TNA has announced the Bound For Gold match for the 10/2 Bound For Glory pay-per-view in Orlando.

No word yet on participants but they should be announced on tonight’s Impact.

The updated BFG card looks like this:

World Championship No Holds Barred Match: Lashley (c) vs. EC3

Tag Team Championship Match: The Decay (c) vs. The Hardys

Knockouts Championship Match: Maria (c) vs. Gail Kim

Bound For Gold Match

Impact Grand Championship Tournament Finals

Moose vs. Mike Bennett

https://youtu.be/s_VgjcitzxY

Nashville-based model and branding specialist McKenszie Mitchell is now handling the weekly Impact Breakview segment, looking back on this week’s episode.

Following Impact, here’s the final card for Sunday’s Slammiversary PPV:

• TNA Champion Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley (Submission or KO only)
• Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy (Full Metal Mayhem)
• Knockouts Champion Jade vs. Sienna
• Tag Team Champions The Decay vs. The Bromans
• X-Division Champion Trevor Lee vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Zema vs. Andrew Everett
• King of the Mountain champion Eli Drake vs. Bram
• Mike Bennett vs. EC3
• Maria Kanellis vs. Gail Kim
• Grado & Mahabali Shera vs. The Tribunal (with Al Snow)

Ethan Carter III crashed Saturday night’s EVOLVE 61 event at the end of Drew Galloway vs. Johnny Gargano — and cut a promo on Triple H, NXT, his time on the show and former head trainer Bill DeMott.

EC3 bragged on how he and Galloway went on to become world champions and Triple H blew it.

Video of EC3’s appearance can be seen below via Periscope. It appears EVOLVE is building to some matches with Galloway and EC3 vs. Gargano and TJ Perkins, who qualified for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic earlier on the show.

https://twitter.com/DeathToAllMarks/status/729115030113947648

https://twitter.com/GallowaySpeaks/status/729119213617557505

Drew McIntyre. Derrick Bateman. This means war. #EVOLVE61

— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) May 8, 2016

As noted earlier, Ethan Carter III has cancelled two UK appearances scheduled for next weekend. The former TNA Champion has since issued a statement clarifying the situation and explaining why he was forced to pull out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unvsKIzgtbQ

Next weekend, while most of the notable talent on the American pro wrestling scene (and a lot of names from elsewhere, as well) will be in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend, TNA’s Ethan Carter III was set to go to England for bookings with both Southside Wrestling and Preston City Wrestling. The promoters of the two groups are friends and generally split the transportation costs of international talent, so they tend to share each other’s outside names. Today, via nearly identical statements from both Southside and PCW that were posted on their respective websites, it was announced that TNA has pulled EC3 from both dates, telling PCW that ”Unfortunately nothing can be done. This is a network commitment and something he had no control over.”

As of this writing, it’s unclear exactly what kind of “network commitment for Pop TV (or perhaps an international partner like Sony Six in India) came up. The same goes for why it necessitated EC3 being pulled from his WrestleMania weekend bookings on eight days’ notice. The Southside statement said that they were told EC3 was needed to do “media work.”

Being that the show is WrestleMania weekend and just about every suitable replacement you can think of is already booked in Dallas on at least one of the many area independent shows, this is a much more difficult to solve problem than even a normal short notice pull-out for an international guest star. In his statement, PCW wonder Steven Fludder noted this issue, but promised the fans that “I have worked hard to secure somebody and subject to him finding his passport we may have another guest from the USA.” The other international fly-ins who are booked on the show (Ken Anderson , Cedric Alexander , Angelico , Eddie Kingston, and Jade) are still appearing.

This is the second time in the last several months that TNA has pulled EC3 from UK bookings on short notice, the previous occasion being so he could go do promotional work for TNA’s tour of China. You may remember that TNA’s tour of China ended up never happening. At PWInsider.com, Mike Johnson explained that according to his TNA sources, the latest cancellation was complicated by EC3 being booked directly instead of through the TNA office. Apparently, TNA took the stance that there was nothing they could really do, whereas they tried to make the situation right when James Storm (who must be booked through TNA per the terms of his new contract) had to be pulled for similar reasons this week.

Of course, just because TNA felt no obligation to help PCW and Southside doesn’t mean they couldn’t have tried to find out who was available this week that would be a suitable replacement for EC3. That said, as Dave Meltzer noted at F4WOnline.com, the most suitable replacements under TNA contract are already booked. The Hardys and Drew Galloway will be in Dallas. Bobby Lashley will be in Mexico, but that’s on Wednesday so he might be able to be freed up.

Former TNA World Champion Ethan Carter III recently appeared on Ring Rust Radio. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The Locker Room’s Reaction To Impact Moving To Pop TV:

“I think the talents been there and the creative has been on point. A lot of the guys that are getting the chance now that might not have before are either new, or I don’t want to say weren’t getting it before, but weren’t embracing the opportunity they had. No one is bigger than the business or bigger than the company. We are all gears in the machine and these guys wanted to be gears so bad that when they got put in the machine, they have been knocking it out. The locker room as it stands right now, the morale is high, everyone is in it together, it’s a team atmosphere and we are very proud of what we are doing. I think that shows in the product. Right now there are no bad eggs per say, no downers, and no frowny faces. Everyone is very excited to go to work and achieve something.”

What TNA Is Doing Right & What They Can Improve:

“What I think we are doing great is continuity, character development and stories that are logical and make sense. We are progressing beyond the typical “boo a guy” and “cheer a guy” because they are bad or good. Characters have motivations and reasons for what they do and the talent has the opportunity to embrace that character and make it their own and run with it. I think that’s what we’re doing really well and that’s what we need to continue to focus on. To get better we cannot rest on a laurels or success. We can’t think that people are saying the shows really good now so we can stop. No we can’t. We have to work harder and we have to do better to continue improvement and continue to focus. All rolls up into a nice little package and were off to the races with a pretty good wrestling show, so rock ‘n roll with that.”

Daniel Bryan’s Retirement:

“Daniel Bryan the man is one of the best dudes ever. He is the best dude, I don’t know how to describe it. He is the most well-respected wrestler and just the best dude. Can I say best dude again because I will, he is the best dude. It’s very unfortunate to lose a guy especially because we don’t even know if he hit prime with how good he was. Concussions are scary and dangerous, this business is dangerous, and we lost one of our best, if not the best.

“It’s very sad, but I am very happy because I know that guy will succeed no matter what he does. Hope for him to have a great future which I know he will, and he’s got a hot wife so what can really go wrong? I’ll miss him dearly, but I mean what a legacy he left. A trendsetter who broke down the doors to so many different things; a model of inspiration to anyone who loves wrestling or wanted to be a pro wrestler. Bless him and Godspeed DB.”

How Working With Kurt Angle Has Affected His Career:

“I only got into wrestling because of Kurt Angle. He was my favorite at the time when I was in my early teens and I wanted to do what he did for a living. So he was a guy I was watching and studying, so someday I would have the chance to be able to work with him at a high level for a world title. That was my dream match and I got to have it. So seeing him go sucks, and it really does suck because we all respect him greatly. He’s a cool uncle in the locker room; we love him and were going to miss him.

Working with him is a great honor in my life, and not only working with him, but being able to go out there and tell a story of him symbolically passing me the torch. From the things he said to me afterwards and the care he took with me, telling me things, talking business, talking shop, he didn’t need to do any of that and he went out of his way to really help me out and stick up for me. He helped pay the way for me, so to speak. I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for Kurt Angle. I’m going to miss him and especially going to miss because I want to have one more match and I didn’t get to have it so that’s unfortunate.”

A new TNA Champion was crowned at Friday night’s Impact Wrestling tapings from Bethlehem, PA in a match that featured an unexpected double turn.

Matt Hardy defeated Ethan Carter III to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion, turning heel and aligning himself with Tyrus. EC3 turned babyface after suffering the first clean loss of his TNA career.

The Hardy-EC3 match featuring the double turn angle and title change, which TNA has been hyping this week as a “Career vs. Title” match, is expected to air on the Tuesday, January 26th episode of Impact Wrestling on POP TV.

Make sure to visit SEScoops.com on Saturday morning for a complete report from tonight’s TNA television tapings, including a detailed rundown of the entire Hardy-EC3 match and angle from earlier this evening.

• PHOTOS: TONS Of Pics Of RONDA ROUSEY In NEW, 2016 S.I. Swimsuit Issue

Former TNA World ChampionEthan Carter III joined The Rack radio show on Thursday night, where he discussed Impact Wrestling moving to Pop TV, TNA’s World Title Series, TNA’s ability to try new things, what 2016 has in store for him and much more. You can listen to the 12-minute interview at Wildtalkradio.com. Here are the highlights of what EC3 said about:

Impact Wrestling’s moving to Pop TV:

“I’m very excited for the move. I mean, Pop TV has already shown their going to be a great partner to ‘tag team’ with. They’re very excited to have us and their slogan is ‘We’re fans too’ and I think that’s very good and resembles the product that we bring because we’re fans of what we do too. So, I think combining those two companies: that network and this product, I think it will be a great, great matrimony of fun and pleasure and wonderful entertainment.”

The Live Premiere on January 5th:

“I love doing TV and I love doing it live because you can’t make a mistake. Everything has to be perfect and everything has to be pristine and it adds a little bit of pressure to what you are doing but pressure is good- it makes you better and January 5th live on Pop TV, our first episode is going to be blockbuster and gangbusters and I’m very much looking forward to opening the show as the 2-time, unbeaten, World Heavyweight Champion, first time in wrestling history. It’s pretty cool.”

Being “Thrown Into” The World Heavyweight Championship Series:

“That’s great verbiage- ‘unjustly thrown into it’. The whole Title series shouldn’t even be taking place, I should just have been given back the World Title as I was robbed of it, but alas it is taking place and I can’t change that- the only thing I can do is win the whole frickin thing.”

The concept behind the World Title Series and so many people being included:

“I mean the World Title Series in wrestling, the people vying for the top championship of the promotion is only a handful of guys, 3 or 4 maybe. Right now, 32 people had an opportunity to show their worth and get a chance to be a World Heavyweight Champion. We’re whittling it down to the Round of 16, after this Wednesday, there will be 16 people and a lot is on the line and a lot of people to impress but it’s an interesting concept- everyone had an opportunity, everyone gets a shot and if you’re into everyone having an opportunity and a fair shot, it’s very cool. Me, personally, I’m only into me getting a fair shot but alas, I’m not the one making the decisions; great for everyone else but me.”

TNA’s ability to try new things:

“I love the idea. It’s 2015, going on 2016- it’s very hard to be innovative in entertainment and trying new thing and thinking outside the box while not resting on the laurels of the past and what’s cool about it is we have the opportunity to try new things and I think it’s been a far greater success than anyone has anticipated.”

What 2016 holds for EC3:

“I would mark 2015 down as the best year of my life. Now, I beat a couple of legends, became World Heavyweight Champion, ascended to the very top of the industry, I got two cats- that was a big deal in 2015. Again, very big year for me, but you can’t rest on what you did in the past and 2016 is a whole new year. There’s more pressure on me and people will be chasing after me and I welcome that challenge and looking forward to that very much. As far as my personal goals, I mean, winning the World Title Series, capping off the year being two-time unbeaten Champion, opening the show January 5th live on Pop TV on Impact Wrestling as the World Heavyweight Champion and then holding it for the whole calendar year; that’s my goals.”

His favorite & least favorite opponents in TNA:

“I have a favorite and a least favorite. My favorite would be Kurt Angle because he’s the greatest wrestler to have ever lived and I was able to learn a lot by overcoming the odds and defeating him, so that would be the greatest. And my least favorite would have to be Matt Hardy because all of this misery is because of him. He’s conniving and generally evil, I dislike him very much and I look forward to being the one person to knock him out of the World Title Series and then out of wrestling in general.”

You can follow Ethan through his Twitter (@EthanCarterTNA) or visit his website (http://therealec3.com) for his latest news and notes. You can follow Ethan and the other stars of TNA Impact Wrestling Wednesday Nights at 9:00 pm on Destination America and then starting on January 5th you can see the stars of TNA on Tuesdays nights at 9:00 pm on Pop TV. Check your local cable listings for local times, channel availability as well as the latest card information.

https://youtu.be/iFNGzUbCZ7w

TNA star Ethan Carter III recently spoke with Busted Open Radio about what makes him such a good heel in the business right now.

During the interview, EC3 revealed his take on the reason he’s an exceptional heel compared to other “bad guys” in the business.

“I just don’t do cool moves. I know what you guys are saying and it’s very difficult, in this day and age especially, because some of the audience is – they like their villains, they like their antagonists. Probably because when you play that role, you can come out of your shell a lot more and maybe – I don’t want to say be more entertaining – be outside yourself more, be out there more. Some fans attract to that, but when people boo me, that was a compliment because I work to get those….Most of the time the fans enjoy booing me and it’s not negative ‘They don’t want to see me’. It’s they want to see me get what’s coming to me and I think that’s really important.”

He also shared his thoughts on why heels in wrestling aren’t getting as much heat as they probably should.

“I think a lot of times a lot of guys coming up – the guys that you’re supposed to cheer, the guys that you’re supposed to boo – the guys that you’re supposed to boo are doing heroic things and very impressive things and it’s hard to dislike a guy who’s beating everybody cleanly with his finish. It’s hard to dislike a guy who’s spouting off funny comments when he grabs a guy in a hold, you know? It’s hard to dislike that because it’s entertaining. It’s very hard to dislike cool-ass moves because they’re cool-ass moves and cool-ass moves are cool. If you’re an antagonist that’s cool, it kind of defeats the purpose a little bit so for me, personally, I try to stay away from that. I try to see where other heels, bad guys, villains are going and what they’re doing and I just try to be the opposite of it as much as possible. But even for me, when I’m doing promos, wrestling matches, it comes to a time where I have to do things to at least have some credibility attached to what I’m doing. It’s a very slippery slope as well, but I just got to find the right balance, I think.”

• Video: Emotional Footage Of Ronda Rousey’s Family Watching Her Get KO’d

TNA performer Tyrus, formerly known as Brodus Clay in WWE, recently took some time to speak with the folks at Ring Rust Radio about his career. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On branching off from his bodyguard role to having a run as a singles wrestler: “The one thing I have learned in trying to be successful in this business is timing. Sometimes you are a fly on the wall but really you have your own personal agenda. You have to play the game the way that they play it. It’s always been my plan whether it’s been to be a tag team partner and get the tag team gold or a singles championship, that’s always been my mind set and that’s what I train for and I’m willing to work my ass off to put myself in that position. Sometimes with politics being what it is, sometimes you have to sneak in underneath their noses then all of a sudden they can’t do anything about it. When EC3 came to me and said he needed help I said I would get his back and help him get to the championship and I have done that. Now I am looking at things differently since I have accomplished that goal and helped my friend out.”

On what makes his partnership with Ethan Carter III work and where does he rank amongst those he’s worked with: “For one, we are complete opposites. I talk loud and he talks loud but he really isn’t saying anything, like he is always talking. He is pampered obviously and I have come from a rougher upbringing. I don’t have a lot of family support where he has been coddled from day one. Like if his Mom and Dad aren’t in the audience then he has an aunt or uncle or cousin there. The guy’s family list just goes on and on and it doesn’t hurt that Dixie is his Aunt, that kind of helps a little bit. I’m sure his job interview went a lot smoother than mine did. At the same time though, we both do push each other. We both train hard, work that hard knocks style, we experience the ups and downs and just handle people in different ways. As far as people I have worked with I think he is one of the most creative guys I have worked with. A lot goes into being EC3 and Tyrus and you would be surprised how some of those conversations go. We understand where we are at and he has gone on record a lot of times saying I have taken a lot of bullets for him character wise. Overall, I would say we are the top of TNA. Even with the invasion going on it didn’t even faze us nor have anything to do with us. PJ Black got a title shot and he handled it well. I don’t want to say an easy defense cause PJ Black is one of the best in the world, he definitely showed up and that was one of his defining moments. He wrestled a guy from another place he didn’t really expect to wrestle and went out there and beat him clean. Technically he should have both titles around his waist but I don’t make those decisions. I have been in there with some really good guys with a lot of experience, but as far as creative I would say EC3 is definitely the most creative.”

On going from WWE to TNA and what went into his decision to sign with Impact Wrestling: “The biggest thing to me, and I had the opportunity to sign with other companies, it was the overall professionalism. A big thing to me was to be able to be in a situation where I could speak my mind freely especially when it came to my character. Get the actual right feedback and not have too many chefs in the kitchen and allow me to be me. They didn’t plug me with a bunch of false promises and wild stories. Dixie said we would like to have you here and just do your thing and that was enough for me. I enjoy the family atmosphere and everyone in back is very close with one another. I fit in right away and the locker room is just outstanding here. You can hear a lot of things from the outside but it’s generally a very positive place to work with everyone pulling for each other to do great work even if you disagree with each other. Perfect example is I can’t stand Matt Hardy to save my life but he is one of my biggest supporters even if the night before I was bouncing him all over the ring. As wrestlers we may hate each other in the ring but we still want each other to do well and I think that’s the difference in TNA. Maybe in other companies you wouldn’t see guys so positive for each other even when they disagree or stand in the way of championships or dreams and things like that.”

On whether the Brodus Clay “Funkasaurus” gimmick ultimately helped you or hurt him in the long run: “First of all, when you are a little kid and you say someday you want to be a football player and a wrestler and all this stuff. Then your Mom looks at you and just says yea whatever, all right. If you remember that’s what your dream was, it didn’t matter what they asked me to do or what they threw at me, I still was given the chance to go out in the ring and entertain and do what I do. The Funkasaurus character was great and it taught me about being humble, about the character, about not being concerned with what people think you should be. If you’re good at what you do regardless of what is thrown in front of you, you will make it work. It was a challenge for me and lucky for me, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes worked with me and helped me make that work. Even to the point of working better than what people were expecting from the character. Sometimes when things get bigger than they thought they take it the wrong way. I enjoyed that time and even now that it’s still being talked about goes to show it was a good character and I enjoyed it. Tyrus is what I enjoy doing and I think at some point there may be a marriage of the two but I don’t miss the dancing character as much with the character.”

Check out the complete interview at BlogTalkRadio.com.

• Well-Known UFC Star BADLY Breaks Hand, Posts GRAPHIC Post-Surgery Photos!

TNA Impact Wrestling on Destination America
Taped in June at Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios
Report by Jason Powell and ProWrestling.net

[Q1] Impact opened with a recap from last week of Dixie Carter speaking to EC3… Josh Mathews and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero were on commentary… Dixie Carter stood in the ring and the TNA wrestlers were standing around it. She spoke about how the fans cheered when she was powerbombed through a table by Bully Ray. She said she asked herself how it got to that point.

Dixie apologized to the fans. She said she is sorry for a lot of things, but she doesn’t regret going through the table and breaking her back. She said she developed respect for what the wrestlers do day in and day out. She spoke about how she had to make a decision to put someone in charge of the company.

EC3’s music eventually interrupted Dixie. EC3 and Tyrus stood on the stage. EC3 demanded to know who she chose. Dixie said she had to make the decision and now he was going to meet “the law.”

Bully Ray made his entrance wearing street clothes. He noted that it was odd to see him and Dixie in the same ring together. He said he took her phone call and the first thing she said was that she was sorry. He asked what she was sorry for. He recalled her saying that she’s sorry for letting everyone down.

Bully said he’s happy to be back with what he considers to be the best locker room in the business. He said he’s also angry. He said he was coming back for the fans and the wrestlers. He said he didn’t like that they were standing on the floor because it made it seem like they were beneath him and Dixie. Bully had the wrestlers stand on the ring apron.

Bully spoke about how everyone in the company cares and they still care despite all of the things that Dixie put them through. “You came clean,” Bully said. “It’s good enough for me, but I’m not making the decision, I’m leaving the decision up to them.” Bully asked the fans if they want him to come in and bring TNA back to the promised land.

Bully said he wasn’t going to hug or kiss Dixie, but he would shake her hand and accept the position. He said it was time to do what TNA does best – have a great wrestling show. Bully said he didn’t forget about EC3 and told him that he would defend his title tonight against the winner of a 20-man battle royal that would start immediately.

[Q2] [C] 1. 20-man battle royal. Norv Fernum was the first match eliminated. Crazzy Steve was out next. Mark Andrews was eliminated. Shark Boy was out next. They cut to commercial at 4:45. [C]

After the break, they aired replays of some of the eliminations and Mathews noted that you never know what will happen in a battle royal and that most of the wrestlers were eliminated during the break. The match was down to Eric Young, Drew Galloway, and MVP.

Young tried to dump MVP and Galloway at the same time. MVP was eliminated, but Galloway saved himself, so the match came down to Young and Galloway.

[Q3] Galloway ended up performing a running one-legged kick on Young that sent Young over the top rope to eliminate him from the match…

Drew Galloway won a battle royal in 11:40 to earn a TNA Title shot.

A TNA Hall of Fame video aired. It recapped Sting being the first entrant in 2012… The broadcast team spoke in the studio about Sting being in the Hall of Fame and hyped that Dixie Carter would announce the 2015 member next week. The announcers also recapped Bram hitting Mr. Anderson with a mic and spoke about what a dangerous man he is…

The broadcast team set up Mike Tenay’s interview with Mr. Anderson. Tenay said there have been a lot of rumors about Anderson’s future in the wrestling business. Wait, since when? Anyway, Anderson said he’s 39 years-old and feels better than he has in ten years.

Anderson spoke about how the potential of being injured at the hands of Bram. He said Bram doesn’t care about his wellbeing or his children’s wellbeing. Anderson said Bram is a dark individual. He said he can also go there and if he does it will be ugly. “The fact of the matter is…I don’t know,” Anderson said. “I don’t know”.

Backstage, Rockstar Spud approached Bully Ray, who worked in a fat joke about Tommy Dreamer. Spud said he’s in a different place now. He said he lost to Angle and is no longer the X Division Champion. Ray asked why he was so down on himself.

Ray said Spud lost to Angle and said “we all have” lost to Angle. He said Spud should be happy that he hung with Angle. He said he knew that Spud had “it” the first time he saw him. Ray booked Spud in an X Division Title match. Spud hugged Ray and then ran off excitedly… [C]

A Hall of Fame video package focussed on Kurt Angle’s induction in 2013… The broadcast team recapped the battle royal that opened the show…

The backstage interviewer asked Galloway what’s going through his mind heading into his TNA Title match. Galloway spoke about how this is his destiny and he’s going to be the TNA Champion. Eli Drake approached him and said he’s on a roll and then told him to go out there and make history… [C]

The brief X Division video aired and then Christy Hemme handled the introductions for the X Division Title match…

[Q4] 2. Tigre Uno vs. Rockstar Spud vs. Grado vs. DJ Z in a four-way for the X Division Championship. There was a comedy spot with Spud and Grado throwing punches at Z. They stopped and did big windups, then acted like they thought they thought the other man was going to hit the big blow. The crowd didn’t seem all that amused.

Uno took control and performed a dive over the top rope and onto Spud and Z at ringside. Uno followed up with a corkscrew moonsault(?) onto the knee of Grado and pinned him to win the match…

Tigre Uno defeated Rockstar Spud, Grado, and DJ Z in 4:05 to retain the X Division Championship.

A Doll Houe and Gail Kim video aired… [C]

The Knockouts video with the annoying theme music played, and then Christy Hemme introduced the title match participants. Yes, Brooke bent over and shook her ass again when she was introduced.

[Q5] 3. Taryn Terrell (w/Marti, Jade) vs. Brooke. Marti and Jade roughed up Brooke at ringside while the referee was tangled up with Taryn inside the ring. At 4:45, Taryn performed a high cross body block for a two count. Marti and Jade got involved again and shoved Brooke off the top rope.

The lights went out and Gail Kim appeared in an all black outfit when the lights were turned on. Gail roughed up Marti and Jade at ringside briefly. The lights went out and Gail disappeared. Brooke performed a clunky facebuster, which she calls the butter face maker, and then pinned Taryn to win the title. Mathews noted that Brooke’s 238-day title reign is over…

Brooke defeated Taryn Terrell in 7:35 to win the TNA Knockouts Championship.

Backstage, Kurt Angle seemed in favor of Bully Ray being in charge because they are both world class wrestlers. He said he went to Ray with an idea and he liked it, but someone else would not like it when he makes it after the break… [C]

Kurt Angle made his entrance for an in-ring promo. Angle said he’s not ashamed to admit that he lost in the middle of the ring to EC3. “The kid is good, he’s got a lot of talent, championship caliber,” Angle said. However, Angle said he had a problem with EC3 getting himself disqualified during his rematch.

[Q6] Angle said he went to Bully Ray. He said they don’t see eye to eye, but Ray respects him enough to hear him out. Angle said Ray told him the rematch never happened and Angle will get another rematch when he wants it.

Angle said he went to the doctor over the weekend and was diagnosed with a tumor in his neck. Angle said he would be having surgery and would be out for a little while. Angle said he has his title match to look forward to once he gets back. Angle thanked Ray for the title shot and said he loves him. Angle thanked the fans for supporting his quest to win the title again.

Before Angle could leave, Eric Young made his entrance. Once in the ring, Young told Angle that he would have to start telling the truth. Young said EC3 didn’t beat Angle, he did. Young spoke about how many times he pile drove Angle, then asked how many piledrivers does his neck have left.

Young said he wanted to take credit for Angle’s neck tumor, but it’s actually nature telling him that it’s time for him to pack it in. Young said maybe the next time he pile drives Angle he never comes back.

Young said Angle’s absence isn’t going to be enough, he wants him gone for good. Young punched Angle and then attempted to give him a piledriver, but Angle fought him off. They fought to ringside. Young set up for the move again, but Chris Melendez came out and Young backed off.

When Melendez turned his attention to Angle, Young attacked him. Young gave Melendez a piledriver on the floor. Young came up bleeding around the eye from what seemed to be a minor cut… Pope hyped EC3 vs. Galloway for later in the show, and Mathews hyped footage of Magnus vs. James Storm in an unsanctioned match from Slammiversary… [C]

The broadcast team set up the James Storm vs. Magnus match from Slammiversary. The ring entrances were shown and then the match began.

[Q7] The conclusion of the Storm vs. Magnus match aired a couple of minutes into this quarter-hour… Footage aired of a Mickie James promo from two weeks ago, and then Storm talking about about how there’s always room for one more in his faction while Khoya stood behind him. Storm said his tag partner is someone very close to Mickie. He took a phone call from this person and answered, “Hello, beautiful.” Mathews hyped the tag match with Storm and his partner vs. Magnus and Mickie for two weeks from now.

Backstage, EC3 told Bully Ray that he wanted to work with him. He said he’s the TNA Champion and that’s a great responsibility. EC3 said he defended the title three times last week and that was very exhausting. He said he feels they should push his title match with Galloway back a week.

Bully said he values his opinion and would take it under advisement, then told him the answer is no. Bully said EC3 is the champion and needs to act like one. He told him to stop complaining and find a way to get the job done… The broadcast team hyped the match… [C]

Ring entrances for the main event took place…

[Q8] 4. EC3 (w/Tyrus) vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA Championship. Galloway got the better of EC3 early and they fought at ringside. Galloway slammed EC3 on the ring apron, but Tyrus clotheslined Galloway. Eli Drake headed to ringside on crutches. Mathews said Drake evened the odds. [C]

EC3 was in control coming out of the break. Galloway chopped him and the announcers noted that EC3’s chest was flaring up from the chops. EC3 quickly regained control. Galloway fought back, but EC3 put him down with a heel trip and got a two count.

Galloway made his comeback and performed a clothesline off the ropes for a two count. He followed up by picking up EC3 and dropping him on the top rope, then kicking him. They traded punches and then Galloway performed a power slam for a two count.

Mathews noted that The Rising was forced to disband, but it doesn’t prevent Drake from supporting Galloway in this manner. Galloway went to the corner and set up for a move. Tyrus grabbed his foot momentarily to distract him, then EC3 performed chops that Galloway no-sold. Galloway spun EC3 around and chopped and punched him.

It wouldn’t be a TNA Title match without a ref bump. This time, Galloway accidentally caught the referee with an elbow. EC3 low blowed Galloway. Tyrus entered the ring. Drake came in and hopped on one foot while keeping Tyrus back with a crutch.

Eventually, Drake struck Galloway with the crutch and then showed that there was nothing wrong with his knee. Once Drake left the ring, EC3 performed the One Percenter for the win…

EC3 defeated Drew Galloway in 14:50 to retain the TNA Title.

• SPOILER: TOP WWE Legend Set For SURPRISE RETURN At Monday’s RAW!

Rockstar Spud recently sat down for an interview with Tom Feaheny. Below are some of the highlights.

On his feud with EC3 and their fight in London: “We didn’t want to go in their and give a good match. What’s wrong with the pro wrestling business now a days is everyone wants to deliver a great match, five star wrestling match, with me that doesn’t draw money. What got me is the emotional connection between two characters to that moment there, the biggest moment in their Impact Wrestling careers. There I was bleeding and the crowd are going mad, that’s wrestling if not with your eyes, it’s love and hate, good vs. evil.”

On Billy Corgan: “He’s a good guy, he’s offering an opinion out of the wrestling bubble. I’ve had several chats with him and he’s a pro-wrestling fan, that’s what we all are. We could talk each other’s ear off and back in the day. He is a wonderful addition to the team, I’m looking forward to working more with him.”

On wrestling in 2016 in Birmingham during the UK tour: “I used to work by the arena in Birmingham, I used to stare out the window, dreaming of wrestling in it, EC3 V Rockstar Spud has not had it’s conclusion yet, if we go to Birmingham and he’s still champion I want EC3 V Rockstar Spud, I want to be the first Birmingham World Heavyweight Champion, the history we have is money, I’m throwing out the challenge now.”

On his next goal and who he would like to wrestle next: “For me the X-Division championship was a goal I have achieved, now it is time for a new goal. I want to be the World Heavyweight Champion, names I’d like to face Bram, Eric Young, Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode, guys we have on our roster are superior to anywhere else in the world.”

On plans for a British PPV: “It would be amazing if TNA got a PPV a Slammiversary, a Bound For Glory, Lockdown maybe, I know some things are in the pipeline, there are things in the works, we’ve already had a live PPV on British TV that was aired in the U.S., eventually there will be some great news.”

• *NEW* — PHOTO Of THE UNDERTAKER Working Out At The Gym! [>>]

TNA World Champion Ethan Carter III recently spoke with the Phoenix New Times to promote Clickjab’s Summer Bash event. Below are some of the highlights.

On working with Kurt Angle: “It’s been the greatest honor of my life to be able to work with that man and do what we did together. It’s not often you get to have the dream match you envisioned when you were 8… a child watching wrestling. If it wasn’t for Kurt Angle, I would’ve never made it this far because I never would have pursued wrestling because he’s the kind of guy… the guy that made me love it. And to have that match with those stakes on the line, it meant the world to me.”

On if he was disappointed that his match with Kurt Angle was on TV instead of PPV: “You know, we’re at a point in the business where, I mean, everything leading up to that match has been perfect in the build for it that I couldn’t be disappointed, per se. The only thing is that the crowd at Slammiversary was so good that I would’ve liked to have that match in front of that crowd, but I think the crowd we had was great as well. So it ended up not really mattering. But we had a very special crowd at Slammiversary, there was a lot of loyals and die-hard that could’ve made that match [better], if it could’ve been made it any better, which it couldn’t have been.”

On getting a shout out from Seth Rollins after his win: “For him to do that… it was cool, because the way WWE handles social media and tries not to say anything else about any other [wrestling] company. You know, I got a lot of texts from a lot of those guys, but [Seth] went out on social media and said that. That meant a lot to me because we did both go through the [WWE developmental] system together and we have a ton of respect for each other and he’s awesome. It was cool that he went out of his way to do that.

“You think about world champions — he’s WWE world heavyweight champion and I’m TNA world champion and I think that banter between the two of us is pretty special from a respect standpoint. It’s between two hard-working professionals who fully respect where each other came from and the work ethic we both have to be represented by our respective companies.”

On if he feels vindicated after being cut by WWE: “You know, every second of every day I’m motivated by whatever’s happened to me in the past. It’s vindication, in a sense, but my vindication’s coming just being successful with where I am and who I represent. My vindcation came when these people gave me an opportunity and they believed in me, invested in me, and hopefully I paid off for them.”

On his undefeated streak versus Goldberg’s: “I think it’s two completely separate entities. Goldberg was a monster babyface who ran through the competition, while EC3 is an entitled, smarmy kind of a jerk who lucked into a lot his [success] but has become battle-tested in the process and has solidified himself. But we’re two different entities. He’s a monster and I’m a champion that doesn’t lose, but there’s been some help along the way. I can hang, but sometimes I choose not to.”

On Pro Wrestling Illustrated no longer recognizing the TNA World Title: “The wrestling business is speculative. If they were a governing body of any sort of promotion in wrestling, maybe it would be something .But to me, that’s just outside noise and does not affect me one bit. If they don’t think I’m a world champion, they could talk to me about it, I can tell them why, and we could respectfully disagree. But, it doesn’t affect my business one bit, it doesn’t affect my paycheck one bit, it doesn’t affect my company one bit, and just as if I said, “PWI isn’t legitimate wrestling journalism,” it would not affect their business, it would not affect their paychecks, it doesn’t affect anything. It’s all opinion based. And everyone’s warranted to their opinion.”

On rumors that TNA morale is down due to the uncertainty with the company: “Well, my morale’s high as can frickin’ be, isn’t it? Look, a lot of people read into rumors that may come from unwarranted sources. This is all speculation. As far as I know, the people that want to be there are going to be there, they’re in it to win it, and they are motivated, and their morale is where it should be. Morale’s based on what you bring up yourself, and if you have low morale, then maybe you shouldn’t be there. And if your morale’s high and you want to work hard and succeed, then you should.

Of course, their all rumors, because rumors aren’t based in truth. The thing about [TNA], people just tend to believe ’em — unwarranted, unjustified. And that’s fine. I can handle any rumor we have.”

On if he thinks TNA will go out of business if they lose Destination America in September: “No. Why would I think that? We’re internationally in so many markets. Domestically, do I know what the direct future holds? I have a pretty good idea, and I think we’re going to be just fine. But people have been saying this company has been going out of business for 13 years and it continues to go. We’re doing some of our best work now and the people doing it won’t let it fail.”

On if he has a backup plan just in case: “Why do I need one? I just said no. TNA isn’t going anywhere.”

Check out the complete interview at PhoenixNewTimes.com.

• BACKSTAGE NEWS: USA Network UPSET w/ WWE Over Tough Enough!

Thanks to F4WOnline.com for the following report …

We get a long recap of the EC3-Angle match from last week, with new camera angles. EC3 is shown holding the belt up last week, and comes out with it now. Josh hypes up a new day for TNA, but sadly didn’t use clap therapy for it. EC3 says he’s unbeaten and the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Tyrus holds the belt up for him and EC3 says that Dixie’s returning and has put him in charge tonight. He’s booked a heck of a card and will defend his title EC3-times tonight!

Matt Hardy comes down and wants a title match. He asks for a Twitter campaign here on this taped show. EC3 asks Tyrus if he likes the idea of #mattforchamp, and Tyrus disagrees while a giant “yes” chant breaks out. EC3 declines and Matt guarantees an ass-kicking anyway. EC3 points out that he’s running the show and mocks Matt for being a new dad and sings “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”. The Dirty Heels come down and we get a brief recap of the Wolves beating them.

Matt Hardy vs. The Dirty Heels

EC3 comes down for commentary and hypes up a slobberknocker. Pope asks why the dinosaur is here and EC3 buries Pope for not following him on Twitter. Josh buries Pope for preventing him from talking to EC3. Aries runs wild with kicks and face rakes while Pope buries EC3 for making this unfair match. Matt gets the Ice Pick, which you’d never know because Josh is too busy talking about EC3’s mic not working. Hardy gets the Ice Pick once again, now on Aries. Pope gives EC3 his headset and Matt gets some clotheslines and a bulldog/dropkick to both guys. Matt does his goofy stuff before the Twist and it gets countered, so he doesn’t do that crap and hits it. Aries runs wild, but eats a kick in the corner. Aries counters a suplex and Roode holds Matt’s foot down for the win. EC3 says he lives for this – I sure hope not.

Josh hypes up the return of Dixie Carter and the second part of Jeff Jarrett’s interview, which will hopefully go longer than a minute. The Rising is backstage with Eli on a crutch to deliver one final message. If they were forced to disband last week, why weren’t they allowed to deliver this message then? Why are they being given a one week stay of execution? Did the BDC sign off on that or does every broken up faction get an extra to talk from now on?

An ad airs for Knockouts Knockdown 2015 and The Rising is mid-ring. Drew is sad about the end of The Rising. Why? Josh said last week that you can just change your name and get around the stipulation. Eli says they all deserve better than this and he thanks him for bringing him into TNA, and soon, he’ll show him how much that means. I don’t like Drew’s odds. Drew says that wrestling will be around forever and the roster is the future and the future is bright. A very mild TNA chant breaks out. Drew says that #standup will continue and EC3 feigns crying at ringside.

Tyrus comforts his boss in his time of need, and EC3 laments that he’s already booked Drew in a three on three tag because he now has no partners and “this ship has sunk”. Yup, the ship sure has. EC3 says that it’s time for Drew to have a new one on three match against a totally different faction than the one he was feuding with. Josh points out that this is the second handicap match of the evening, which doesn’t make this any more interesting.

Drew Galloway vs. The Revolution

Pope calls the action, or at least the Twitter action as #standup is apparently a global phenomenon. Abyss chokes Drew on the ropes. Drew clotheslines and neckbreakers the heels down, but Khoya gets a Sky High for two because Abyss wants the win. Drew dropkicks Khoya into Abyss, which sends the 350 pounder to the floor and crotches Manik up top. Drew counts to three and gets a Sick Kick for the win.

Backstage, Anderson congratulates EC3 on winning. Even though he doesn’t like the guy, he appreciates him being able to accomplish his dream and do so on his own. Anderson respects him putting the title up three times and wants one of the shots. EC3 declines and says he already has a match – against Bram. According to Twitter, he’s re-signed a deal with TNA – and that match is next. Anderson comes to face “The Chesterfield Plague, The Human Hate Machine” Bram who seemingly gets a new nickname with every contract.

Mr. Anderson vs. Bram

Maybe TNA has signed each nickname of Bram’s to a contract and that’s why he’s signed up through the end of time. Bram gets an armbar on the ground. Anderson gets a neckbreaker and a two count off a Kenton bomb. Bram hits him with a chair to the head on the floor for a DQ and Josh ponders that he doesn’t care. Well, I sure hope Bram wouldn’t care about a DQ against Mr. Anderson. Bram yells at someone to drop Anderson’s mic, and Bram uses it to do Anderson’s intro and bash his head in with. Josh says “ouch” to every shot and we close to Bram rapping the mic against his own head. Okay then.

Jessie “The Man” Godderz is mid-ring and we see clips of a street fight from last week. Did that air on Xplosion? I have no recollection of it on Impact, but it’s leading to a street fight match this week. Pope says he wouldn’t wear his tights or boots to a street fight like these men are.

Jessie Godderz vs. Robbie E – Street Fight

Robbie dives to the floor and gets a running trash can lid shot to the head. Robbie gets a kendo stick from under the ring and gets a Cesaroplex onto a lid. Robbie puts the can over the genital region of Jessie and thwacks the lid with the stick. Jessie sidesteps a plancha and drives Robbie’s back into the post with a backbreaker. Josh theorizes that Jessie is trying to hurt him, which Pope buries him for since it’s a street fight. Jessie gets a slow buckle bomb and rakes the forearm across the face.

Jessie gets the cane and hits the gut and back, but tosses it to the crowd. Jessie tosses a garbage can in and puts it in the corner. Robbie is down and Jessie gets another cane, but Robbie legsweeps him. Robbie’s nose is busted up and he eats a big dropkick after a few punches. Jessie brings a few chairs in, but gets rammed into the trash can.

This is a by the numbers garbage match from nearly any video game of the past decade. Jessie lands a Last Ride through two chairs and it only gets two. Why not have that as a finish? It’s an over move, it looked vile, and it’s a mid-card match. Ah, now it makes sense – the Adonis Crab is locked on with Jessie sitting in the chair and trapping Robbie, who passes out from the pain. Why would you re-use the legendary Austin vs. Bret finish for Robbie E vs. Jessie Godderz of all things?

EC3 talks about having three five star matches tonight, thus creating a 15-star evening. Lashley bumps into EC3 and wants to be one of the opponents. EC3 declines, but does make Lashley vs. Tyrus. God, I hope that’s short. Angle is reading and the camera guy asks what he’s reading, and Kurt just says that things are going to get interesting.

Jarrett interview is up and Jeff says the deal between GFW and TNA is a work in progress. In August of 2014, he made GFW and has made alliances with companies across the world. He never thought TNA would be one of the alliances, thus framing GFW as bigger than TNA on TNA’s TV show. We get some GFW Youtube footage of the events of the past couple of weeks. Jeff says the KOTM title will now be the centerpiece of GFW and possibly other companies. Mid-ring, EC3 is here instantly – it’s title match time. EC3 says he has to go back to where he started – against Norv Ferman. Or Norv Fernum as he was known before and as the graphic states.

EC3 vs. Norv Fernum

Maybe TNA has re-signed Norv Fernum and/or Norv Ferman to contracts. Headlocker driver hits and Norv takes a great bump for it. EC3 doing his own intros and outros is quite great – he’s good at the job. Pope says that this is just a way for EC3 to stroke his ego while Josh strokes him. EC3 says that it’s Shark Week on Discover, so it’s time for Shark Boy!

EC3 vs. Shark Boy

Shark Boy was last seen being fat and thus getting a months-long series of storylines out of what was going to just be a one-shot – so kudos to him for that. He’s also lost his excess weight and is back in shape. EC3 tells him he’ll need a bigger boat and asks if he has a chance – Sharky responds with a shell yeah! Shark Boy pounds away with corner mount punches, but he eats a big lariat. Headlock Driver hits for the win. Josh wants a “shelfie” with Shark Boy. I normally don’t like Josh, but that was a great line.

EC3 asks Tyrus to cut him and Kurt comes down with his envelope. Kurt says he has a contract and can get his rematch whenever he wants. He wants the title back and wants the rematch tonight. Pope wants this while Josh clearly doesn’t. Lashley’s out now too – so maybe he’s the third man. According to Josh, it’s Kurt. I have no idea what’s happening here.

Lashley vs. Tyrus

So the series is over, and now it’s time for Lashley vs. Tyrus. Lashley manages to outwrestle Tyrus, but eats a facebuster. Lashley hops up for a sleeper, but eats a crossbody for 2. EC3 says that Norv is like his son and we’re seeing his guy dominate an MMA expert. Exploder by Tyrus to Lashley and we’ll be getting EC3 vs. Angle in the main event. Tyrus goes up for a Vader bomb, but he’s hit in the thigh and hit with an electric chair drop. This was pretty scary as he kept moving backwards a bit and Lashley couldn’t keep him very steady – he hits it and gets the spear for the win. Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne is up next.

But first, it’s part two of…part two of the Jarrett-Tenay interview. Jeff is asked what his legacy is in TNA ans he says the facts speak for themselves. In the ring, he was proud of his series with Kurt at that point in his career. He loved his early matches with AJ Styles and he’s proud to see him become what he is and he’s so proud of AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and the other TNA Originals. He loved Don West and he takes great pride in that team. Velvet comes out first while Josh talks about her just wanting her spot back. Madison gets a jobber intro, but a mic. She says Velvet’s dressed like a fan, so Velvet beats her up.

Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne

Pope says that Velvet’s got not just any stunner – but the Number One Stunner. Velvet beats her up on the floor, but breaks the count at 7. Madison tackles her down for 2. Northern lights suplex gets 2 and Madison follows that up with a cravate and knee strikes. Madison does the wave and shakes her hips before the headscissor driver. Velvet gets up and hits a series of kicks while Pople rattles off the Konami code. Velvet gets the Number One Stunner for the win.

We see the TNA crew doing some charity work, and get Kurt Angle’s ring introduction right after. EC3’s intro is greeted with a pretty healthy amount of cheers. EC3 comes out and the belt looks great on him, but it’s hurt by him being scared and not arrogant – so he doesn’t look nearly as cool here as he usually does.

EC3 vs. Kurt Angle – TNA World Title

EC3 rolls to the floor out by “the man dinosaur” as Pope calls him. EC3 breaks the count a few times, but Kurt traps him in the corner and works on the leg. Kurt snap suplexes him over for 1. Rolling Germans hit for Kurt, but Tyrus goes up on the apron to take out Tyrus. Ankle lock is on EC3 mid-ring and EC3 pulls himself up via Brian Hebner and punches him out and taps out. Another ref came in and calls for the bell – and we’re told it’s via DQ. Josh says we’re not quite sure what happened and he recaps the events. Okay then. The main event will be Dixie Carter’s return and she comes into the building for the first time since being put through a table by Bully Ray nearly one year ago.

EC3 is mid-ring twirling the mic around and says he’s done it again. Tonight, his aunt returns and we get her theme again. Dixie gets no reaction coming out, but a quick “Dixie” chant. Ethan hopes his aunt is proud and she stumbles over her lines as he talks. She shuts him up and says that she hasn’t been in the ring since she broke her back due to the “reign of Carter”. She says she was the monster who lied and manipulated everyone while hurting the company and its fans. Now he’s making the same mistakes she made. Dixie says she can’t change the past and wishes she could, but she can make sure her mistakes aren’t repeated.

He’s earned the title, but he has to defend it without his last name. She’s embarrassed by the show tonight, but he’s right about one thing – the show needs someone in charge to make the tough decisions. She wants this to be the best wrestling company in the world and knows who can make it that – it’s not her, and it’s not EC3. Next week, we’ll get an X Title three way and Brooke vs. Taryn for the Knockouts title. Well, that was an abrupt ending to a largely bad show.

• VIDEO: UFC Releases Footage Of CM Punk Training For Octagon Debut!

As she alluded to on Twitter last week, TNA President Dixie Carter is in fact returning to television on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling on Destination America.

Dixie will be there to help kick off the “Era of Carter” following her nephew’s TNA World Heavyweight Championship win last week.

EC3 tweeted:

Dear Internet, All that good will and friendship I built with you guys this week Watch me torch it #ReignOfCarter pic.twitter.com/R9Y3BlQHmi

— #ec3isCHAMP (@EthanCarterTNA) July 6, 2015

Dixie tweeted:

For the first time since August 7, 2014 I will walk back into the arena on @IMPACTWRESTLING. It will be history. Wed 9/8c

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 7, 2015

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has updated his official blog with some of his latest thoughts and comments. Below are some of the highlights:

On rumored issues with Big Show: “One question I’ve been asked many times regarding the Big Show apparently saying on a podcast that he was “never one of my guys” while I was in charge of talent roster in WWE. That’s news to me. It was Jerry Brisco and who I who made the first contact in person with Show to begin recruiting him to come to WWE which was the smartest thing that Paul Wight ever did. It was my wife who invited Show and his former manager into our home where she cooked him a meal fit for a king including home made biscuits and apple butter which we have given him as a gift occasionally through the years. I have always thought the world of Paul Wight and still do. Yes, Vince McMahon and I decided to send Paul to developmental to help him with his fundamentals and to give him the opportunity to lose some needed weight to improve his overall health and to help us maximize our significant investment. If that was being unfair, then so be it.

The role that I fulfilled in assembling our talent roster as EVP of Talent Rations was a thankless one but I knew that when I took the job. Tough decisions have to be made and if encouraging someone to lose weight is a bad thing then I was guilty. Show wasn’t the only performer with who we addressed this matter. Plus, how many 500 pound men do you know that live long, healthy lives? We also addressed these issues with Yokozuna and Vader who we both wanted to achieve optimum health.

Our system of scouting, signing and developing talent seemed to work pretty well because, in the opinion of many, the best roster that WWE ever had or will have was during the time around the Attitude Era. I hope that roster is surpassed some day but only time will tell.”

On EC3 winning the TNA title: “Congrats to EC3 and Kurt Angle for having, along with The Wolves and the Dirty Heels, a helluva wrestling match Wednesday night on Destination America and it’s unfortunate that the TV ratings did not reflect the effort and execution of talents involved. EC3 has been well programmed for his new role and getting the torch passed from Kurt Angle is one of the best things that will ever happen in EC3’s career.”

On WWE lawsuit issues: “Sad that it seems that some “Ambulance Chasing” attorneys never go away and are attempting to convince some former wrestlers to seek monies from WWE, and no other companies or promoters, for alleged concussion related issues supposedly received during their years in various wrestling rings while working for multiple companies. While I have compassion for anyone suffering, to blame WWE for all their issues seems ludicrous. This seems like a frivolous lawsuit lead by barristers who want to earn a payday for themselves and their gullible clients many of who did not prepare for their future, create an adequate self employment/independent contractor personal, business structure likes thousands of electricians, plumbers, truck drivers, farmers, carpenters, etc.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Ronda Rousey’s S.I. Swimsuit Issue Outtakes (*NEW*)

TNA has published a must-see promo of EC3 reacting to his TNA World Heavyweight championship victory over Kurt Angle on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

EC3 talks about his 13-year journey to the gold, the injuries that have tested his will along the way and the people in ‘other companies’ who used their influence to bury him and convince the people in power that he didn’t have what it takes.

EC3 has been one of the standout acts on TNA for quite some time now. He’s a deserving champion, a great choice to be the new face of TNA and knocked it out of the park with this promo.

• Video: EC3 Defeats Kurt Angle To Become The TNA World Champion

TNA star Ethan Carter III (EC3) recently spoke with the Male Standard website about his career as a TNA Wrestler. Below are some highlights from the interview, which were sent in by SEScoops.com reader Victor Macias.

On when he realized he wanted to become a pro wrestler: “I think every professional wrestler has that ah-ha moment, it’s like a calling. That call came from my aunt, Dixie Carter, she actually called me one day and said, “Hey, ever think about being a wrestler? You’re so athletic and good looking, wouldn’t it be perfect for you?” and I was like, “You’re right.” Next thing you know, I’m the best thing ever.”

On setbacks he’s experienced along the way: “Everyone has strife of apprehensions, things that doesn’t always go according to plan. Not all victories are easy; I’ve had to work at a couple of them. Being undefeated, it’s hard. Especially when getting my head bashed in by Bully Ray with a trashcan and bleeding all over the place or suffering a torn bicep and having to work through that with a giant arm brace but through it all, I’ve remained undefeated.”

On his pre-match rituals: “I try to be regimented; everything is almost a sociopathic standard of perfection. 5 minutes on the jumping of the rope, nice facial cleanser and herbal moisturizer on the skin. Ill go over to see my masseuse Helga, after that, go to the spa, feeling good, maybe do a couple push-ups, squats, sipping Perrier water. The whole time I have classical music playing to relax. My music hits, best music in the business, I walk out backward, and I win, it’s all good.”

On what we can expect from him in the future: “Well you know, I’m sitting here; the crew and me are punching in numbers and looking at the polls and it’s about 83% in the EC3 favor, which is good but we’re not going to know until Election Day a.k.a my first title shot. In the future, I’m predicting I win world heavyweight championship. I hold it for 4-8 years, probably 8-10. The whole time I’ll have challenges and someone might give me a run for my money but about 10 years later I will still be the champion, probably retire, then go on to pursue my political career.”

Check out the complete interview at MaleStandard.com.

• Mayweather-Pacquiao PPV Buys Revealed + How Much Did They Get Paid?

As reported earlier today, TNA will be taping several weeks worth of Impact Wrestling episodes across the next four days, starting with tonight’s show, which airs semi-live on a two-hour delay from Orlando, Florida.

In the main event of tonight’s show, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line with Kurt Angle defending the title against Eric Young with a former TNA Champion returning to serve as special guest referee of the match.

Unless the former champion is a swerve of some kind, the following are the most likely candidates, according to a report from F4WOnline.com:

– Sting (highly unlikely due to his WWE deal)
– Samoa Joe (possible, but unlikely due to his rumored negotiations with WWE)
– Mick Foley (also seems unlikely now that he just recently taped a highly-promoted special for the WWE Network)
– A.J. Styles (would seem unlikely due to his various commitments, including Ring Of Honor starting next Tuesday)
– Chris Sabin (a possibility)
– Rob Van Dam (a possibility)
– Bully Ray (a very strong possibility)

– Also confirmed for tonight’s Impact Wrestling is a Ken Anderson vs. Ethan Carter III match where the fans get to choose the stipulation (likely an arm-wrestling match or a falls count anywhere match), and Divas action with Gail Kim & Awesome Kong vs. Taryn Terrell & Jade & Marti Bell.

Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com for complete results of tonight’s Impact Wrestling, as well as spoiler results of any matches/segments taped for future Impact Wrestling episodes!

• JERRY LAWLER: WWE Stars FAR Outshine UFC Stars In Popularity [READ >>]

– Tonight’s edition of TNA Impact Wrestling will be called by Josh Mathews by himself. TNA is still in the process of finding a replacement for Taz.

– According to one source, TNA is planning on giving Ethan Carter III a big push in the near future.

– TNA President Dixie Carter noted on Twitter recently that while Eddie Edwards is out with an injury, his tag-team partner Davey Richards will be looking to pursue the TNA X-Division Championship.

– AAA has confirmed that there will in fact be a “Team TNA” in their Lucha Libre World Cup, which takes place on May 24th in Mexico. As of right now, Matt Hardy is the only confirmed member of the team.

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TNA star Ethan Carter III spoke with the Journey Of A Frontman website while at Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore VIII” event in Philadelphia last weekend. Below are highlights from the interview.

On working with top guys such as Sting and Kurt Angle: “Looking at it from the perspective as a fan growing up watching wrestling, it’s surreal to be in the ring with guys I considered heroes, guys I watched every week. From being a little kid to a teenager, I would see a thing Kurt Angle did in a match one time and pause the TV. Then I’d look to my dad and say, “Someday I’m gonna do that.” And he’s like, “Okay.” Then someday I’m doing it and I’m in the ring with a guy that inspired me. As a fan, that’s incredible. As far as a talent or performer, you only get better being in the ring with people that are better than you. The only way to improve is to be in situations you’re not accustomed to and being taught through hands-on training. Being in the ring with Sting, Bully, Angle, even all the other veterans in TNA like Eric Young, Austin Aries, Matt Hardy, Abyss, you’re always learning with all those guys. You always learn with everything you do. Guys that have been around longer have learned from some of the best too. It’s the trickle-down effect. Trickle-Down Economics, Ronald Reagan style.”

On having freedom with his character: “I think being locked into a verbatim script is hard for a wrestler because we’re not professional actors. If we were, we’d be getting paid not to get hurt. The thing about being a wrestler and a character is that it’s an extension of your personality. It’s hard for somebody to write who you are. It’s easier to be given a scenario and a situation where you can act in it. You get a script in both places, there’s a difference in that sense. In the sense of TNA, I’ve been able to take scripts and feel it out there. I’m not deviating from the important things, but I’ll put it in my own words. And I think that’s helped me greatly because I’m the best me that I can be and every talent is the best they can be. It’s also the talent’s responsibility to incorporate themselves into their character and not be apprehensive by saying that something sucks and they don’t want to do it. You have a segment on national television, take that as an opportunity to make it something special. Every time you have a chance, do something special.”

On the Bill DeMott controversy: “It’s an unfortunate situation that happened. There’s varied opinions. As far as wrestling training, it should be difficult a hundred percent. You’re in a place where you’re supposed to represent the best. During my time in developmental, I had some of the best coaches in the world. I had Dr. Tom Prichard, Steve Keirn, Norman Smiley, we had Billy Kidman for a time, Ricky Steamboat, and all these guys push you. They push you to be better constantly. I would be dead dog tired from those practices, but it was never at the expense of my humility as a human being, at the expense of being made an example of, it was to get better. I was pushed to get better. I firmly believe that fully. As far as that scenario, what’s come out are things that did happen and it isn’t a place for that. Not in 2015. Not in wrestling in general. It’s not bettering you as a wrestler.”

Check out the complete interview at JourneyOfAFrontman.com.

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The controversy surrounding Bill DeMott continues, as another former WWE Superstar has come out and touched on the issue, claiming he has heard similar stories about DeMott’s training methods.

Following comments from Chris Jericho, Ethan Carter III and Joey Ryan, former WWE Superstar Bob “Hardcore” Holly is the latest to chime in on the controversy. Below are tweets from Holly responding to fans about the subject.

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573221942435586048

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573222626497191937

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573223028944838656

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573223246209814529

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573249510492651520

https://twitter.com/TheBobHolly/status/573263972054536192

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As noted, Chris Jericho came to the defense of Bill DeMott, who has been under heavy fire latelybeen under heavy fire lately regarding his training methods. For those who missed it, Jericho tweeted the following:

“Hey @BillDeMott is a good friend & great trainer. If u can’t handle it then quit. My training at #HartBrothers camp was 10,000 times worse!”

NOTE: The above tweet has since been deleted.

Jericho’s tweet prompted TNA star Ethan Carter III to fire back. EC3 responded to Jericho with the following tweet of his own.

I love/sacrificed for pro wrestling.
A Hart can stretch me any day.
A know nothing dipshit slapping me when I'm concussed is different.

— ecIII (@therealec3) March 4, 2015

Joey Ryan also entered the mix with the following tweets, one in which starts a campaign to try and get DeMott fired.

https://twitter.com/JoeyRyanOnline/status/572996413136736256

https://twitter.com/JoeyRyanOnline/status/572985674451841024

Finally, EC3 used the attention he received from calling out DeMott and Jericho to start promoting his TNA storyline. He tweeted these out shortly after his initial post.

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911668671488000

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911737432895490

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911790562156544

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911895142895616

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911934271565825

https://twitter.com/EthanCarterTNA/status/572911992404627456

But @RockstarSpud if you further want to discuss this I will see you Friday #DestinationIMPACT pic.twitter.com/PnozRfaIzV

— ecIII (@therealec3) March 4, 2015

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In addition to Kurt Angle and Abyss, who TNA revealed re-signed with the promotion earlier this week, the company has now announced the re-signing of Ethan Carter III.

EC3 joins what will become a growing list of talents whose TNA deals expired recently that will be returning to the company now that they are gearing up for their re-launch on Destination America.

Below is a tweet from Dixie Carter confirming the EC3 re-signing.

The best signing I've ever made!!! #WorldsBestNephew @EthanCarterTNA pic.twitter.com/YkNl7SZkjD

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) December 31, 2014

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According to various reports, TNA star Ethan Carter III has suffered a torn bicep. EC3 is expected to undergo surgery for the torn bicep at some point in the next week.

Due to the injury, EC3 is now off of the lineup for this weekend’s House Of Hardcore VII iPPV from Philadelphia, Pennyslvania.