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Tag: Kurt Angle

  • Kurt Angle Says There’s A Possibility He’ll Fight Ken Shamrock In 2016

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkNfsO14Ktg

    It looks like Bellator MMA is trying to match up two former pro wrestling stars in a fight next year. Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle mentioned at Friday’s Bellator 145 event that he may step into the cage with Ken Shamrock should he win his fight against Royce Gracie at Bellator 149 in February.

    “I’m not gonna tease everybody but there’s a possibility,” said Angle. “We’ll see… but I’m getting my feet wet here in Bellator and having a good time. I’m gonna sit back for once in my life, relax and watch and eventually I’ll make that decision.”

    Angle has indicated that he won’t renew his TNA contract when it expires early next year. At 46 years old and with a history of serious injuries, it’s unlikely Angle will have a lengthy run inside the cage if he does choose to fight.

    Related: Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie 3 Scheduled For Bellator 149 In February

    After winning a gold medal in wrestling at the 1996 Olympic Games with a broken neck, Angle began a career in pro wrestling and became a headliner in WWE by the year 2000. Angle dedicated his 1996 Olympic win to his late coach Dave Schultz, whose career and murder was chronicled in the 2014 film Foxcatcher.

  • Kurt Angle To Do Commentary On Tonight’s Bellator MMA Card?

    Just a few minutes ago, Sean Grande, the play by play announcer for Bellator MMA, tweeted this:

    That’s a not so veiled reference to Kurt Angle, who has signed some sort of contract with Bellator and was already in St. Louis to appear at their Fanfest event and at least watch tonight’s card. While the idea of him fighting seems farfetched, there’s clearly a much deeper relationship than just Angle signing autographs at Bellator events. Tonight’s card includes Angle’s fellow TNA roster member Bobby Lashley in action against James Thompson, so perhaps Angle will just be sitting in with Grande and color commentator Jimmy Smith for that fight.

    If by some chance Angle were to fight, Bellator does have Ken Shamrock under contract. Both are old enough and beaten up enough that it wouldn’t be considered wildly unfair. Angle had negotiated with MMA promotions in the past but he never committed to anything.

  • WWE Main Roster Talents Divided Over Financial Issues

    Although morale in NXT is through the roof right now, the main roster has been described as having a big divide between the have’s and have not’s.

    The lower level talents with $100,000 downside guarantees, which would be the bottom guys, were given raises to $125,000 guarantees and according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, other talents likely got raises as well to offset the lack of pay-per-view bonus money.

    Additionally, it’s said that the underneath guys have been complaining about having a hard time making it given road expenses, while the top guys are being well taken care of.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Kurt Angle In L.A. This Weekend (Photo), Xavier Woods Missing Hell In A Cell PPV?

    – Xavier Woods is rumored to be missing tonight’s WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view, as he is scheduled to get married this weekend. Bubba Ray Dudley tweeted the following regarding tonight’s pay-per-view, adding a “get well soon” message to Woods. Below is what Bubba wrote, as well as a response from The New Day’s Kofi Kingston.

    – Kurt Angle is one of many wrestlers in Los Angeles, California this weekend, the site of tonight’s WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view. Below is a photo of Angle catching up with Booker T in L.A. this weekend.

    https://instagram.com/p/9Pz61cCYHq

  • Kurt Angle To Become A Teacher Once His TNA Contract Expires?

    Kurt Angle posted a new blog on his official website where he indicated that he may pursue a teaching career.

    Angle recently noted that he is taking one year off from pro wrestling after his TNA contract expires in a few months to figure out what his future holds.

    Below is an excerpt from Angle’s new blog, which can be read in full at KurtAngleBrand.com.

    My “long shot” dream was to be an Olympic Champion. Winning gold was my lifelong dream. I also had another passion, to be a teacher…to teach our youth. I have a college degree in education. I accomplished my ultimate dream, winning gold in the 1996 Olympics, but now that I’ve accomplished it, I want to use my college education to help others and to teach others.

    Now that I am entering this part of my life, a time to slow down and reflect on all that I have personally achieved, I have a story that I want to share to help those people! I want to help others accomplish their goals and I can use my education to achieve that.

    Our lives have so much meaning and we should continue to evolve, in every aspect. If you have your shit together, then you’re prepared to accomplish your goals. If you don’t have your shit together, start now and make your life something special. Help yourself to help others and your life will be prosperous. And remember… push toward every goal that you have, every single day, for your whole life. The day you stop pushing yourself is the day you have given up. So don’t give up. Watch, listen and learn, and make everything you do benefit you, your family, and others.

    That’s what GOD has intended. It’s Damn true.

  • Kurt Angle Praises Sasha Banks, Royal Rumble DVD In The Works & More

    – Kurt Angle was asked by a fan on Twitter what he thinks of WWE Diva Sasha Banks. Angle called her “perhaps the most gifted female wrestler I’ve seen” and compared her to Gail Kim and Mickey James. The Boss responded:

    – WWE is working on “The True Story of the Royal Rumble” DVD/Blu-Ray project, according to WrestlingDVDNetwork.com. The set will include a documentary and will provide “A behind the scenes look at the event that sets the stage for WWE’s biggest stage at WrestleMania. Hear from the winners and losers, and the creator of the most intense match in WWE.”

    – Here’s a photo of the WWE Performance Center All Access tour that took place on Monday in Orlando. To see what the $1,499 tour gets you, visit Ticketforce.com.

    https://twitter.com/seltzer77/status/648641799100219393

  • Kurt Angle’s TNA Bound For Glory Opponent Revealed

    Kurt Angle announced on Twitter that he’ll be facing Eric Young at this Sunday’s TNA Bound for Glory pay-per-view.

    Angle, who has been out of action since June following surgery, will fac Young on Saturday night at a TNA live event from Salem, VA.

    After announcing that he will not be re-signing with TNA when his contract expires in a few months, this could very well be angle’s final match on pay-per-view.

  • Kurt Angle’s Brother David Angle Charged With Homicide

    Terrible news hit the Angle family this weekend, as Kurt Angle’s brother David has been charged with homicide.

    David Angle, 62, is currently in the Alleghany County jail awaiting arraignment on the charge, Lt. Andrew Schurman told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

    Angle’s wife was found dead in their Dormont residence on Sunday morning. Paramedics and police responded to a domestic disturbance call at around 6:24am local time to find Donna Angle unconscious and not breathing.

    David Angle told police that he rejected an offer for alcohol from Donna, which resulted in a huge argument. He claims that Donna attempted to kick him, and he responded by grabbing her arms, placing his foot on her chest and pulling back. She then reportedly lost consciousness and never woke up, despite his claims that he tried to revive her.

    Kurt Angle’s manager, David Hawk, issued the following statement to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

    “Due to the situation, Kurt would appreciate if you can honor his family’s request for privacy at his difficult time.”

  • Photos: TNA Draws Horrendous Attendance Again Despite Giving Away Free Tickets

    As reported earlier this week, TNA’s first two live events of the year, which were part of the “Road to Bound For Glory” tour, drew just a few hundred fans to each show, and that’s including comped tickets being given out.

    The TNA live event on Saturday evening was more of the same.

    The event, which took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hometown of TNA’s top star Kurt Angle, still drew along the lines of what the shows drew in York, PA. and Morgantown, W.V. earlier this weekend.

    As seen below, free tickets were given away by the California University of Pennsylvania Student Center.

  • Kurt Angle’s Return Opponent Revealed, British Rock Band Records TNA Theme, Abyss

    – As noted, Kurt Angle is scheduled to return to the ring at the TNA live event in Salem, Virginia on Saturday, October 3rd, which is the same night that TNA will be inducting Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall Of Fame. It is now confirmed that Angle will be facing Eric Young in one-on-one action at the 10/3 event. There is no word yet as to who Angle will be wrestling at the TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view the following night in Concord, North Carolina.

    – TNA posted the following video which features Abyss sending a message to Mahabali Shera as they prepare to square off on this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling, which airs Wednesday night on Destination America.

    https://youtu.be/-i9_90_8X6w

    – TNA announced that British rock band “Chasing Cadence” is doing the new theme song for their TNA Xplosion show. The song is called “Dear Life.” Check out the new intro below.

    https://youtu.be/LdQL0mNuNFY

  • TNA Announces Kurt Angle’s In-Ring Return

    Following the announcement earlier this week that he will not be signing a new TNA contract after his current deal expires at the end of this year, Kurt Angle’s in-ring return was announced.

    On Thursday, TNA announced that Angle will make his in-ring return at the TNA live event in Salem, Virginia on October 3rd.

    Additionally, Angle is also scheduled to work the TNA Bound For Glory event in Concord, North Carolina on October 4th.

  • Daniel Bryan Interview: Cena Heel Turn, Kurt Angle WWE Return, Funny CM Punk Story

    WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan is currently in Dubai doing promotional appearances for the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game. Bryan was interviewed on 104.4 Virgin Radio Dubia this week and spoke about wanting John Cena to turn heel, the possibility of Kurt Angle returning to WWE, a funny CM Punk story and more. Here are some highlights:

    – Bryan would love to see John Cena turn heel, noting that Hulk Hogan’s heel turn back in 1996 kicking off a new boom period for the industry.

    – He put over New Day as “amazingly entertaining” heels. They’re currently his favorite act in WWE, while Cesaro is his favorite wrestler.

    – Bryan would love to see Kurt Angle return to WWE for one final sendoff at WrestleMania and doesn’t know why WWE hasn’t been interested in bringing him back for a short run. He thinks Angle could have great matches against Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns.

    – He told a funny story about working with CM Punk in Russia against the Wyatt Family. The Wyatts were beating down two babyfaces and Punk and Bryan ran down to make the save. Punk asked Bryan if he wanted to fight the Wyatts right then and there, setting up Bryan to respond, “YES!!” Bryan responded with an uninspired “yeah” and Punk told him, “you’re an idiot.”

    Bryan also talked about if he expects to wrestle at WrestleMania 32, which heel he thinks would make a good babyface, never having a sip of alcohol in his life and more.

  • Kurt Angle Reveals He Will Not Re-Sign With TNA, What’s Next For Him

    Kurt Angle appeared on Mark Madden’s radio show on 105.9X this week and revealed he will not be re-signing with TNA when his contract expires in January.

    Angle said even though he’s close to “100% healthy” and will be at Bound for Glory next month, he will not attempt to get signed by WWE once he becomes a free agent.

    Angle, who turns 47 later this year, will be taking a break from pro wrestling when he’s done with TNA.

  • Matt Hardy Shares His Thoughts On TNA, Kevin Owens, Hardy Boys Still Going Strong

    TNA Wrestling performer Matt Hardy recently spoke with Sean Ross Sapp of Wrestling Inc about a wide variety of topics. Below are some of the highlights of part one of their two-part interview.

    On his match at tonight’s Impact Wrestling and being in such a high-profile position at this stage in his career: “It’s always an honor to be in a top position. When it comes down to it, I’m a kid who came from a small down in North Carolina and the dream was to become a professional wrestler. Obviously my brother and I have been very successful, but I still have a passion to be as good as I can be. I realize after 24 years that it’s hard to be as athletic as I used to be, but I feel like I have a lot of mileage in the tank. To go into this Full Metal Mayhem match tonight and challenge for the world title is very special. I guarantee people will walk away from this match in disbelief that Matt Hardy is still doing these things when he’ll be 41 in a month. That’s my goal coming out of this. I feel like no one can represent TNA better than I can right now.”

    On both of The Hardy Boys wrestling at age 40 despite people thinking they wouldn’t due to their style in the ring: “I don’t know, man. I never try to predict the future. Even when we started with the WWE and were doing regular matches, the pace, the moves. We were doing splashes and Jeff was taking flat back bumps to the floor, and our finish was a legdrop/splash. The veterans who watched our matches said we wouldn’t be able to walk by the time we were 35. It was very scary. To still be a part of that right now and be able to do the things I do, I’ve had to totally change my thing. It’s a lifestyle, and you can tell the changes I’ve made in the last year. I really just try to work hard and stay passionate about things. I’m very lucky, I think.”

    On still working crazy stipulation matches this late into his career: “Honestly, I didn’t expect it. I’m pleasantly surprised that I feel as good as I do. I try to be a statement for someone who is a regular person in this business and their longevity. I’m living proof that it can happen. I’ve been through struggles and survived. I was with the Young Bucks this weekend and we were talking about how intense Kevin Owens’ schedule was. For 12 years I was doing ten days on, four days off, then 5 days on, a day and a half off. There’s no way to describe the damage that puts on your body, especially if you wrestled a high impact style like I did. These TNA TVs are a little challenging sometimes because we have several days back-to-back. We did that recently. It was aggressive and tough for me. As soon as I was done, I’d get back to the room and sleep for an hour, then I’m up training, stretching, staying in survival mode. I really had to change my game. I have to make wrestling my lifestyle and what I build my schedule around.”

    On his thoughts on TNA as a whole: “I encourage fans to check out TNA on Destination America not just tonight, but each week. We have a lot of really great programming and wrestling, and I think maybe some older fans who fell away from the brand would really enjoy it.”

    Check out the complete interview at WrestlingInc.com.

  • Kurt Angle Talks About His Condition Following Neck Surgery, Austin/Lesnar, More

    Kurt Angle recently took part in a Q&A with fans on his official Facebook page. Below are some of the highlights, courtesy of Angle’s official website.

    On his weekly workout routine: “It’s simple: 4 days of weight training and 3 days of hard cardio. I train every day, but no longer than an hour. This is nothing compared to my 10 hour days of training for the Olympics, but it works for me.”

    On what he does for cardio: “Nowadays, I only run 3-4 miles a day, but I run fast. I do hill sprints as well. It works for me, so I never get tired when I wrestle.”

    Who was a tougher opponent according to you , in terms of in-ring skills – Brock Lesnar or Stone Cold Steve Austin? Lesnar and Austin. Who was tougher?

    On who was tougher opponent in terms of in-ring skills — Brock Lesnar or Steve Austin, and who was tougher: “That’s a difficult question. Austin was aggressive and physical. He was always pressing me. Lesnar is a beast, an animal, a rare breed. They dominated in different ways. Both are rugged. But who frightens me more? Lesnar.”

    On how he is feeling since his neck surgery: “I’m doing ok from my neck surgery. I had complications but I should be ready to go by early September.”

  • Kurt Angle Wants His Retirement Match To Be Against Daniel Bryan

    TNA star Kurt Angle has posted a new article at his official website talking about who he would like to wrestle his final match against.

    Angle said if he could go back to the 1980’s, he’d love to wrestle Ric Flair in his prime. He also says he wished he could have wrestled Bret Hart and talked about his classic battles with the likes of Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar and others.

    Angle said he’d love to get in the ring with guys like Roman Reigns, Cesaro, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler and Bad News Barrett, but the man he’d like to retire against is Daniel Bryan. Angle said:

    “Epic matches in the future? The first that comes to mind is Daniel Bryan. He is Shawn Michaels reborn. I would love to retire against a wrestler I believe has won over the hearts of millions of fans. How did he win their hearts? He’s that good. Give me 30 minutes with Daniel Bryan and I will give you the match of the century.”

  • TNA Makes Big Change To Talent Contracts, More Departures Expected

    TNA is making a major change to their talent contracts that has a lot of people unhappy, with more departures expected in the coming months.

    Most TNA stars have had a guaranteed monthly pay in addition to a per-appearance fee. Due to the latest round of ‘financial restructuring,’ those contracts with a guaranteed monthly downside are being dropped in favor of per-appearance deals.

    In some cases, TNA will now be paying talents a little bit more per appearance than they were already making, with the idea being that it will make up for the loss of the base pay. If TNA increases their schedule to include more dates, talents could actually end up making even more money than they were making originally.

    Regardless of the positive spin, many TNA performers are understandably upset by no longer having guaranteed money coming.

    It’s worth noting that while most of the contracts will be changed to this new structure, a few high-profile guys like Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy will likely keep their existing agreements.

    (Credit: PWInsider.com)

  • Kurt Angle Undergoes Emergency Surgery To Fix Near-Fatal Issue

    On Thursday, Kurt Angle’s official Twitter page announced that the Olympic gold medalist underwent emergency surgery to correct a near fatal issue he was dealing with.

    Below are the tweets from Angle’s management company:

  • EC3 On If TNA Will Go Out Of Business, Getting A Shout Out From Seth Rollins

    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.

  • Photos: Kurt Angle Undergoes Successful Surgery To Remove Tumor

    Kurt Angle underwent successful surgery to remove a benign tumor from his neck earlier this week. By all accounts, the former Olympic gold medalist seems to be in good spirits.

    Angle posted the following updates from the hospital after undergoing surgery.

    https://instagram.com/p/415EmUiYON/

    https://instagram.com/p/42TOOmiYNk/

    https://instagram.com/p/42O69giYE1/

  • Kurt Angle On Wanting To Work With Daniel Bryan, His Retirement Match & More

    TNA star Kurt Angle recently took part in a Q&A with fans on his official Facebook page. Below are some of the highlights.

    On keeping a straight face when singing to Vince McMahon on TV: “It was difficult. Vince told us not to laugh until he yelled “cut”. We held it in long enough to get each one done. It was all improvisation. So much fun!”

    On his father: “My father didn’t influence me into wrestling, my brothers did. They all wrestled so I was kind of forced into it, but my Dad was my #1 fan and supporter. He was at every single event I had until he passed when I was 16. He was always supportive, even when I didn’t do so well.”

    On his bench press capabilities: “Most ever was 400. I’m not a strong upper body guy…legs and hips got me my GOLD, but I wasn’t weak either. Lol. I don’t bench press anymore, I do more toning and maintainence.”

    On who he would want to retire against: “My retirement match would be Daniel Bryan. He’s so polished in the ring. I just don’t know if it’s possible. But I’d Love it!”

    On if he wanted to face Undertaker at WM 22 and break the Streak instead of facing him at No Way Out: “Undertaker at Mania was only a thought that Undertaker came up with. I would have preferred him at Mania. Not to break the streak, but for the respect I have for him. At that point in his career, he didn’t have that “Mania Match” he always wanted. But he did after WM 22. Shawn Michaels, HHH. So I’m happy he got the mania matches he deserved.”

    Check out more at Facebook.com/RealKurtAngle.

  • Kurt Angle Undergoing Neck Surgery, How Long He’ll Be Out

    TNA star Kurt Angle has posted a new blog update at his website with some comments about his upcoming neck surgery and how long he expects to be out of action.

    Angle says he’ll be undergoing surgery next week to address a benign tumor in his neck and expects to be out of action for “about a month.”

    TNA’s next set of Impact Wrestling TV tapings take place from July 22-30 from Orlando, Florida.

    “Thank you all for your incredible support,” Angle wrote. “Your comments have kept my spirits high throughout this trying time. Much Love, Kurt.”

  • EC3 On Becoming TNA Champion, Private Conversation He Had With Angle

    New TNA World Champion Ethan Carter III recently appeared as a guest on the “This Is Awesome Wrestling Show” podcast to discuss his big title victory over Kurt Angle this week and more. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

    On becoming TNA World Champion: “Everything I’ve ever been through, every stupid personal or professional hell I’ve ever had to overcome, it made it all worth it. I’m very fortunate. I hate using the word blessed, because people use #blessed way too much. But for one day, I can say I was #blessed.”

    On being able to watch his win and experience it with everyone else: “Watching it personally, I had a nice soiree. My girlfriend hooked us up with a party and a bunch of people came by. What was cool about it, as much as people who support either her or I, our friends, they not huge wrestling fans. They check it out from time to time. Kind of fans we need more of, which is mainstream people checking it out from time to time. You know, again, when we talk about smart fans and credibility, or messing with the finisher or outside interference. The hook, line, and sinker with every little thing we did and every part of that story we told, like, it was mostly clean, but I’m still kind of a dirt bag because I still need a little help — the stuff with Tyrus. I guess, a guy whose never had a wrestling match in his life who can give out stars can say, ‘Hey, that’s typical TNA.’ When you watch the reaction of the people we try to get, and they are hooked, line and sinker, and they are buying into this and seeing it unfold, it was kind of an out of body experience.”

    On what it means to have Kurt Angle be the wrestler he won the title from: “He’s a Hall of Famer in every company he’s been in, let’s not forget that. But I mean, dude, whoa. Like, whoa. Like you said, we grew up watching Kurt. It’s very, very rare you have the opportunity to have your dream match. And I think it’s even more rare that it happens to be for a world title. It’s surreal. You know, I’ve had that match a thousand times in my head. I remember doing German suplexes and then Angle Slams in my backyard, locking in the ankle lock. Next thing you know, I’ll take about eighteen of them…I don’t remember because they all hit me in the head. Withstand that, then defeat him with a wrestling hold. Ha! Pin! What? Out of control.”

    On who hugged him first after win: “John Gaburick.”

    On what Kurt Angle told him after the match: “Later that day, he was sitting down talking to me, and I will not say what he said to me. But to hear those words come out of his mouth, was maybe even more important than actually winning the title.”

    On joining the list of past TNA World Champions, such as Sting, Jeff Hardy, Bull Ray, Samoa Joe, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle and others: “When you read it like that, that’s a pretty damn exclusive list. I guess that’s a great thing about TNA World Championship, they take a lot of slack for doing things wrestling fans hate for some reason. One thing they do very well is keep the integrity of the World Championship. And that’s pretty cool to be on that list.”

    Check out the complete interview at MooreGlenn.com.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling Results – July 1, 2015

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

    [Q1] A video package focussed on Kurt Angle and EC3 heading into their TNA Title match… Josh Mathews checked in on commentary and noted that the battle between The Rising and Beat Down Clan with the loser disbanding was up first. Mathews was joined on commentary by “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero… Ring introductions for that match took place…

    1. Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, and Mica vs. MVP, Low Ki, Kenny King, and Hernandez in an elimination match. The losing team must disband. Low Ki caught Mica with a kick to the head and pinned him to eliminate him from the match. [C]

    [Q2] Around 12:00, Drake ran to the corner and superplexed King. Pope said Drake has been watching footage of Angle (because of the way he ran up the ropes). Drake performed a dive over the top onto MVP. Drake came up holding his knee and was eventually helped to the back, leaving Galloway to face all four opponents by himself.

    At 14:15, Galloway pinned Low Ki, then pinned King at 14:30. At 15:40, Hernandez performed a Border Toss on Galloway. MVP checked in and delivered the Playmaker. Moments later, MVP hit a drive-by kick to the head of Galloway and pinned him, meaning The Rising must disband…

    MVP, Hernandez, Low Ki, and Kenny King beat Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, and Mica in 16:40.

    Backstage, Kenny King told MVP and Hernandez that Low Ki took a bad fall and was on his way to the hospital. MVP was excited that The Rising is finished…

    Magnus stood in the ring and delivered a promo. Magnus said James Storm is a slimy son of a bitch and that’s all he has to say about him. Then he went on to talk more about Storm and how his actions made Magnus’s family stronger. Magnus introduced Mickie James.

    Mickie thanked the fans for their support, then thanked Magnus for standing by her side, not rubbing it in her face (maybe he’ll get to now?), and proving he’s the man for her.

    [Q3] James Storm came out with Khoya. He told Mickie to imagine if he had pushed her a little harder and how she would have held her baby son while sitting in a wheelchair. Storm said he can have any women he wants beside him in The Revolution.

    Mickie called Storm a pathetic waste of a man and questioned whether he could actually find a woman. Mickie thanked him for bringing out the crazy in her and promising the fans one more match. She told him to go find that woman because she and Magnus intend to whip both of their asses…

    The broadcast team hyped The Wolves vs. The Dirty Heels for after the break… [C]

    2. The Wolves vs. Bobby Roode and Austin Aries in a 30-minute Iron Man match for the vacant TNA Tag Titles. This was the deciding match of the best of five series.

    [Q4] Ten minutes into the match and there were still no falls. Eddie Edwards made a hot tag to Davey Richards, who went on an offensive flurry. Mathews made a good call by talking about how Edwards taking so much punishment gave Richards a chance to enter the match with energy. Richards had Roode pinned, but Aries broke it up. [C]

    Richards ended up taking a prolonged beating, including a nice missile dropkick from Aries into a powerbomb from Roode. Roode covered Richards, but Edwards broke up the pin. Ring announcer Christy Hemme noted that the match had ten minutes remaining.

    [Q5] Edwards took the tag and got a near fall on Roode. Roode and Aries came back and performed a nice double team combo on Edwards for a near fall of their own. Aries put Edwards in the Last Chancery, but Richards broke it up with a double stomp.

    The Wolves came back with a pair of top rope double stomps on Aries and had him pinned, but Roode broke it up. Hemme announced there were five minutes remaining in the match. Aries performed a running dropkick on Edwards. Roode performed a spinebuster. Aries followed with a 450 splash and pinned Edwards to give his team a 1-0 advantage.

    With three minutes to go, The Wolves were at ringside. Roode held them and Aries performed a suicide dive. Edwards battled his way back inside the ring. He and Richards teamed up for a powerbomb/backstabber combo that resulted in Edwards pinning Aries at 28:54, according to Mathews.

    Roode hit Edwards with one of the title belts. Aries put his arm over Edwards, who kicked out at the last moment. Roode went or the Roode Bomb, but Edwards rolled through and pinned him to give his team a 2-1 advntage. Roode applied the crossface on Edwards while Aries held Richards at ringside, but the clock expired… [C]

    The Wolves defeated Austin Aries and Bobby Roode 2-1 in a 30-minute Iron Man match to win the best of five series and the vacant TNA Tag Titles.

    [Q6] 3. Taryn Terrell (w/Marti, Jade) vs. Awesome Kong vs. Brooke in a Triple Threat for the TNA Knockouts Championship. Yes, Brooke bent over and shook her ass as part of her ring entrance again. Isn’t it enough that she’s athletic and attractive? Taryn ducked to ringside early on.

    Mathews noted that it’s not an elimination match and Taryn doesn’t have to factor into the finish to lose the title. He also noted that Taryn won the match by pinning Gail Kim in a Triple Threat match that Havok entered as champion. Late in the match, Marti and Jade knocked Brooke off the ropes. Jade kicked Kong and then clotheslined her over the top rope, then Taryn performed a Diamond Cutter on Kong for the win…

    Taryn Terrell defeated Awesome Kong and Brooke to retain the TNA Knockouts Title in 5:20.

    After the match, The Dollhouse were heading backstage when the mystery woman’s video played. She’s no longer a mystery woman, as the video package revealed herself as Gail Kim… The broadcast team hyped Angle vs. EC3, and part one of Mike Tenay’s interview with Jeff Jarrett… [C]

    Mike Tenay interviewed Jeff Jarrett and Karen Jarrett in the middle of the ring in an empty studio. Tenay spoke about the surprise of Jarrett returning. Tenay asked Jarrett what winning the King of the Mountain match means regarding the future of TNA and Global Force Wrestling. Jarrett spoke about how he was surprised to be back as well, and said there is definitely a future with TNA and GFW and it will shock some people.

    Ring entrances for the main event took place. Jeremy Borash handled the in-ring introductions and his voice went all Peter Brady while saying Angle was the reigning and defending champion of the world… [C]

    4. Kurt Angle vs. EC3 (w/Tyrus) for the TNA Championship. Angle hit an early suplex and then followed with a pair of German suplexes. EC3 grabbed the ropes to block the third, then Angle sent him to ringside. Mathews said this isn’t the type of match that EC3 signed up for. Huh?

    Back in the ring, Angle hit two more German suplexes. EC3 once again grabbed the ropes to prevent a third. Angle was jawing with the ref when EC3 clotheslined him to grab control of the offense at 4:15. EC3 remained on the offensive heading into the break.

    [Q8] [C] EC3 remained in control coming out of the break and had Angle in full nelson position, but Angle broke free. Angle came back with three German suplexes. Angle set up for the Angle Slam, but EC3 dodged it, then Angle hit him with three more German suplexes. Welcome to Suplex, um, Village, bitch? Angle was knocked to ringside, where Tyrus caught him with a clothesline.

    Back in the ring, Angle performed, yes, more German suplexes. He also ran EC3 into Tyrus to knock Tyrus off the ring apron. Angle performed the Angle Slam for a two count. Angle applied the Ankle Lock. EC3 rolled out of it. Angle performed an overhead belly-to-belly suplex that sent EC3 crashing into referee Brian Hebner.

    Tyrus attacked Angle while the referee was down and then rolled to ringside and jawed at fans. EC3 performed the One Percenter and covered Angle, who kicked out at two. EC3 acted shocked as Mathews noted that this was the first time someone had kicked out of EC3’s finisher.

    EC3 called for Tyrus, who grabbed a chair. Pope said EC3 was trying to get himself disqualified, which would be really stupid considering how long he waited for a title shot. The refeee cut Tyrus off. Tyrus jabbed his chair into the referee, who ordered Tyrus to the back. Two additional referees ran out and joined in ordering Tyrus to the back. Tyrus complied.

    EC3 set up for his finisher again, but Angle countered and eventually applied the ankle lock. Mathews noted that it was the same move that made Matt Hardy tap out last week. EC3 reached for the ropes, but he eventually kicked Angle off to break the hold. Angle set up for his finisher, but EC3 countered into a rollup and pinned Angle. EC3 celebrated and Angle acted shocked and disappointed.

    EC3 defeated Kurt Angle in 20:35 to win the TNA Title.

  • Update On GFW-TNA Working Relationship, Jarrett Speculation, Kurt Angle/Slammiversary

    – TNA World Champion Kurt Angle was backstage at the TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view in Orlando, Florida on Sunday night. Angle stayed backstage and watched the show with his children.

    – There is said to be a feeling within TNA right now that the buzz surrounding the company is better in the past week than it has been in the past year. Apparently TNA is pleased with that fact, regardless of what happens with Jeff Jarrett and Global Force Wrestling.

    – Speaking of Jarrett’s return and the rumored working relationship between TNA and GFW, the general impression backstage at Slammiversary last night was that Jarrett wouldn’t have been there and wouldn’t have won if everything was right with TNA right now.

    (Credit: PWInsider.com)