IMPACT WRESTLING Preview: Hulk Hogan’s Major Announcement
Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, as the road to Bound For Glory on October 16 continues – with Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode and more! 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:
– “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan will deliver a major announcement on Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c! What does Hogan have planned just weeks before Bound For Glory? Don’t miss it, as Hogan promises to drop a bombshell!
– Speaking of Hulk Hogan, his Bound For Glory opponent – “The Icon” Sting – has asked for time to get some things off his chest. In fact, rumor has it Sting wants to speak DIRECTLY to the members of Fortune! Don’t miss the start to the huge broadcast!
– Also, Fortune members will battle this Thursday as Bobby Roode will battle “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles in a huge bout! Roode will fight for the World Heavyweight Championship at Bound For Glory, but first he has to make it past AJ Styles! Certainly, current World Champion Kurt Angle will be watching as he attempts to drive a wedge between the members of Fortune!
– In high-flying X-Division action, there will be a Ladder Match this Thursday on SpikeTV to determine who gets the X Championship shot against Austin Aries at Bound For Glory: Jesse Sorensen vs. Kid Kash vs. Alex Shelley vs. Zema Ion vs. Brian Kendrick
– The final “Queen’s Qualifier” takes place to determine the competitors in the Knockouts Championship match at Bound For Glory! This Thursday, Madison Rayne battles Tara, with the winner advancing to the Pay-Per-View!
– Plus, Crimson makes his return to IMPACT WRESTLING following his injury at the hands of Samoa Joe, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy continues his quest for redemption and so much more!
All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike at 9/8c! If you can’t watch it live, make sure to set your DVR!
— On last Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, Sting defeated longtime rival Ric Flair to earn the right to face Hulk Hogan at Bound for Glory. The match will feature a stipulation as ImpactWrestling.com posted a graphic advertising the contest as a “Battle For Control Of The Company.”
The graphic, however, was removed from the website Sunday.
On the March 3 episode of Impact, Hogan regained storyline ownership of TNA after winning a court battle against Dixie Carter.
— Angelina Love, Madison Rayne and Tara are offering custom professional photoshoots through TNA photographer Lee South. Those interested pick the theme and outfit style with an option to purchase the worn outfit after the shoot. Also included are professional prints and behind the scenes video from the photoshoot.
Prices are set at $325.00 for Angelina, $300.00 for Madison, and $450.00 for Tara. The offer is available at shop.leesouth.com.
— Ric Flair appears as an animated version of himself on the season premiere of The Cleveland Show taking place September 25 on FOX.
The plot for the episode reads: “Cleveland is upset when he finds out that his best friend Peter Griffin came to Stoolbend and did not call him to hang out. In an effort to bond with the guys, Cleveland takes them on a camping trip hosted by guest star Ric Flair.”
— Matches taped last night in Orlando, Florida for upcoming episodes of TNA Xplosion were Mickie James vs. Madison Rayne and Magnus vs. Jesse Sorensen.
— Velvet Sky said on Twitter that she has a Women’s Shirt coming out soon. The only other Knockout TNA has released apparel of is Mickie James.
— TNA Wrestling announced Friday that Kid Kash will face Jesse Sorensen in a #1 Contender’s Match for the X Division Championship this Sunday at No Surrender.
Kash vs. Sorensen is the second X Division Match announced for the pay-per-view event as Brian Kendrick will defend the X Division Championship against Austin Aries.
— The September 8 episode of Impact Wrestling garnered a 1.02 cable rating, down from 1.06 on Sept. 1 and 1.21 on Aug. 25. The program averaged 1,358,000 viewers compared to 1,420,000 the week before.
Recent ratings: August 18 (1.05), August 11 (1.07), August 4 (1.14), July 27 (1.20), July 20 (1.20).
— Madison Rayne has been announced for The Big Event at the Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York on November 11 – 12. Visit www.tmartpromotions.com for more information.
SHIMMER Champion Madison Eagles has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s fourth annual “PWI Female 50” list, which ranks the top 50 women’s wrestlers in North America from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. She succeeds Michelle McCool, who ranked No. 1 in last year’s list.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated attributes their decision to ranking Eagles as the top women’s wrestler in North America with the following: “This year’s list was unlike any other in the four-year history of the “Female 50.” For one thing, there was no obvious frontrunner in either WWE or TNA. Last year’s number one, Michelle McCool, retired after a few lackluster months. The WWE Divas title dropped in prominence and was held for a significant amount of time by Brie Bella who, while improved, doesn’t exactly conjure thoughts of Sensational Sherri or Trish Stratus.”
Mickie James and Madison Rayne were also considered for the top spot, but for a variety of reasons, were ultimately deemed not worthy.
“So we made a bold decision. We looked to the indies. Two possible candidates were SHIMMER champion Madison Eagles and WSU champion Mercedes Martinez. It was a difficult choice to make,” the magazine explains. “Fortunately for us, Martinez and Eagles faced off in March for Eagles’ SHIMMER title. Eagles managed to win a terrific match, which proved to be the deciding factor in our decision.”
PWI also explains how the “Female 50” was determined: “To determine this list, we evaluated each woman’s innate wrestling ability, accomplishments during the past year, physical strength and conditioning, quality of opposition, charisma, and title success.”
Some women’s wrestlers contracted to WWE and TNA, such as Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Tamina and Brooke Tessmacher, were left off the “Female 50” because PWI felt they did not earn a spot over some of the independent talent listed. The magazine explains, “While being on WWE’s or TNA’s global platform helps your chances, it doesn’t mean you get a free passage onto the “Female 50.”
1. Madison Eagles
2. Mercedes Martinez
3. Mickie James
4. Natalya
5. Madison Rayne
6. Cheerleader Melissa
7. Beth Phoenix
8. Tara
9. MsChif
10. Sara Del Rey
11. Eve Torres
12. Angelina Love
13. Layla
14. Sarita
15. Kelly Kelly
16. Serena Deeb
17. Velvet Sky
18. Ayako Hamada
19. LuFisto
20. Winter
21. Brie Bella
22. Angel Orsini
23. Melina
24. Daizee Haze
25. Nikki Roxx
26. Gail Kim
27. Jazz
28. Maryse
29. Christina Von Eerie
30. Portia Perez
31. Rosita
32. ODB
33. Nicole Matthews
34. Rachel Summerlyn
35. Jessicka Havok
36. Brittany Force
37. Kellie Skater
38. Tina San Antonio
39. Melanie Cruise
40. Cherry Bomb
41. Sassy Stephie
42. Tasha Simone
43. Alicia Fox
44. Amber O’Neal
45. Allison Danger
46. Kacee Carlisle
47. Brittany Savage
48. A.J.
49. Melissa Coates
50. Jessica James
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James was asked on her official website if she would ever return to WWE.
“This is a tough question that I often get asked and usually avoid answering. I can’t say that I never will or would go back to the WWE.” James said.
“I honestly never intended on leaving until I retired. However we don’t choose our destiny. We just live it. I am very happy at TNA and am enjoying my time here for as long as it lasts. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to grow inside and out as a performer, artist, and a woman. One really never knows what tomorrow holds. That’s why you make the most of every moment. Good, bad, or indifferent, and own it like only you can.”
She also gave her thoughts on the WWE Hall of Fame, writing: “To be inducted in to the Hall of Fame is a huge honor for any one person in this industry. It not only gives you credibility as the mark you made in the pages of history to the fans, but notoriety for the path you paved for everyone who followed in your footsteps.”
— Madison Rayne indicated on her Twitter account that her husband, who serves for the United States military, was recently sent overseas. The multi-time TNA Women’s Champion tied the knot last February and changed her name to Ashley Cabot.
— According to Spike.com, Impact Wrestling on October 6, 2011 will be a three-hour episode, airing from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.
— Madison Rayne teased on Twitter this afternoon that she will be on hand for next week’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida.
Rayne wrote, “Not this week y’all. fear not though, i’ll be in Fla. next week, tiara in place, new camo perhaps? There’s a new Miss America in town.”
The former Women’s Knockout Champion has not appeared on IMPACT since August 11.
— Christy Hemme, D’Angelo Dinero, Anthony Nese, Zema Ion, Jerry Lynn and Becky Bayless (a/k/a Cookie) have been announced for The Big Event at the Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York on November 11 – 12. Visit www.tmartpromotions.com for more information.
— 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.
The August 2011 issue of the UK based wrestling magazine Power Slam reports that there is a sizable pay discrepancy among the female performers of TNA Wrestling.
The magazine states that Christy Hemme and Mickie James are the highest-paid female talent in the organization: each earn more than $100,000 per year. Meanwhile, the rest of TNA’s female wrestlers and personalities (Angelina Love, Brooke Tessmacher, Cookie, Jackie, Madison Rayne, ODB, Rosita, Sarita, SoCal Val, Tara, Traci Brooks, Velvet Sky and Winter) earn far less: $600 per appearance at most.
Karen Jarrett’s salary is not stated, but the magazine indicates that she commands an above average appearance fee.
Hemme and James command the highest salaries because both were high-profile performers in WWE and thus are more valuable than the other women due to their name recognition. Though the magazine does not indicate which female talent earns more, it is noted that both make a similar low six-figure amount per year. Hemme, however, solely works televised events whereas James additionally appears on the company’s live event tour.
Hemme’s reported salary has drawn criticism from fans and colleagues as they feel it’s exorbitant for a non-wrestling female personality. The Honky Tonk Man claimed last year that her contract renewal with TNA last year was for three years at an annual rate of $175,000. He also said that Eric Bischoff, a huge supporter of the former WWE Diva and Playboy cover girl, helped Hemme obtain the high-end deal. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer would not confirm the veracity of the former WWE star’s claim but did say the deal made her the highest paid female performer in the company.
Reports of Hemme’s salary last year reportedly upset some of her female co-workers.
At the maximum second-tier rate, a TNA Knockout who appeared on every single television and pay-per-view event over the course of a calender year, 64 in all, would garner $38,400 at most. TNA solely covers airfare, leaving talent to cover all other expenses including lodging, wardrobe and medical. There is also no downside guarantee, thus meaning talent only get paid when they are used. And while the company holds numerous non-televised events, each tour features a rotation of two to five female performers.
Velvet Sky, who is arguably the organization’s top homegrown female star, is believed to be earning the maximum rate of the second-tier salary cap. Her contract renewal with TNA last year reportedly called for her salary to be bumped from $300 per appearance to $600. However, she is an exception to the rule on salary hikes for female talent. Gail Kim, Awesome Kong and Shelly Martinez (a/k/a Salinas) have all publicly stated that they left TNA because organization officials denied their requests for a pay raise.
— 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.
— 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.
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.
Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the aftermath of Sunday’s Destination X PPV event and the World Title rematch between Mr. Anderson and the maniacal Sting! It will be a Midsummer’s Nightmare! 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 huge broadcast:
– The event will feature the big World Heavyweight Championship rematch between titleholder Mr. Anderson and Sting! How will Mr. Anderson joining Immortal effect the bout? Does Sting have a plan of his own, or has he truly lost his mind?
– The Jarretts return from Mexico to IMPACT WRESTLING with a surprise for Immortal
– In a Bound For Glory Series match, it will be Samoa Joe vs. Bobby Roode vs. The Pope in a 3-way bout
– In Knockouts action, it will be Madison Rayne vs. Tara one-on-one
– Plus, The British Invasion battle Mexican America for the #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Title
All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 9/8c
— Madison Rayne’s scheduled appearance at Redd’s Restaurant and Bar today in Carlstadt, New Jersey has been canceled due to a personal issue she is dealing with. She will, however, appear at the Middletown Market today from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rayne asked for prayers earlier this week on her Twitter account. She added today:
“PRAYING for a smooth travel day so I can get home in time tonight…. US Airways pleeeease be on my side today :*)
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus was backstage at last night’s TNA Wrestling live event at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario. Stratus lives nearby and was visiting former WWE peers who now work for the organization.
Stratus indicated on her Twitter account that Mickie James, Tara and Winter slept over at her house.
Trish also posted this picture on Facebook of her with several TNA knockouts:
— Jeff Jarrett beat Kurt Angle in a two-out-of-three falls at TNA Lockdown. Angle used the RKO during the match, and then went on Twitter to comment on his use of the maneuver. Angle wrote:
“Orton, I used Your Finish as a sign of Respect. Not to get back at U. Respect!”
Angle complained two weeks ago via the social networking website about WWE performers using his trademark maneuvers at WrestleMania. Orton responded without mentioning Angle by name, and stated that people should be flattered when people use their moves.
— Mickie James captured the TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship from Madison Rayne at TNA Lockdown in a match that lasted approximately 35 seconds. It was the lone title change of the event.
As a result of her victory, James became the first woman to have held the WWE Women’s Championship, WWE Divas Championship, and the TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship.
Trish Stratus congratulated James on her victory, writing on Twitter, “Congrats to my girl new TNA Knockout Champ @mickiejames!”
— Isis the Amazon, who competed in a dark match for TNA Wrestling two months ago, is denying online reports that she will be debuting for the promotion.
“WOW & this is why we don’t trust dirtsheets.. I never alluded to that,” she wrote on Twitter in response to a message saying she would be debuting soon for TNA.
The rumor is that Isis will debut soon alongside Kurt Angle to assist him in his feud with Jeff and Karen Jarrett.
— Madison Rayne recently became the longest running TNA Women’s Knockout Champion of all-time, besting Awesome Kong’s 178 day reign with the title from October 23, 2008 to April 19, 2009. As of today, Rayne has has held the strap for 188 days.
Rayne defends the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship tonight at TNA Lockdown against Mickie James in a Title vs. Hair Steel Cage Match.
— Cookie said on her Twitter account that she missed yesterday’s TNA Fan InterAction event in Cincinnati, Ohio due to flight issues with Delta Air Lines.
— Former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks worked this weekend’s TNA Wrestling live event tour, answering TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Madison Rayne’s “Open Challenge” on three consecutive shows.
Rayne beat Brooks in Erie, PA and Cleveland, OH, but came up short Saturday night in Pittsburgh, PA.
— Mick Foley appears tomorrow on CNN Headline News from 4 to 5 p.m. to discuss RAINN, as well as his #10forRAINN Twitter Campaign to raise donations and awareness for the anti-sexual violence organization. More details are available here.
— Mexican America member Anarquia has been added to TNAWrestling.com’s roster page.
— The March 24 episode of TNA iMPACT! drew a 1.22 cable rating, down from the previous week’s 1.27. This week’s show scored 1.7 million viewers compared to 1.8 million last week.
The first hour scored a 1.19 rating before increasing to a 1.26 rating in the second hour.
— Mickie James has pulled out of her scheduled match on April 2 with Sara Del Rey for Remix Pro Wrestling in Marietta, Ohio due to a shoulder injury she suffered last Friday at a TNA Wrestling live event. She will still appear at the event to sign autographs. Fellow TNA Knockout Madison Rayne will instead face Del Rey.
— Bill Banks, TNA Wrestling’s Director of New Media, stated on his Twitter account that the organization has finalized October West Coast touring dates in San Francisco, Sacramento and Reno.
It was announced on iMPACT! that Sting would defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at next month’s Lockdown pay-per-view against a challenger to be determined. A No. 1 Contender’s Match between AJ Styles, Bully Ray, Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam to determine who would face Sting at the pay-per-view event resulted in a No Decision.
Earlier in the show, Madison Rayne said she would defend the TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship against Mickie James on the condition that James put her hair on the line. The multi-time WWE Women’s Champion accepted the challenge.
Also announced was a Lockdown Cage Match between Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett.
Lockdown Cage Match – TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting (c) vs. (challenger to be determined)
Lockdown Cage Match
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett
Lockdown Cage Match – TNA Women’s Knockout Championship Match
Madison Rayne (c) vs. Mickie James (James’ hair is on the line)
— Tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT! featured the television debut of Rosita, the storyline cousin of Sarita. She scored the pinfall victory in the Eight Knockouts Tag Team Match, downing Velvet Sky.
Rosita, who’s real name is Thea Trinidad, signed a contract with TNA Wrestling last month shortly after working a tryout match against Angelina Love. The 19-year-old competed on the Northeastern independent circuit as Divina Fly prior to joining the organization. She has been wrestling since 2008.
— On Facebook, Madison Rayne changed her real name from Ashley Simmons to Ashley Simmons Cabot.
— Jeremy Borash, who has done everything for TNA Wrestling but compete in a wrestling match, noted today on Twitter that he is an officially licensed wrestler in seven states.
“Just finished up a boatload of paperwork and legal documents,” he wrote. “I’m an officially licensed wrestler in 7 states. Who wants some?”
– The Monster Abyss will be out of action until the February 24th TNA iMPACT in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’s being kept off TV to sell injuries from Crimson stabbing in the back with Janice.
– A number of European wrestlers recently received tryouts with TNA during the company’s tour last month. TNA was most impressed with Mark Hawkins and he’s seen as the first person TNA would offer a job to if they hire anybody from this round of evaluations.
– Also on the European tour, Knockout Madison Rayne got sick and was unable to work the show in Manchester. Instead of the scheduled Rayne and Tara vs. Mickie James and Angelina Love match, they went with Love vs. Mickie with Tara as referee.
– TNA recently announced that it switched the dates for the Destination X and Victory Road pay-per-view events. The reason for the change is the company wants to build up the X-Division and that will take more than a month or two, when Destination X was previously scheduled for. The X Division pay-per-view is now scheduled for July.
Reigning TNA Knockouts Women’s Champion Madison Rayne spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com about how she she got interested in pro wrestling, playing a bad girl on television, the state of the Knockouts division, Awesome Kong joining World Wrestling Entertainment, and more.
Rayne was asked to give her thoughts on the state of the Knockouts division, with the interviewer noting that it was extremely successful ‘and then it seemed to go through a bit of a lull.’
She replied, “Yeah, there’s been some ups and downs with the changing faces in the division but I never saw what other people did when they said it was lacking and that there was a shortage of talent or whatever it was they were using to describe the time there when we had a couple of people leaving and a couple new people coming in.
“I’ve always thought that the Knockouts division had a lot of potential and a lot of incredible talent more so now than ever I think. There’s a lot of new faces and a lot of people that the fans are familiar with but haven’t necessarily seen interact with other girls. So, wrestling fans are getting faces and new storylines to follow and new people to see in the ring together. It’s exciting for all of us and I think it’s equally exciting for everyone watching.”
She also commented on the ratings the division draws, as Knockouts bouts frequently garner the highest-rated segments on iMPACT!.
“It feels good because I know how hard we all work and that we bust our butts and we all put 100 percent into every week, every match, every segment, everything we do,” she said. “So, it’s good to know that all our hard work pays off every week.”
Rayne also talked about former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Awesome Kong reportedly signing with WWE.
“I think she deserves any and every good opportunity that comes her way. So, whether it be here or with another company or doing something that’s not even affiliated with wrestling at all. I think whatever makes Kong happy, I’m happy for because she is a good person, got a big heart and she deserves any opportunity that she gets.
— Reigning TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Madison Rayne and Angelina Love recently shot footage for the custom wrestling match website SlamminLadies.com. Below is a photo of the two TNA Knockouts battling it out inside an empty room.
For prices starting as low as $250, the website allows fans to draw an outline of a pro-style match between any two women wrestlers featured on the site. Photo sets are also offered.
A number of past and present TNA Knockouts are featured on the website including Awesome Kong, Velvet Sky, Taylor Wilde, Cookie, Daffney, Sojournor Bolt, Roxxi Laveaux, Rhaka Khan, Ms. Payton Banks (a/k/a Rain) and Rosie Lottalove. Former WWE Diva Savannah (a/k/a Angela Fong) is also featured on the site.
— TNA Wrestling has made iMPACT! available to UK viewers while their television situation in the country gets resolved. The following instructions were posted on the company website: “Log on to TNAondemand.com, click the launch button, then click on the Impact UK button on the bottom left of the page. This free service is only available for the UK.”
— The Dec. 16 episode of TNA iMPACT! scored a 1.12 cable rating, up from the previous week’s 1.09 number. The show drew 1,560,000 viewers over the course of two hours.
The peak quarter-hour rating was a 1.23 in Q4, which featured Orlando Jordan and Eric Young vs. Generation Me, and the first-half of the Mickie James and Miss Tessmacher vs. Madison Rayne and Tara tag team match.
— Mickie James vs. Madison Rayne for the TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship has been announced for TNA’s Genesis pay-per-view. The event takes place Jan. 9, 2011.
