– TNA’s official website is reporting that the company’s Board of Directors called an “emergency meeting” in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday morning. Neither TNA President Dixie Carter or Director of Wrestling Operations were in attendance at the meeting.
“Speculation began this morning that something major was in the works and, sources revealed, that a board meeting was called early this morning – with many top executives being unreachable all day.
This is not the first emergency meeting of the past two weeks. As we revealed earlier this week, the TNA Board of Directors has held several meetings since Slammiversary – one of which resulted in the return of the 6-sided ring.”
– TNA has announced that Thursday night’s Impact Wrestling tapings from New York City will feature Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. The Wolves, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards:
BREAKING NEWS: JEFF HARDY VS. LASHLEY FOR THE WORLD TITLE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE JUNE 25 EVENT IN NEW YORK CITY!
TNA will bring cameras to New York City for the very first time for three incredible IMPACT WRESTLING live events June 25-27 at The Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center.
Tickets go on sale May 9th at 10AM EST at Ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets and toll free at 800-745-3000. Be a part of three electrifying nights when IMPACT WRESTLING invades the city that never sleeps!
TNA Impact Wrestling TV tapings results from Bethlehem, PA, airing 7/10:
– Kurt Angle announced several matches for the show, including a 20-man battle royal with the winner earning a title shot against Bobby Lashley at the NYC tapings. Angle called out Willow and asked him to work as Jeff Hardy in the battle royal.
– TNA Tag Champions The Wolves beat Magnus and Bram.
– Austin Aries beat Sanada to win the X Division Championship.
– Bobby Roode called out MVP, only to be attacked by Kenny King. Eric Young ran out for the save, but Bobby Lashley came out and the heels got the upper hand.
– Bully Ray called out Rhino, who attacked him. Tommy Dreamer made the save.
– Gail Kim defeated Madison Rayne, Angelina Love, and Brittany in a four-way to retain the TNA Knockouts Title.
– Jeff Hardy won a 20-man battle royal to earn a TNA Title shot in New York City.
TNA has announced that Matt Hardy is returning to TNA and the Hardy Boyz are reuniting at the company’s upcoming Impact Wrestling tapings from New York City:
Matt Hardy Returns; The Hardys To Reunite at IMPACT in NYC
Matt and Jeff Hardy make up one of the most recognizable tag teams of all-time. Individually, they have climbed to the top of professional wrestling. Now, at the upcoming IMPACT tapings in New York City, the brothers will reunite!
ImpactWrestling.com has learned that TNA has come to terms with Matt Hardy to appear at IMPACT in New York City, which marks the first time that Matt has been inside a TNA ring in three years – this was also the last time a match featuring the Hardy’s was nationally televised.
Together, Matt and Jeff Hardy are one of the most decorated tag teams of all time and we are excited to see what the duo has planned for NYC!
TNA will be taping July episodes of Impact Wrestling on June 25-27 from the Manhattan Center in New York City.
– Don’t forget that WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross will be at the House Of Blues in Chicago, Illinois for his “RINGSIDE” one-man show today.
– The following is a new video promo from Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy for their Big Time Wrestling matches this weekend. The two also speak about a dream match that’s coming up.
– Sheamus granted three wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the WWE live event in Dublin, Ireland this past Thursday.
– Ric Flair, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase Sr. and others will be on hand at the Big Time Wrestling event on May 31st in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The following are some preview clips for this week’s edition of WWE Total Divas, which airs on E! on Sunday night:
Just two years ago, TNA had 60 performers under contract to the company, however now they reportedly have 33 signed.
Of the 33 talents signed, the only ones with any real money involved would be Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Bully Ray, Abyss, Samoa Joe, James Storm, Bobby Roode and Mr. Anderson.
As far as Anderson is concered, it’s believed that he signed a new deal a while back that was considerably lower than the one he had previously.
The TNA stars scheduled for next year’s European tour, which was a solid success for the company earlier this year, are Bully Ray, Magnus, Samoa Joe, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Ken Anderson, Eric Young, Gail Kim, Gunner, Abyss, Ethan Carter III, Tigre Uno and Rockstar Spud. That would lead you to believe that all of those talents are under contract through the rest of 2014 and into 2015.
In the case of Jeff Hardy, whether he’s under contract or not, he can’t be part of the European tour because of his past drug conviction.
The European tour dates are January 29th in Glasgow, Scotland, January 30th in Manchester, England and January 31st in London, England.
The only show announced as a TV taping is the 1/31 date in London, where two episodes of Impact Wrestling are scheduled to be taped. They’ve also announced an Ultimate-X match for the London show.
Jeff Hardy recently spoke toChase McCabe and Jeremy Bennefield of ‘Through the Ropes” to promote Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view. You can listen to audio of the interview at 1025thegame.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Lita’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction: “It was great. I was watching Raw when they first announced it and I was glad to see that. I’m very proud of her. Anytime you’re inducted into the Hall of Fame, it’s quite the honor.”
Teaming With Kurt Angle At Sacrifice: “It’s going to be very dream-like for me. I’ve been in the ring with Kurt Angle quite a bit, but this time it’s a little different because I’ll be in there under the mask as Willow and we’ll be taking on Ethan Carter and Rockstar Spud. Honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a breeze. Kurt’s the man, it should be a breeze.”
Becoming a Better Performer: “I’ve worked with so many legends and icons, it’s made me better and I’ve learned so much from all of those guys I’ve been in the ring with. It’s helped me to become my own individual and starting my own craft and forming my own identity. I’m finally comfortable to say that I am the complete ‘Charismatic Enigma’ as Jeff Hardy and Willow. Whatever I feel like doing to express myself, I can pull off.”
His Longevity in the Business: “Being with TNA is a little better because I do have a lot more time off to heal, especially with my style. When I feel like I can’t be Jeff Hardy or I can’t do Willow fully, I just don’t need to be doing it at all. So being with TNA, it’s not a really demanding schedule so I have time to be able to go all-out and have that time to heal.”
His Willow character: “Willow was my bad guy identity when Matt and I were running the OMEGA shows. I would be Jeff Hardy as the good guy and Willow would be the bad guy wrestling Matt across the indie circuit. It was an alter-ego back then, and now I had a chance to bring it back in TNA. I’m glad they gave me the chance to do it because it means the world to me to see how cool the promos have turned out and the vignettes leading up to the debut, and the entrance. The in-ring matches are still a work in progress for me, but it’s fun to be that extension of myself, especially now at 36 years old on national TV.”
TNA Entertainment, the Nashville-based sports entertainment company known for the global pro wrestling program, IMPACT Wrestling, has signed with UTA, it was announced jointly today by Dixie Carter, President of TNA Entertainment, and UTA.
TNA Entertainment’s IMPACT Wrestling, one of Spike TV’s top-rated shows, averaging 1.4 million viewers each week, is broadcast in 120 countries worldwide. Additionally, TNA Entertainment produces more than 100 live Impact Wrestling events each year as well as monthly PPV events with such internationally beloved professional wrestling stars as Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle, Eric Young, Magnus, James Storm, MVP, Gail Kim and the lovely and lethal Knockouts.
UTA will represent the 12-year-old company to extend its television broadcast reach as well as to expand its licensing programs and slate of live event programming. TNA will also leverage UTA’s expertise in digital and social media to build monetization strategies for its digital media operations. TNA launched a cross-platform programming effort, #IMPACT 365, in October 2013 to provide viewers with ongoing storyline and original content 24/7 on its website and across YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and other platforms.
“UTA’s diverse range of capabilities make them an ideal partner to help TNA add tremendous visibility and value to the global IMPACT Wrestling brand,” said Dixie Carter. “We are confident that by working with the UTA team, we will not only expand our wrestling business in exciting ways, but we will also build new entertainment ventures and properties.”
TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held sports entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee, that specializes in events, products, numerous TV properties, merchandise and music, as well as, the management and promotion of professional wrestlers. The product is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is broadcast in more than 120 countries. For more information, please visit www.impactwrestling.com.
United Talent Agency is a premier global talent and literary agency representing many of the world’s most widely-known figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment, including motion pictures, television, digital media, video games, books, music, theatre and live entertainment. The agency is also globally recognized in the areas of film finance, film packaging, corporate consulting, branding, licensing, endorsements and the representation of production talent. The agency operates the brand strategy firm UTA Brand Studio as well as New York and Los Angeles-based United Entertainment Group, a joint venture firm focusing on branded entertainment for Fortune 500 companies. UTA also owns leading broadcast and news agency N.S. Bienstock.
– Road Dogg is dealing with a back injury that’s kept him out of action for a few weeks. No word yet on the extent of the injury. There had been talks that the New Age Outlaws would challengeThe Usos for the WWE Tag Team championships at WrestleMania XXX, but it remains to be seen if the match will actually take place.
– Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. Jay and Mark Briscoe has been booked as the main event of the April 26th OMEGA live event from the Hardys’ hometown of Cameron, NC. The show takes place at Union Pines High School. Matt Hardy announced the match on Twitter, calling it the “biggest tag team dream match” of the past 10 years.
– Here’s the latest WWE Inbox featuring Alicia Fox talking about her most embarrassing moment in the ring, an idea for her own WWE Network show and more.
– For those who missed the TNA Lockdown pay-per-view on Sunday night, Bobby Lashley made his return during the show. Lashley came out to answer the open challenge issued by Ethan Carter III.
– Also of note at the TNA Lockdown pay-per-view, former World Champion Bully Ray came out as Dixie Carter’s “insurance policy” and served as the special referee for the Lethal Lockdown match. Ray ended up turning on Dixie and power bombing Bobby Roode, helping Team MVP secure the victory and control of the company.
– Abyss made his return during the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match on the show between Magnus and Samoa Joe. Abyss came up from underneath the ring, pulled Samoa Joe down, and ended up attacking him with “Janice,” which allowed Magnus to secure the victory and retain the title.
– Finally, Jeff Hardy made his return during the show, also in the Lethal Lockdown main event. Hardy returned as his childhood alter-ego, “Willow.”
On Thursday’s Impact, MVP announced that Jeff Hardy will be returning to TNA this Sunday at Lockdown and will be part of his Team MVP in the Steel Cage Lethal Lockdown match.
Here’s the final card for TNA Lockdown:
STEEL CAGE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Magnus (c) vs. Samoa Joe
STEEL CAGE LETHAL LOCKDOWN Team MVP (MVP, The Wolves & TBA) vs. Team Dixie (Bobby Roode, Austin Aries, The BroMans)
STEEL CAGE MATCH Kurt Angle vs. Ethan Carter III
STEEL CAGE KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP Madison Rayne (c) vs. Gail Kim
STEEL CAGE MATCH Gunner vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
STEEL CAGE MATCH Mr. Anderson vs. Samuel Shaw
STEEL CAGE MATCH Bad Influence & Chris Sabin vs. The Great Muta, Sanada and Tigre Uno
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross appeared on the Opie & Anthony radio show this morning to promote his “RINGSIDE” shows in New York City on Saturday. During the interview, JR told a funny story involving Vince McMahon. As the story goes, during the Attitude Era, McMahon wanted to fart to make Gerald Brisco vomit. However, he did it right before he was getting ready to shoot a live promo and instead of simply farting, Vince “sharted” in his pants. JR mentioned that McMahon was wearing light khaki pants and the crew in the production truck were all in hysterics, but none were brave enough to capture the incident on film.
– Matt Hardy teased a return of The Hardy Boys at his OMEGA Championship Wrestling event, which takes place on April 26th at the Union Pines High School in Cameron, North Carolina. Hardy tweeted the following:
On 4/26, Jeff & I team & are putting out an open challenge to the greatest teams in the biz. WE WANT A DREAM MATCH! pic.twitter.com/eEUQ1KmtQg
MVP has announced that Jeff Hardy will return at the upcoming Lockdown PPV on March 9th from Miami, Florida.
Hardy’s involvement on the show will be revealed on an upcoming episode of Impact (already taped on the recent European Tour).
Hardy will also be a part of the Fan InterAction event on Saturday March 8 at the Miami Airport Hilton. From ImpactWrestling.com:
Tickets for Fan InterAction are only $129, reduced from the normal $199 for this event only. To celebrate Jeff Hardy’s return, a special bonus has been put together for Hardy fans. Each fan in attendance will receive 5 different Jeff Hardy lithographs at no additional fee. These lithographs have sold in the past un-signed for $20 at ShopTNA but are included in the $129 cost for Fan InterAction. We typically limit fans to only two items signed, but as part of this special bonus Jeff Hardy will sign each of the lithographs – again, at no additional cost. Signed Hardy lithographs are selling for $99 at ShopTNA.
For more information on the Lockdown Fan InterAction event, visit ImpactWrestling.com.
Matt Hardy and friends will be running an OMEGA Championship Wrestling event on Saturday, February 22nd in Smithfield, North Carolina to benefit the Autism Society of NC.
Jeff Hardy, who has been off TNA television, will be making a special appearance at the show.
Other names advertised include Reby Sky, Hurricane Helms, Gunner, CW Anderson, Christian York and others.
Stars of the Lizard Lick Towing reality show will also be appearing.
– TMZ covered a story involving TNA star Jeff Hardy’s dog breaking a bone in its’ foot last week. Those interested in the story can check it out at TMZ.com.
– TNA has added a new video to their official YouTube channel featuring footage of “The Icon” Sting backstage at a TNA live event this past weekend. The “#IMPACT365” video, which can be seen below, is accompanied by the following description: “Backstage at the IMPACT World Tour Live Event in McMinnville, TN on Saturday night, several lucky fans has the chance to meet the Icon, Sting! Here is the exclusive video!”
– TNA star Sting recently posted the following tweet. Before any rumors get started, Sting is referring to the the TNA storyline regarding Jeff Hardy, not Jeff Jarrett.
Dixie you drove off Jeff… I am still here and I am getting what I want tonight. Impact 9pm Spike.
– With AJ Styles back in negotiations with TNA, company officials are confident they’ll be able to strike a deal with the TNA original. Despite the fact that AJ did really leave the company due to a contractual dispute, both sides have remained on good terms since he became a free agent and TNA loves the idea of AJ Styles making a big return and shocking everybody, since news of his departure got so much news coverage.
TNA is booking the next several weeks of television under the impression that Styles will be back by the January 16th Impact tapings from Huntsville, Alabama or the January 30th show from Glasgow.
– Jeff Hardy was written out of the TNA storylines on Thursday’s Impact. As reported a few weeks ago, the angle was done because Hardy will not be traveling overseas with TNA for the January UK tour. Hardy will be brought when TNA starts taping Impact from Orlando again.
TNA posted this video of Hardy after Thursday night’s show:
TNA President Dixie Carter recently spoke about the Jeff Hardy storyline and the planned coronation for TNA Heavyweight Champion Magnus on next week’s Impact Wrestling:
Another example of someone not appreciating what I offer. @JEFFHARDYBRAND you are like AJ and the others.
@MagnusOfficial appreciates me!
In WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ latest column, he offers his thoughts on the possibility of broadcasting again for WWE, fan speculation over Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and Jeff Hardy.
Whether he would consider broadcasting for WWE again: “Yes I’d consider broadcasting again and feel motivated to do so but it takes two to Tango and most companies aren’t looking to hire 61 year old guys with Bells palsy. I never let my facial paralysis define me but unfortunately some companies do along with the stigma that being a long time ‘pro wrestling guy’ has to some narrow minded, uncreative decision makers.”
Will he boycott WrestleMania?: “I’m sorry if I offend some who think that I’m boycotting WM30 because of my own, admitted, lofty ego, but any talent being a part of any event is largely up to the promotion. If a promotion extends an offer and the talent roadblocks it, then that’s another story. I’m not boycotting any offer to broadcast anything if it’s a win-win arrangement. At this stage of the game, it has to be fun and something where I can be myself behind the mic.”
Fan speculation of Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30: “I get daily questions on whether a Sting vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania is ever going to happen. I have no answer to that query but I can say that it’s seemingly fish or cut bait time as the window off opportunity is rapidly closing on an attraction that fans have been clamoring for years.”
Jeff Hardy: “Yep…I’m a wrestling fan and I enjoy sampling TNA occasionally. Really liked seeing Jeff Hardy last week. Jeff is still a top hand in anyone’s company.”
Much more is featured in his post, including thoughts on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestling again, working alongside Paul Heyman, who he wants to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014, and Ring of Honor. To read his full post, click here.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has once again updated the Q&A section of his website. The following are some new highlights:
On calling the legendary Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat matches: “It was a honor to call them back when play by play was in fashion. Working w/ Bob Caudle was a privilege. Flair & Steamboat were….legendary. I was at right place at right time.”
On if he feels Tito Santana is underrated: “Tito was a great in ring talent. I don’t know who has underrated him. He was a star.”
On whether or not Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania was the match of the year: “Thanks for your take. I have no dog in this hunt. There weren’t an overabundance of great matches in WWE in 2013 IMO ”
On Jeff Jarrett leaving TNA: “I’m not connected to TNA or Jarrett or to what their relationship together was or has been lately. I don’t know what his departure means to TNA. TNA has many fixable issues. I wish Jeff and his family well.”
On the overrun during WWE RAW on Monday’s: “Enhances the TV ratings minute by minute numbers.”
On a dream match at WrestleMania between Shawn Michaels and Sting: “At the right place at the right time it would have been terrific. A main event. The ship’s sailed on that one or so I think.”
On the possibility of the War Games concept being used by WWE: “Highly unlikely. I don’t see it happening. It wasn’t a WWE creation and the blood is a no-no.”
On Drew McIntyre’s future in WWE: “It’s all about the creative and the production and execution of such. Any one can be made to be relevant in the fictional world of pro wrestling.”
On the importance of Steve Austin during the Attitude Era: “In the Attitude Era, it was Stone Cold who was the straw that stirred the drink. But he was surrounded by some great talents as well.”
On the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Batista in 2014: “If both are around with enough TV availabilities I’d say it’s possible. It would be a nice attraction.”
On if the Hardy Boys would ever return to WWE: “I’d say never say never but I’d also guess it would likely be a long shot. Sometimes long shots come through.”
The following are highlights from a recent IconsVsIcons.com interview with TNA star Jeff Hardy:
On memories of music as a kid: “For sure it was my dad playing in his country western/bluegrass band night after night in the basement. My brother and I would go down there and listen to him play songs by Randy Travis and Johnny Cash, along with all kinds of old jams. We really grew up around the country vibe. Later in life, I feel in love with rap and then got turned on to alternative rock. When I discovered alternate rock, like Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, it really made me love music. Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam were a huge influence on me. They expanded my world by leaps and bounds. Reading his lyrics was incredible. I remember “Ten” had just come out and I was still into the Vanilla Ice, Public Enemy stuff and the rap scene. My brother Matt had told me about this band Pearl Jam. At first, I thought they were freaks and it was strange but the more I listened and read the lyrics, I really started to relate. More than anyone, Eddie Vedder has been a huge inspiration to me.”
On how he would categorize his new CD, Plurality of Words: “I would definitely categorize it in the category of alternative rock. My stuff, especially “Plurality of Worlds,” has a lot of rap styles in the songs but I would say, overall, it is alternative rock. We are going to start recording the next album in January. I am really looking forward to it. The thing about “Plurality of Worlds” is I am completely locked in my safe zone and now I can experiment with getting out of that safe zone. Honestly, if I can’t get comfortable with being out of my safe zone, I might as well just quit now! I am really confident that vocally and lyrically, will be even better on my part come the next album.”
On goals or expectations he has for the CD: “Honestly, I don’t have any goals at the moment other than to get better. The way the songs make me feel when I hear the professionally produced finished product, it is the best thing ever! Dale Oliver is our producer down in Nashville. He is the main music guy at TNA Wrestling. When I get the finished product from him, it is the best! To be able to share that with the fans and see how they react to it is amazing. It is still in the early stages right now and my fans seem to dig it. “Time & Fate” is my new theme at TNA now. The first verse is a rap I wrote back when I was in the eighth grade. Just to hear that verse every night when I go out and wrestling is amazing. As I am running out, I think “Oh my God, this thing is still alive!” It is so cool to hear it because it originated so long ago! I have notebooks stacked miles high of different writings, so to bring something back to life from all those years ago is really cool. As far as expectations and goals, I just want to get better and I hope the people support me in doing that.”
On possible music videos for songs on the CD: “When it comes to music videos, TNA and I were a little rushed. We wanted to get the music and video out there for the fans before Christmas. For “Every Other Day,” I had written out a long script that would have taken a good day, if not two, to film my vision of the “Every Other Day” video. We just didn’t have enough time to get that done. There is a song on the album called “None of The Time” that I am going to try and shoot all by myself at home. I have this vision and I want to bring it to life. Matt’s wife is an amazing editor. I want to do this video on my own, out of nowhere and pay her to edit it and see how my images come across through the video process and see if TNA will air the video. I think that is going to be very important for me, to try and express what I mean in the song and what I am talking about through a music video. I think the cheaper you can do it and still make it cool, the more impressive it will be. That is my next step, trying to shot a video at my house, all by myself and see how it goes!”
On a possible follow-up CD: “At the moment, the most exciting thing about the new album is that there will be a lot more singing. There is a lot more positive emotion involved. There are three songs we plan on starting with. One is called “Obsolete” and although it still highlights some of the negative, it has catchy chorus. It is a little dark but the way I am going to sing is a bit different from what I have done on “Plurality of Worlds,” where I am kind of rapping/talking. On the upcoming album I plan to sing a lot more and that is what I find most exciting about the project.”
On music he currently listens to: “Yeah. More than any, as far as new bands go, is Imagine Dragons. I caught their performance at the American Music Awards and thought “Holy shit! How do you follow that?” It was awesome. We also saw Pearl Jam about a month ago in Charlotte and they are better than ever! The new album, “Lightning Bolt,” is crazy amazing and the place was packed! But again, as far as new bands, Imagine Dragons is my favorite.”