– Following his in-ring confrontation with CM Punk on Raw tonight, Vince McMahon yelled at a stage manager, according to a live fan account. The WWE CEO’s anger may have stemmed from a fan sign, which was immediately confiscated. The stage manager appeared very flustered following the ordeal.

– WWE developmental wrestler Xavier Woods defeated Michael McGillicutty in a dark match prior to Monday’s Raw broadcast. The former Consequences Creed worked this weekend’s Raw live event tour.

– The following matches aired on the latest episode of WWE Vintage Collection: Judy Bagwell On A Pole Match – Buff Bagwell vs. Kanyon (WCW New Blood Rising – 2000), Loser Wears A Dress Match – Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (WCW Souled Out – 1999), Blindfold Match, Rick Martel vs. Koko B. Ware (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – March 17, 1991, Hair vs. Hair Match – Edge vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Judgment Day – 2002).

– WWE Champion CM Punk and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, which touts a “dream match” scenario. To view the cover, click here.

(source: PWInsider.com)

TNA Wrestling has released a preview for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling on SpikeTV.

IMPACT Preview: King Mo Debuts, Who Joins Team TNA vs Aces & 8s?

Preview Thursday’s LIVE IMPACT broadcast on SpikeTV at 8/7c as the road to “Bound For Glory” Pay-Per-View continues! Remember – if you can’t watch IMPACT on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record all the action!

– The fight between Aces and 8s and Team TNA is set for Bound For Glory! “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan will not be allowed to enter the fight – so who will represent TNA in the battle? Don’t miss Thursday’s broadcast for details!

– Also on Thursday’s huge event on SpikeTV, King Mo makes his IMPACT WRESTLING debut after being announced as the special enforcer for the Bobby Roode vs. James Storm match at Bound For Glory!

– Tensions continue to rise between “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy and World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries as their main event match at Bound For Glory draws closer! What will happen when champion and challenger cross paths on Thursday’s IMPACT?

– Plus, IMPACT will feature Knockouts Tag Team action as Knockouts Champion Miss Tessmacher teams with ODB to battle Tara and Gail Kim

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7!

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

– TNA Wrestling has been removed Devon from its roster page on ImpactWrestling.com. The organization announced Wednesday that he had parted ways with the organization after negotiations between both parties reached an impasse.

– On this edition of the “Spin Cycle” with Sting, James Storm, Austin Aries and Kurt Angle, “The Icon” talks about being the first inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame and the panel weighs in who should be the second inductee. The group also discuss their personal favorite British wrestlers of all time. (Watch)

– Robbie E has has posted a blog on Spike.com explaining why he should be made the face of Impact Wrestling.

Noting his speaking ability, he remarks, “Ever hear me talk? I’m on point. I’m loud and clear and always to the point. I’m quick-witted and never can be played out. I am the verbal champ.”

Kurt Angle recently spoke to ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com about whether he’s still interested in MMA, helping young talent get over, whether Austin Aries is too small to be TNA World champion & more. Here are some highlights of what Angle said about:

Whether he’s still interested in competing in mixed martial arts: “The last time I talked was two and a half years ago with Dana White, I took the UFC physical. We just couldn’t come to terms on a starting time. I wanted it 3-6 months, Dana needed me in four and a half weeks and I understand he wanted me to be ready and he needed me at that point and it just wasn’t gonna work out.”

When asked whether White had an opponent in mind for Angle, he responded, “Well, they wanted me to be on Ultimate Fighter but I told them I wouldn’t do it for free. So he came up with a very nice deal, that being I would get paid very well for that, thank god, and a 6 fight deal. I didn’t want to go in there half prepared. I wanted to go in there full blown. I’m 43 now, I tried out for the Olympics or I was going to and I got injured five different times last year. So my body’s just not holding up the way I want it to so I don’t think it’s going to be a possibility.”

On being the go-to guy in assisting new talent in getting over: “I really enjoyed it, I took it as a compliment. At TNA they did the same thing. They’d bring in somebody like the Pope or Mr. Anderson or whoever else that was coming in that was coming from WWE or had somewhat of a name, the first program they’d do would be with me. I’ve always enjoyed that it’s a good challenge and Desmond Wolfe was another one that came from Ring of Honor. So I like that and I know that the company has faith in me. Both WWE did and TNA had the faith in me to make the guys look as good as I could.”

Whether Austin Aries is too small to be TNA World Heavyweight Champion: “No. I think Austin Aries as champion, I think he deserves it, he’s an awesome talent. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, unfortunately their tragedies really damaged the ability for smaller guys to step up and become champions. I don’t know why but I think they were just unfortunate. I don’t think it was because of their size, I think they were just terrible tragedies that happened with both those families and it’s gotten a little bit of a bad reputation now, the under 6 foot club and I don’t think it should be that way. I think any size is a good size.”

Speaking to ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com, Kurt Angle discussed his movie career, various stars of TNA Wrestling talents, wrestlers small in stature being involved in the heavyweight championship scene and whether he still aspires to compete in mixed martial arts. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Whether he’s still interested in competing in mixed martial arts: “The last time I talked was two and a half years ago with Dana White, I took the UFC physical. We just couldn’t come to terms on a starting time. I wanted it 3-6 months, Dana needed me in four and a half weeks and I understand he wanted me to be ready and he needed me at that point and it just wasn’t gonna work out.”

When asked whether White had an opponent in mind for Angle, he responded, “Well, they wanted me to be on Ultimate Fighter but I told them I wouldn’t do it for free. So he came up with a very nice deal, that being I would get paid very well for that, thank god, and a 6 fight deal. I didn’t want to go in there half prepared. I wanted to go in there full blown. I’m 43 now, I tried out for the Olympics or I was going to and I got injured five different times last year. So my body’s just not holding up the way I want it to so I don’t think it’s going to be a possibility.”

On being the go-to guy in assisting new talent in getting over: “I really enjoyed it, I took it as a compliment. At TNA they did the same thing. They’d bring in somebody like the Pope or Mr. Anderson or whoever else that was coming in that was coming from WWE or had somewhat of a name, the first program they’d do would be with me. I’ve always enjoyed that it’s a good challenge and Desmond Wolfe was another one that came from Ring of Honor. So I like that and I know that the company has faith in me. Both WWE did and TNA had the faith in me to make the guys look as good as I could.”

Whether Austin Aries is too small to be TNA World Heavyweight Champion: “No. I think Austin Aries as champion, I think he deserves it, he’s an awesome talent. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, unfortunately their tragedies really damaged the ability for smaller guys to step up and become champions. I don’t know why but I think they were just unfortunate. I don’t think it was because of their size, I think they were just terrible tragedies that happened with both those families and it’s gotten a little bit of a bad reputation now, the under 6 foot club and I don’t think it should be that way. I think any size is a good size.”

The full interview is available here.

– The Wrestling Observer stated this week that there is good chance that Chris Sabin could be leaving TNA Wrestling in the near future, following Alex Shelley, Devon, Matt Morgan, Ric Flair and Velvet Sky. However, no additional details on his contractual status were given.

Reports first surfaced in June that Sabin could be leaving the promotion this year when his contract expired. His girlfriend, Velvet Sky, however, denied the claims. “People, Chris Sabin is NOT, I repeat, NOT leaving TNA! I’M getting lots of those questions. Please stop believing everything u read,” she tweeted then.

The wrestling standout is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on his ACL in June.

– Christopher Silvio, a 5’8″, 186-pound wrestler from Ohio Valley Wrestling, faced Kid Kash in a dark match following last night’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast.

– TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries and AJ Styles appear at Direct Auto Insurance 125 John W. Morrow Jr Pkwy. Gainesville, Georgia on Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. Call 770-534-4766 for more information.

TNA World Champion Austin Aries is scheduled to defend against Bobby Roode at Sunday’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view. If TNA’s recent ad for an upcoming live event is any indication, Aries might not be leaving the PPV as champion.

TNA is holding a live event in Bowie, Maryland on September 1st and sent out advertising for the show listing Austin Aries as the “Former TNA Champion.”

It’s unknown whether this was an error of if TNA accidentally leaked plans to take the title of Aries, but when TNA found out about the situation, the advertising was revised and the billing for Austin Aries was changed to “TNA World Heavyweight Champion.”

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced via Twitter Thursday that three Four-Way “Bound For Glory Series” matches will take place at Hardcore Justice. Each match will feature a different stipulation with the winner receiving 20 points.

* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

* Bully Ray vs. James Storm vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Robbie E

* Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus vs. Mr. Anderson vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero

Stipulations for all three matches will be announced during tonight’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast at 8:00 p.m. on Spike TV.

Also scheduled for Hardcore Justice is Austin Aries defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Roode in a singles match. The pay-per-view event takes place August 12, 2012 at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida.

Don’t miss TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV! If you can’t watch Thursday, don’t forget to set your DVR to record it! It’s two hours of Total Nonstop Action featuring your favorite wrestling superstars – including “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, “The Icon” Sting, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, “Cowboy” James Storm, the lovely and lethal Knockouts, the high-flying X Division athletes and many more! TNA IMPACT WRESTLING takes place from the Impact Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida! IMPACT WRESTLING is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling, airing in over 120 countries worldwide!

Preview Thursday’s huge LIVE broadcast as the road to the August 12 “Hardcore Justice” Pay-Per-View event continues:

-Last week accusations flew that James Storm may be involved with Aces and 8s. Could there possibly be any truth to these rumors?

– IMPACT will feature a HUGE Bound For Glory Series main event match as Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle battles “Cowboy” James Storm! The competition for a shot at the World Title at “Bound For Glory” continues with two former World Champions battling on Thursday night on SpikeTV!

– In tag team action, World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries teams with newcomer Kenny King against Bobby Roode and X Division Champion Zema Ion

– TNA Knockouts executive Brooke Hogan makes her return to IMPACT for the first time since the brutal attack by The Aces & 8s gang on her legendary father, “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan

– In Knockouts action, it will be Mickie James vs. Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne vs. Tara in a four-way #1 Contenders match for a shot at the Knockouts Championship

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

TNA World Heavyweight champion Austin Aries recently spoke with Newsday.com. Here’s what Aries said about reaching the top of the pro wrestling industry despite his size – including comparing himself to Chris Benoit:

“I think at the end of the day this is the entertainment business,” said Aries. “There is definitely an athletic, physical nature to it, but it’s about entertainment. In the history of wrestling you’ve had people of all shapes and sizes… The major companies are seeing that talent is talent, and whatever talent you want to utilize that can make money you’ll use, regardless.”

“You see it now along the lines of guys like the Daniel Bryans, the CM Punks. You had it with guys like Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Sean Waltman, HBK, going back to Jerry Lynn, who I always loved watching. There’s a long list of guys who didn’t meet the hulking 6-foot-4, 270-pound idea of what a wrestler is.”

– After last month’s Slammiversary pay-per-view event drew approximately 15,000 buys, the purchase number for the Destination X show on July 8 fell to 9,000 buys, according to early estimates. This is approximately the same level their pay-per-view events garner with the exception of Slammiversary, Lockdown and Bound for Glory.

Destination X was headlined by Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and an X Division Tournament to determine a new TNA X Division Champion.

– Christopher Daniels’ performance in the ongoing Claire Lynch angle has drawn high marks from TNA Wrestling honchos Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan. The 41-year-old had acting experience before entering professional wrestling as he performed in theater.

– Velvet Sky has been announced to appear for Impact Championship Wrestling on September 29 at The Armenian Cultural & Educational Center 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. She will be in action and will also accompany Danny Demanto for his match against Sami Callihan.

Austin Aries defied the odds at TNA’s Destination X pay-per-view by defeating Bobby Roode in a great match to win the TNA World Heavyweight title.

Austin Aries & Bobby Roode Comment On TNA World Title Change

We want to know what you think about Austin Aries’ move to forfeit the TNA X Division title to pursue and ultimately capture the TNA World Heavyweight title.

CM Punk, Dixie Carter & More Congratulate Austin Aries

Are you upset that Bobby Roode’s 8-month reign has come to an end?

Do you expect Austin Aries to get a long title run?

Is this a sign that TNA’s creative team is serious about getting behind Aries as the face of the company?

Hit up the comments below and share your thoughts on Aries’ title win.

New TNA Champion Austin Aries has issued his first public comments since capturing the title at Sunday night’s Destination X pay-per-view.

CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Nigel McGuiness & More Comment On Aries’ Title Win

Aries tweeted on Monday:

Too many thoughts and feelings to express right now, but…..It's a #GREAT day to #BGR8.

— Daniel Healy (@AustinAries) July 9, 2012

Bobby Roode, the former champion, offered his own thoughts on the events that transpired last night and says a “Big decision” lies ahead after the conclusion of his 8-month title reign:

A lot of emotion today. Last night @AustinAries and i tore it down. The last 256 days has been a hell of a ride. Now…. A big decision…..

— Robert Roode (@RealRobertRoode) July 9, 2012

CM Punk, Dixie Carter, Colt Cabana and others congratulated Austin Aries via Twitter on winning the TNA Title at Destination X last night. Their tweets are below.

I didn't see it, but congrats to @austinaries @SamoaJoe and @zematna Looks like somebody finally gets it. Kudos.

— player/coach (@CMPunk) July 9, 2012

Congrats @AustinAries!! What a year it has been. You have fought hard and deserve this!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 9, 2012

I owe a lot to @AustinAries for the time we spent working together. Good luck and congrats to A Double. You deserve it brother.

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) July 8, 2012

Congrats to @AustinAries. #Champ

— Colt Cabana? (@ColtCabana) July 9, 2012

Proud tear in my eye. Wonder at how great life can be sometimes. Another of my ROH peers. Proved it wasn't hype.

— Nigel Mcguinness (@McGuinnessNigel) July 9, 2012

Life is made of moments. This was one of them. Congrats to Austin Aries. @ TNA Impact Wrestling Zone http://t.co/lj9OhefV

— Dave Lagana (@Lagana) July 9, 2012

Work with great people, hand them the ball, believe and trust in their work and don't put negativity into the world. Result = #DestinationX

— Dave Lagana (@Lagana) July 9, 2012

– Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode in the main event of TNA Destination X to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

– Zema Ion also won the X-Division Championship Tournament at Destination X after winning the Ultimate X match that also featured Mason Andrews, Kenny King and Sonjay Dutt. They all won qualifying matches earlier in the show.

– Speaking of Sonjay Dutt, he suffered either a dislocated elbow or shoulder during the X Division match. He reportedly popped it back into place himself and continued working the match.

– There have been online reports in recent weeks that TNA star Magnus announced to fans during a recent meet and greet at the London Film and Comic Con that he would not be re-signing with TNA when his deal expires this year. Magnus has since addressed the rumor and denied that he has any intention of leaving TNA.

* News On The “ACES & EIGHTS” Mystery Group – What Do They Want?

Austin Aries took part in a media conference call on Thursday to promote Sunday’s Destination X pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Aries said about:

Auditioning for Tough Enough: “It was basically an audition for a television show. People kind of want to [make more if it] more than it is, but I was dealing with a talent agency. I wasn’t dealing directly with the company itself and the decisions that were made were made through them. I’ve done other stuff outside of wrestling where I’ve gone to auditions for different roles and parts and didn’t get them. It has nothing to do with acumen as an actor or, in this case, as a wrestler, but more or less what they are looking for to fill those roles.

“It was one of those situations where I was asked if I wanted to throw my hat in the ring. I had really nothing to lose, but it certainly wasn’t something I was pinning my hopes on or that devastated me. Anyone who is an actor in the entertainment business, you go out for a lot of different roles. Sometimes you get the part, and sometimes you don’t.”

Working with Kevin Nash during his first TNA run: “I have nothing but fond memories of Kevin the whole time we did the whole Paparazzi Production thing, and I was associated with him… I think Kevin is a great guy. I think he is very smart business-wise to what we do. I felt nothing but positive vibes from him. Honestly, I look back and a lot of the guys who were doing it with me at the same time would agree that those Paparazzi Production skits were some of the most fun I had doing wrestling.

“It was really just a bunch of guys going out and creating moments and having a good time playing off each other. I think Kevin was a big part of that. I think there was always the perception that he didn’t like smaller guys or used certain situations to better himself only, but I never got the sense of that. There were a couple of situations where he had our back and wanted to make sure that we were all doing the best we could, and the company was doing the best they could for us.”

Comparing his current stint in TNA with his first: “Comparing my two runs with TNA, maybe the first time around the timing wasn’t right or the opportunities weren’t quite what I was hoping for. On the second time around they gave me some rope either to climb the ladder or hang myself. So far I’ve been climbing…

“Honestly when I walked in, I didn’t have any expectations. I just knew I had opportunity and took it one step at a time. What I did try to have this time around was patience and let my work speak for itself. Let the opportunities present themselves and then take advantage of them. I don’t think I would have foreseen myself being in this situation after a year in the company, but I’ve always been confident in my abilities and appreciate the opportunity to prove my talent and that I belong at the top of the card.”

Being a champion: ” I think not everybody is equipped to be a titleholder or a champion. I like to think whatever belt I held throughout my career, I’ve carried professionally and with a certain amount of respect that people can look at it and say, ‘Well, all right, this title belt has worth. It means something.’ I had some issues with belts that I’ve held from the people who have held them before me, but what you go out there and do is put your best foot forward. You try to make sure every time you walk out that people feel like they are seeing the main event.

“Hopefully, we are going to do that again on July 8th at Destination X with Bobby Roode. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be in the main event against the world heavyweight champion. I think that belt has a lot of worth right now. It should be a great match. Hopefully, the best man wins.”

* More Big Changes Coming To Impact Wrestling This Fall

TNA star Austin Aries recently appeared on Just Another Goddamn Rasslin Show. Here are a few highlights of what he said about:

His Favorite Wrestlers To Work With: “I wouldn’t say there’s one, I mean there’s always a handful of guys that you have certain chemistry in the ring with, that I always enjoy getting in the ring with. You talk about Brian Danielson, Samoa Joe, just to name a couple. There are other guys as well I have a good time with: Jimmy Jacobs, even though I usually end up spilling some blood in those encounters. But yeah there’s usually a group of guys, upper echelon guys that’s always fun to get in the ring with.

His Gimmick Evolving Through The Years: “I don’t know if my gimmick has changed per se. I think I’ve evolved as a wrestler; I’ve evolved as an entertainer and performer as far as my character. It’s just different parts of my life; when you’re talking about Generation Next days, my demeanor was just very singularly focused on making it myself. We were kind of no nonsense, all business; we were new to the scene and making people take notice. Fast forward now-a-days, I’ve obviously got 12-years under my belt and I have some accolades, I’m a lot more comfortable in the ring. So, you can see a lot more confidence exuded in my demeanor. I enjoy them all; I just enjoy getting in the ring and having a lot of range.”

Impact Wrestling Going Live Every Week This Summer: “I hope it is (a full time move). This period shows that being live makes a big difference, all across the board. It’s hard to surprise people if they already know what’s going to happen, and I think that element of surprise is something that we can definitely capitalize on and we can get people interested in the product. I think it’s a great move; hopefully when the summer’s over, they can decide it was a profitable move and continue to push forward. Going live is the first big step and I think (other people have mentioned it and I kind of agree) that eventually the next step is taking the show live on the road; it would be the big leap I think we’d all like to make.”

What The Future Holds For The X Division: “It’s carved its niche in the promotion; historically it has a lot of lineage and importance and hope it continues to have its own segment in the show, focused on the X Division. Obviously, through some injures and departures, the X Division roster has been depleted, so I think there’s going to be an attempt to restock coming up here and Destination X could be a place to start that.”

* New X Division Talent Headed To TNA, Update On MATT MORGAN’s Future & More

– After being released from his TNA contract earlier this month, we can confirm that Flair’s contract had a non-compete clause and he is currently unable to sign with WWE. No word yet on how long he is prohibited from signing with WWE.

During the court proceedings of the ongoing TNA vs. WWE lawsuit, WWE told the court that they have no interest in signing Flair, but most believe he’ll be back in WWE at some point.

– Austin Aries has a mixed reputation behind the scenes in TNA, liked personally by some but also disliked by others. Management is a fan of his work, as evidenced by him being in the main event of the upcoming Destination X pay-per-view.

– Abyss has been pulled from the upcoming AAA tapings in Mexico on June 30th. TNA will probably send other talent instead and AAA has expressed interest in using Robbie E and Robbie T.

– TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion in India has been such a success that the company is considering another spinoff promotion in Argentina. TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett has had preliminary talks with the Endomol, an international television production and distribution company, about the project. Endomol is the company that helped TNA bring Ring Ka King to India.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

IMPACT WRESTLING Preview: Open Fight Night Returns LIVE On Thursday

– The monthly “Open Fight Night” returns, involving the competitors in the Bound For Glory Series! All 12 Wresters in the BFG Series will be in action – 6 men make challenges, 6 men will be called out! Who will take the early advantage in the point standings? Tune in and find out!

– What will be X Division Champion Austin Aries’ decision about Hulk Hogan’s officer of a potential World Title shot?

– Also on the broadcast, TNA President Dixie Carter and AJ Styles vow to come clean about the recent allegations by Daniels and Kazarian

– In addition, the Knockouts Championship will be on the line on the LIVE IMPACT! Knockouts Executive Brooke Hogan will announce on the broadcast who Miss Tessmacher will defend the gold against that night!

– Plus, it’s also the return of the monthly “Gutcheck” – one newcomer will get the chance to prove themselves! Will they make the cut and join the TNA Wrestling roster?

– The road to the July 8 “Destination X” Pay-Per-View event continues, with more news on the big event!

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

— ImpactWrestling.com is no longer advertising a match between X Division Champion Austin Aries and Samoa Joe for Slammiversary on June 10. The match was announced on the website following Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast.

— AJ Styles turns 35 years old Saturday.

— Angelina Love has been announced to appear for RESISTANCE on Friday, June 15 in Chicago, Illinois. She is advertised to wrestle Resistance Pro Women’s Champion Melanie Cruise.

— Velvet Sky confirmed that Bully Ray is not on Twitter.

She wrote in response to a follower asking whether Ray is on the site, “NO! @IamBullyRay is of course a fake! The real Bully Ray doesn’t have Twitter!! F’n lame posers get off it.”

— On Thursday’s live episode of Impact Wrestling, Devon will defend the Television Championship against the choice of the fans. This week, IMPACTWRESTLING.com will reveal one challenger each day—the first is Rob Van Dam. Voting will open on the website at noon eastern time on Thursday, May 31st.

— MAIN EVENT chats with Velvet Sky, who discusses the challenges facing a female wrestler, how TNA has changed her life, how she uses social media to connect with fans and more.

[vsw id=”arnlOgJuJDA” source=”youtube” width=”590″ height=”330″ autoplay=”no”]

— Multiple TNA Wrestling stars are advertised for this Saturday’s Legends of the Ring 14 event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey including Austin Aries, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne, Matt Morgan, Robbie E and Rosita. (Event Information)

TNA star Austin Aries, the only man to ever hold the ROH World title twice, recently spoke to Sports Vibe UK to promote this past weekend’s TNA LockDown pay-per-view. During the interview, Aries had a harsh critique of today’s Ring of Honor product, saying it’s a far cry from its glory days:

“I’ll be really honest with you, the Ring of Honor today is not anything like the Ring of Honor that the likes of C.M. Punk, Daniel Bryan, and myself came from. Obviously they are still operating under the same name, but the company has changed so much over the years and it’s really a shell of it’s former self in terms of the vision and thought process.”

He added, “The original Ring of Honor and the Ring of Honor today are two completely different things, I like to call it Smokey Mountain of Honor.”

Aside from the creative aspect of the company being in bad shape, Aries also thinks [the lack of] money is a big issue that could lead to ROH losing it’s most important asset – talent.

“There is no money in Ring of Honor, and that means they will only be able to secure talent for a certain amount of time before they move somewhere else.”

— Eric Bischoff, who once considered Bret Hart a friend, now views “The Hitman” in a negative light. When asked for comment on the legendary wrestler on Twitter, he responded, “Another sad, bitter person. Too many of them in this business.”

Bischoff made similar comments two years ago during an interview with Monday Night Mayhem shortly after Hart railed the TNA Wrestling executive producer and Hulk Hogan via Twitter: “I feel sad for Bret, because Bret is one of those people, and there are a lot of them, he’s the type of person that needs someone to hate in order to feel significant himself.”

— Kazarian will sport an all-new look when he competes in tonight’s Lethal Lockdown match at TNA Lockdown. The TNA veteran cut off his trademark long hair as he appeared at Saturday’s Lockdown Fanfest with a shaved head.

— TNA X Division Champion Austin Aries turns 34 years old today. He will celebrate his birthday by competing in Lethal Lockdown tonight at TNA Lockdown.

TNA Wrestling’s eighth annual Lockdown pay-per-view takes place tonight at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The following matches have been announced for the show:

Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Bobby Roode (c) vs. “Cowboy” James Storm

Lethal Lockdown
Team Eric Bischoff (Eric Bischof, Gunner, Bully Ray, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) vs. Team Garett Bischoff (Garett Bischoff, AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson and Austin Aries)

Steel Cage Match
“The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle

Steel Cage Match for the World Tag Team Championship
Magnus and Samoa Joe (c) vs. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin

Steel Cage Match for the Women’s Knockout Championship
Gail Kim (c) vs. Velvet Sky

Steel Cage Match for the Television Championship
Devon (c) vs. Robbie E

Steel Cage Match
“The Blueprint” Matt Morgan vs. Crimson

— WWE Superstar David Otunga poked fun at the consistently flat ratings for TNA Wrestling’s Impact Wrestling program, writing on Twitter last week, “If imitation is the highest form of flattery, I’m flatter than Impact’s ratings right now. #OtungaLaw.” X Division Champion Austin Aries responded to Otunga’s message with a shot of his own.

“Shocked @DavidOtunga took time to comment on @ImpactWrestling. I’d think he’d want to become at least a good hand first… #MrJenniferHudson,” he wrote Saturday night.

— Thursday’s Impact Wrestling saw James Storm call out World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode to confront him. Roode’s legal advisor, William Kelly, instead appeared. He is Shane Haste, a wrestler from Ohio Valley Wrestling. He received the Last Call from Storm to conclude the segment.

Haste and Mikey Nicholls lost a dark match against Gunner and Kid Kash at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

source: ProWrestling.net