This past Monday on Monday Night Mayhem, Eric Bischoff expressed his disappointment with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle’s arrest over the weekend in Virginia on charges of driving under the influence.

“Quite disappointed, for obvious reasons, both on a business level for the company. I’m very disappointed and embarrassed. I’m very disappointed and embarrassed for Kurt,” Bischoff said.

“The fact that he is even in this situation, regardless of whether he was guilty, not guilty, had an excuse, didn’t have an excuse. You just can’t keep putting yourself in situations like this when you’re a pro because you’re jeopardizing not only your own personal life. There are a lot of people in the entire company right now that is dependent on you and betting on you and investing in you. And to put yourself in this position, not once, but twice, or more, is disturbing to me.

“I’m hoping that we find out that it’s not what we read, and it’s not what we think, and that perhaps we’re all jumping to conclusions. But if it’s not the case, then I think Kurt Angle’s got some soul searching to do and TNA’s got some decisions to make. But clearly it’s a very, very unfortunate situation.”

The full audio is available here.

TNA champion Kurt Angle was arrested for DUI once again this past weekend following a TNA live event in Shenandoah County, Virginia.

Kurt Angle issued a statement this week defending himself and saying he was not legally drunk at the time of the arrest. Angle claimed he was being framed, did not fail a breathalyzer test and had a 0.06 blood alcohol content – safely below the 0.08 legal limit.

• Read Here: Kurt Angle Says He Did Not Break The Law

Now – Virginia state troopers have fired back at angle – saying he was in fact legally drunk at the time of his arrest. State Trooper C.R. Scally was the arresting officer and recorded that Angle failed several field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol content of 0.091 at the time of his arrest.

Angle was tested once again when he arrived at the Front Royal police department on Sunday morning – and that is where he blew the 0.06 he mentioned in his statement.

Once again, it appears Angle is distorting the facts to save face. Angle claims a conspiracy – the police say it’s cut and dry – he was driving drunk.

[Source: NVDaily.com]

Kurt Angle released the following statement to the Wrestling Globe Newsletter regarding his DWI arrest over the weekend:

“Recently, there has been a lot of attention related to the incident which occurred Saturday night in Virginia. I was returning from an iMPACT Wrestling show in an unfamiliar place, late at night and was trying to find the exit for my hotel.

I did not believe my driving behavior was reckless or otherwise improper. Apparently law enforcement may have believed otherwise and pulled me over.

I fully cooperated with the officer who clearly recognized me while performing his standard procedures. Subsequent to the stop, I was asked to submit to a breathalyzer test and passed.

I do not believe that I broke any laws and will be entering a plea of not guilty in response to any pending charges. I hope that we can now focus on more important matters and move forward.”

In addition to that, Angle’s attorneys, C. Todd Gilbert and Frank Smith, also had the following to say:

“Our client’s blood alcohol level was negligible and was well below the legal limit in Virginia. We will wait to see if the state even wants to go forward in light of this evidence.”

— TMZ cameras caught up with Kurt Angle at California’s LAX airport over the weekend. Of course Angle was asked about his weekend arrest for DUI – to which he said, “of course” he will fight the charges. To see video footage of Angle talking to TMZ at LAX, click here.

— Following World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle’s Sunday arrest in Virginia for driving under the influence, TNA Wrestling removed promotional advertisements for the mixed martial arts film Warrior from their official website and Facebook page.

Angle is featured in the movie, which comes out this Friday, as a Russian mixed martial art champion named “Koba”.

— Jessie “Mr. Pec-Tacular” Godderz, who recently signed a developmental contract with TNA Wrestling, made a special appearance Sunday on the hit CBS show Big Brother. The episode is available here.

TMZ.com published a story yesterday concerning the family of former Big Brother house guest Shelly Moore being targeted with death threats over her game play. Godderz says he isn’t surprised since the show has die-hard fans. The TNA prospect also calls out Jersey Shore star Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino in the enclosed video.

— Angelina Love is advertised to appear at Signamania VII, which takes place Saturday, September 24 at The Bucks County Technical High School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit www.signamania.com for more information.

TMZ.com reports that Kurt Angle believes he’s been framed in connection with his arrest Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence.

Kurt Angle’s attorney Frank Smith tells TMZ his client was asked to submit to a breathalyzer test and passed. “We understand Kurt will be entering a plea of not guilty in response to any infractions and/or offenses,” he adds.

Sources close to the 2012 Olympic hopeful say the “cops are just trying to make an example of him.”

TMZ notes that someone who is not legally drunk can still be arrested for driving under the influence if drugs or alcohol impair the driver’s ability to navigate the road.

The TNA World Heavyweight Champion was arrested in Virginia and taken to Warren County Jail. He posted $2,000 bond and was released at 3:31 a.m.

— WWE Raw SuperShow broadcaster Jim Ross took to Twitter to comment on TNA World Heavyweight Kurt Angle’s arrest early this morning in Virginia on charges of driving under the influence.

“Not good for Kurt & hopefully things will work out for him,” Ross said upon learning of the former WWE Superstar’s arrest.

He continued, “We all make mistakes. Unfortunate.”

— Madison Rayne went on Twitter to rest concern over her status with TNA as she has not appeared on IMPACT Wrestling since August 11.

Rayne wrote, “To all who have been asking: I am fine. not injured and still very much/happily employed ;) always have something up my satin glove ;)”

— Friday’s TNA house show at the Great Geauga County Fair in Burton, Ohio drew an estimated attendance of 400 to 500 fans.

TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle was arrested early this morning on charges of driving under the influence, TMZ.com reports.

• UPDATE: Kurt Angle Says He Was Framed For DUI

The Olympic gold medalist was arrested by Virginia State Troopers and taken to Warren County Jail. He posted $2,000 bond and was released at 3:31 a.m.

Angle was previously arrested on March 25, 2011 in Grand Forks, North Dakota and charged with “being in control of a motor vehicle while intoxicated,” after failing a field sobriety test. He later pled guilty to the charges and was on April 20 sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation, a chemical dependency evaluation, a $250 fine, $225 in court fees, and a ten day suspended jail sentence.

• Check Out:  Jim Ross On Kurt Angle’s DUI Arrest

Here’s Kurt’s latest mughost picture:

Kurt Angle has apologized to WWE for slamming their “Top 50 Superstars of All Time” list earlier this week, where he was ranked No. 34.

“Want to Apologize to Everyone that I disrespected with My Comments about Wwe’s Rankings. I truly Am Proud to Be in Top 50. Thank U 2 Wwe.”

The TNA World Heavyweight Champion went crazy on Twitter on Thursday, calling WWE’s “insulting” gesture a “kick to the balls” –

“I was No. 34 of WWE all-time greatest? Tell you what, take me off the list. I’d rather not be on it if I wasn’t top five. Who ranks wrestlers?”

“I have never been More Insulted By Wwe top 50.#34 to Me Is a kick to the balls!Take Me out of ratings.please.U think fans will buy that crap”

Below is the official preview for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

Jeff Hardy returns Thursday on IMPACT WRESTLING At 9/8c on SpikeTV

Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the return of Jeff Hardy and a huge World Title match! Can’t watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday night? Make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the action.

Here is a preview of Thursday’s broadcast:

– Starting this Thursday, it’s two back-to-back weeks of “can’t miss” IMPACT WRESTLING broadcasts on SpikeTV!

– All roads lead to Sting vs. Ric Flair next week (Sept 15), but this Thursday the World Heavyweight Title is on the line in the main event as Kurt Angle defends against Mr. Anderson, who cashes in his rematch clause

– Plus, the “Final Four” superstars in the Bound For Glory Series go face-to-face – who will advance to the main event at Bound For Glory?

– The British Invasion vs. Devon and The Pope to determine the #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Championship

– Eric Young defends the Television Championship against Robbie E

– And what does Karen Jarrett have planned for the Knockouts Division? Will the new Knockouts Law rule the lovely ladies with an iron first?

— Tonight on Impact Wrestling, Sting battles Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship with Hulk Hogan serving as special enforcer.

Matches slated to air include:

* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

* Mickie James vs. Winter for the Women’s Knockout Championship

* Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam in a Bound For Glory Series Match

* Austin Aries vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Jesse Sorensen

— Asistencia Asesoría y Administración officials have confirmed that Sting will be appearing on their Heroes Immortales show on Oct. 9 in Monterrey, Mexico. He will be participating in the promotion’s TNA invasion angle.

— Mickie James turned 32 years old Wednesday while Jeff Hardy turned 34.

– TNA star Kurt Angle is not happy with WWE’s recent list of the top superstars of all time. Angle, who ranked #34 on the list, took to Twitter and vented about WWE’s “insulting” gesture an wrote the following:

“I was No. 34 of WWE all-time greatest? Tell you what, take me off the list. I’d rather not be on it if I wasn’t top five. Who ranks wrestlers?”

“I have never been More Insulted By Wwe top 50.#34 to Me Is a kick to the balls!Take Me out of ratings.please.U think fans will buy that crap”

– TNA has announced that Jeff Hardy will return the road at wrestle on TNA’s live events in two weeks. Jeff Hardy is scheduled to wrestle Jeff Jarrett at the live events the weekend of September 15th through the 17th in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Jeff Hardy returns to TNA Impact Wrestling next Thursday night, September 8th.

• Check Out: VIDEO Of Jeff Hardy’s TNA Return (Airing Next Thursday)

TNA star Kurt Angle spoke to MMAWeekly.com this week to discuss his training for the United States Olympic Wrestling team and hype his new MMA movie, “Warrior.”

• Check Out: Pictures Of KURT ANGLE’s Very Young Fiance

During the interview, Angle stated that he came very close to signing with the UFC – but UFC President Dana White has a different view on how things went down.

Kurt Angle told MMAWeekly:

“I actually contacted Dana White again after the movie. I flew out to meet him once and got a great offer. I contacted him again, I was thinking about dropping out of Impact wrestling, and there were some personal problems with my marriage and I just wanted to get away. I contacted Dana White, I flew out, and he had me take the UFC physical.

I passed it, thank God, and he gave me the offer. The terms weren’t good, I mean not for me, and the terms I gave him weren’t good for him. He wanted me ready in four-and-a-half weeks; I wanted three to six months.

So I respect Dana White and I love him to death, very good friend. I knew I was capable of winning in four-and-a-half weeks, but I wanted to be at my best.”

Dana White was asked on Twitter about Angle’s claim, to which he responded:

“love kurt but not true.”

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Kurt Angle’s Olympic Hopes: “Will Kurt Angle make the next USA Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team? I seriously doubt it but I’d love to be wrong. It would make a helluva story if it happened but it’s a long shot at best in all due respect to Kurt. Honestly, at that level one must devote all their time to achieving their goal.

The Bret Hart – HBK DVD: “Previewed the documentary portion of the @BretHart and @shawnmichaels_ DVD Thursday night and it was main event money. Those two WWE HOF’ers were honest and open to every question. I did not lob softballs and they did not avoid any questions. It was a very emotional and compelling piece of business. The DVD hits stores around October 25 and will obviously be on shelves for holiday shopping. I can’t recommend it strongly enough.”

Undertaker’s WWE Future: “When is the Undertaker returning or is he retired? When the Undertaker retires don’t you think that every wrestling fan in the free world will know it ASAP via WWE? Taker is not retired. I do not know when he’ll return and neither do those who Tweet us and act as if they do.”

• *NEW* Picture Of THE UNDERTAKER In A Scuba Suit
  

— Ric Flair returned to television on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, challenging longtime rival Sting to a match. Sting agreed to put his career on the line if Flair promised to deliver him Hulk Hogan.

— Mickie James will receive her TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship re-match against Winter on the September 1 episode. TNA Wrestling tapes the episode next Thursday in Huntsville, Alabama.

— TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle will face Crimson in a non-title match on next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. The match was set up following an in-ring confrontation.

— Zema Ion stated on Twitter that he is suffering from an injury.

He wrote, “Off to the doctor to see wtf this chest pain ive been having for last 4 days is all about… bruised sternum. wonder how that happened?”

— TNA Wrestling has released the promotional poster for Bound For Glory, which takes place Sunday, October 16 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

— On Twitter, Velvet Sky was asked to name which woman which she would like wrestle that she hasn’t before. She replied, “Lita!!!”

The TNA Knockout has stated in the past that Lita inspired her to enter the world of professional wrestling.

Sky also noted that she won’t be appearing on Impact Wrestling until next week’s show.

— Madison Rayne has changed her Twitter handle to twitter.com/MRayneTNA.

Hulk Hogan and TNA Wrestling head writer Vince Russo engaged in a heated argument last Sunday at Hardcore Justice regarding the finish to the World Heavyweight Championship Match between Sting and Kurt Angle. Hogan later grumbled to colleagues that Russo doesn’t know anything because he was never a wrestler.

The two former World Heavyweight Champions made up at the following day’s Impact Wrestling tapings. There was, however, noticeable tension among the organization’s high ranking officials in the days that followed. Several employees feel it did more damage to a locker room already low in morale.

There has also been internal complaints regarding Eric Bischoff as many wrestlers feel he’s arrogant and snobbish. His criticisms over in-ring performances fall on deaf ears because some wrestlers don’t respect his opinion regarding their craft. An Eight-Man X Division Gauntlet Match that was originally taped on Tuesday was re-shot the following day because Bischoff didn’t like it.

source: ProWrestling.net

Ric Flair, who has not appeared on TNA Wrestling programming in two months, is scheduled for tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

He is slated to engage in a verbal exchange with longtime rival Sting for the episode airing August 18.

Flair stated during a newspaper interview last month that he would be returning to the ring in September to face either Sting or Kurt Angle.

“I don’t know for sure, but it will be either Sting or Kurt Angle,” Flair told the Albany Herald. “It just depends on whoever wins between them (at Hardcore Justice). You got the scoop right there, brother.”

source: PWTorch.com

— TNA Wrestling has announced that Sting and Kurt Angle will sign the contract for their World Heavyweight Champion Match at Hardcore Justice on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. Plus, three Bound For Glory Series matches are scheduled: Samoa Joe vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero; AJ Styles vs. Devon; Scott Steiner and Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam and Crimson.

— MVP, who now competes overseas for New Japan Pro Wrestling after parting ways with World Wrestling Entertainment in December, was asked on Twitter about joining TNA Wrestling should he get homesick.

Taking an apparent shot at the Nashville based organization, he responded, “I could never be THAT homesick!”

— TNA Wrestling has announced live events for Friday, September 23 in Springfield, Illinois and Saturday, September 24 in Hammond, Indiana. Click here for full details.

— Kurt Angle will battle Mr. Anderson in a Cage Match on next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, according to ImpactWrestling.com.

The Bound For Glory Series also continues with two singles matchups: Rob Van Dam vs Gunner and Bully Ray vs Crimson.

— Madison Rayne sent a wrestling blogger a derogatory message via Twitter after reading his review of last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling in which he criticized her comedic match with Tara.

“You sir, are a d*ckhead,” she wrote to Dustin Nichols of the Camel Clutch Blog. “Get a real job. =) that’s all!”

The blogger doesn’t feel he wrote anything horribly offensive or vulgar regarding her match. He further explains the situation here and sends a message to the TNA Knockout.

— Ric Flair has launched an online memorabilia store via RicFlair.com.

Along with autographed books, photos, posters, T-shirts and video releases, the legendary grappler is selling five minute phone calls and live video chats for $495 and $750, respectively. He is also selling custom-made replicas of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for $4,550.

— Hulk Hogan has changed his Twitter user name to twitter.com/hulkhogan. He also had the account officially verified by the social networking site, the first TNA star to do so.

— Tickets for Bound For Glory, which takes place Sunday, October 16 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are now on sale at the Liacouras Center box office and ComcastTIX.com. The event is being presented by Direct Auto Insurance.

— Kurt Angle appears at the Spike TV Booth (#3945) at the San Diego Comic-Con today beginning at 1:00 p.m. The event is located at the San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive San Diego, California.

— TNA Knockout Sarita is still feeling the effects of facial paralysis as she donned a protective mask at this past weekend’s World Wrestling Council Aniversario 2011 events in Ponce and Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The mask was specifically designed to protect her face as it entirely covered her mouth and left eye.

Sarita competed against Puerto Rican women’s wrestler Black Rose at both events as a heel. She won Friday in Ponce but lost Sunday in Bayamón.

Meanwhile, TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James was advertised to compete at Aniversario 2011 but scratched days before the events.

— The producers of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars are giving fans the opportunity to cast the upcoming season. Velvet Sky is asking fans via Twitter to show their support by voting for her to appear on the reality show. To vote for the TNA Knockout under the athletes category, click here.

— Kurt Angle is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.

Sting regained the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Mr. Anderson last night on Impact Wrestling, after Fortune and Kurt Angle, disguised as his clown minions, attacked each member of Immortal, preventing them from interfering in the match.

Sting lost the belt last month at Slammiversary IX, following outside interference from Eric Bischoff. He invoked his rematch clause on last night’s show.

TNA Wrestling has announced that Sting will defend his newly won title against Kurt Angle next month at Hardcore Justice, which takes place August 7. Angle became the No. 1 contender to the strap last month at Slammiversary after defeating Jeff Jarrett.

At four TNA World Heavyweight Championship reigns, Sting now shares the record for most reigns with Kurt Angle.

Impact began with Sting coming to the ring for a promo. He talks about how insane he is. He calls out Bischoff and Hogan to come out. Kurt Angle comes out in his clown attire from last week and enters the ring. Angle says that he means no disrespect and says that it was him who saved Sting last week because it was the right thing to do. At Hardcore Justice their paths will cross again. Sting says he respects Angle. Angle says he wants to beat Sting since he never has. It has to be Angle because he has no other choice. Sting says they have a dilemma.

Immortal’s music plays and out comes Ken Anderson and Bully Ray. Ray says it is Sting and Angle versus Anderson and Ray tonight.

In a Bound for Glory Series Match, Rob Van Dam defeated Scott Steiner with a rollup.

Mickie James came out for a promo and called out Velvet Sky. Mickie said she has watched Velvet get blamed for other wrestler’s problems. Mickie knows how it gets and its not good. Mickie wants to give Velvet her first knockouts championship shot tonight because Velvet has earned it and says that they are going to tear the roof off the Impact Zone.

Angelina Love and Winter come out. Angelina says she and Winter are competitors and that Mickie and Velvet just need to go get a hotel room. Angelina says that no matter who wins tonight it won’t be long before the title is back around her waist. Winter insults both Mickie and Velvet for a bit before they go to the back.

Backstage Sarita and Rosita are brawling with Tara and Miss Tessmacher. Madison Rayne brawls with Tara as well until referees have to break it up.

Miss Tessmacher and Tara defeat Rosita and Sarita to become the new Knockouts Tag Champions. Tara and Tessmacher jumped Rosita and Sarita when they came out. Sarita was wrestling this match wearing a mask due to her recent facial injury. Tara had Sarita in the Widow’s Peak and Madison ran out while the ref was distracted and Madison tackled Tara. Tara and Miss Tessmacher were able to hit stereo finishers (Stratusfaction by Tessmacher and fireman’s carry into side slam by Tara) for the three count.

In a Bound for Glory Series Match, Matt Morgan defeats AJ Styles, Gunner, and Samoa Joe to earn 10 points.

They show an Eric Young video package with him going into a gas station looking for an opponent to defend his TV title against. He finds D’Lo Brown. D’Lo tells Eric this is a road Eric doesn’t want to go down. Eric rolls up D’Lo and counts the 3 himself and runs from D’Lo. Young gets away and D’Lo says “he didn’t even recognize me.”

In an X Division title match, Brian Kendrick defeated Alex Shelley Shelley hit sliced bread on Kendrick on the apron. When Shelley put Kendrick back in the ring, Aries ran out and hit Shelley with the title and threw him back in the ring for the fall.

Mexican America comes out for a promo. Anarquia comes out and calls what Tara and Tessmacher did earlier garbage. He says they are pissed off and when they are pissed off they kick ass. They call out Beer Money who enter the building and come face to face with Mexican America. James Storm tells them to do everyone a favor and leave the ring, the company, and go cut grass. Storm threatens to kick Anarquia’s teeth down his throat. Since they have been competing in the Bound for Glory Series, they came out to reintroduce themselves to everyone.

Storm says they are the best, being four time tag team champions. Storm says they aren’t going to just beat them, they’re going to kick their asses for the people here, the people watching, and all the Mexcians that came before Mexican America that they are disgracing. At Hardcore Justice, Beer Money will beat them to retain the tag titles. Storm advises them to mark the day after the pay per view on their calendars because Mexican America is going to wake up with their Green Cards stuck straight up their asses. Roode tells then Sorry About your damn luck.

The Knockouts Title Match between Velvet Sky and Mickie James never got to happen. Angelina Love and Winter attacked Mickie as she entered. Velvet tried to make the save. ODB and Jackie came out and attacked Velvet as Angelina and Winter bailed. Traci Brooks then came out for the save. Referees and security had to separate Traci, Mickie, and Velvet from Jackie and ODB. Cops came out and put handcuffs on Jackie and ODB and took them out of the Impact Zone.

TNA World Champion Sting and Kurt Angle defeated Ken Anderson and Bully Ray when Angle pinned Anderson after an Angle Slam. Ray tried to stop Anderson from doing his usual intro because Ray wants to get in the ring and take care of business. Anderson did it anyway. At one point during the match Bischoff came out and said something on commentary.

After the match, Angle and Sting shook hands and Angle pulled Sting in close before leaving the ring.

source: PWInsider.com

IMPACT WRESTLING Hits The Road For All-New Episodes In Three Cities

The superstars of “IMPACT WRESTLING” on Spike TV (Thursdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT) will hit the road this August, September and October to shoot all-new episodes of “IMPACT WRESTLING” in three cities: Huntsville, Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee and Macon, Georgia, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Entertainment announced today.

‘IMPACT WRESTLING’ ON SPIKE TV HITS THE ROAD TO SHOOT UPCOMING EPISODES IN THREE CITIES

SPIKE’S #1 SHOW INVADES HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE AND MACON, GEORGIA FOR UPCOMING EPISODES OF “IMPACT WRESTLING”

“IMPACT WRESTLING” will continue its celebration of “TNA: Bound For Glory,” the biggest pay-per-view event of 2011 coming this October, by bringing “IMPACT” out of its home at Universal Studios Orlando and on the road. “IMPACT WRESTLING” features pop culture icon Hulk Hogan, Mr. Anderson, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Beer Money, Inc., “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Mexican America, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts, the no limits X-Division and much, much more!

“IMPACT WRESTLING” is Spike TV’s #1 rated program, and is seen in over 100 countries worldwide. Fans can be a part of the action on the following dates:

• Thursday, August 25 at the Von Braun Center Arena in Huntsville, Alabama, Tickets start as low as $20 and go on sale THIS FRIDAY, July 15, available at all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com

• Wednesday, September 21 at the Knoxville Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start as low as $15 and go on sale August 12 at www.knoxvilletickets.com

• Wednesday, October 26 at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start as low as $15 and go on sale September 16 at all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com

A limited number of “IMPACT WRESTLING VIP” packages will be available at each event. “IMPACT VIP” packages include front row seating and an exclusive pre-show backstage meet & greet with “IMPACT WRESTLING” superstars! Only 20 VIP packages will be available at each event, for $99 a person. For more information, visit ShopTNA.com.

TNA star Kurt Angle looks to make history next summer, as the Olympic gold medalist from the 1996 summer games by returning to the Olympic stage next summer in London. Angle spoke with the ZooToday.com website regarding his chances of making the United States Olympic team.

Angle, who will be 43 next summer, is realistic about his chances of competing with the top amateur wrestlers in the world, many of whom are more than 15 years younger than him.

“I definitely think I will be an underdog,” Angle said. “I am not going to be one of the guys picked to make the team and definitely not one of the guys picked to win a medal. When I was in the Atlanta Olympics I was already a world champion so there were high expectations when it came for me to perform. A lot of people didn’t know about the broken neck because I simply didn’t want anyone to know about it at the time.”

Angle said trying out for the Olympics while in his 40s will be challenge, but it also adds something to his quest.

“It’s kind of like a Rocky Balboa underdog story, because like Rocky if I get to the Olympics I have nothing to lose. One advantage I’ll have is that I’ve been through it all before but for me not having the pressure this time round to win the gold medal will make it a better experience. I can enjoy it this time and enjoy the training. I won’t be in a place where I say ‘Oh gosh I need to go to the gym today’. I can kind of enjoy it and have a passion for it this time.”

• Pictures of KURT ANGLE’s HOT Young Fiance Giovanna (She’s A Model)