– Gabi Castrovinci, who competed on Tough Enough over the summer and recently debuted on Impact Wrestling in a character role, wrestled her first match on Saturday.

Very prestigious title! . The Wonder of @wwr_stardom Championship @SantanaGarrett_ pic.twitter.com/13CeWZ5V3A

— Gabi Castrovinci (@GabrielaRio10) February 1, 2016

Such an honor to share the ring w/ @SantanaGarrett_ ty so much @TeamVisionDojo for the last min invite pic.twitter.com/lJmvMQfQuf

— Gabi Castrovinci (@GabrielaRio10) January 31, 2016

Challenging Santana Garrett for the Wonder of Stardom Championship at an I Believe in Wrestling event in Orlando, Florida, she lost in a little over two minutes. Castrovinci was a last minute replacement for Barbi Hayden, who did not make the show.

– Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie doesn’t think today’s Divas are “stars.”

Over the weekend, Chyna tweeted a highlight video of herself in WWE. Dawn Marie wrote in response, “Thats the difference between a STAR and the Girls Today.”

Thats the difference between a STAR and the Girls Today @MICHELEMUPO @WWEnetworkBEST @WWENetwork @WWENXT @TotalDivas https://t.co/ntmrFozYlQ

— Dawn Marie (@WWEDawnMarieECW) January 31, 2016

• New Wrestler Debuts At WWE NXT Live Event On Saturday (Photo)

– This week on WWE Inbox, Cody Rhodes and others talk about submission moves that can make a grown man cry. Plus, Superstars weigh in on who has the worst fashion sense in WWE.

– The official WWE website recently removed Dawn Marie from its Alumni page.

– Former WWE Diva Eve Torres announced on Twitter that she will appear on 12 News Phoenix Arizona Thursday at 4:00 p.m. She is in Phoenix this week teaching Gracie Survival Tactics to law enforcement.

Wrestler’s Rescue, a charitable organization founded by former WWE and ECW star Dawn Marie Psaltis Damatta in 2008 to raise money to support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers, has once come triggered allegations of fraud and embezzlement.

Former WWE Superstar “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala, whose real name is James Harris, released a video message Tuesday condemning Damatta as well as Dan Mirade of Boston-based independent wrestling promotion Millenium Wrestling Federation for raising money on his medical behalf that he has yet to receive. Damatta and her agent responded to his allegations Thursday via Twitter, where both claim Harris received a check in the amount of $500.00 but opted not to accept it.

Michele Mupo, Damatta’s agent, wrote on Twitter, “Kamala returned check issued by Wrestlers Rescue Certified because it wasn’t sent fast enough. Dawn Marie did what she said she would. Check for $500 was sent July 20,2012. Kamala refused it sent it back certified mail. HE LIED to get $$$$ never judge unless U have proof. Kamala returned check issued by Wrestlers Rescue Certified because it wasn’t sent fast enough. Dawn Marie did what she said she would.”

Mupo then tweeted a photo of a copy of the check purportedly sent to Harris on July 20, 2012, and noted, “Kamala is a liar!”

Mupo then tweeted a photo of a certified letter Damatta purportedly received Thursday, noting, “DAWN GOT THIS TODAY KAMALA REFUSED A $500 CHECK. FACT DAWN SENT THE CHECK. FACT KAMALA RECEIVED THE CHECK.”

Damatta added on Twitter, “Received my check from Kamala today certified mail. That means he did receive money from me but opted not to accept it. More news to come.”

Mupo also offered proof that Damatta submitted a Stop Payment request with her bank Thursday for the payment.

Brian Heffron, who worked alongside Damatta in ECW as Blue Meanie, questioned her proof; he stated the day before on Twitter that two years ago, she launched a similar campaign fund purported to assist fellow alumnus Jerry Lynn with back surgery bills but Lynn never received any money.

Heffron wrote in a series of tweets, “To ME the handwriting on Kamala’s check looks like his “handwriting” on the “return envelope”. If he sent it back while put a stop payment on it? Rip it up! Stop payment’s on checks cost at least $35. Why spend $35 that to stop a check in that’s in your hand?

“My friend and tag partner Nova, who RUNS a bank just told me this: “As someone who RUNS BANKS I can say I’ve never seen a voided check like that after a stop is issued, the check is dead and can’t be reversed. None of this makes sense. The guy with no legs turns away money because IT DIDNT GET THERE QUICK ENOUGH? I have an easier time believing that me and meanie are gonna get our ECW PPV checks soon!”

Wrestler’s Rescue, a charitable organization founded by Dawn Marie Psaltis in 2008 to raise money to support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers, is once again subject of scandal with rumors of embezzlement of funds by the former WWE Diva.

After former WWE Superstar “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala (real name James Harris) released a video message Tuesday condemning Psaltis and Dan Mirade of Boston-based independent wrestling promotion Millenium Wrestling Federation for raising money on his behalf that he has yet to receive, another embezzlement allegation was levied towards the retired women’s wrestler by one of her former colleagues.

Brian Heffron, who worked alongside Psaltis in Extreme Championship Wrestling as Blue Meanie, noted Wednesday on Twitter that two years ago, she launched a similar campaign fund meant to assist fellow alumnus Jerry Lynn with back surgery costs and was asked to donate an item for her to auction. Heffron, however, says Lynn was unaware of the campaign fund and noted that he never received money from Psaltis.

After posting a link to Harris’ video message, Heffron wrote, “I always had a feeling “Wrestler’s Rescue” was a scam since they aren’t a registered charity AND wrestler’s who they’ve collected for never got a dime that was supposed to get to them. 2 years ago I was asked to donate an item for auction for Jerry Lynn’s back surgery. He told me he didn’t know about and didn’t get a A DIME.”

He continues, “I always heard rumors “Wrestler’s Rescue” ripped off MY IDOL Steve Williams. Then I heard straight from Jerry Lynn he never received a penny. I never really thought of speaking out until I saw the video Kamala made. It’s a shame to collect money off off false pretenses.”

In June, Psaltis set up the “Kamala Campaign Fund” and said that money generated from the fund through auctions on their official website, WrestlersRescue.org (currently suspended by its hosting company), would assist Harris with “medical care, basic living costs and a myriad of other expenses as he transitions into a more handicapped-accessible world.” After claiming in the video that he has received nothing from Wrestler’s Rescue or Dawn Marie, Harris tells her to take any money she may have raised on his behalf “to Massachusetts and ram it up Dan Mirade’s ass.” He also wants Mirade to take any money he may have raised on his behalf “to New Jersey and ram it up Dawn Marie’s ass.”

Former WWE Superstar “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala (real name James Harris) released a video message Tuesday condemning two wrestling-based organizations that are claiming to raise money to aid his health recovery, but are only benefiting themselves.

Boston-based independent wrestling promotion Millenium Wrestling Federation has been offering a variety of merchandise to fans with a portion of the proceeds meant to assist Harris, who is struggling with complications from a double leg amputation. Harris says he has received nothing from the organization and specifically tells head Dan Mirade to take any money he may have raised on his behalf “to New Jersey and ram it up Dawn Marie’s ass.”

In response, Mirade issued a statement Wednesday verifying that a money order for the amount of $425.00 was issued last Friday. He also released the contents of an e-mail to Karl Lauer, Executive Vice President of Cauliflower Alley Club, Tuesday that showed the money order had been received and was on its way to Harris.

Mirade is requesting an apology from Harris after he “made the video knowing full well money was sent to him.” Mirade says Millenium Wrestling Federation plans to continue raising money for the former WWE Superstar on their August 19 and September 22 events and will assist him in getting the prosthetic right leg that his insurance company has refused to pay for.

Mirade also slams Harris in his lengthy response, which is available here: “SHAME ON YOU JAMES HARRIS. . . shame on you for not opening your eyes to see that you had people that cared enough to help you when almost NONE of your peers cared enough to hit a re-Tweet button. . . shame on you for trying to run my name and the MWF’s through the mud because you didn’t get your precious check as fast as you wanted to, waking people up at 6AM whining not even 48 hours after the event was over. Shame on you for hiding like a coward after the money was sent to you and trying to prevent people from seeing the truth. I don’t care if you were a WWE Superstar or a homeless person, you should be ashamed of yourself as a man. When I wake up and look in the mirror, I know the face looking back at me is one that cared and is one that did everything he could to help someone that needed it. The face staring back at me has character and integrity. HOW DARE YOU INSULT AND ATTACK ME AFTER ALL I DID FOR YOU, YOU GUTLESS PUSSY!! Grow a spine and be a man. Be grateful someone wanted and tried to help you, not piss on their efforts. What runs through James Harris’ mind would be a psychiatrist’s dream come true. Then again, I’m the guy that’s been working on this column for four hours.”

Wrestler’s Rescue, which was founded by Dawn Marie in 2008, has been a subject of scandal with rumors of embezzlement of funds by the former WWE Diva star. The group was the subject of multiple articles two years ago that questioned the validity of the charity (available here) .

Harris says he has received nothing from Wrestler’s Rescue or Dawn Marie and tells her to take any money she may have raised on his behalf “to Massachusetts and ram it up Dan Mirade’s ass.” He also says Dawn Marie claimed to have made a donation to “Dr. Death” Steve Williams after he passed away in December 2009, but offered no proof.

Wrestler’s Rescue received a donation from TNA Wrestling star Jeff Jarrett in the form of an autographed guitar that was to be auctioned off on their website, WrestlersRescue.org. The website, however, has been offline for weeks as it was suspended by its web host—likely due to unpaid server bills. Dawn Marie has offered no response to Harris’ claims.

– The July 9 episode of Raw SuperShow garnered a 3.2 cable rating off of hours of 3.11 and 3.22.

Although the rating was nearly identical to last week’s show (3.18), viewership was down. Monday’s show averaged 4.41 million viewers compared to 4.71 million the week before.

– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch and former WWE Diva Dawn Marie headline The Ultimate Wrestling Experience’s “Meltdown” event on July 21 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Sunny sent the following video message to Dawn Marie, as the two will be managing on opposite sides.

http://youtu.be/v9D_q-L9XAo

– Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags will appear at Ringers Roost 1801 W. Liberty St. Allentown, Pennsylvania from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Call 610-437-4941 for more information.

(source: PWInsider.com)

— Former WWE performer Sean Waltman was arrested and charged with drug possession on Sunday at the Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, reports the Wrestling Globe Newsletter. Airport officials processed him before eventually releasing him without bail.

— The Fassbender Funeral Home in Marquette, Michigan is holding a funeral service today for former WWE performer Mike Shaw (a/k/a Bastion Booger), who died Saturday at his home in Skandia at the age of 53. A cause of death was not given by the funeral home. (Article link)

— Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie was being followed by a film crew at Saturday’s Wrestling Reunion event in Rahway, New Jersey, reports pwinsider.com. It is said that she plans to pitch a reality show to the TLC cable network.

Former WWE performer Dawn Marie Damatta issued the following press release this evening responding to embezzlement allegations that have surfaced regarding her “Wrestler’s Rescue” charity organization.

An Open Letter from Dawn Marie

On behalf of myself, the Wrestlers’ Rescue organization, and the many volunteers and donors, I’d like to strenuously deny and condemn the false and baseless defamatory statements currently circulating concerning an alleged investigation and or corruption in Wrestlers’ Rescue. Not only are the accusations false they contain no merit and they are disrespectful to the volunteers who have invested their time, energies, and hearts into helping former professional wrestlers in need.

These statements (most of which appear to have begun following comments made by Mike Aldren) are defamatory and contain no basis or fact. These unfounded false allegations have put at risk our efforts to help the former stars who currently face major personal, medical, and financial crises. The damage these falsehoods may have done to real people (not wrestling “characters”) is immeasurable.

I am currently weighing options for an appropriate and comprehensive response. When I have decided on my best course of action, as well as exploring legal options on behalf of both myself and Wrestlers’ Rescue, I will address all allegations.

A full and complete refutation of all false claims will accompany our forthcoming formal response, in the courts and/or other venues. More importantly, though I wish to express the anger I feel that for the sake of a few web hits and some false ego-gratification, all those who spread his falsehoods as “truth” may have put at risk Wrestlers’ Rescue’s attempts to aid good and well-loved people facing enormously difficult circumstances.

Unfortunately, internet rumor mongers feel that they can tarnish people and an organization’s reputation without any evidence and still have impunity. It is truly shameful that I must even dignify these individuals who have nothing more than time and a computer, to address these harmful and baseless allegations.

I give thanks to all my friends and colleagues who have called and written to express their anger at this attack and their support of me. It is for people like you and not the Mike Aldren’s of the world that Wrestlers’ Rescue exists and will expand.

Dawn Marie

Dawn Marie Damatta, who performed for World Wrestling Entertainment from 2002 to 2005, admitted to the Connecticut Post that she used steroids during the course of her tenure in the organization.

“I chose to take that shortcut,” the former WWE Diva said. “Did Vince (McMahon) tell me to take that shortcut? No. Did WWE? No. Why did I do it? Because I thought that’s what I needed to do in order to keep up … There was no testing policy.”

Damatta feels one only needs to take a look at the physiques of present day WWE talent to know that steroid use is not as prevalent as it was in the past. She also believes the company’s drug testing policy has reduced the abuse of drugs such as painkillers, therefore saving lives. However, she feels Linda and Vince McMahon could do more to assist former talent.

“Wrestlers are taken as children, thrown into this industry and then we’re dumped back out as adults. There’s no learning in the world. We’re on the road, traveling, hustling, getting beat up,” Damatta said. “Where do I go? What do I put on a resume?”

The story on steroids in WWE and Damatta can be read here.

Some serious claims are being made towards former WWE performer Dawn Marie Damatta as she is being accused of embezzling her charitable organization, “Wrestlers Rescue.”

The organization, which was founded in 2008, creates awareness and helps raise money to support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers. However, former friends of Damatta say they are unaware of whom the organization has benefited and where the money raised has gone.

According to Wrestling Globe Newsletter editor and Sun writer Mike Aldren, Damatta has embezzled money raised by “Wrestlers Rescue” to fly herself to conventions around the United States so she can profit off of autograph signings. When questioned by Aldren, Damatta set her attorney on him, who admitted that “Wrestlers Rescue” is not a registered charity.

Aldren noted the following to author and activist Irvin Muchnick, which was posted on his blog: “Nobody seems to know where all the money has gone nor has anyone seemingly benefited from the money that Dawn has raised over the past three years. Her former friends have told me she uses the money to fly herself to conventions around the country so she can profit from autograph signings. She has agreements with several promoters where if she flies herself in she will get a free table to sell her merchandise. When I started asking reasonable questions, Dawn set her attorney on me, who admits Wrestlers Rescue is not a registered charity.”

This is not the first embezzlement accusation levied towards Damatta as two months ago, a host for the online radio show Hit the Ropes claimed that she was being investigated by the FBI for stealing money from “Wrestlers Rescue.” He said that she didn’t refund those who paid to attend the organization’s July 2010 fundraiser cruise after it was canceled in April.

The reason cited for the event’s cancellation was as follows: “It has come to our attention that there is a similar cruise event being held within a month of our event. Due to the fear of not having enough participants because of this we are withdrawing our fundraiser cruise.”

Last year, Damatta held a fundraiser to benefit “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, with the funds raised purportedly going towards the purchase of a hands-free medical device that would help him speak more easily after having his voice box removed during cancer surgery. The Hit the Ropes host claimed that she failed to assist Williams before his passing last December due to throat cancer.

He also claimed that she promised money to former WWF ring announcer Michael Porter, but failed to live to her word.

It’s worth noting that the official website of “Wrestlers Rescue,” www.wrestlersrescue.org, was suspended by its hosting provider for the past few days. It resurfaced online today.

Damatta was quoted by The New York Times for an article last week concerning Linda McMahon’s political campaign, which noted her charitable organization. She recalled attending an event a few years ago where retired wrestlers were signing autographs for fans and spotted ‘a legend of the sport’ (The Iron Sheik) dozing off behind an autograph table before his agent pushed him into the bathroom in a wheelchair.

“I said, ‘This man should be enjoying his life, he should be enjoying the fruits of his labor,’ ” Damatta said. “Instead, he is there signing autographs for $20.”

She subsequently launched “Wrestlers Rescue,” to help support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers.

— Bouts pitting Awesome Kong against former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James at Northeast Wrestling events this weekend will take place as originally advertised. The former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion previously contacted the promotion to inform them that she would be unable to compete due to a back injury. The promotion, however, announced today that she has since been medically cleared.

— Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie noted on her Twitter account yesterday that she will be releasing a press release soon discrediting all allegations levied towards her non-profit organization, Wrestlers Rescue.

“Worked on the press release that will prove all of the allegations against Wrestlers Rescue to be false. God luck liars! Try not to squirm.”

— Former WWE Diva Terri Runnels recently confirmed on her Facebook account that she is dating former ECW star New Jack. Here is a recent picture of the couple:

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus filmed a segment last year entitled “How Tough Are These Sports?” where she put her toughness to the test when she tried aerial ski jumping while being coached by professional freestyle skier Warren Shouldice. The segment aired during CTV’s recent broadcast of the Winter Olympics. To view photos of her experience, click here.

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle has posted a blog on her official website updating fans on her pregnancy.

“Pregnancy is going really well, approximately 10 weeks to go, give or take, and I am in the stage where I am getting excited and really anxious to meet her! Her nursery is almost done and preparing for our home birth. I just try and imagine what shell look like…i cant wait,” she wrote. “I’m working on scheduling the photoshoot towards the end of March. We waited a bit longer til my belly was bigger, I think it is ready!”

— Former WWE Divas Jazz, Dawn Marie and Molly Holly were honored for their contributions to women’s wrestling over the years at Women Superstars Uncensored’s Third Anniversary Show this past Saturday at the Ace Arena in New Jersey as they were inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame. For coverage of the event including interviews with Angelina Love, Alere Little Feather, April Hunter and more, click here.