At TNA Final Resolution, Tessa Blanchard made her much-anticipated return to the promotion, marking her first appearance for TNA in over four years. However, her comeback has sparked widespread criticism online, with many fans voicing disapproval over TNA’s decision to bring back the controversial former World Champion.

Wrestling Fans React to Tessa Blanchard’s Polarizing TNA Return

Lance Storm, who works as a producer for TNA Wrestling, was backstage during Final Resolution. Speaking to Figure Four Daily, Storm shared his observations on the backstage atmosphere.

“I only saw positive responses and interactions. Most people don’t want to make a scene, so if there were people who weren’t happy about it, they kept quiet.”

Blanchard’s previous departure from TNA (then known as Impact Wrestling) in 2020 followed accusations of bullying and the use of racist language. In 2023, she and La Rosa Negra—the wrestler who alleged Blanchard had directed a racial slur at her—were seen together smiling, suggesting the pair had reconciled.

Storm also shared his personal perspective on Blanchard’s return. He believes the second-generation wrestler deserves a second chance but feels her refusal to apologize for past allegations has only prolonged the controversy.

“People deserve second chances. I don’t know if mistakes—no matter how bad—should follow you for the rest of your life.”

Blanchard’s return to TNA began with a dramatic attack on Jordynne Grace, igniting a feud between the two. Reports suggest that Grace was initially reluctant to work with Blanchard. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on Tessa Blanchard’s comeback and her evolving storyline in TNA Wrestling.

One former WWE producer believes the company’s higher-ups were more confrontational than collaborative.

Lance Storm had served as a producer for WWE before being let go due to budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now back with IMPACT Wrestling as a producer and coach.

He has discussed the biggest difference working behind the scenes for both companies.

During an interview Ariel Helwani (via POST Wrestling), Storm said there’s far less finger-pointing in IMPACT than there is in WWE.

“Again, the experience I had when I worked with IMPACT the first time, it’s like, I liked everybody. I liked the atmosphere.

“There’s a really great team atmosphere and that to me is the real big difference maker that I noticed between when I was in WWE and not to bury WWE, they have their thing and live TV is different but, when you’re sitting on headset in WWE, it feels confrontational.

“And when you’re sitting on headset in IMPACT, it feels collaborative. You’ve got the Director who’s asking, you’ve got Josh [Matthews] who’s doing — but it all feels like we’re all trying our best and if something happens that doesn’t go as perfectly as you want, it feels like we’re all just gonna try to figure out how we can make it better next time.

“Rather than feeling like you’ve been pointed out and chastised for something and it’s just, atmosphere is so much more rewarding when it feels collaborative than confrontational.”

Kevin Owens is one star who always goes above and beyond when it comes to fan interaction. He not only interacts with fans in the arenas, but Owens takes the time to respond to people on social media and other such places whenever he can. Turns out, it was a wrestling veteran who inspired this trait of the former world champion.

The former NXT champion told this story during his most recent appearance on Ryan Satin’s Out Of Character podcast. He recalled how he used to email Lance Storm to ask for advice. Despite his busy schedule, the former WCW star would always respond to him. That has made him want to do the same for the next generation of wrestlers:

“I remember I would email Lance Storm through his website, and ask for advice. And he would always answer. I didn’t do this every week or anything, but I did it a few times. And he would answer me. He doesn’t remember doing this. But to me, that was so huge. You know, that he will take the time to answer me. Just this, for all he knew, just this silly kid who has a dream and probably won’t make it. Maybe he will, but come on. He’s a busy guy who’s on the road. He had a family when he would come home, but he still took the time to do that. That really went a long way for me.

So that’s just him, a performer responding to somebody that hopes to one day reach what he was accomplishing at the time. But then I realized, that helped shape kind of something that I wanna be. I wanna be a positive influence on the people that are gonna be doing this after me. “

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

• Kevin Owens Keeps Saying Stuff That Would Upset Steve Austin

Lance Storm is back with Impact Wrestling. The company recently announced Storm would be part of the Gut Check competition, which is returning soon.

Lance Storm later told Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline that he’ll also be working backstage in Impact as a producer and coach.

“This is a chance to make the decision I should have made two years ago,” said Storm. “I had done a couple of tapings with Impact as a producer back when I still had my school. Then when I decided to close my school and was looking at options, I talked with Impact and I talked with WWE.”

“I really liked it in Impact but both my wife and me too liked the idea of the security of WWE, which is ironic considering it ended up being a 6 month gig.”

Lance Storm Back with Impact

Storm noted that he will be going to Impact’s tapings in New Orleans later this month. He will be working as a producer and coach but will not have an official role on the creative team.

“I’m quite sure Scott is more than willing to hear an idea or two if I happen to suggest one but that is not part of my current job description,” Storm continued.

Lance Storm old briefly worked with Impact Wrestling backstage in 2019 before signing with WWE as a producer. He was then released at the onset of the global pandemic in the spring of 2019.

• Moose Says Impact’s Shows Are Just As Good As AEW or WWE

Former WWE Producer Lance Storm hasn’t been too impressed with how All Elite Wrestling has been utilizing one of its latest signings, Miro.

Storm shared his thoughts on AEW’s use of the former WWE Superstar during a recent appearance on the Figure Four Daily podcast. He revealed how he’s personally “not a fan” of Miro’s current character direction. Storm did, however, acknowledge how he’s not necessarily representative of AEW’s target audience.

He argued how, if AEW were able to put on shows with full arenas, fans “would get a far better feel on how the Miro presentation is working.” Storm explained how the lack of live fans means pro wrestling is missing a vital “barometer to which you gauge what was working.”

Real Life Interests Weakening On-Screen Characters

Lance Storm explained how he’s always been a fan of powerhouse wrestlers like Miro, juxtaposing his current gimmick with how Rusev was portrayed in WWE. To him, showcasing real life interests with onscreen characters can potentially weaken a wrestler’s gimmick.

“Tying him up in a wedding angle and playing video games, which may be who he really is, I’m not a big fan of. I think it’s very much like when they did the personality type profile thing with Finn Balor in NXT when they showed him playing with his Legos. I’m like, ok, he may really play with Legos, but the demon Finn Balor shouldn’t be playing with Legos. I thought he was a cool badass and now I think he is a guy that plays with Legos.”

Although he knows Miro has interests outside of pro wrestling, Storm would rather see them kept separate from his AEW character.

He explained how he’d much rather see a “big badass Miro” instead of the version “hanging out with Kip Sabian playing video games.”

Storm then stressed how he is aware he may not be the kind of viewer AEW is targetting. He acknowledged how he’s barely in the over 50+ demographic versus the younger demo that is so crucial to AEW’s ratings.

Lance Storm recently caused some controversy due to statements he made regarding intergender wrestling. Storm says that he has spoken with many female wrestlers who are uncomfortable with such matches but are afraid to speak up due to feeling as though it could cost them bookings.

Storm recently appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio and clarified his comments.

“The vast majority, I won’t say all but so many of the girls that came through (his school) when class was getting to the end, so many of them said ‘I’m not really comfortable with this inter gender thing, am I going to have to do that?'” Storm said.

“I would tell them the same thing I’d tell guys that are like ‘I’m not really comfortable with the idea of getting color, do I have to do that?’ The answer is you can always say no but you have to realize that that could hurt your chances of ever getting booked again.”

• Lance Storm Says Inter-Gender Matches Should Stop

Storm also spoke about some wrestlers who disagreed with his stance when he came out with his comments last week.

“I was annoyed at the higher-end women in the business that jumped out with ‘oh but I really like doing it!’ And it’s like yeah, but it’s not about you.”

Lance Storm On Intergender Wrestling in WWE vs At Independent Shows

Storm then said he’s more concerned with intergender wrestling on the indie scene than in a bigger company. This is due to WWE having a human resource department and agents whereas independent shows do not have people in these roles.

“If you’re in WWE. Like if Nia Jax wanted to end up having a match with Pat Buck. Does anybody think there’s going to be some sexual harassment or pressure there? Of course not.”

Storm also said that he’s spoken with male students who were uncomfortable with intergender matches as well.

He also spoke about the idea that getting rid of intergender wrestling would take away opportunities for women in the business.

“I disagree because if intergender is not an acceptable booking practice, especially at the indy level, you have to book more women.”

Lance Storm has been on Twitter today talking about inter-gender wrestling. Storm says that he has heard from many women who are uncomfortable taking part in such matches. He continued to say that these women often go along with the bookings as inter-gender matches have become the norm.

“I see some discussion on intergender wrestling matches again. In light of #SpeakingOut I think these matches have to stop. I’ve heard from so many women who were uncomfortable doing these but felt obligated to get booked because these matches were accepted ‘norms,'” Storm Tweeted.

“I sat with countless female students/wrestlers and had long conversations with them about their struggles on the Indy scene and being pressured into these matches came up a lot. Claiming I dont pay attention is such an ignorant statement,” Storm said in another Tweet.

Lance Storm Tweets On Inter-Gender Wrestling

• Lance Storm, Brian Pillman Jr. & Others Debate Old School vs New School Wrestling

Storm has been responding to people critical of his opinion online.

Storm has had a hand in training some of the top female athletes in wrestling today. With that being said, his comments do run counter to what has been said by others regarding inter-gender wrestling. Storm says this is because those who are opposed to inter-gender wrestling or uncomfortable taking part in the matches are afraid to speak up about it.

Storm also responded to a fan who said that it should be up to the women to decide. He responded that the pressure would still be there for the women to perform in such matches even if it was presented to them as optional.

“The pressure is there to force those who don’t want to do it. Especially when the women are green and are terrified to say no to what is asked of them by the Booker/promoter,” Storm Tweeted.

Storm also responded to someone who noted Lita, Chyna, and others taking part in inter-gender matches in WWE.

A thread online originally started by MLW’s Brian Pillman Jr. is gaining traction on Twitter. Pillman tweeted out that he enjoys modern wrestling more than old school and this caused several wrestlers and personalities from the wrestling industry to comment.

“I think the wrestling today is geared towards a more savvy fanbase. It may be harder to digest than your good ol classic babyface/heel match from the 80s but at the highest level there does exist complex storytelling and psychology,” Pillman continued to Tweet.

“That’s because 30 years ago the things that mattered were getting over and drawing money,” Lance Storm Tweeted. “Not saying one is better or worse, just the goals have changed. People cared about angles and who won, Not the smoothness of cool spots.”

Dr. Tom Prichard then stated what he feels is missing in today’s pro-wrestling.

“That’s the things people miss. Go back and watch Freebirds vs Von Erichs in World Class. Instead of trying to see if the “work” holds up, look at how the crowd reaction holds up,” Lance Storm Tweeted in response to Prichard.

Pillman’s original Tweet which kicked off the thread below:

• Brian Pillman Jr. Talks Chasing His Father’s Legacy

Lance Storm finished up teaching his last class at the Storm Wrestling Academy recently and has since returned to WWE to work backstage as a producer. WWE posted an interview with Storm from backstage at this week’s Smackdown where he discusses his new role with the company.

“Actually, it’s really great to be back, it’s been a long time and it really feels like coming back home,” Storm said.

He was then asked what he’ll be doing with WWE now that he’s back in the company.

“I’m a producer now. So, mentoring, advising, letting people pick my brain for the most part,” Storm described his new role with WWE.

When asked about wrestlers on the current roster, Storm specifically mentioned Chad Gable or “Shorty G” as someone who has impressed him. In fact, Storm said he would have liked to have wrestled Gable back when he was in his prime.

Storm was then asked if a possible in-ring return is in the cards for him. He didn’t rule out the idea.

“Never say never,” Storm said.

“I don’t think I could keep up as well as I used to,” he added, however.

The full interview with Lance Storm can be viewed in the player below:

• Lance Storm Announces Closing Of Storm Wrestling Academy

Lance Storm had announced back in August that he will be closing the doors to his Storm Wrestling Academy after his September class ends.

Well, the class has now ended and Storm has said that he will be closing the academy to return to WWE to work as a producer. Lance Storm’s students Tenille Dashwood and Peyton Royce also commented on the school’s closure.

Storm wrote in a tweet, “All good things must come to an end, but the #SWA family will live on in this industry. #Wrestling #TinyFeet”

Notable names that have trained at the Storm Wrestling Academy include Tyler Breeze, Taya Valkyrie, Tenille Dashwood, Chelsea Green, Peyton Royce, Rachael Ellering and many others.

Return to WWE as producer

Storm has announced on 2 November that he will be returning to WWE to work as a producer after the closure of SWA. The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Lance will be starting work for WWE as early as the coming week.

Storm’s announcement read, “For those wondering: After SWA closes I will be returning to the WWE to work as a Producer. I’m really looking forward to working with such a high level of talent again”

In a statement given to The Wrestling Observer, Storm had said the following: “My body is getting tired and my kids are adults now, so a moderate road schedule is acceptable. I reached out to see what my options were and got an offer I liked.”

Earlier this year, Lance Storm announced the fall session at the Storm Wrestling Academy would be the last. Today, Storm announced he is returning to WWE and will work as a producer.

Storm announced the news on Twitter:

Lance Storm Returning To WWE As A Producer

Storm is responsible for training several wrestlers active in the industry today. Some of his students include Oney Lorcan, Peyton Royce, Tyler Breeze, Tenille Dashwood, Chelsea Green, Rachel Evers, and many others. He also trained several current and former WWE stars while working with Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2004-05.

Lance Storm Announces Closing Of Storm Wrestling Academy

• Lance Storm Announces Closing Of Storm Wrestling Academy

“I will announce my plans for the future at a later date, but rest assured Lance Storm is not done with the wrestling industry. It is just time for me to once again redirect my life and wrestling career,” Storm said back in August.

Shortly after announcing the Storm Wrestling Academy would be closing, Storm issued the following statement to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to explain why:

“My body is getting tired and my kids are adults now, so a moderate road schedule is acceptable. I reached out to see what my options were and got an offer I liked.”

Lance Storm recently announced he will be closing the doors to his Storm Wrestling Academy soon. The upcoming class beginning in September will be the last.

“I would like to thank everyone who has attended SWA. I have formed many friendships that will no doubt last the rest of my life. I hope you all enjoyed your time with me and have grown as both a wrestler and a person.”

In a statement given to the Wrestling Observer, Storm is quoted as saying: “My body is getting tired and my kids are adults now, so a moderate road schedule is acceptable. I reached out to see what my options were and got an offer I liked.”

Storm has been working backstage at Impact tapings as of late as well. His statement is below:

Storm notes that he is not done with the wrestling business in his statement. He says he will announce his future plans shortly.

“I will announce my plans for the future at a later date, but rest assured Lance Storm is not done with the wrestling industry. It is just time for me to once again redirect my life and wrestling career.”

Storm Wrestling Academy

Several notable names have trained at the Storm Wrestling Academy including Tyler Breeze, Taya Valkyrie, Tenille Dashwood, Chelsea Green, Peyton Royce, Rachael Evers/Ellering and many others.

Turns out there may be more layers and nuance to Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House than many assumed.

Former WWE Superstar, Lance Storm, made the claims on Figure Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez. He asserted that the majority of what has been shown on screen contains more subtext than what fans may have initially realized.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t the writers making fun of Vince McMahon right in front of his nose with these segments?” he asked. “The Firefly Fun House is the WWE. The opening segment is ‘we’re glad you’re a friend, it’s a friendship that will never end’, and Bray keeps doing the ‘let me be the light, I’ll show you the way,’ and then all of the skits are all of the inside complaints about the company.”

Break It Down

Storm then broke down the events that have transpired on the Firefly Fun House over the past few weeks, juxtaposing characters that have appeared with situations that may have occurred in real life.

“There was the husky pig that was eating too much, and it’s like you’ll never get a push because you’re a fat slob. There was the buzzard that ate the rabbit and ate up his own to get ahead and was rewarded for it. In the last one that I saw, Bray bludgeoned the rabbit with a hammer because he was revealing the secrets on what really happens in the Firefly Fun House. It was Dean Ambrose! All of these skits are all of the inside bad stories you hear about WWE. The Firefly Fun House is the WWE!” he reiterated.

He highlighted the gloves Bray has been wearing, Hurt and Heal.

Apparently, it was a running joke in the past that in WWE you either got the carrot or the stick, something Storm believes the gloves relate to.

Lance wasn’t sure if Vince McMahon realizes what’s happening at his, supposed, expense, or if he’s doing it thinking no-one in the WWE Universe will understand, but at least according to Lance Storm, these segments are all burying WWE.

“The one video I saw, Bray’s hammering a sign on the door and it says ‘abandon all hope, ye who exit here.’ It’s threatening people, if you leave WWE, then you can abandon all hope. These skits, if Vince realizes what they are, I’m like ‘why would you put them out there?’ If he doesn’t, then are the writers laughing that they are able to get this stuff on television?”

Vince McMahon’s Approval

Alvarez countered Storm’s argument, stating that nothing would be done without Vince McMahon’s express approval—including the Devil puppet that bears a striking resemblance to Vince himself. If that’s the case, then every subtle reference is either intentional or inadvertent.

It was recently reported that WWE has been taking the approach that Storm brought up, with the company trying to create the sense amongst its roster that if they were to leave WWE, their careers would be effectively over.

Former WWE Superstar, Lance Storm, recently took to Twitter with an observation on the WWE’s website roster lineup.

He pointed out how out of date the website is by highlighting the fact that David Otunga is still listed as an active member of the RAW roster, saying “Seriously David Otunga is part of the RAW roster? When was the last time he wrestled?”

Tyler Breeze would reply, stating that he “Could say the same bout me hahah”

When asked if he was even on the website, Breeze followed up by joking “Hahah the bigger question! And probably not haha”

Storm would also lambast the WWE website’s lack of scale within their roster pages. He shared images of smaller WWE Superstars dwarfing their larger peers, such as Sarah Logan towering over Samoa Joe, or Braun Strowman looking much smaller next to Booker T and Bray Wyatt. Jeff Hardy, in particular, is apparently minuscule compared to Luke Harper and Jinder Mahal.

Prince Pretty Returns

Tyler Breeze recently returned to action for WWE’s black-and-gold brand, NXT. He is currently feuding with the NXT North American Champion, The Velveteen Dream. They are scheduled to face off for the championship this weekend at NXT TakeOver XXV. The show takes place from the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

In recent weeks, numerous former wrestlers from Impact Wrestling have joined the ranks of WWE. Abyss, Sonjay Dutt, “Hurricane” Shane Helms, even “Double J” Jeff Jarrett are all officially backstage personnel for the promotion.

In a twist to this formula, a former WWE Superstar has revealed that he will be joining Impact Wrestling in an agent/producer role.

It was revealed in Figure Four Daily that Lance Storm would soon begin work with Impact. He spoke with them regarding this opportunity, mentioning he would begin at the upcoming Impact TV tapings in Ontario, Canada. Storm did stress that, at this point in time, it is not a permanent position.

“I’m going to be doing the agent/producer role for Impact Wrestling in the near future. The March 22 and 23 tapings in Windsor, Ontario, which I think are their next TV tapings,” Storm divulged. “[…] it’s only a couple of weeks away now. It is not a permanent position. It is a bit of a test to see if I like the job and if they like my ability to do the job, but, I will be in Windsor for the next Impact Wrestling tapings.”

He credited the taping schedule as a key factor in his decision, mentioning that “It’s possible [for me] because they only tape two days a month and it’s a Friday and a Sunday, so I would only have to adjust one day, per month, out of my SWA training schedule. So, it’s doable, and obviously I get along extremely well with both Don Callis and Scott D’Amore.”

Storm claims he has been watching Impact Wrestling “religiously” for the past month. Pragmatic in his approach, he confirms that “if both sides like it, I will probably do it moving forward for a while.”

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1104213875505881088

Impact Wrestling’s next pay-per-view is entitled United We Stand. It will air live on the company’s Twitch channel on April 4th. The event takes place from the Rahway Rec Center in New Jersey.

It will be interesting to see what Lance Storm can bring to the company. His wealth of experience and knowledge alone should immediately benefit them, but will his input be enough to entice fans?

Gail Kim was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. She subsequently retired from in-ring competition in February.  Lance Storm believes Kim to be a G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). He made his opinions known on Twitter recently:

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1069275387845214208

Gail Kim Involved In Tessa Blanchard vs Taya Valkyrie Rivalry

Despite seemingly being retired, however, Kim made an appearance on Impact Wrestling this week. She prevented Tessa Blanchard from strangling a referee. Blanchard has been having her issues with referees as of late. She punched one in order to get purposely disqualified in her rematch with Taya as well.

Kim has mentioned that if she ever does decide to come out of retirement, she’d have her return match for Impact.

Happy for the women in the company but if I ever made. Return, it would only be for @IMPACTWRESTLING https://t.co/yillNFm9DT

— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) July 25, 2018

Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie III has been booked for Homecoming. The event will take place January 6th, 2019 from Nashville.

Earlier this year, Kim spoke to Women’s Wrestling Weekly about why she decided to retire.

“My back was starting to deteriorate and basically what happened was I just couldn’t walk after a couple of matches here and there. I never had an MRI and I never knew what was going on in my body for so long, and then it was coming to point where I was always wrestling and not being able to walk after. And I was like ‘ It’s time, I need to know what is going on. It’s a scary thought, but you have to know so you can help it’.So, I got an MRI done and I guess, I’m grateful it wasn’t worse.”

“My L4 and my L5, pretty much the discs, was just basically all gone and there was just a thin layer left to the point, it could be bone on bone soon. Basically, I made the decision that I didn’t want to keep on going, where I had to have that major surgery because that minor surgery; he (the doctor) told me I can get back in the ring in 7 weeks and that 7 weeks turned into 7 months.”

Lance Storm is training Dominic Gutierrez at the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, AB, Canada. According to Storm, Dominic was unaware of the trade secrets involved in delivering his father’s “619”.

Storm sent out the following in regards to teaching Dominic the move:

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1063938422262312961

“Today I had to show @reymysterio’s son the trick to doing the 619. For some reason his Dad’s been kayfabin him.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn70gCIAoAc/?utm_source=ig_embed

Dominic Gutierrez Wrestling Training

As with many relatives of famous wrestlers, many are tracking Dominic’s development. He started training with the Storm Wrestling Academy in September but he’s been to other schools. Dominic trained with Jay Lethal as well.

In March, Mysterio was on Edge and Christian’s podcast and had the following to say regarding his son’s training.

“I’m going to have him train as much as he can in different countries,” Mysterio said. “Right now he’s training with Jay (Lethal). I want to get him out with Lance in Calgary. Is he in Calgary? Yeah, uh huh. And eventually, if I can get him to Japan and to Europe. And the final touch would be the Mexican side. That’s when I get ahold of him and we do one-on-ones, so eventually, when it’s time to tap out and hang up the mask, I would love to leave him set, so he can take over the name and the brand and take it to the next level.”

Brian Pillman Jr. was the guest on the most recent episode of Talk is Jericho.

Host Chris Jericho and Pillman Jr. covered a wide range of subjects, including Pillman’s memories of his father, who died when the younger Pillman was just four years old.

“Growing up, I knew he was a big deal in wrestling, and I knew that he was a famous person in that business, but I more or less thought that people would forget about him,” Pillman said. “I was so wrong about that.”

Training For Wrestling

Pillman also discussed his decision to get into the wrestling business, and specifically his choice to begin his training in Calgary with Lance Storm. He said that his father’s ties to the city were one reason for his choice, but perhaps not the driving factor.

“I did my research,” Pillman said. “Who’s the best trainer? I want to be in the most professional training environment.”

Pillman also said that Storm presented him with the pros and cons of the wrestling business before he agreed to take him on as a student.

“More or less, I was led to believe by my mother and my family that this would be bad for me, that it was going to do all this harm to me, that it killed my father and all that. But then you meet guys like Lance and you [Jericho] that, it didn’t kill you, you’re still making a good living,” Pillman said. “All these people that say wrestling is terrible are wrong.”

Football

Pillman also spoke to his decision to go to college before entering the business. He said that while he had impukses and ideas of following in his dad’s footsteps right out of high school, ultimately he chose to pursue an education first, so that he would have something to fall back on.

Pillman talked about his high school football career, and how it paralleled his father’s football career as well. Both played defensive line, and in spite of their small stature, both were successful. “I went to the d-line, and at 185 pounds, I was just manhandling dudes,” he said.

Steve Austin

Steve Austin was a pivotal figure in the elder Pillman’s career, and the two were tag partners in WCW.

In the interview with Jericho, Pillman Jr. mentioned that Austin reached out to him via Twitter. Austin would later send the younger Pillman a weightlifting belt that belonged to his father.

Austin also reached out when Pillman Jr. recently suffered a knee injury, and offered some moral support and advice.

Other topics covered in the interview include a very early interaction with Triple H, different training philosophies, choosing a functional hairstyle, and learning moves.

The full interview can be found below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVr92Bx2-wY]

What did you think of Jericho’s interview with Pillman? Will we see him in WWE one day?

It looks like a certain 1980s pop star has Sami Zayn’s vote for a WWE Hall Of Fame induction.

The WWE Superstar took to social media on Thursday to comment about the exclusion of Cyndi Lauper from the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall Of Fame.

Zayn wrote about the impact that Lauper’s “Rock ‘N’ Wrestling” connection along with Hulk Hogan had on the WWE as the reason why she is a no-brainer for an inclusion in the coveted Hall.

“I only today realized that [Cyndi Lauper] is not in the WWE Hall of Fame celebrity wing,” wrote Zayn via his official Twitter page on Thursday evening. “As part of the ‘rock n’ wrestling connection’ with MTV in the 80’s, she was CRUCIAL to WWE crossing over into mainstream.”

Zayn continued, “Arguably no celebrity more deserving. #InductCyndi.”

This led to responses from Lance Storm and Lauper herself.

“I think she turned it down the year they offered it to her,” wrote Storm in response to Zayn’s tweet. Lauper, however, disagreed.

“Not that I remember,” wrote the 1980s pop star. “Well, you’d certainly know more than me,” wrote Storm in another tweet responding to Lauper. “Certainly deserving.”

The next WWE Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will take place in early April 2019 as part of WrestleMania 35 weekend from East Rutherford, New Jersey.

I only today realized that @CyndiLauper is not in the @WWE Hall of Fame celebrity wing.

As part of the "rock n' wrestling connection" with MTV in the 80's, she was CRUCIAL to WWE crossing over into mainstream. Arguably no celebrity more deserving.#InductCyndi

— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1035311730547548160

https://twitter.com/cyndilauper/status/1035326648969641984

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1035326845632139264

Do you think Cyndi Lauper deserves to be induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame Celebrity Wing? Sound off in the Comments section below.

USA Network Renews Miz And Mrs. For Season 2

It’s official, the USA Network has picked up Miz And Mrs for a second season after just three episodes of the first season airing thus far. The Miz and Maryse announced the news in a post that was shared on The Miz’s Twitter account that also aired on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live.

The show premiered on July 24 where it pulled in 1,473,000 viewers for the first episode. The second episode did 1,303,000 and third episode drew 1,225,000 viewers.

The Miz made the announcement by writing the following, “You wanted more @MizandMrsTV. You got more #MizAndMrs MORE EPISODES coming your way in 2019 on @usa_network. @marysemizanin and I can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support. We are very proud of this show and excited to get back to work.”

https://twitter.com/mikethemiz/status/1029526087586512896

Lance Storm At WWE Performance Center

Former WWE/ECW/WCW Superstar Lance Storm noted on his official Twitter account that was at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week. He’s likely serving as a guest trainer.

NXT star Ricochet, who is slated to challenge Adam Cole for the NXT North American Title at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV this weekend, commented on Storm being at the training facility.

https://twitter.com/lancestorm/status/1029494599427997696?s=12

https://twitter.com/kingricochet/status/1029497609398968325?s=12

What are your thoughts on this reality show thus far? Sound off in the comment section.

– On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, Commissioner Shane McMahon announced a new General Manager for Tuesday nights. Daniel Bryan is now back to being a full-time in-ring competitor, leaving the General Manager position open.

McMahon announced that former WWE Divas Champion Paige, who recently announced her retirement from in-ring competition, will now be the new General Manager for SmackDown Live.

Former WWE Superstar Lance Storm recently took to Twitter shortly after the announcement, and presented an interesting idea for SmackDown Live now that Paige is at the helm. Storm suggested SmackDown become an all-female show run by Paige, with the addition of a tag team division as well:

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/983864684158713856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwnerd.com%2Flance-storm-has-an-interesting-idea-for-smackdown-live-now-that-paige-is-general-manager%2F&tfw_creator=innern3rd&tfw_site=innern3rd

Storm did note that WWE probably shouldn’t do this, but it’s still a fun idea to ponder regardless. What are your thoughts?

– 205 Live might not be the most exciting professional wrestling show available to fans, but one guy in the audience took things to a whole different level. After a long WrestleMania week, a photo surfaced of a fan falling asleep during 205 Live in the crowd.

Of course, he later woke up and resumed enjoying the show. Check it out:

https://twitter.com/Redman8619/status/983898645601947648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwnerd.com%2Fwatch-fan-falls-asleep-during-205-live-video-photo%2F&tfw_creator=innern3rd&tfw_site=innern3rd

HE'S NOT DEAD! #205Live pic.twitter.com/CpXuh1h2OG

— Catch au Quotidien (@OfficielCAQ) April 11, 2018

On this past Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler spoofed late WWE Hall Of Famer The Ultimate Warrior’s entrance.

Ziggler has been mocking entrances of both current and former WWE Superstars for the past two weeks, but after he took aim at Warrior’s, who passed away back in April of 2014, some fans took to social media to label Ziggler’s actions as disrespectful.

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Lance Storm is not one of those fans, who defended Ziggler on Twitter and explained why his actions are actually a compliment, as they mean he is jealous of Warrior’s success:

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/908186795799543808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwnerd.com%2Fdolph-ziggler-mocking-ultimate-warrior%2F

Two performers on opposite ends of the spectrum, Lance Storm and Disco Inferno, debated the safety of worked forearms in pro-wrestling. The conversation stemmed from the brutal forearm delivered by Jinder Mahal to Finn Balor on Raw, putting the popular Irish star out of action with a concussion.

Forearms Too Risky? Lance Storm and Disco Inferno Debate

A popular technique in Japan is for wrestlers to forearm each other in the face as hard as possible. Disco Inferno believes the moves are too dangerous to be used, while Lance Storm simply feels wrestlers are not “working” their shots enough.

And here I am the only pro wrestler on the planet pointing out how unsafe forearms to the head are. Bring back working punches please

— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) April 11, 2017

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851909978109526016

They are unsafe because they margin of error is extremely high https://t.co/WYaW4zDk0c

— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) April 11, 2017

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851911996446457856

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851912345857040384

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851917693808660480

If you are teaching a wrestling trainee to throw a forearm to the head, would you offer to be on the receiving end? Why? Or why not?

— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) April 11, 2017

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851919370242490368

How do you know?? There were /are no concussion protocols. When you got your bell rung it WAS no big deal. THESE days we know it's trauma. https://t.co/SCHV4zYDxR

— Glenn Gilbertti (@TheRealDisco) April 11, 2017

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/851929692089098240

Brian Pillman Jr. recently contacted Lance Storm about training to be a professional wrestler at the Storm Wrestling Academy in Canada. Brian was referred to Storm by Steve Austin.

Brian Jr. was 3 years old when his father passed away on 10/5/1997. Pillman passed away from a previously undetected heart condition that also led to the death of his father several years before.

Below is a photo of the 23 year old and a recent post he made about his father:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsqPTCBqaQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BODAgoRB5ey/

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– Titus O’Neil’s WWE suspension for unprofessional conduct ends on April 10th, next Sunday, so he could be back on television by next week’s RAW from Los Angeles.

– Former WWE, WCW & ECW star Lance Storm raises an interesting point regarding the booking of Shane McMahon and The Authority at WrestleMania & RAW:

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/717379589203308544?s=09

– Big E doesn’t sound pleased with the @WWEUniverse naming his moves:

It's not called that. There's zero ass to belly contact. Going to harass the hell out of whoever runs this account. https://t.co/vx2QgyG4K1

— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) April 5, 2016

– WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall gave this strong endorsement to Seth Rollins during WrestleMania weekend:

https://twitter.com/SCOTTHALLNWO/status/716984393315692544

– Damien Sandow is encouraging fans to use the hashtag #FreeSandow, presumably in response to WWE not using him much in recent months:

https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/717151066572201984