Two weeks after the attacks on Sept. 11, a then 12-year-old Jacob Grondy was on his way to the airport – and he was scared.

Not only was this his first flight, but he was dealing with what many in the country were feeling – fear of flying due to the recent attacks. But a surreptitious introduction with a few pro wrestling passengers – thanks to the just-released Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 issue – assuaged his fears.

Grondy’s flight out of the Raleigh, N.C. airport was shared by the Hardy Boys, Amy Dumas – who wrestled for the WWF at the time as Lita – and Shane Helms on board. They were four of the hottest acts in the WWF at the time and were heroes to a 12-year-old Grondy, especially after they turned what could have been a traumatic experience into one of his favorite childhood memories.

“I was honestly trying to act tough,” Grondy said. “But as we were getting closer to the airport, I was visibly scared. I wasn’t talking at all, which was extremely rare (for me) as a kid.”

On the way to the airport, his dad gave him a copy of the PWI 500 issue to read and keep his mind off the recent attacks. Growing up in North Carolina, Grondy said he was immersed in pro wrestling. As a kid he watched WCW and the WWF religiously and was excited when ECW made its TNN television debut. He’s continued to be a fan well into adulthood. He hosts a podcast called Curtain Jerkin’ on Spotify.

The issue provided a bit of a distraction, but it was who he saw in the airport that relieved his fears.

“I don’t remember anything other than getting to the terminal, sitting down and looking up – and there was Jeff Hardy,” Grondy said. “He was dressed exactly how you would see him on TV. I leapt up in excitement. My dad had a pen on him and gave it to me so I could ask to get my PWI signed.”

Jeff walked Grondy over to his brother Matt Hardy to get his autograph. Matt then said they should get him Lita’s as well. As he walked back to his dad, his dad was smiling with relief, that he wasn’t as scared as he had been when he got to the airport. As he sat back down, he was approached by Shane Helms – who had just joined the WWF after the WCW sale and was beginning his Hurricane Helms gimmick. He said Helms asked to sign the issue, then asked if he could read it on the plane.

“As I let him read it, that’s when I realized that no terrorist was going to take down this plane, Team Extreme wasn’t going to let that happen,” Grondy said.

Grondy shared this story with Jeff at a meet-and-greet a year ago.

“He thought it was pretty cool.”

Grondy and his dad were flying to the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis. It was the final race of the Formula 1 season, and was the first international sporting event to take place after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“(I) couldn’t tell you who won the race we went to, but every year the PWI 500 comes out I look back at that moment fondly. It was definitely a childhood highlight.”

Gregory Helms and Al Snow have officially left IMPACT Wrestling. They follow the string of talents that have departed the company since the return of Jeff Jarrett, including Matt & Jeff Hardy, Crazzy Steve, Maria & Mike Kanellis, Jade and Drew McIntyre.

Helms took the Twitter to wish the company “all the best in their future endeavors,” and say that “I’ve never been an ass-kisser and I damn sure wasn’t gonna start with an owl.”

Al Snow also commented on his departure via Twitter, he stated: “I want to say thank you to everyone at Impact Wrestling for the great run I’ve had. Change must always happen & I am excited for the future.”

I'd like to wish @IMPACTWRESTLING all the best in their future endeavors.

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) June 19, 2017

I've never been an ass-kisser and I damn sure wasn't gonna start with an owl. ???

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) June 19, 2017

Former WWE Superstar and longtime girlfriend, herself a pro wrestling personality, Reby Sky, were officially married on Saturday.

Hardy’s brother, Jeff Hardy, was the best man at the wedding and former WWE Superstar and longtime friend, Shane “Hurricane” Helms, was one of the groomsmen.

Among those in attendance at the wedding were Marty Garner, Jason Ahrndt (aka Joey Abs of the Mean Street Possee), MVP, Scotty 2 Hotty, Drew Hankinson, Amber O’Neal, former WWE referee Kevin Keenan, Gunner, Jayme Jameson, Steve Corino, Jordan Corino, Larry Dallas, Thomas Simpson, Nigel Sherrod and Andrew Wright.

Congratulations to both Hardy and Sky and best of luck on their journey through life together from this point forward.

For photos from the wedding, check out this 24Wrestling.COM article:

PHOTOS: Several Pictures Of The Matt Hardy & Reby Sky Wedding

-Former WWE Superstar Shane “Hurricane” Helms announced that he and longtime girlfriend Karen became engaged to be married over the weekend. He tweeted these pictures from the engagement:

LOVE THIS! “@RebySky: [PIC]: Way too many cute pics from last night ! Congrats again @H2Hwaitress @ShaneHelmsCom ! http://t.co/ltNzLYDzlW”

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) July 13, 2013

Thx “@BETHBRITTBRAND: It's beautiful! RT @H2Hwaitress: My Hurri-Engagement Ring from @ShaneHelmsCom I LOVE it & him! pic.twitter.com/OECAUNoSKd

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) July 14, 2013

-2K Sports issued the following today:

Ultimate Warrior Returns from Parts Unknown to WWE® 2K14

Enigmatic WWE Legend makes historic video game franchise debut; available through exclusive pre-order offer

NEW YORK – July 15, 2013 – 2K today announced the emphatic return of Ultimate Warrior to the ring – virtually – in WWE® 2K14, the forthcoming installment in the flagship WWE video game franchise. Making his long-awaited arrival from Parts Unknown, the self-professed “Founding Father of Life Intensity” will be an exclusive playable character for those who pre-order the game at any participating retailer for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft or PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

“Immortality is inspiration, pure and simple. An example to others that they, too, can do things larger than the life they are actually living, and Ultimate Warrior was the pure embodiment of this belief, in what has proven to be a very attention-getting and inspiring way,” said Warrior. “It was my good fortune to be his creator and performer, and I am humbled by all those fans who’ve not only kept his legacy alive, but deepened it over time. In WWE 2K14, Ultimate Warrior’s creed, ‘Always Believe,’ lives on.”

Making his WWE debut in 1987, Ultimate Warrior garnered worldwide attention and became a pop-culture phenomenon for his iconic music and ring entrance, zealous personality, boundless energy and dominant in-ring prowess. Though he faced many rivals throughout his career, including Honky Tonk Man, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Sgt. Slaughter, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Undertaker, perhaps his most celebrated match was against Hulk Hogan in “The Ultimate Challenge” at WrestleMania® VI on April 1, 1990. Warrior defeated Hogan that day to unify the WWE Championship and Intercontinental Championship, becoming the first WWE Superstar ever to hold both titles simultaneously.

“There has never been another WWE Superstar quite like the Ultimate Warrior – his intensity and energy is unmatched, and his legacy is undeniable,” said Chris Snyder, Senior Director of Marketing at 2K. “Fans love him, opponents fear him and everyone can agree that he’s one of the most iconic Legends in WWE history. Pre-ordering WWE 2K14 is the only way we mere mortals will ever have a glimpse into the greatness that is Ultimate Warrior.”

Become Immortal – 2K’s lineup of premier sports simulation titles expands with the company’s upcoming release in the renowned WWE video game franchise, WWE 2K14. Developed by Yukes for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, WWE 2K14 is positioned to be the most electrifying, authentic and comprehensive WWE video game experience to date. WWE 2K14 is not yet rated by the ESRB. Players who pre-order WWE 2K14 will receive Ultimate Warrior at no extra cost on launch day on October 29, 2013 in North America and November 1, 2013 internationally.

Huge RAW *SPOILERS* For Tonight, Former WWE Star To Return?, + MORE!

— WWE.com reports Wade Barrett suffered a partial dislocation of his left elbow during the 10-Man Battle Royal on Raw. He will undergo an MRI for further evaluation this week and will be sidelined for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

The injury occurred following Barrett and R-Truth’s elimination from the match. As Truth and Barrett recovered from their eliminations on the outside, Big Show tossed Dolph Ziggler on top of them from the ring. They were knocked backwards and Barrett landed awkwardly on his arm.

— Two former WWE stars gave Aksana a negative review for her match against Nikki and Brie Bella on Raw. Gregory Helms wrote on Twitter, “Geez, Askana is …. not good.”

Lance Storm said in response to Helms, “Understatement of the Century.”

Briley Pierce

– WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder appeared at Friday night’s FCW show from Orlando. The RAW superstars teamed together in a “Special Attraction Tag Match” against SmackDown wrestler Johnny Curtis and FCW wrestler Brad Maddox.

Ziggler’s real-life brother, who is wrestling in FCW as Briley Pierce, was in Dolph & Zack Ryder’s corner and was on crutches. The finish of the match came when Briley Pierce accidentally hit his brother Dolph with one of his crutches, allowing Johnny Curtis to get the pinfall.

– Former WWE stars Edge and Mick Foley will be appearing at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 5th for a benefit to help Gregory Helms with his medical bills from his motorcycle accident a few months back.

• Check Out: Pictures Of Greg Helms In The Hospital After His Accident

Foley will be doing stand-up (VIDEO of Foley doing standup comedy). Ric Flair will also be appearing, schedule permitting. Helms noted on Twitter that Flair was having surgery that day but is going to try and be there.

Several other stars including Reby Sky (Pictures of Reby Sky & Matt Hardy), TNA’s Gunner, former WCW star Lodi are expected to attend as well.

— WWE announced Thursday evening via Twitter that CM Punk will speak this Monday on Raw.

Their announcement reads: “BREAKING NEWS: “BREAKING NEWS: This Monday on #Raw, @CMPunk will make his first official statement since his shocking return to WWE.”

It was advertised during WWE Superstars that Triple H will have to resolve “one unprecedented controversy” with Punk and John Cena holding two versions of the WWE Championship.

— Former WWE talent Shane Helms (a/k/a The Hurricane) has released an app for the iPhone. The app, which was developed by Figure 4, includes the following features: access to all of Helms’ social media; a soundboard of original, thoughtful quotes; his upcoming schedule; take a photo with Helms.

More details on the app are available here.

— Goldust stated on his Twitter account that he will not be returning to the square circle in the near future.

“Here’s the deal…I’m not coming back to wrestle anytime soon,” he wrote.

Goldust has been sidelined since December due to a shoulder injury, which was expected to keep him sidelined for five to six months. He has since undertaken a behind the scenes role with WWE.

— Matt Hardy stated on Twitter that Shane Helms is undergoing “major surgery” today to repair his broken leg.

Helms suffered the injury after he and his girlfriend were involved in a motorbike accident in Smithfield, North Carolina on May 5. The former WWE Superstar also suffered a broken ankle, jaw, and nose during the accident, as well as sustaining other fractures and receiving over 200 stitches, while his girlfriend sustained a broken neck.

— Former WCW World Tag Team Champion “Dirty” Dick Slater celebrates his 60th birthday. Also, WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant was born on this date in 1946.

— The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE developmental wrestlers AJ Lee and Maxine are scheduled to be called up to the SmackDown roster.

AJ worked two SmackDown live events this past week, teaming with Natalya against Alicia Fox and Rosa Mendes. The babyfaces won both matches.

Meanwhile, NXT Season 3 runner-up Naomi has not been mentioned as a potential call-up.

— WWEShop.com has discontinued its ECW Men’s “Old School” T-shirt featuring the barbed wire logo. A reader placed an order for the shirt and received a WrestleMania VII shirt instead. The women’s shirt, however, is available.

— Former WWE star Gregory Helms will be next week’s guest on the AfterBuzz TV AfterShow for Tough Enough, hosted by former WWE Divas Torrie Wilson, Lilian Garcia and Candice Michelle. The program airs Monday night at 11:15 p.m. on www.ustream.tv/afterbuzztv.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— The May 6 episode of WWE SmackDown, featuring a World Heavyweight Championship Match, scored a 1.73 cable rating. The number is down 12 percent from the previous week, a 1.94.

It is the lowest rated episode of 2011. The show drew 2,793,000 viewers overall.

Smackdown ranked No. 10 in total cable television viewers for the night. It also ranked No. 7. in Males 18-34 and No. 5 in Males 18-49.

— In an update on former WWE talent Gregory Helm’s motorcycle accident on Thursday, he suffered a broken ankle, jaw and nose. He also suffered some fractures and reportedly needed 200 stitches. His girlfriend suffered a broken neck. Both remain hospitalized in Raleigh, North Carolina.

— WWE.com has posted a photo gallery for the new Masked Kane Mattel Ringside Collectibles Exclusive figure. The figure is available for pre-order here.

sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, PWInsider.com

TNA Knockout Velvet Sky is putting together a charity campaign for Gregory Shane Helms after the former WWE Superstar and his girlfriend Karen were involved in a serious motorcycle accident Thursday night. Helms remains hospitalized after suffering a broken leg and ankle, as well as other injuries. He is therefore unable to wrestle, which was his only source of income.

According to her official website, Talia-Madison.net, she is accepting donations on Helms’ behalf to help pay for his outstanding medical and surgery bills, as well as everyday expenses. She asks that people donate what they can via PayPal to Talia_Goodies@yahoo.com.

Velvet Sky, who said she would never go on Twitter because she thought it was ‘stupid’, launched an account today via twitter.com/VelVelHoller to help spread the word on her charity campaign. This account has been confirmed by her official website as well as former tag team partner April Hunter.

She wrote, “I know I said I would never get on Twitter but I want to use it in a positive way to help spread the word about donations for Helms.”

It’s been speculated that Helms has been unable to gain employment with TNA Wrestling following his release from WWE last year because Velvet Sky vowed she would quit the promotion if he was brought in. The two were involved in a relationship for several years, and their break-up in 2009 was said to have been tumultuous.

Former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro appeared on last night’s episode of the online show Highway 2 Helms (hosted by former WWE talent Gregory Shane Helms), during which she took a noteworthy shot at TNA Knockout Velvet Sky.

While Helms was discussing a WWE road story that took place years ago in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jonny Fairplay name dropped Velvet Sky, Helms’ former beau. Massaro immediately blurted out, “Fuck that bitch!” She then pretended that she said it by accident before laughing.

The two wrestling starlets have a history of bad blood as Velvet Sky stated during a June 2008 interview that the escort agency allegations surrounding Massaro at the time were “disgusting.” She said that people close to Massaro told her that they would not be surprised if the allegations were true. The TNA Knockout also didn’t believe the reports of Massaro being mistakenly identified (for a Las Vegas based bikini model, which was never confirmed).

Massaro stated earlier in the webcast that she has a show coming out this fall, but would not reveal details. She also mentioned appearing on the DivaMania Tour, which kicks off Saturday at Starters Riverport in Bethlehem, PA.

— Abdullah the Butcher was originally scheduled to be announced as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw, but said plans were changed last week due to WWE officials reaching an agreement with Drew Carey. The organization issued a press release today touting the celebrity’s induction into the Hall.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Sunny is being pushed as the “Original Diva.”

— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms commented on the story of being cited by police for allegedly engaging in a fight at a bar last night in Smithfield, North Carolina.

“Can’t let Jeff have all the heat! LOL But I didn’t get arrested at all. Got a citation for defending my woman. No regrets, no apologies.” He later wrote, “All u dirtsheets, why don’t u just ask me what happened instead of stretching the truth? I’m super easy to get hold of.”

— Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appears as a guest star on tonight’s episode of Raw. The best-selling author has been well-received amongst the WWE talent as a few them have been getting photos taken with her backstage at tonight’s show in St. Louis.

— A Shawn Michaels autograph session promoted by Northeast Wrestling in Middletown, New York on Saturday is believed to have drawn 2,000 to 2,500 fans

sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

Former WWE performer Gregory Shane Helms has been cited by police for allegedly engaging in a fight at a bar in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Gregory Shane Helms, 36, and Kevin Wayne Creech, 38, were both cited for simple affray following an altercation at approximately 10:00 p.m. last night at a bar called The Rehab.

Police said Creech reportedly touched Helms’ girlfriend, which led to the confrontation. The touch was “not inappropriate” but it reportedly led to an argument then a brief struggle between the two men. Both men were released at the scene but were ordered to appear in court on April 28 to answer charges.

In May 2008, Helms was charged with assault following an alleged incident at another club in Smithfield. Those charges were dismissed in July 2008.

* View Gregory Helms’ 2008 MUGSHOT PICTURE [>]

Update: Helms has since responded reports that he was actually arrested:

“Can’t let Jeff have all the heat! LOL But I didn’t get arrested at all. Got a citation for defending my woman. No regrets, no apologies.”

— Lance Hoyt (a/k/a Vance Archer), who was released by WWE on November 19, 2010, was backstage at last night’s Raw taping in Dallas, Texas. It is likely that he was visiting friends considering he lives near the American Airlines Center.

— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms’ appearance on Lizard Lick Towing on TruTV replays Tuesday night at 11:00 p.m. EST.

— WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan has launched an official website via www.HacksawJimDuggan.net

— Sunny was announced on Raw as the latest inductee to be announced for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 (presented by THQ’s WWE All Stars, in stores March 29). WWE.com added a profile on Sunny. Her induction video is available here.

source: PWInsider.com

Below are various Twitter reactions to Kaval’s release from World Wrestling Entertainment today:

John Cena: “CeNation. Behind as always. I guess wwe has released kaval. I have no clue why but this close to holiday would probally mean……. That it is pretty serious business.”

Jim Ross: “Kaval’s release from WWE surprised me. Don’t know the circumstances. Kaval won’t have any issues finding work. I wish him my best.”

Jeremy Borash: “Very grateful to be working for a company that gives out bonus checks at Christmas instead of walking papers.”

Shelton Benjamin: “I guess my question is would you rather see him as a jobber for Wwe or the Indy phenom that he had been.”

Gregory Helms: “U gotta be f***ing kidding!!!”

After calling Shawn Michaels one of the biggest drug abusers and hypocrites in the history of pro wrestling and a “cock-eyed cross-eyed piece of sh**”, former WWE star Shane Helms is back with some more words for the Heartbreak Kid.

• Read More: Helms Launches Scathing Attack Against Shawn Michaels

Helms wrote on Twitter this week:

“I wonder if I backstab a  bunch of people and hurt careers & families and slaughter animals for fun but then pray on stage, that make it ok? Just wondering? :-) But  enough about that hypocrite, I’m home after a great but hard working  tour and got to catch up on my DVR’s.”

Shawn Michaels has issued his first comments regarding Helms’ verbal attack, responded to his fans on Twitter who asked if he’s heard what Helms said about him. Michaels wrote:

“From u all I hav. Verbal attack? Wow pretty  scary. Thoughts? Sticks & stones I guess? :-)”

• Related: Jim Ross Responds To Helms’ Attack on HBK

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross had to say about:

Helms’ Verbal Attack On Shawn Michaels: “I’m not getting involved in that matter nor am I commenting on it. You would be amazed at how many people have asked me my thoughts on this subject of which I have none.”

Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston: “Saw a short clip of Kofi-Swagger from Smackdown Friday Night. These two hungry, athletic young men have chemistry without question. Next to Lawler’s show stealing performance with Miz last Monday on Raw, IMO, once again, Swagger-Kofi was the best WWE, TV match on the air last week.”

MVP’s WWE Release: “MVP requested his WWE release to explore other options as I understand it. I personally like MVP and have always enjoyed our relationship. He’s a talented guy who has endured and overcome some major league challenges in his life. MVP’s life might make for a good movie as a matter of fact. I always preferred the antagonist MVP better than the fan favorite MVP but that’s merely a personal preference. The guy is a survivor and he will perceiver and be just fine. Being off the road during the holidays isn’t a bad thing and it gives him time to assess what he wants to do. We had some particularly fun conversations when Oklahoma had their home and home college football series with MVP’s fav team, ‘The U.’ ”

Visit JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products.

Former WWE star Gregory “Hurricane” Helms appeared on the Right After Wrestling radio show last night to discuss Matt Hardy’s departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, among other topics.

“Me and Matt (Hardy) talk on a daily basis,” said Helms. “He’s doing really good and he’s in a good spot in his life.

“He was just ready to go, like myself when I left (WWE), I was just ready to go. I didn’t realize how ready I was to leave until about a month after my release. Back to Matt, he’s in a happier place, he’s got a ton of projects on the shelf, me and him will be doing a ton of stuff together as well.”

ALSO DISCUSSED

– His thoughts on TNA’s direction

– Should the WWE bring back the Cruiserweight division

– Will Twitter change the wrestling industry?

– Hurricane suggesting to Zack Ryder that he tweet live in the ring during a match

To listen to the interview, click here.

Ryan Rider recently caught up with Shane “The Hurricane” Helms to talk about his WWE departure. Here are the highlights from the interview from Main Event Radio (www.maineventradio.com, CJLO 1690AM in Montreal):

Thoughts on his WWE departure: “I would say that my career was 95% positive. I had some of the best times of my life. I wasn’t really too thrilled with my last run. In WWE/ECW, I wasn’t too happy with that show; I wasn’t a fan of that show. I’m the type of person where I have pride in what I do and I want to feel like I’m a part of their varsity team. I enjoyed my storyline with Paul Birchill, I felt that he was very underrated and underutilized and had a lot more talent than he was allowed to show. On more than one occasion we stole that TV show together. Just at that point in my career I was thinking why do I have to keep proving stuff that I’ve already done?”

“I was there 10 years, that’s pretty much the main factor. Most guys don’t even last half that long. I think the average career there is about 2-3 years. Some guys last way longer of course and some guys last one show and they’re out. I was pretty vocal with how unhappy I was there with Talent Relations toward the end and then me and Jericho had our little incident. I was ready to go, and they knew I was ready to go, and when that happened [Jericho incident], it’s like okay let’s just take a break. The door’s open. I’ve called WWE out on some things but not as a company as a whole. I had a great time there. There were some times where they used me well and did a lot of good things. Towards the end I just wasn’t happy though.”

On being injured: “That neck injury was pretty drastic. It was way worse than what was reported. I’m still rehabbing it. It’s just not something that’s ever going to be fully repaired. I still have side effects that I have to deal with but there’s a good chance I would have to deal with them whether I wrestle or not. I’m going to keep wrestling. It’s what I do, it’s what I dedicated my life to. Modesty aside, I think I’m pretty good at what I do. I’m having a lot of fun working the indies.”

— Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Saturday’s Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox game in Toronto, Ontario. To view an image of Stratus from Saturday, click here.

— A number of sports columnists are comparing LeBron James’ “decision” to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat to Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in 1996, feeling it was a page straight out of professional wrestling.

“LeBron’s announcement was the basketball equivalent of what Hulk Hogan did in 1996 at the WCW Bash at The Beach. The Hulkster turned on Randy Savage and joined Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form NWO,” ESPN.com columnist Adam Watson wrote. “And just as Hogan traded his red and yellow tights for black and white ones with lightning bolts, LeBron will don the flamed black and white jersey of the Heat.

“Unfortunately for the people of Ohio though, this isn’t fake.”

Here are a few links comparing the two – ESPN.com | Bill Simmons | Baltimore Sun | Worcester Telegram | Sports From The Korndog Stand

— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced on her official website that she is now living a raw vegan lifestyle. The majority of her diet consists of raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and nut pastes, grain and legume sprouts, seeds, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs and fresh juices. She also noted she’s busy recording a new music album, which she hopes to release in the near future. You can read her latest blog post here.

— Today is former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms’ birthday, who turns 36 years old. He worked a match last night at the Brockton Fair in Brockton, Massachusetts.

— Former WWE stars Maria Kanellis, Gregory Helms, Paul Burchill and Charlie Haas are free to join TNA Wrestling as their respective 90-day no-compete clauses with World Wrestling Entertainment have expired. The clause prohibits released talent from immediately joining TNA, though they’re free to start with any independent promotion.

Kanellis, Helms and Burchill were released on Feb. 26 while Haas was released two days later.

— Though long removed from the wrestling industry, former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus is featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler. The headline reads “Trish Stratus Reveals All!” with the synopsis noting the possibility of a comeback to the business. You can view the cover here.

— In today’s wrestling birthdays, former WWE performer Kamala turns 60 years old while Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black turns 24.

— Gregory Helms is expected to join TNA Wrestling once his ninety-day no-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment expires later this month. He has already made a verbal deal with the organization through Jeff Hardy and will most likely be performing under his WCW ring name, Shane Helms. On another note, there is talk of starting a faction with Hardy, Helms, Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal. (source: f4wonline.com)

— As reported earlier, Shelly Martinez, who performed as Salinas in TNA Wrestling, recently inquired about returning to the organization. Online, she has made it no secret that she would like to return to the company as she has been actively campaigning and even going as far to say that it was her “dream” to manage Shannon Moore. After not hearing back from Terry Taylor, TNA’s Director of Talent Relations, she noted yesterday on her Twitter account that she wrote to him to ask him about her status. She received her answer, writing the following this afternoon:

“So Terry Taylor said there is no opportunity at TNA for me :(”

— TNA will be holding television tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando on July 12th, 13th, 26th and 27th. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— Though it has not been confirmed, the feeling among several WWE sources is that Gregory Helms sealed his fate with the company when he was arrested for public intoxication in Kentucky in late January, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch. He was brought back to television shortly after the incident, but was the victim of a beatdown angle and never appeared in a WWE ring again.

“He gave them an excuse,” said one insider with knowledge of the situation.

Helms developed a reputation as a party guy within the company by posting notes on Twitter about drinking contests and parties he took part in. Though it initially seemed harmless, a few eyebrows were raised when he posted a message regarding a drinking contest that he and Christopher Daniels were having last August, which was proceeded by the TNA star being arrested on charges of driving under the influence just miles from Helms’ North Carolina residence.

— Last Monday’s special guest host of Raw, Criss Angel, was originally scheduled to have a more physical role on the show but plans were scrapped a few days before the event for his safety.

“Inside scoop – I was supposed 2 do something in the ring at Raw but a few days be4 it got cancelled 4 my safety – it would have been awesome,” Angel wrote on his Twitter account.

— The TV Guide preview for tonight’s Raw is as follows: “Guest host Steve Austin presents a WrestleMania rewind.”

— This evening on Twitter, Gregory Helms posted his first public comments since being released from WWE last Friday.

“Options being weighed, plans being made. Thx everyone for the overwhelming support. It means the world.”

— Last night’s episode of WWE NXT scored a 1.24 cable rating, with 1,730,000 viewers. While the rating down is slightly from last week’s 1.3, overall viewership climbed from 1.70 million to 1.73 million.

— According to JustinGabriel.com, the NXT rookie and FCW Champion (born Paul Lloyd, Jr.) turns 29 years old today.

(source: PWInsider.com)