Here are some highlights from Jim Ross’ latest blog:

Next WWE Hall Of Fame Inductee: “Rumor mills are working OT regarding as to who will be the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. I think that it’s cool that the HOF induction ceremony will air live, as I understand it, on the WWE Network. Hopefully the live audience will mind their manners and not feel compelled to display their defiance and disrupt the show for any reason. Cheering and classy displays of support are awesome however wise ass, look-at-me chants aren’t.”

Cesaro: “If Cesaro can’t be put into a position, either as a fan favorite or a villain, to be an impactful talent in WWE, it will be a real, head scratcher. I see Cesaro as a fan favorite moving forward. If not, how well could Cesaro do associated with Heyman after Lesnar takes his leave again?”

Kurt Angle in WWE: “I’m hearing that Kurt Angle did NOT have ACL surgery and only had a clean up ‘scope procedure. I’d love to see Kurt get healthy in all phases of the veteran wrestler’s life and finish his storied career in WWE. I also don’t think that Angle should be wrestling that much these days and if he is utilized strategically then his matches will have much more validity and interest. In my view, Kurt is a future WWE Hall of Famer and will, in a perfect world, have one, last, great match at a future WrestleMania. By planning ahead, this could theoretically be facilitated for WM31.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

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– As previously reported, Irish wrestler Prince Devitt attended a TNA live event from Dublin, Ireland last month. Devitt met with TNA officials about the possibility of joining the company, but he was basically just doing them a courtesy with no real intention of working for TNA. If he was to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling, it would only be for WWE, who he’s been courted by.

The Latest On Prince Devitt’s WWE Negotiations

– TNA star Kurt Angle has been in bad physical condition lately. Despite his claims that his health is fine (and being able to put on good TV matches), he was barely able to move around behind the scenes. There was even a photo of him sitting in a wheelchair circulating online last week (view here).

It was recently discovered that Angle has no ACL cartilage left in his knee. Chris Jericho worked with a similar condition several years ago and part of his ACL cartilage eventually grew back.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The following are highlights from a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On Antonio Cesaro: “Cesaro is a star who’s underutilized and is a stalwart in the locker room. Fans like him out of respect for his in ring work. Flip a switch on him and it’s done.”

On Justin Gabriel: “Not sure why Justin Gabriel hasn’t made more of an impact. Something is missing from the equation.”

On the possibility of Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns headlining a future WrestleMania: “Sure, it’s possible. Time will tell. All must remain healthy and avoid issues.”

On whether or not Hulk Hogan has one match left in him: “If true, it’s a great idea but I don’t need to see Hulk attempt to wrestle.”

On MVP working in TNA: “He’s a positive, fresh face that should help TNA if they plan long term, utilize MVP’s skills and lessen Dixie’s presence on their show. ”

On the WWE Network: “I’m WAY out of the WWE Network loop. I’m not aware of how they will deal with the many issues that are likely to pop up for the start up. I’m hopeful that the Network is successful for many reasons even though some fans will find things wrong with it just because that’s their usual MO.”

On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Lots of things have to happen for Angle to return to WWE including extensive medical, etc testing. His in ring days are very limited.”

Check out more from JR’s latest website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.

– WWE Superstar Goldust recently spoke to PE.com to promote this week’s WWE SmackDown television taping in Ontario, California. During the interview, Goldust talked about doing new moves in the ring lately. “I want to do something that I’ve never done. Something that everyone looks at and says ‘Goldust can’t do that. Oh my God, Goldust just did that!’ And leave them with ‘I can’t believe Goldust just did that, that is awesome!’”

– A fan recently asked Kurt Angle is the rumors that he wants to return to WWE are true. In true Kurt Angle fashion, he simply replied, “It’s true.”

– Above is video of WE Diva AJ Lee doing a Q&A session at Wizard World’s New Orleans Comic Con event from over the weekend. As previously reported, fans were instructed not to ask AJ about a ‘certain somebody who may or may not be with WWE anymore.’

– Cody Rhdoes did a Q&A session on Twitter yesterday and commented on the status of his knee after he was injured on RAW:

“@lofffft: @CodyRhodesWWE Hows the knee? #RhodesToTheFuture” not injured(though I wouldn't say if I was)…but really, not injured

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodesWWE) February 9, 2014

Cody also commented on the possibility of Kurt Angle returning to WWE:

“@Schowcow: @CodyRhodesWWE How would you feel about a Kurt Angle return to the WWE? #RhodesToTheFuture” huge fan, hope I can beat him

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodesWWE) February 9, 2014

The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Speaking of another Pittsburgher, been reading a great deal about Kurt Angle’s thoughts on returning to WWE to end his pro wrestling career. I don’t know what’s accurate or not but personally it would be fun to see Kurt finish where he started as it’s obvious that the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist should seriously be thinking of hanging up his boots and looking at other avenues within the business of which he can contribute. There are many for the record.”

“I’d surmise that for Kurt to return to in ring competition in WWE that he would have to pass an extensive physical as that particular landscape has changed drastically, and for the better, since Angle last appeared in WWE.”

On Chris Benoit footage airing on the WWE Network: “Glad to see that the much anticipated WWE Network will air some Chris Benoit matches accompanied with the proper ‘warning.’ What Chris did in the last days of his life are unpardonable but no one has ever said that Benoit wasn’t a great in ring technician. Should Chris be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame? Absolutely, not. However seeing some of his matches on the new, WWE Network feels fitting even thought there will be some who will raise hell over it just because they can somehow justify it via their keyboards.”

On Mr. Perfect: “Curt Hennig aka Mr. Perfect passed away 11 years ago tomorrow Feb 10. Arguably as naturally talented in all phases of the pro wrestling game as anyone I’ve ever been around. We went into the 2007 Hall of Fame class together at WM23 in Detroit. One of the funniest guys ever and a fabulous in ring performer. One could tell that the influence of so many of the great talents in the AWA had a positively profound influence on Curt. That would apply especially to Bobby Heenan and Nick Bockwinkel, among others.”

Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

– TNA star Kurt Angle’s comments about WWE in interviews that were arranged for him to promote TNA events, as well as his recent tweet about Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton, are seen within TNA as Angle preparing for life elsewhere once his contract with the company expires this coming fall.

– Apparently Bully Ray is very high on Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards as talents. Ray has reportedly been protective of them when it comes to how they are booked by TNA.

Regarding the rumors of Kurt Angle having a “blow up” backstage with TNA executive “Big” John Gaburick, one person noted that it wasn’t even an argument, and was more along the lines of Angle expressing his confusion over what he felt was senseless booking.

Speaking of Angle, despite his claims that he is not in “bad shape” recently, it was said that he was looking to be in rough physical shape during the recent U.K. tour and could barely move, however when he got in front of the fans, he ignored it and managed to put on consistently good performances.

TNA star Kurt Angle recently commented on the reports that claim he is in bad shape. Angle mentioned the following in a new tweet posted on his official Twitter account:

For the Rumors going around, I'm Having Simple Orthoscopic Surgery for Cartilage tear in my knee. I'm not in "bad shape"

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) February 4, 2014

As noted, Angle has been working through injuries during the recent TNA U.K. tour, and according to some reports, has even been working despite doctors orders not to.

The following are highlights from a new Jim Ross Q&A update:

On why fans should take Randy Orton as champion seriously after losing multiple “non-title” matches: “It’s an old school philosophy. The champion losing non title bouts gives the impression that the title holder is vulnerable and ripe for the pickings.”

On his thoughts of a potential Daniel Bryan vs. Kurt Angle match: “If both were healthy and the match was creatively presented as it should, there is no doubt that those two wouldn’t have a great performance.”

On his thoughts on how WWE should handle the upcoming event in Chicago without CM Punk: “The show must go on and hopefully it will have enough good content to help some fans move on so as to not to negatively disrupt the broadcast to an unwatchable degree.”

On his thoughts of all the recent hatred from the fans towards Batista: “I’d guess it was merely the fall out of the Daniel Bryan situation and not directed directly at Batista.”

For more JR Q&A, visit JRsBarBQ.com.

As previously reported, TNA veteran Kurt Angle had a backstage blow-up with “Big” John Gaburick during the company’s U.K. tour. Apparently Angle wasn’t the only star to have a heated exchange with the TNA executive.

According to a new PWInsider.com article, TNA star Eric Young had a verbal exchange with Gaburick during the U.K. tour as well. Gaburick apparently ran down Young backstage after his Monter’s Ball match with Abyss, which was taped for this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling.

The report claims Gaburick told Young that he took too long in selling an attack from Abyss and should have exited the ring quicker due to the fact that they had additional segments to tape.

As a result, Young, who is well liked and considered to be a performer who rarely speaks out, didn’t hold back this time. According to reports, Young vented his frustration over the situation and the matter was quickly resolved. Basically put, it wasn’t a major incident or anything like that.

TNANews.com writer Alex Barie recently reached out to TNA star Kurt Angle regarding the rumors that he had a blow up with John Gaburick backstage during the recent TNA U.K. tour. Regarding the rumors, Angle stated, “Reports couldn’t be any less true. I did not argue with Big (John Gaburick). Everything is fine.”

The article also notes that Angle is scheduled to get knee surgery next week and will be out of action for a month as a result.

TNA star Kurt Angle was photographed in a wheelchair in the United Kingdom this past weekend. There is no word as to whether or not Angle is in a wheelchair to sell a television attack that is part of a storyline, or if Angle is having a hard time getting around.

As noted, Angle has been pushing back a surgery operation that he was scheduled to undergo in late January.

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TNA star Kurt Angle was scheduled to undergo surgery in late January, however with Jeff Hardy and Sting not going on the company’s U.K. tour, Angle’s surgery was pushed back so that he could fill-in on the tour.

During the television taping in Glasgow, Scotland this past week, an angle was shot that saw Angle get beat down with steel chairs, which was seemingly the company’s way of writing him out of the storylines. The following day in Manchester, Angle was told by the TNA creative team that he was scheduled to do a run-in segment. Angle reportedly flipped out as a result, as he had already been written out of storylines and because he had been working despite doctor’s orders not to.

John Gaburick was said to be the one that Angle flipped out to, and in the end, Angle did not work the taping that night in Manchester.

Angle did his Hall Of Fame induction the next day in London, and set up a probable Lockdown match against Ethan Carter III. As a result, it appears that TNA is expecting Angle to work the pay-per-view without having the surgery he needs.

– MVP’s new TNA theme song is a song he recorded himself called “Return of the Ronin.” You can check it out on iTunes at iTunes.Apple.com.

– There are a number of reports going around noting that Kurt Angle is dealing with a number of injuries, and appears to be pretty banged up during the current TNA U.K. tour. Angle is reportedly dealing with a potential broken ankle, along with a number of other nagging injuries.

The following are highlights from a recent Wrestling 101 interview with Kurt Angle:

On wanting a match with Triple H: “The one that I wanted and still want is Triple H because when I was wrestling him I wasn’t very good and I know he had to do a lot of carrying me around when I first started. I would love to do a program with Triple H someday because he is that good, to be where I’m right now and where he is right now I can’t imagine what the match would be like but maybe that is something that can happen down the road.”

On whether or not he will return to WWE: “Yeah, I never say no, I love TNA, I love Dixie Carter, I’ve had a lot of fun here but I never count out going back to WWE. It is always there, the opportunity is there, a lot of people don’t want to retire unless they go out at WrestleMania, it is tough when you have the ability to do that it is hard to just walk away. I’m not saying it is going to happen soon but there is going to come a time where I will have to make a decision and I have to do what is best for Kurt Angle, as much as I love TNA I have to do what’s best for me and that’s what I’m going to do.”

On the current state of TNA: “It is tough, our attendances weren’t great on the road. I know it cost the company a lot of money but we didn’t have terrible crowd numbers, it was pretty good, it just wasn’t good enough to cover the costs. When that happens you can only go in debt so much before you have to say, okay, we need to regroup.”

Check out the complete interview online at Wrestling101.com.

The following are highlights of a recent interview with Kurt Angle from The Sun newspaper in the UK:

On his desire to return to WWE: “I can’t say when. My (TNA) contract is up in September and I’ve left my options open. I’m very happy in TNA. Dixie Carter has treated me very well and always been there for me. But, I can’t lie to myself anymore. I can’t lie to TNA or WWE. Yeah, there is that desire to go back. I just don’t know when. It could be this year. It could be next year. I don’t know when.”

“It’s not a bad thing to stay in TNA at all. I just have some unfinished business in WWE. Whether it’s this year or three years from now.”

On Hulk Hogan: “Hulk Hogan’s a good friend of mine. It was disappointing, but we had to make a company decision. It was, ‘Do we keep Hulk Hogan on without the physicality of wrestling?’ Because it seemed like Hogan wasn’t going to wrestle anymore. And, ‘Will he benefit the company?’ I believe he was benefiting the company,”

“I think that any amount of money he wanted was worth getting him, but the company at the same time had to make a business decision and decide if they wanted to keep him and pay him the big money or if they wanted to get rid of him and find some younger talent.”

On Sting’s departure from TNA: “Sting is the cornerstone of the company. Kurt Angle is not. A.J. Styles is not, as much as people want to say is the Face of the Company or Kurt Angle has helped the company more than anyone. Sting has always been our cornerstone and the man. He’s your go-to guy. To lose him is about as bad as it can get.”

Check out the complete interview at TheSun.co.uk.

TNA issued the following press release regarding Kurt Angle’s Hall Of Fame induction:

LONDON (January 26, 2014) – Kurt Angle is to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame during the company’s trip to the UK and Ireland for its MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.

Olympic Gold Medalist and IMPACT WRESTLING Superstar Kurt announced the news earlier today during an appearance on the popular Sunday Brunch TV show, shown on Channel 4. Hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, it is watched by more than one million people.

Angle will be inducted to the prestigious TNA Hall of Fame this Saturday, February 1, during the London leg of the Tour at Wembley Arena. A limited number of seats remain available for what will be a historic event. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigsandtours.com/tour/tna-wrestling or direct from the Wembley Arena box office.

Angle said: “There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready. I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”

The star recently listed London as one of the top 10 wrestling cities in the world and added: “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”

Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.

Angle, who was a collegiate champion and won a Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, seamlessly transitioned from his domination as an amateur wrestler to being a professional wrestling phenomenon.

The only Olympic Gold Medalist in the history of professional wrestling, Angle created incredible buzz when in 2006 he joined TNA. Kurt is one of the most decorated champions in TNA history having won every major championship including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship five times.

Known as the “Cyborg”, Angle is venerated for his physicality, revered for his tenacity and esteemed for his leadership inside and outside of the ring. Among Angle’s numerous awards and accolades, perhaps most profound is the recognition he often receives among his colleagues as the best professional wrestler of all time; a man of solid character and great leadership who dedicates himself to the sport and its fans.

“I am privileged to be a witness to the Kurt Angle story. His influence on wrestling is unrivaled in this sport, or any other,” said TNA Executive Vice President John Gaburick. “TNA is grateful for Kurt’s continued devotion and contributions to our organisation, this business and to the fans.”

In addition to witnessing Angle’s induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, fans attending the Wembley Arena event will be part of a live taping of the weekly IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast, viewed by millions in more than 120 countries around the world.

After declining to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at last year’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view, former TNA World Champion Kurt Angle will finally be inducted next weekend.

Angle appeared on the UK Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch this morning and announced that the ceremony will take place next Saturday, February 1st, at the Impact Wrestling taping in London at Wembley Arena.

“There are some things I wanted to accomplish before accepting induction into the TNA Hall of Fame, and now I’m ready,” Angle said. “I’m thankful I have been able to do this in my own time. The phenomenal wrestling fans in London will be part of this memorable and emotional night this Saturday.”

He added, “Wembley is such a storied venue, and with thousands of fans it will be a perfect setting for the induction ceremony. A majority of my life has been dedicated to achieving success as a wrestler. Being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame is an accomplishment and an honor I will forever cherish.”

Angle becomes the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame, following the inaugural induction in 2012 of “The Icon” Sting.

The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross Q&A update:

On overcoming Bells Palsy to continue his on-camera career: “Thanks for reading my blog and for the insight. None of us should allow something like Bells palsy define us.”

On why WWE has 30 men in the Royal Rumble when only a handful of guys could potentially win: “I think perhaps this matter is being a little over thought. A 30 man show biz presentation seems to work ok. Enjoy the presentation and the ride. The same could or can be said of many matches.”

On if he feels Kurt Angle could pass the WWE physical for a potential WWE return: “I’m not a doctor nor do I know the extent of Kurt’s physical ailments, so I have no way of answering your question with any degree of accuracy. I’d hope that he could.”

On if WWE should bring back the “squash match” formula: “I have no issues with enhancement matches. I’d much rather see long arcing story lines return. Longer term planning generally equates to greater success.”

On his guesses for possible WrestleMania XXX matches: “I see Batista vs his former teammate Orton & Lesnar attempting to beat The Streak. Just one man’s take on the matter.”

On if he feels WWE will ever turn John Cena heel: “I don’t see Cena turning. He sells too much merch and is a fantastic spokesman for WWE. There’s no reason to flip him.”

Check out more Q&A updates from Jim Ross online at JRsBarBQ.com.

– TNA star Kurt Angle spoke to MovotoBlog.com this week and ranked the “10 Best Cities to Wrestle In” –

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Los Angeles
4. San Antonio
5. Boston
6. Detroit
7. San Francisco
8. Tokyo
9. London
10. Pittsburgh

– After the opening segment of Thursday’s TNA Impact Wrestling, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross tweeted:

Bad acting & too many promos especially those out of eye shot of a live audience are a kiss of death in pro wrestling.

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 17, 2014

– TNA star Kurt Angle will be undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on February 11th, according to a report at TNANews.com. The procedure was originally scheduled for January 21st but it was rescheduled so he could appear on the upcoming “Maximum Impact” European tour.

Recovery is expected to last 6 to 8 weeks. With Lockdown taking place less than a month after the surgery, it’s unlikely Angle will be competing on the show.

– As we’ve been reporting, TNA is bringing in some new talent soon. TNA President Dixie Carter tweeted last night that Thursday’s live Genesis edition of Impact Wrestling will feature a few new faces:

Just hung up the phone… New talents coming to #Genesis in Huntsville. Thursday 9/8c on @SpikeTV

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) January 15, 2014

Backstage News On Two Former NXT Wrestlers Joining TNA

Here are some more highlights from Jim Ross’ latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com:

Daniel Bryan Joining The Wyatt Family: “Getting lots of chatter from a variety of ‘experts’ who have the Daniel Bryan/Wyatt Family storyline all figured out with many condemning it while others are intrigued with it. I am in a ‘wait and see’ mode and prefer to allow it to play out and see where it goes. For some, any thing short of Daniel Bryan being the WWE World Champion won’t work.”

Photos: Daniel Bryan’s New Look As Part Of The Wyatt Family

WWE Using Legends: “According to recent internet speculation who ISN’T going to wrestle at WM30? The speculated list of those old timers returning to wrestle at WM30 in Nola and those returning to the Royal Rumble is somewhat comical.”

“WWE needs to use old school/veteran stars to draw eyes to the TV and sell tickets/PPV’s and to then facilitate young stars getting the ‘rub’ or benefiting by the number of new viewers that tune in to a given show. It’s not rocket science but it is about advancing young talents who are sticking around.””

Kurt Angle Returning to WWE: “Because I was asked on Twitter, etc I’d love to see Kurt Angle finish out his career in WWE with a select number of high level matches and a Hall of Fame Induction. That could be another high level attraction at WM31.”

Kurt Angle Speaks On A Possible WWE Return

– 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.

— Sting (@Sting) January 2, 2014

– TNA star Kurt Angle hyped tonight’s Impact Wrestling with the following tweet:

Tune Into ImpactWrestling tonight for My Big Announcement! Top of the Show. It's a Good One. 9pm est On Spike TV.

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) January 2, 2014

During a recent interview with WEEI.com, TNA star Kurt Angle revealed he will be a free agent next summer and also opened up about his drug addition and divorce. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

On a possible return to WWE: “I can’t say I’ll never go back. My contract is up in eight months, so we’ll see.”

On going for an Olympic Gold Medal contributing to his drug addiction: “I realize now I can’t. There’s nothing I can do that will top that. Nothing. Not pro wrestling, not acting, not getting into MMA. Nothing will give me that feeling. I need to stop competing with myself. I tend to try to outdo myself quite a bit. But if I don’t do that, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I like to challenge myself all the time.”

On his divorce and other personal issues: “The divorce and my personal issues have been a blessing. Now my life is in a much better place. I’m clean and sober, and I don’t want to go back.”

Check out the complete interview online at WEEI.com.

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