

— Sarita, who announced three weeks ago via Facebook that she had suffered facial paralysis, continued to wear a protective mask at this past weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events as well as last night’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida. Her condition, however, has improved in the meantime.

Sarita is advertised to appear at this weekend’s live events in Texas since the organization is targeting the Hispanic demographic with Mexican America and Sangriento. She will also appear with AJ Styles at Direct Auto Insurance 6630 South Congress Avenue Austin, Texas tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

— TNA Wrestling’s annual Turning Point pay-per-view event is scheduled for November 13, 2011 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

— Gunner and Murphy are advertised to appear at EAW Wrestle War V, which takes place Friday, August 26, 2011 at the National Guard Armory in Wentworth, North Carolina.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Impact began with Sting coming to the ring for a promo. He talks about how insane he is. He calls out Bischoff and Hogan to come out. Kurt Angle comes out in his clown attire from last week and enters the ring. Angle says that he means no disrespect and says that it was him who saved Sting last week because it was the right thing to do. At Hardcore Justice their paths will cross again. Sting says he respects Angle. Angle says he wants to beat Sting since he never has. It has to be Angle because he has no other choice. Sting says they have a dilemma.

Immortal’s music plays and out comes Ken Anderson and Bully Ray. Ray says it is Sting and Angle versus Anderson and Ray tonight.

In a Bound for Glory Series Match, Rob Van Dam defeated Scott Steiner with a rollup.

Mickie James came out for a promo and called out Velvet Sky. Mickie said she has watched Velvet get blamed for other wrestler’s problems. Mickie knows how it gets and its not good. Mickie wants to give Velvet her first knockouts championship shot tonight because Velvet has earned it and says that they are going to tear the roof off the Impact Zone.

Angelina Love and Winter come out. Angelina says she and Winter are competitors and that Mickie and Velvet just need to go get a hotel room. Angelina says that no matter who wins tonight it won’t be long before the title is back around her waist. Winter insults both Mickie and Velvet for a bit before they go to the back.

Backstage Sarita and Rosita are brawling with Tara and Miss Tessmacher. Madison Rayne brawls with Tara as well until referees have to break it up.

Miss Tessmacher and Tara defeat Rosita and Sarita to become the new Knockouts Tag Champions. Tara and Tessmacher jumped Rosita and Sarita when they came out. Sarita was wrestling this match wearing a mask due to her recent facial injury. Tara had Sarita in the Widow’s Peak and Madison ran out while the ref was distracted and Madison tackled Tara. Tara and Miss Tessmacher were able to hit stereo finishers (Stratusfaction by Tessmacher and fireman’s carry into side slam by Tara) for the three count.

In a Bound for Glory Series Match, Matt Morgan defeats AJ Styles, Gunner, and Samoa Joe to earn 10 points.

They show an Eric Young video package with him going into a gas station looking for an opponent to defend his TV title against. He finds D’Lo Brown. D’Lo tells Eric this is a road Eric doesn’t want to go down. Eric rolls up D’Lo and counts the 3 himself and runs from D’Lo. Young gets away and D’Lo says “he didn’t even recognize me.”

In an X Division title match, Brian Kendrick defeated Alex Shelley Shelley hit sliced bread on Kendrick on the apron. When Shelley put Kendrick back in the ring, Aries ran out and hit Shelley with the title and threw him back in the ring for the fall.

Mexican America comes out for a promo. Anarquia comes out and calls what Tara and Tessmacher did earlier garbage. He says they are pissed off and when they are pissed off they kick ass. They call out Beer Money who enter the building and come face to face with Mexican America. James Storm tells them to do everyone a favor and leave the ring, the company, and go cut grass. Storm threatens to kick Anarquia’s teeth down his throat. Since they have been competing in the Bound for Glory Series, they came out to reintroduce themselves to everyone.

Storm says they are the best, being four time tag team champions. Storm says they aren’t going to just beat them, they’re going to kick their asses for the people here, the people watching, and all the Mexcians that came before Mexican America that they are disgracing. At Hardcore Justice, Beer Money will beat them to retain the tag titles. Storm advises them to mark the day after the pay per view on their calendars because Mexican America is going to wake up with their Green Cards stuck straight up their asses. Roode tells then Sorry About your damn luck.

The Knockouts Title Match between Velvet Sky and Mickie James never got to happen. Angelina Love and Winter attacked Mickie as she entered. Velvet tried to make the save. ODB and Jackie came out and attacked Velvet as Angelina and Winter bailed. Traci Brooks then came out for the save. Referees and security had to separate Traci, Mickie, and Velvet from Jackie and ODB. Cops came out and put handcuffs on Jackie and ODB and took them out of the Impact Zone.

TNA World Champion Sting and Kurt Angle defeated Ken Anderson and Bully Ray when Angle pinned Anderson after an Angle Slam. Ray tried to stop Anderson from doing his usual intro because Ray wants to get in the ring and take care of business. Anderson did it anyway. At one point during the match Bischoff came out and said something on commentary.

After the match, Angle and Sting shook hands and Angle pulled Sting in close before leaving the ring.

source: PWInsider.com

The official Facebook page of Impact Wrestling has released the promotional poster for No Surrender, which takes place Sunday, September 11, 2011.

The poster features the twelve wrestlers competing in the Bound For Glory Series: Crimson, Gunner, Matt Morgan, James Storm, Bully Ray, AJ Styles, Devon, Rob Van Dam, Scott Steiner, “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero, Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode.

At No Surrender, the top four points leaders will vie for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship—to be received at Bound for Glory. It has not been determined whether a tournament or four-way match will be held.

IMPACT WRESTLING Hits The Road For All-New Episodes In Three Cities

The superstars of “IMPACT WRESTLING” on Spike TV (Thursdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT) will hit the road this August, September and October to shoot all-new episodes of “IMPACT WRESTLING” in three cities: Huntsville, Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee and Macon, Georgia, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Entertainment announced today.

‘IMPACT WRESTLING’ ON SPIKE TV HITS THE ROAD TO SHOOT UPCOMING EPISODES IN THREE CITIES

SPIKE’S #1 SHOW INVADES HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE AND MACON, GEORGIA FOR UPCOMING EPISODES OF “IMPACT WRESTLING”

“IMPACT WRESTLING” will continue its celebration of “TNA: Bound For Glory,” the biggest pay-per-view event of 2011 coming this October, by bringing “IMPACT” out of its home at Universal Studios Orlando and on the road. “IMPACT WRESTLING” features pop culture icon Hulk Hogan, Mr. Anderson, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Beer Money, Inc., “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Mexican America, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts, the no limits X-Division and much, much more!

“IMPACT WRESTLING” is Spike TV’s #1 rated program, and is seen in over 100 countries worldwide. Fans can be a part of the action on the following dates:

• Thursday, August 25 at the Von Braun Center Arena in Huntsville, Alabama, Tickets start as low as $20 and go on sale THIS FRIDAY, July 15, available at all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com

• Wednesday, September 21 at the Knoxville Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start as low as $15 and go on sale August 12 at www.knoxvilletickets.com

• Wednesday, October 26 at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start as low as $15 and go on sale September 16 at all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com

A limited number of “IMPACT WRESTLING VIP” packages will be available at each event. “IMPACT VIP” packages include front row seating and an exclusive pre-show backstage meet & greet with “IMPACT WRESTLING” superstars! Only 20 VIP packages will be available at each event, for $99 a person. For more information, visit ShopTNA.com.

Four matches have been announced for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

* A Four Corners Match will take place featuring AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jerry Lynn.

* Crimson will face Bobby Roode in a Bound For Glory Series Match.

* Matt Morgan and James Storm will face “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Devon in a Bound For Glory Series Match.

* Velvet Sky will face ODB and Jackie. If Velvet Sky wins the Handicap Match, ODB and Jacqueline have agreed to never show up in the Impact Zone again.

IMMORTAL has also issued World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson an ultimatum.

— Gunner stated on his Twitter account that he will face AJ Styles this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a “Bound For Glory Series” match. He also said Samoa Joe will face Devon in the BFG Series.

— Bob Ryder, Director of Talent Bookings and Travel for TNA Wrestling, refuted online reports via Twitter that Homicide and Jack Evans were backstage at yesterday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

— TNA Wrestling performer Brooke Adams (a/k/a Miss Tessmacher) competed in the 15th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant last Saturday in Miami, Florida. Representing the Hooters restaurant in Kirby, Texas, she was one of 100 contestants. She did not finish in the top ten.

— Kurt Angle will be on hand for an autograph signing this Saturday at the Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York. Visit WrestlingUniverseOnline.com for more information.

— Jesse Neal missed the last set of television tapings as well as this week’s events due to a neck injury he suffered at Sacrifice when Hernandez hit him with the Dominator.

The Mexican America star already has a reputation of being dangerous when performing his big power moves. In February, Douglas Williams landed on his neck following an errant Border Toss.

— TNA Wrestling is now branding their live events as the “Impact Wrestling World Tour.”

— TNA Wrestling has announced a BaseBrawl event for Saturday, August 27 at Regions Park Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Tickets go on sale this Saturday at Barons.com and charge by phone at 205-988-3200.

— Velvet Sky turns 30 years old today while AJ Styles turns 34.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Mick Foley was not TNA’s original choice for the role of Network Consultant. Company officials had a nineties star in mind for the role but couldn’t come to terms on an agreement—it was not Bill Goldberg.

— Scott Steiner has apparently resolved his financial dispute with TNA Wrestling as he appeared at last night’s iMPACT! Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

After building up a match between Matt Morgan and Scott Steiner for TNA Sacrifice, company officials stopped pushing it just prior to the event since “Big Poppa Pump” accepted a booking for an independent show in Port Colborne, Ontario on the same night.

He was also scheduled to participate in a TNA vs. AAA match at TripleManía XIX (Mr. Anderson and Scott Steiner vs. Jack Evans and Extreme Tiger), which takes place on Saturday, June 18 at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. However, his issues with TNA may prevent the booking from being finalized. AJ Styles has been discussed for the role in case Steiner is unable to compete.

— Jeremy Borash will be hosting a TNA UK Fan Party in Manchester, England on May 26 at a “secret location.” More details are available here.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero posted the following statement on his Twitter account today.

“My time has come, It’s time to move on. I’ve served well. Hope none has been disappointed; hope my hard work has been Applauded & Appreciated.”

He also announced last week that he recently graduated from college and received his degree with honors in Criminal Justice.

— On Twitter, AJ Styles was asked to comment on Jay Lethal’s recent departure from TNA Wrestling. He replied, “Just dumb :(.”

— TNA is holding a live event tonight in in Monroe, Louisiana at the Civic Center, then tomorrow night in Jackson, Mississippi. Advertised matches include Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett, Matt Hardy vs. Matt Morgan and Beer Money, Inc. vs. Ink Inc.

— Former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks is scheduled to appear at tonight’s Fight Fusion event at the Georgia Mountain Center in Gainesville, Georgia. More information is available at www.FightFusion.com.

A singles match between AJ Styles and Tommy Dreamer was announced on tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT! for this Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view event.

A match between Brian Kendrick and Robbie E was also announced for the event.

Chyna was revealed tonight on iMPACT! as Kurt Angle’s mystery partner for their Mixed Tag Match vs. Jeff and Karen Jarrett

Meanwhile, Chris Harris was revealed as Matt Hardy’s partner for their TNA World Tag Team Championship Match against Beer Money, Inc.

The announced card is as follows:

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Sting (c)

Mixed Tag Match
Kurt Angle and Chyna vs. Jeff Jarrett and Karen Jarrett

TNA World Tag Team Championship Match
Matt Hardy and Chris Harris vs. Beer Money, Inc. (c)

TNA Women’s Knockout Championship
Mickie James (c) vs. Madison Rayne

TNA X Division Championship Match
Kazarian (c) vs. Max Buck

Challenge Match
AJ Styles vs. Tommy Dreamer

Hernandez and Anarquia vs. Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal

Abyss vs. Crimson

Brian Kendrick vs. Robbie E

– As previously reported, RAW superstar John Morrison is undergoing neck surgery today. Morrison’s girlfriend Melina wrote the following on Twitter regarding the procedure:

“I’ve been keeping family posted so I’m sorry for late responses. Regarding John’s injuries, I waited 2see if Jomo wanted people to know … yes John is having surgery right now for a neck injury. He went in positive and that made me smile. I will keep you all posted.”

– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels wrote the following on Twitter on Monday regarding John Morrison’s procedure:

“Word is John Morrison has 2 undergo surgery. I wish him the best & a speedy recovery. Ur 1st injury is always the hardest… JoMo, take ur time & heal!! U WILL comeback!! Stronger & better. Best of luck & go gut’s.”

– TNA star AJ Styles was asked by a fan on Twitter what he thinks about Christian’s short World Heavyweight title reign. Styles responded @AJStylesOrg:

“Q-Christian losing the title? Well, it’s nothing he can’t get back. He is one the best wrestlers I ever been around. I’m a fan of his also.”

– Kevin Nash said on Sunday’s Live Audio Wrestling radio show that he recently received an email stating that Lex Luger is now in charge of WWE’s Wellness Policy.

— With WWE and TNA both taping their respective television shows on Tuesday night in Orlando, it’s worth noting that TNA stars AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels wrote on Twitter that they bumped into WWE star Daniel Bryan at the airport. Daniels joked that he, Styles and Bryan wrestled an impromptu 3-way match at the airport.

— WWE diva Alicia Fox appeared to have suffered a shoulder injury at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Orlando. According to live reports from several fans who were at the show, Fox took a stiff clothesline from Kharma and appeared to landed directly on her shoulder. We hope to have more on this soon.

– CM Punk has started tweeting again after taking a brief hiatus. In an apparent reference to online reports that he’s unhappy in WWE and considering leaving the company later this year, Punk wrote:

“Anybody hear any good rumors lately?”

— WWE star the Big Show is filming an episode for the USA Network show Burn Notice today. Show tweeted on Wednesday:

“On the set of USA’s Burn Notice I am playing the role of a thief! Cool fun stuff!”

Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan also tweeted, “Working with WWE The BIG SHOW!!! he’s REALLY big.”

— Matt Hardy said on his Twitter account that he may have fractured his arm during the Lethal Lockdown Match at TNA Lockdown.

He wrote, “Close but no cigar tonight in a very physical & aggressive Lethal Lockdown match-I didn’t get beat tonight but I may have fractured my arm..”

According to company sources, he appeared fine backstage after his match. If his injury claim is legit, it would have likely occurred during his bump off the cage after being dropkicked by Kazarian.

— AJ Styles returned to television during the Lethal Lockdown Match at TNA Lockdown and assisted Fortune in their victory over Immortal. Styles was written off television last March after suffering a storyline injury due to Bully Ray.

— Max Buck became the No. 1 Contender to the X Division Championship at TNA Lockdown by winning the X Division Ultimate Xscape Match over seven other wrestlers. A date for his title shot against Kazarian was not announced.

source: PWInsider.com

— Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles were scheduled to appear at this weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events in Jacksonville, FL and Savannah, GA, but are no longer being advertised for both shows. Rob Van Dam vs. Matt Hardy will instead headline the events. Other matches scheduled to take place include Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Steiner, Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James, and Samoa Joe vs. D’Angelo Dinero. Mick Foley, Matt Morgan, Ink, Inc., Rob Terry, Gunner and Murphy are also scheduled to appear.

— Angelina Love (accompanied by Velvet Sky) battles Rosita (accompanied by Sarita) on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion. (Video)

— TNA Wrestling has announced new May live event touring dates in Missouri and Arkansas. (Info)

TNA star AJ Styles was recently interviewed by Alex Marvez of Scripps News. Here are some highlights of what AJ said about:

Fortune Breaking Off From Immortal: “I knew we eventually would have to go there anyway. Fans wanted to see Fortune turn on Immortal. They never wanted to see Fortune be a part of Immortal in the first place. When we teased going against them, it created a big rumble. I think it’s a blessing in disguise that those guys took jobs with WWE. We’re moving forward here with something I hoped that would be done.”

Working With Ric Flair Last Year: “It didn’t fit my personality at all. Ric casts a big shadow. I think I’ve learned more about how to get out of that shadow when I was up against him rather than with him. When you’re with Ric, he’s going to get your attention. I definitely learned some stuff like the way to cut an (interview) and stuff like that. I respect him. Even though he’s 62, he’s still one of the most entertaining guys in pro wrestling.”

Whether “The Torch” Has Been Passed To Him: “I don’t know. The whole thing with Sting and I, the torch was supposedly passed, but here he is back again (as TNA world champion). I don’t know if there is a torch to be passed anymore because so many people change their mind about whether they’re staying or going or retiring. The biggest thing is, I want to be part of something that everybody knows about whether it’s Fortune or TNA, something that’s as big as WWE. I’m not saying I want to go to WWE or anything like that. I want TNA to explode.”

— Episodes of TNA iMPACT! are now available on Spike TV’s On Demand channel, albeit a week behind.

— AJ Styles is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

— Eric Young has opened an account on Twitter.

— Today is TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Madison Rayne’s birthday as she turns 25 years old.

source: PWInsider.com

TNA star AJ Styles was forced to pull out of his match against Douglas Williams at Sunday’s Genesis pay-per-view due to injury and has provided an update on his health status. Styles wrote on Twitter.com/AJStylesOrg:

“I tore (my) hip flexor and hip labrum. I’ll be back wrestling real soon.”

Styles followed up with a timeframe of how long he’ll be out and says he will miss the company’s upcoming UK tour:

“I’ll be out 6 to 8 weeks hopefully and it if it doesn’t get better I’ll will have to have surgery.

Styles was replaced by Abyss on the pay-per-view. He came down to the ring during the Abyss vs. Williams match, hitting Williams with the TV Title belt. He appeared to be in a lot of pain during his brief appearance.

— AJ Styles was forced to pull out of competing at tonight’s TNA Genesis pay-per-view due to injury. He said on his Twitter account that he tore his hip flexor and hip labrum. He promised to be back wrestling “real soon,” but will miss the company’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom.

F4WOnline.com reports that he is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

— Tommy Dreamer was not on hand for tonight’s Genesis, which is apparently the first television taping he’s missed since joining the organization in June. It’s considered a surprise that he missed the show because he’s been working as a producer and has been involved in all of the company’s production meetings in recent months.

— There are tentative plans for a TNA live event in New York City in March.

sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

— TNA Wrestling’s original creative plans called for AJ Styles to turn babyface to replace the injured Mr. Anderson as Jeff Hardy’s opponent at Turning Point, but they instead went with Matt Morgan.

Some have questioned whether Morgan’s turn will culminate with a finish similar to Kevin Nash lying down for Hulk Hogan during match on a 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, but the belief is that he will be a face going forward.

— TNA Wrestling has canceled live events scheduled for Nov. 19 in Evansville, Indiana and Nov. 20 in Indianapolis, reportedly due to lackluster ticket sales. The only events scheduled past those dates for the remainder of the year are iMPACT! television tapings and the Final Resolution pay-per-view in December.

It is said that live event attendance has been “way down” since Bound for Glory.

sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, f4wonline.com

WWE champion Randy Orton wrote on Twitter that he checked out TNA iMPACT! this week for only the “second time ever” and shared his thoughts on the TNA product.

“Samoa Joe can move. Miss working with (Kurt) Angle and Jeff. Coulda done w/o the JWoW segment tho. I enjoyed the backstage stuff for the most part anyway. Something about the realness of the conversations between some of the talent was really well done.”

When a fan seemed surprised that Orton was praising TNA, Orton responded:

“Who said that I do not like TNA? I surely didn’t. Never approved of the 8(sic) sided ring tho. Competition is a good thing.”

Orton put over TNA TV Champion AJ Styles:

“never met him. Can do some amazing things in the ring. IMO has alot to do with tna’s early success.”

He finished with some comments about Ken Anderson, who was outspoken against Orton following his WWE release:

“The only prob I ever had with Ken was him telling the Internet that I used my ‘pull’ to get him fired. Not tru, I have no pull.”

In a 2009 interview with ESPN 540’s “Pro Wrestling Report,” Anderson said he and Orton became  “very good friends” in WWE before their relationship turned sour. At the time, he seemed to blame Orton for his WWE release:

“The fact that he made such a big stink about supposedly dropping him on his head. He literally blew up in front of all the talent including Vince and Stephanie and began to lecture me about how I had to be careful and his health was very important. It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

This week on PWI Weekly, AJ STYLES stops by to talk about all things TNA Wrestling. Find out what Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s top ranked wrestler in the world (PWI 500) thinks about TNA and what it needs to do to beat WWE, who he wants to see join the company, and what he thinks about Ric Flair, Dixie Carter, Batista, Michelle McCool, and Christian.

On Losing the Title to RVD
“I definitely didn’t understand it. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand it. I was very surprised that I would lose that title after holding it for so long, and to somebody who has basically been out of wrestling for over a year, and was coming in from WWE. And he should have been tired from wrestling a match before that. It was like I’m not the star I thought I was. I guess I’m just a guy in TNA.”

On the Changes TNA has Made
“I think there are mistakes that have been done. Things where you have to look at it and realize you have to take a step back. There were some people brought in that I don’t know that we needed, but there are other guys I think deserved a shot.”

On Being the Face of TNA
“I don’t know. People tell me that I’m the face, but sometimes I don’t feel like that. Don’t get me wrong. My peers definitely treat me with respect. I guess sometimes I wish that the higher-ups would come to me sometimes and ask, “Hey AJ, what do you think about this?”

On Being Different
“I don’t want to be like anyone else. I want to be AJ Styles. I want people to look at me, and have me be separated from everybody else.”

On his Favorite Feuds
“Christopher Daniels, Joe, and myself had some great interactions. Kurt and myself, that was a great little program we worked. And even Abyss, we had some incredible matches. The list goes on. It actually seems like working with everybody in TNA has been a favorite.”

Moving to Monday nights
“We never should have switched to Monday nights. We know that now. I wish that we would have just gone live on Thursday nights. The first one we did on Monday nights was huge, but Thursday nights was our night. There’s no mistake about it; Monday night is WWE’s. It’s theirs. We need to own Thursday nights.”

TNA’s decision to release Christopher Daniels
“It was very disturbing at first. I was very upset and confused,” he said. “I hope it’s not a long time (before he comes back), or they’ll bring Chris back.”

The state of the X Division
“We have to have more X Division matches in there. We have to let people see it. If it were up to me, we would have a little more wrestling and less talking. But, I’ve said that since the beginning.”

All that, plus what could have been had AJ accepted a WWE developmental deal in 2002, who he would “steal” from the WWE roster, and if TNA will do ECW some justice. A must-listen for any TNA fan … or wrestling fan in general! And while you’re at www.thebradyhicks.com, be sure to check out archived interviews with Nick “U-Gene” Dinsmore, Madison Rayne, Justin Credible, and Austin Aries, among dozens of others. Thanks for the support!

This picture has surfaced online of TNA’s AJ Styles sporting a huge new tattoo: