WWE Smackdown (11/29)

This week’s episode of Smackdown kicked off with Renee Young in the ring. Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch joined her in the ring for a contract signing for their Smackdown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at WWE TLC. Alexa Bliss told Renee Young to get out of the ring. Bliss also scolded Renee for her fashion choices. Becky Lynch then compared Alexa to her four year old cousin. Bliss continued to insult Becky Lynch and they both signed the contract. After they both signed it, they brawled in the ring. Lynch hit the Becksplex on Alexa Bliss. Alexa then fought back and shoved Becky through a table off of the turnbuckle.

Reaction: I thought this promo was really good. Becky Lynch can be a bit of adventure on the microphone but tonight she did a good job. Alexa Bliss is excellent on the microphone and her facial expressions are hilarious. I find this feud to be much more interesting than the one between Charlotte and Sasha Banks on Raw.

.@AlexaBliss_WWE blocks @BeckyLynchWWE's #Bexploder, and sends the Champ crashing through the table! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/gbOh4XYeVU

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto vs Baron Corbin & The Miz

Corbin dominated the match early and threw Ziggler out of the ring. The Miz was then tagged in and he immediately grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Ziggler got up and connected with a DDT on The Miz outside the ring. Ziggler then hit Corbin with a Superkick. Back in the ring, Ziggler tagged in Kalisto. The Miz hit Kalisto with a boot to the face and dove outside the ring onto Ziggler. Miz then launched Ziggler into the barricade surroinding the ring.

Kalisto then dove onto Corbin outside the ring. Ziggler hit a Superkick on The Miz as he was lying on the ring apron. Maryse shoved the ladder into Ziggler’s face. Kalisto landed the Salida del Sol on The Miz in the ring. Before the referee could count to three, Baron Corbin nailed Kalisto in the back with a chair. The referee then disqualified The Miz and Baron Corbin.

Winners via DQ: Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto

Reaction: This was a quick match but it served a purpose. Ziggler will be facing The Miz in a ladder match for the IC Title on Sunday. Corbin will be squaring off with Kalisto in a chairs match at TLC. Both the ladder and a chair came into play during this match. I like it when things make sense, don’t you?

.@BaronCorbinWWE, you can't do that until Sunday at #WWETLC! @HEELZiggler & @KalistoWWE win by DQ! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/IDPvwvv19j

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

American Alpha were interviewed backstage about their match tonight versus Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. Gable and Jordan stated that they will prove again tonight why they are the best team in the WWE.

Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper were then shown backstage. Orton interrupted Wyatt and questioned Luke Harper. Orton asked Harper if he was going to do what needs to be done tonight against Kane. Harper looked aggravated and Wyatt instructed Harper to go send Kane back to hell. There is obviously some friction between Harper and Orton. I do not believe that Harper is completely sold on Orton joining the Wyatt Family.

"Harper … go send @KaneWWE back to HELL!" – @WWEBrayWyatt #SDLive #WyattFamily pic.twitter.com/GLnJn5MvrR

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Carmella came down to the ring for a match but that never happened. Carmella gave a special message to John Cena. Carmella apologized for what she will do to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella at TLC. Carmella claimed that she was going to rearranged Nikki’s “Bella twins” and her face as well. Nikki Bella came sprinting from backstage and attacked Carmella. The referee seperated them and that allowed Carmella to haul off and slap Nikki in the face. Nikki then got up and continued the assault on Carmella.

"@JohnCena, I want to publicly apologize for what I'm going to do to your girlfriend [at #WWETLC]." – @CarmellaWWE #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lNqKBBw8PB

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Ambrose Asylum w/ Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose introduced James Ellsworth as his first guest on the Ambrose Asylum. An “Ellsworth!” chant broke out amongst the crowd. Ambrose poked fun at Ellsworth’s old wrestling boots. Ellsworth thanked Ambrose for helping him become an official WWE Superstar. Ellsworth stated that if Ambrose ever needed anything he would do it. Ambrose asked Ellsworth to wash his car, do his laundry and pick him up a six-pack and some candy for later.

Ambrose asked Ellsworth who he will be rooting for this Sunday at TLC. Ellsworth stated that it would be an honor to wrestle Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. AJ Styles interrupted the party and stood on the announce table. Styles poked fun at Ellsworth and called him a dummy. Ambrose stated that Styles had then lost to a dummy three times.

Styles got in the ring and claimed that he was tired of Ambrose making him out to be a joke. Styles demanded respect and claimed that he was going to beat the hell out of Ambrose at TLC. Styles dared Ellsworth to show up during his match againt Ambrose at TLC. Ambrose claimed that Styles was weak mentally. Ambrose stated that this Sunday the fun and games were over. Ambrose went on to state that he will recapture the WWE World Championship at TLC.

Styles pushed Ellsworth into Ambrose who fell into a ladder. AJ then whipped Ellsworth into a table and smashed Dean Ambrose with the steel steps. Styles returned to the ring and beatdown Ellsworth. Styles hit Ellsworth with a ladder and then tossed him out of the ring. Ellsworth’s feet got caught up in the bottom rope and Styles hit him with a steel chair. AJ then hit the Styles Clash on Ellsworth off of the steps onto the floor outside the ring.

Reaction: Finally, Styles got the upper hand on Ellsworth and Ambrose. I find Ellsworth to be very entertaining but I’m not really interested in seeing him in the WWE World Championship picture. Having said that, this was a very good promo. There has only been one match in the first hour and fifteen minutes of tonight’s Smackdown. Usually that would annoy me but tonight’s promos have all ended in brawls.

"@AJStylesOrg has just delivered the MOTHER OF ALL #StylesClashes to @RealEllsworth!" – @MauroRanallo#SDLive #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/KKihIY7zO4

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Luke Harper vs Kane

Kane and Harper tied up to begin the match. Kane shoved Harper down and Harper got back up and they locked up again. Harper bounced off of the ropes and hit a couple of shoulder blocks but Kane was not phased. Kane then leveled Harper. Luke Harper got back up and hit Kane with a series of uppercuts. Kane once again shrugged them off and came right back at Harper. Smackdown went to a commercial break with Luke Harper outside the ring with a shocked look on his face.

When Smackdown returned, Harper was in control of the match and had a Chinlock applied to Kane in the center of the ring. Kane battled out of the Chinlock and hit a Jawbreaker. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Harper blocked it and kicked Kane in the head. Harper went for a pinfall but Kane kicked out at two. Kane fought back and connected with a DDT on Harper. Kane followed it up with a Sidewalk Slam and went for a pin but Harper kicked out. Harper battled back and hit Kane with a Dropkick to the ribs. Kane was affected and hunched over in the corner. Harper leaped on him twice and connected with a couple of shots to the ribs. Harper then then climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit Kane with a couple of punches.

Kane fought out of the corner by hitting a Powerbomb on Harper. Kane once again went for the Chokeslam but Harper grabbed the rope. Harper connected with a Sidewalk Slam of his own but Kane kicked out once again. Kane slammed Harper to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Kane went for a Clothesline off of the top rope but Harper ducked it and drilled Kane with a Superkick. Kane once again powered out of the pinfall at two. Harper then climbed to the top rope but Kane got up and punched him in the face. Kane then joined Harper on the turnbuckle and connected with a massive Superplex to Harper.

Both men slowly got back to their feet and began to trade punches. Kane blocked a punch by Harper and grabbed his throat. Kane then connected with a Chokeslam and picked up the victory.

Winner: Kane

Reaction: When you think of Kane versus Luke Harper it doesn’t sound like it would be a good match. This match was actually quite good. The announcers made a comment after the match that Bray Wyatt will not be happy with Luke Harper following this loss to Kane. I’m intrigued with the Wyatt Family storyline right now. It appears that Harper may be on his way out and Orton will be replacing him. I’m curious if this will wind up with Orton turning his back on Bray after he has already destroyed the Wyatt Family from the inside. I do not really know where they are going with this and that is a good thing. Luke Harper has always been one of the more underrated Superstars on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Intercontinental Championship picture and having a single’s run of his own. Harper can work well with almost any male Superstar on the Smackdown roster. I think if you put him up against someone like Baron Corbin they would put on some very physical and entertaining matches.

#CHOKESLAM by @KaneWWE!!! ONE TWO THREE!! #SDLive @LukeHarperWWE pic.twitter.com/46nPuNNTqZ

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Smackdown Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt vs American Alpha

Randy Orton and Jason Jordan started out the match. Jordan went on the offensive to start things off. The WWE cut to Slater and Rhyno watching the match from backstage. This was humorous because the television screen they were watching was black for a second and essentially Slater and Rhyno were staring at nothing.

Bray Wyatt entered the match and Jordan went to jump onto him but Wyatt ducked and Jordan went flying into the ropes. Bray tagged in Orton and he continued the assault on Jordan. Gable tagged himself in and immediately connected with a Crossbody off the top rope on Orton. Gable climbed to the top rope again but Wyatt knocked him to the outside of the ring and Smackdown went to a commercial break.

When Smackdown returned, Wyatt and Gable were in the ring. Wyatt hit Gable with a DDT on the ring apron. Wyatt then went for a pin but Gable kicked out at two. Orton then entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Gable. Orton hit a Powerslam on Gable and once again went for a pinfall but it was unsuccessful. Orton tagged in Wyatt and Gable connected with a Dropkick then sent Bray to the mat. Gable tried to tag in Jordan but Bray got up and punched Jordan off of the ring apron.

Bray mounted Gable on the mat and punched him in the face several times. Orton was tagged back in and propped Gable up on the top rope. Orton connected with a Superplex on Gable. Jason Jordan and Bray Wyatt were then tagged in. Jordan leveled Wyatt with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex. Chad Gable hit Orton with a Cannonball off of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Jordan hit a German Suplex on Bray Wyatt.

The lights then went out and Luke Harper was ringside. Bray went for the Sister Abigail but Gable prevented it. American Alpha then went for the Grand Amplitude but Orton hit Gable with an RKO out of nowhere. Jordan went to hit Bray with a Spear but Harper pulled Bray out of the way. Wyatt then hit the Sister Abigail on Jordan for the victory. Wyatt and Orton will now face Slater and Rhyno at TLC this Sunday. Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage but AJ Styles interrupted. Styles stated that nobody cared about the Tag Team titles. Ambrose then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Styles and Smackdown went off the air.

Reaction: This was a very solid match to close out a good episode of Smackdown. It appears that Harper and Orton are back to getting along for now. Tonight’s episode was promo-heavy but they all were effective. TLC is shaping up to be an exciting show and I cannot wait to watch it on Sunday.

Winners & #1 Contenders For The Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt

#SisterAbigail!! The #WyattFamily is going to #WWETLC to face @HeathSlaterOMRB and @Rhyno313!! #1Contender pic.twitter.com/telCi0c0T9

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

205 Live (11/29)

Austin Aries and Corey Graves joined Mauro Ranallo on commentary. All of the Superstars on 205 Live were on the entrance ramp and they were introduced to the WWE Universe. A vignette for the Bollywood Boyz was then shown.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803797913251917824

Bollywood Boyz vs Drew Gulak & Tony Nese

Harv and Gurv Sihra started out the match on the offensive. Tony Nese was laid out by both of them but was able battle back and tag in Gulak. For the next few minutes, Gulak dominated the match. Nese was tagged back in and he continued the assault on the Bollywood Boyz. Gulak got back into the match and maintained control of the match.

Nese got back in the match and he applied a Chinlock to one of the Bollywood Boyz. Harv battled out of the Chinlock and connected with a Neckbreaker. Harv tagged in Gurv and he hut Gulak with several chops and a kick to the face. The Bollywood Boyz hit a double Superkick on Drew Gulak for the pinfall victory.

Winners: The Bollywood Boyz

Reaction: Not the best way to start off the debut episode of 205 Live. There were some cool spots in this match but overall it was very clunky.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803800282756878338

TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick had a confrontation. Perkins stated that he is still owed a rematch and that he wants Kendrick to retain the Cruiserweight Championship tonight. Perkins wants Kendrick to keep the belt so he can get his rematch and take the title away from him.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803801771600580608

Ariya Daivari vs Jack Gallagher

Gallagher started out this match extremely cocky and applied a few submission holds to Daivari while posing for the crowd. Daivari battled back and but Gallagher escaped his Headlock. Gallagher did a handstand on the top turnbuckle and then took Daivari down. Gallagher then tied Daivari up in a knot in the center of the ring and taunted him from the corner. Gallagher then hit him with a running kick and Daivari escaped the knot.

Daivari connected with a Neckbreaker on Gallagher and slapped him in the face a couple of times. Daivari applied a Chinlock but Gallagher fought out of it and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Gallagher then headbutted Daivari and hit him with a Dropkick in the corner for the victory.

Winner: Jack Gallagher

Reaction: This match was bizarre and entertaining. Jack Gallagher may look ridiculous but he is fun to watch. The main positive to take from this match is that Gallagher was able to get the crowd into it. That is something that has escaped the Cruiserweight division when it is featured on Monday Night Raw.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803803266274369537

Cruiserweight Championship Match: Brian Kendrick (c) vs Rich Swann

Kendrick started off the match in control. Swann battled back and hit a Dropkick. Kendrick kicked out of a pinfall and Swann applied a Chinlock. Kendrick reversed the Chinlock into a German Suplex. Kendrick attacked Swann in the corner but Swann fought back and connected with several chops to the chest of Kendrick.

Swann landed a Tiger Bomb on Kendrick and Kendrick rolled out of the ring. Swann followed him out of the ring and hit a Summersault Clothesline off of the barricade. The action returned to the ring and Kendrick connected with another German Suplex. Kendrick then hit a Neckbreaker and Swann’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Swann then fell out of the ring and to the floor.

Swann was able to get back in the ring before the referee counted him out. Kendrick immediately hit him with a Suplex. Kendrick went for the Captain’s Hook but Swann blocked it. Swann then connected with a Michinoku Driver on Kendrick. Swann followed it up with a kick to the face of Kendrick. Swann went for the Standing 450 but Kendrick got his knees up and then locked in the Captain’s Hook.

Swann was able to reach the bottom rope and the crowd cheered him on. Both men were on the top turnbuckle and Kendrick bit Swann’s wrist and hit Sliced Bread. Swann kicked out and the crowd started to chant “this is awesome!”. Swannt connected with three spinning heel kicks in a row and pinned Kendrick for the victory.

After the match, Swann thanked his mother that has passed away and dedicated the match to her. Kendrick was also interviewed on the entrance ramp. Kendrick blamed the loss on TJ Perkins for playing mind games with him earlier in the night. Kendrick also stated that the WWE Universe should not get used to Swann as the Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick vowed to get his title back and walked away.

Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Rich Swann

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803809979639558144

Reaction: 205 Live started off slow but picked up momentum and wound up being a pretty decent show. I thought the match between Kendrick and Swann was very good. I hope that the Cruiserweight division gets some more time on Monday Night Raw as a result of this show but I doubt that will be the case. Overall, both Smackdown and 205 Live were good shows tonight.

What did you think of this week’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The following matches were taped for tonight’s edition of Lucha Underground on the El Rey Network:

– Son of Havoc and Angelico (w/Ivelisse) vs. Mr. Cisco and Cortez Castro (w/Bael)

– Texano vs. Delavar Daivari

– Prince Puma and Hernandez vs. Cage and King Cuerno

– Alberto El Patron vs. Johnny Mundo – The winner faces Hernandez to become No. 1 contender to the Lucha Underground Championship on next week’s show

Make sure to joins us here at SEScoops.com later in the week for a complete Lucha Underground television report.

Above is complete video preview for tonight’s show.

• CONFIRMED: CHAEL SONNEN Signs With GFW — What Will His Role Be?!

-Independent pro wrestlers Craven Knyte, Ariya Daivari and Renny D. were among those portraying security guards on this week’s edition of WWE RAW.

Knyte and Daivari (younger brother of former WWE Superstar Shawn Daivari) also worked a dark match against The Great Khali at the SmackDown television taping on Tuesday night.

-The final rating for the 8/30 edition of WWE SmackDown came in at 1.93, up from last week’s 1.90.

-Roth Capitol has upgraded their WWE stock rating from “Neutral” to “Buy” based on the optimism over the new television deals for RAW and SmackDown. The stock also raised from $10 per share to $13. For more information, visit NASDAQ.com.

2 HUGE Superstars From WWE’s Past CONFIRMED For WrestleMania XXX […]

-Current WWE Diva and “Total Divas” reality show star Nikki Bella recently noted on her Twitter page that she, and her WWE Champion boyfriend John Cena, celebrated their one-year anniversary as a couple on Friday.

-WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler and ring announcer Justin Roberts were presented with jerseys at the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets Major League Baseball game on Friday.

-Former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy recently cut a promo on Daivari for next week’s Wrestling Cares Association (WCA) event. Hardy posted the video on his official YouTube channel. Check that out below:

Photo Of Cena/Bella MAKING OUT On Their 1-Year Anniversary! **CLICK HERE**

– WWE has announced that movie star, author and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger will serve as Social Media Ambassador for tomorrow night’s episode of Raw. He will be promoting his autobiography, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.”

The announcement comes after Schwarzenegger engaged in a war of words on Twitter with Dolph Ziggler.

– Former WWE performer Barbie Blank (a/k/a Kelly Kelly) was honored with an award today at the 2012 Action Icon Awards, which “honors the achievements of extraordinary Actresses and Stuntwomen for their work in film and television.” The former WWE Diva was given the “DARE2BDIFFERENT AWARD” for her appearances on WWE programming.

– Shane Helms interviews fellow former WWE Superstar Daivari on the Highway 2 Helms podcast available on iTunes.

Former WWE Superstar Daivari spoke to WWE.com on Wednesday about his his heroic event on a train last week Minneapolis, Minnesota:

“I was just on the train and I was heading to the airport. I’m from Minneapolis, so I was just visiting family. I got on the train and there was this guy saying racial and anti-Semitic stuff really loud, specifically at a few passengers, and you could tell they were really uncomfortable. One guy had actually pushed the emergency call button on the train. And this guy kept going on and on, and nobody was showing up to help.”

“There was one older guy sitting in a chair and he told the guy, Hey, sit down, you’re making the train ride really uncomfortable for everybody. At that point, the guy just got right in front of the older guy and physically threatened him, even threatened to kill him. That’s when everybody started running for the emergency call buttons. They were all hitting the buttons, and we went another stop after that, which was another two minutes. When the doors opened, nobody got on the train, so we knew there were no cops waiting to get on and help.”

“I didn’t know if this guy had a knife in his pocket or a gun in his backpack, so I just went up to him, turned him around, grabbed him in a rear naked choke/sleeper hold and held until I felt his body go limp. I dropped him, locked on a body scissors and held him down until the next stop, which was about 45 seconds down the road. Then I just grabbed him by the seat of his pants and his collar and I threw him off the train. And mind you, from when this started, we probably went half the length of the trip, which was about 20 minutes. It was one thing when he was saying all that racial stuff, but when he started threatening passengers, I didn’t know if it was just a big guy talking tough like he’s at a bar or if he’s got a weapon. By the time I got to the airport, there were still no cops at the train station.”

– Randy Orton, who is currently serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, was backstage at Monday’s Raw emanating from his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

– WWE Hall of Famer Edge has been announced to appear at the House of Hardcore’s debut on October 6 at Poughkeepsie, New York. Other talent slated for the show include Tommy Dreamer, Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Chris Masters, The Sandman, Daivari, Jazz, Luke Gallows, The Young Bucks, Hale Collins and Sami Callihan.

– The July 21 episode of A.M. Raw draw a 0.34 cable rating, with 377,000 viewers.

– Jim Ross commented on Monday’s Raw via Twitter: “I really enjoyed my time in St Louis..#RAW1000 was a heck of a production. Pleased I got to visit the announce desk. Thx WWE & Twitterverse.”

(source: PWInsider.com)

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina has been announced to appear for World Wrestling Fan Xperience’s Champions Showcase Tour event on October 13, 2012 at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia (see Melina photo). Talent confirmed for the event thus far are Chris Masters, Daivari, Jillian Hall, Vladimir Kozlov, MVP, John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin Carlito and The Hurricane. Event information is available at www.wwfxperience.com.

– Former WWE talent Jackie Gayda-Haas (a/k/a Miss Jackie) is expecting her fourth child with husband Charlie Haas. She posted a photo on Facebook of her baby bump.

Haas previously gave birth in 2006, 2008 and 2010. The married couple have two daughters and one son.

– Rock of Ages, which features Kevin Nash playing a bodyguard character for Tom Cruise’s character, debuted at No. 3 this weekend in Australia with a $1.35 million gross.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

– Former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro has been announced to appear at her first wrestling show since 2009 for Pro Wrestling Syndicate on September 14 in Rahway, New Jersey. Also scheduled is Kevin Matthews defending the PWS title against Sami Callihan in a falls count anywhere match, Anthony Nese vs. Matt Hardy for the Tri State title; Demolition vs. Warlord and Barbarian.

– Cross-promoting World Wrestling Fan Xperience’s Champions Showcase Tour event on October 13, 2012 at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia (information available at wwfxperience.com), former WWE stars Daivari, Jillian Hall and Vladimir Kozlov presented FHM Russia’s 100 Sexiest Women In The World 2012 award to Tulisa Contostavlos. Click here for photos from the event.

– Lance Storm was asked on Twitter who he thinks should get a better push in WWE. He responded, “Tyson Kidd for starters.”

– Former WWE star Bam Neely turns 37 years old on Sunday. He is retired from wrestling and now works as a night club bouncer in Tampa, Florida.

— The New York Post has published an article on Stacy Keibler skipping the wedding of longtime friend Gail Kim and the Food Network’s Robert Irvine to attend George Clooney’s fund-raiser for United States President Obama.

The former WWE Diva missed out on the nuptials at the Charles Krug Wintery in Napa, California, on Thursday to instead be at Clooney’s big $40,000-a-head Obama gig also attended by Tobey Maguire, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jack Black.

Related News: Gail Kim Marries Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine

— Newark Patch has published an article on Big Time Wrestling’s BTW SuperShow 2012 event last Saturday featuring former WWE Superstars Bobby Lashley, Chris Masters, Daivari and Matt Hardy. Lashley, who defeated Masters in the main event, explained why he competes at independent wrestling events.

“I was an amateur wrestler and I wrestled for several years so I still paid my dues with amateur wrestling for 20 years before getting into the pro wrestling… [WWE] saw me. They thought that I had a good look, which I do!” Lashley said. “If [independent wrestling groups] need a little boost and bring in some names so be it. I think it’s a great idea, an awesome opportunity, and I’m going to try to do as many [independent shows] as I can.”

— Reports this week of former WWE talent Nelson Frazier (a/k/a Big Daddy V, Viscera) appearing at WrestleMania Axxess are incorrect he is advertised to appear at a wrestling tour taking place in Georgetown, Guyana on March 31 and April 1. Other talent appearing include Tom Howard, Predator (a/k/a Sylvester Terkey), Butterbean, Domino, Daivari, Luke Gallows, Shad Gaspard, Paul London, Mike Knox and Raven. Bill Goldberg will also appear at the events in a non-wrestling capacity.

— Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson has launched a fitness blog site at TorrieWilsonFit.com. In her first post she demonstrates glute training.

— Ted DiBiase and Rosa Mendes have been announced to appear at Walmart – 19501 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, Florida on March 28. The autograph signing is open to the first 300 attendees and a wristband policy is in effect.

— Hiroyoshi Tenzan turns 41 years old Friday while Villano III turns 60.

source: F4WOnline.com

— WWE officials have talked lately of cutting and/or repackaging bottom level WWE Superstars and developmental talent. However, moves are not expected until after WrestleMania as it is their prime focus.

— Former WWE Divas Melina and Jillian Hall have been announced to appear on Lucha Libre USA’s “Masked Warriors Live” tour in late March. Events are scheduled for March 23 at Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada, March 25 at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California and March 30 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

— Former WWE talent Shawn Daivari was the booker of the February 4 WWFX Champion Showcase Tour 2012 event in Manila, Philippines. No return date has been announced but he stated during an interview that the show was considered a success and a return would take place.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Former WWE performer Melina Perez denied rumors she has joined TNA Wrestling.

She tweeted Wednesday, “Everyone is so funny. I am not in TNA. If I go anywhere I would tell you all first!”

Her message is in response to a masked female combatant appearing at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

— Mr. Anderson is advertised face former WWE star MVP at Champions Showcase 2012, which takes place February 4, 2012 in Manila, Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum. More details are available here.

Other advertised talent include Carlito, Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Snitsky, Luke Gallows, Shane Helms, Rhino, Daivari, Jimmy Yang, Billy Gunn, April Hunter and Jillian Hall.

— Jesse Neal’s first post-TNA appearance takes place this Saturday in Orlando, Florida for I Believe in Wrestling. He is scheduled to face J.D. Amazing.

Former WWE talent Harry Smith will be among the troupe of wrestlers traveling to Mumbia, India this week to tape the first footage for TNA Wrestling’s planned debut on the television network Colors.

California based independent wrestler Joey Ryan announced Monday on Facebook that he will participate in the project. He wrote, “Beginning this week, I will be working for TNA Impact Wrestling on their upcoming India project. I want to publicly thank David Lagana and Jeff Jarrett for the opportunity.”

Canadian based independent tag team Bollywood Lions—Gurv Sihra and Harv Sihra—have also signed on for the project. Gurv wrote on Facebook, “Excited to announce that my brother Harv and I have been signed on to take part in TNA Wrestling’s upcoming project in Mumbai, India! Very blessed and fortunate for this opportunity!”

Footage of Bollywood Lions is available here.

Other talent reportedly scheduled for the project include Abyss, Alissa Flash, Arya Daivari, Chris Masters, Chavo Guerrero, Cliff Compton, Jimmy Rave, Luke Gallows, Matt Morgan, Nick Dinsmore, Shawn Daivari, Sonjay Dutt and Zema Ion.

sources: PWInsider.com, ProWrestling.net

— TNA Wrestling has announced Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe for next month’s Destination X pay-per-view.

The announcement was made in the Before The Bell promotional video.

Other matches slated to take place include an Ultimate X Match, Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn, AJ Styles vs. Daniels and Abyss vs. Brian Kendrick for the X Division Championship.

— TNA Wrestling’s subsidiary wrestling and racing hybrid league All Wheels Wrestling has announced all four team captains, three of which are former X Division stars.

Former TNA star Sonjay Dutt will captain Team 720. Former WWE performer Aaron Aguilera (a/k/a Jesus) will captain Team Dynamo. Former TNA X Division Champion Jay Lethal will captain Team Octane. Former WWE star Daivari will captain Team Defiance.

A pilot for the SPEED Channel is scheduled to be filmed next Wednesday at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida.

— Former WWE talent Shawn Daivari and Aaron Aguilera (a/k/a Jesus) were backstage at last night’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida, but not for TNA Wrestling. According to company sources, they are expected take part in the new All Wheels Wrestling promotion, which would combine motorcross racing and professional wrestling. The first taping is scheduled for June 29 at the Impact Wrestling Zone. It has been confirmed that Jeff Jarrett is backing the promotion.

— Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff posted the following online regarding Monday’s Impact Wrestling taping:

Hulk Hogan: “Sting is really turning it up,worked with him in a situation last night and I saw something come from him I’ve never seen before, he’s on HH”

Eric Bischoff: “Saw some magic last night at the iMPACT tapings in Orlando. Saw a fire in certain talent that I haven’t seen in YEARS! Announce team was on the money. Slowly, but surely we are going to get there!”

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Kevin Nash teased a return to TNA Wrestling last week—due to it appearing that WWE will not bring him back as a performer.

“WWE going young, he wrote on Twitter. “Your my fan base, sit on my ass or watch my buddy’s Sting ass?”

— The promotional poster for TNA Slammiversary, which features Eric Young, Kazarian, Daniels, Robert Roode, James Storm, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, has been released.

The synopsis reads: “Nearly a decade ago, it started as a dream that has became a reality. Join legends Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and The Icon Sting as the power struggle between Immortal and Fortune escalates to a new level of intensity. The World Championship is on the line and the very future of TNA is at stake. TNA presents Slammiversary LIVE! on Pay per View.”

— Former TNA Wrestling talent Shawn Daivari turned 27 years old yesterday.

— Hullk Hogan tweeted the following after Tuesday’s TNA iMPACT! tapings (airing 4/14):

“The taping of TNA on Tuesday was awesome ,feels like were starting to ride the big waves again HH”

— Former WWE talent Shawn Daivari worked last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida, beating independent wrestler Ricky Reyes via Death Valley Driver. He was announced as Shawn Daivari.

Over the weekend, Daivari denied reports that he had re-signed with TNA Wrestling. He didn’t, however, deny the report of him working this week’s iMPACT! tapings.

— For the week ending March 20, TNA iMPACT! beat both WWE Monday Night Raw and WWE SmackDown for the third consecutive week.

According to the Broadcasters Audience Research Board, TNA iMPACT! on Challenge TV drew 157,000 viewers, down 6,000 viewers from the previous week. Raw on Sky Sports 3 drew 156,000 viewers while SmackDown on Sky Sports 2 garnered 137,000.

TNA’s Victory Road pay-per-view event outdrew all WWE programming and equaled iMPACT! viewership with 157,000.

— TNAWrestling.com has posted new studio photos of Angelina Love.

— Shawn Daivari (a/k/a Sheik Abdul Bashir) has re-signed with TNA Wrestling, reports SuperLuchas.net. The former X Division Champion is expected to work this week’s iMPACT! tapings in Orlando, Florida.

Daivari parted ways with TNA Wrestling in December 2009 after requesting his release from the organization. Since that time he has appeared for Ring of Honor and numerous independent promotions.

— Kurt Angle attended a regional wrestling tournament yesterday in Bemidji, Minnesota. The Olympic Gold Medalist spoke to over 800 children and teens about proper training and education. Video footage is available here.

— Former TNA talent Raven and Daffney have been announced for WrestleReunion, which takes next Sunday at the Atlanta Marriott.

source: PWInsider.com

— WWE Magazine conducted a “Twitterview” with Dolph Ziggler this evening on the social networking site as he answered questions regarding Shawn Michaels’ retirement, WrestleMania, his hair, Simpsons, and much more.

When asked to give his pick to win NXT, he selected Heath Slater. It’s worth noting that during his response, he referred to David Otunga with the following: “And the one guy is simply here because he dates some chick that’s in magazines, he’s not even in the Diva’s league.”

Regarding Michaels’ retirement, he compared it to the last episode of Seinfeld.

“You don’t want it to end, and no matter how amazing and mindblowing it is, you don’t want it to end,” Ziggler said. “It still doesn’t seem like he’s gone, WWE has lost the greatest superstar ever, and a lot of guys, including me, have lost a great mind. I went out into the arena floor for that match, and it was amazing! He went out like no one else could or ever will!”

To read the interview in its entirety, visit www.NickNemeth.net.

— Former WWE star Shawn Daivari has launched an account on Twitter. You can keep up with his tweets at twitter.com/sdaivari. He posted an image of his home, which is quite large.

— NXT rookie Wade Barrett has posted a blog on WWEUniverse.com discussing his second place standing in NXT, WrestleMania and more.

— Recently released TNA performer Shawn Daivari (a/k/a Sheik Abdul Bashir) returned to Ring of Honor at Friday night’s television taping in Philadelphia.

The former WWE star cut a promo forsaking his previous gimmicks and ripped on the people of Philadelphia, saying he could walk away from guaranteed money because he was rich from working hard, unlike them.

His appearance will air on ROH on HDNet in a few weeks.

Daivari last appeared for Ring of Honor in July 2004.

— Ring of Honor announced today that Roderick Strong has signed a contract renewal with the organization.

“Roderick has grown into one of the foundations of Ring of Honor over the years.” said ROH Vice-President Sydney Eick. “We are very happy that he has elected to resign with ROH, and look forward to seeing just how far Strong can go in 2010 and beyond.”

— Here is a preview for the next episode of ROH on HDNET, which premieres tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST:

* Main Event: The American Wolves vs. The Young Bucks (click here to view a preview video)

* Interview with Tyler Black concerning ROH World Championship Match against Austin Aries in New York City

* Steve Corino and Kevin Steen vs. Alex Payne and Bobby Dempsey

* Dark City Fight Club in action

For more information on ROH on HDNet, click here.