Between The Ropes interview with Shane Helms
Host: Brian Fritz
Interview available at BetweenTheRopes.com
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Shane Helms has been through a lot over the past year and a half. He spoke with Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about his recovery from his motorcycle accident and the legal issues he must now deal with, the pros and cons of social media, the Shane Helms app, what is going on with both Matt and Jeff Hardy, leaving the WWE, if and when he may return to the ring and more.
What he has been doing lately as he recovers from his motorcycle accident:
“I got the go ahead from the doctor to go ahead and start putting weight on my foot. The bad news with that is I have to start getting into the legal ramifications of the accident. I got charged when I got in the accident but because I was under doctor’s orders, I had to be at home. I haven’t left the house unless to go to a doctor or something like that and then I had to be assisted.
“But I told the authorities that – and they’re very cool with me, they know I’m not a flights risk – I told them whenever I go the OK to move, I’ll come over there and we’ll take care of this. I just got off the phone with my lawyer and we’re going over there tomorrow to go over there and get that out of the way. So there’s your exclusive before it hits the air.”
“It’s not something I want, I don’t want to drag it out. I kind of just want to go and have it done. That’s why I said as soon as I got the clearance from the doctor I called (my lawyer). It’s something that’s kind of been on my mind and I want to get out of the way. I’ve never been above facing up for any mistake I’ve made. I just want to go ahead and knock it out and move ahead, move forward with it. I learned a huge lesson from this.”
If he has spoken with Matt since his recent arrest and how he is doing:
“Matt is going through a time right now. I can’t get down there and I can’t move as much. I wish I was there to talk to him in person so I could get a better gauge of what’s going on. I worry about Matt … a lot. It’s kind of flipped because Jeff is now … Jeff has everything together now. He’s really a good father, a really great person.
“And now it just seems like the shoe is on the other foot and Matt is having his difficulties. I’m not even sure what they are. I have an idea but that’s not for me to say. He’s my friend so it’s probably something that, honestly, I wouldn’t say anything. But I do worry about him as I would worry about any friend or loved one.”
Matt Hardy has posted the latest video to his YouTube channel and it really does not seem like Matt is in a good place right now.
Matt claims to have suffered “two unbearable tragedies” recently ..
Matt says he saved a school bus full of kids and takes us on a tour of his trashed apartment, where he says inanimate objects are looking at him and laughing at him.
Matt ends the video by saying, “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen next” and quite frankly – so are we.
We have to ask … what the is going on with Matt Hardy?
We’ve got another update from Matt Hardy, who has posted his real phone number online and is promising an exclusive “scoop” regarding his weekend car wreck that resulted in him getting arrested for DWI.
Hardy tweeted the following message to his girlfriend Reby Sky, which includes his personal cell phone number:
“@RebySky Can u call me at home 910 245 4749 plz. My cell feel in the hottub and is shot. Thx baby. Hope you’re doing ok.”
Hardy also promised a scoop about his “state of mind” during the time of his car accident:
“U wanna found out the scoop about my state of mind during corvette crash in the car accident from Sat, stay tuned to thehardyshow.com RT”
— Amidst his thank you messages to friends and family offering their support in recent days, Matt Hardy lashed out at a fan on Twitter who called him a “washed up joke.”
Hardy, whose contract with TNA Wrestling was terminated Saturday immediately following his arrest for driving while impaired, wrote in response:
“PLEASE best against me & insult & have fun at my expense-you you’ve never done anything, & never will. While I sit at home with enough money to last 2 lifetimes. SO later, you’re BLIZZACKBALLED!”
— Cookie, who has sparingly competed since joining TNA Wrestling last year, indicated Tuesday on Twitter that she would like to wrestle more frequently for the organization.
A fan asked her if she was ever going to wrestle, to which she replied, “I’ve been wrestling since 2003, just waiting for a shot in TNA!” When asked which Diva or Knockout she would like to face, she exclaimed Winter. “Want a shot at that (Knockouts) title!” she added.
— Angelina Love appears in the upcoming horror film Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back as the character Rosemary Black. She and the film’s cast, which includes Canadian actress Brigitte Kingsley, will be appearing at a public screening this Saturday at The Royal 608 College St. Toronto, Ontario. Event details are available here.
TNA star Matt Hardy has issued another statement to his fans, following up on Monday’s message where he talked about being “reborn with an absolute pure life force” and feeling the “blood of an angel flowing inside of him” during Saturday’s DWI car crash in North Carolina.
Hardy tweeted on Tuesday morning at @MattHardyBrand:
“Thx 2 all who have reached out 2 me recently, 167 text message, near 100 emails, 38 voicemails, & 17 missed calls-I’ll return them all. Thx!”
“And I couldn’t have made it w/o my loved ones dragging to a hospital, that includes Jeff & Beth Hardy & my baby Reby. Thank u all so much.”
North Carolina’s Fayetteville Observer, which might need to hire a dedicated staff writer to focus on the legal troubles of the Hardy brothers, has released new information regarding Matt Hardy’s car crash and subsequent DWI arrest on Saturday afternoon.
According to a North Carolina police officer who was at the scene, Matt Hardy was not drunk, but “appeared to have taken some type of impairing substance” at the time of his car crash.
Hardy was said to be “traveling more than 55 mph but less than 70 mph” when he crashed his Corvette into a a tree.
Hardy was not injured from the crash. Hardy submitted to a blood test (with results currently pending), was arrested, and charged with driving while intoxicated and “exceeding safe speed.”
The “impairing substance” that Hardy was under the influence of is not known at this time, but should be made public once the results of the post-arrest blood test he took are made public.
Matt Hardy has posted a message on his Youtube channel in response to a fan who said he hopes Matt’s drunken car wreck on Saturday was a wake-up call to him. Matt replied with the following message.
We’re not going to say that Matt sounds like a rambling, delusional mad man, but .. well, draw your own conclusions:
“When the side windows glass smashed into my face, arms, & neck, some of the blood that did felt almost angelic. I went from being afraid to die to feeling like I was almost being reborn with some sort of an ABSOLUTE PURE LIFE-FORCE. It was the most amazing thing I’ve every experience, I felt like I’d just received the blood of an angel flowing inside me-I know this sounds crazy! Due to these, I only have urges to help people. And miraculously, all my vices are gone.
The North Carolina courts website has posted new information regarding Matt Hardy’s car wreck on Saturday that saw his car hit a tree and Matt arrested on DWI charges.
According to the site, Matt Hardy is scheduled for court in Moore County on September 28th to answer the following charges:
Driving While Impaired
Exceeding Safe Speed
The North Carolina courts website also reveals that Matt Hardy is scheduled for court in Wake County on October 11th for a single traffic charge of Reckless Driving with Wanton Disregard of the safety of others. This is apparently a continued case from an earlier date.
Matt Hardy, who was arrested Saturday in North Carolina for driving while intoxicated, says he is innocent.
In response to fans who were discussing his arrest, Hardy wrote on his YouTube channel:
“I took a breathalyzer immediately on the spot and it read clean, zero, nothing. Think about peeps! There’s more to this story than meets the eye. MATTHEW”
Hardy posted another, longer response regarding the matter, but immediately deleted it.
Hardy’s contract with TNA Wrestling was subsequently terminated following his arrest. He hinted on YouTube that a return to WWE could be in the cards. In response to a remark that he should return to WWE, Hardy wrote:
“You are exactly right my lovely. It’s time for the original Matt Hardy to appear once again!”
– Several members of the Carter family were ringside at Saturday night’s TNA live event from Rome, Georgia. They ran an angle during the show where Dixie Carter acknowledged the ongoing power struggle with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, telling the live crowd that her family (which in reality owns the company) had to purchase their own tickets to the show.
– TNA knockout Miss Tessmacher will now be using her real first name “Brooke.” Her TNAWrestling.com profile has been updated with her new ring name – “Brooke Tessmacher.”
– Following his DWI arrest and TNA release on Saturday, Matt Hardy was one of the top trending subjects on Twitter. Hardy is an avid user of Twitter and has a strong social media presence, but this is probably not the type of exposure he is looking for.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and former WWE star Goldust are the latest people in the wrestling business to comment on Matt Hardy’s DWI arrest on Saturday 8/21. Jim Ross wrote:
“Don’t know all the facts on Matt Hardy DUI arrest. Losing 1’s job always stings. Perhaps personal changes are in order.”
Meanwhile, Matt Hardy’s former WWE co-worker Goldust,who has battled with his own demons over the years, offered the following support to Hardy:
“Teamgoldie say prayers for matt hardy…..known him for so long….all this in time will pass…god be willing“
Following his arrest Saturday in North Carolina for driving while intoxicated, Matt Hardy has been released from his contract with TNA Wrestling.
In a statement released to TMZ.com, an unnamed TNA spokesperson stated, “TNA today released Impact Wrestling star Matt Hardy from its roster. Hardy was already under suspension from the company.”
According to sources within TNA, plans were in place for Matt and Jeff Hardy to return to television in October. Jeff’s status with the company remains unchanged since TNA will be releasing a slew of merchandise in the fall bearing his name including a video title.
Hardy joined TNA last January after being released by WWE in October 2010 following a series of events that caused him to be sent home from a company tour of Europe. Hardy walked out of a SmackDown live event on September 5, 2010 after officials voiced concern over his condition. During the subsequent weekend’s European tour, Hardy’s condition caused the organization to act. When the story broke online, Hardy responded with a rambling video claiming it was untrue because he was still in Europe. WWE, however, confirmed to NewsDay.com on September 12, 2010 that he had been sent home. He never wrestled for the organization again and was released from his contract a few weeks later.
Hardy stated last week on Twitter that his time away from the ring has been a blessing in disguise as it allowed him to completely clean up his life. He added Friday, “It’s time for me to get back to a healthy, happy place, the transformation his now started for me, for us-(New Chapter Will begin new)”
TMZ.com reports that Matt Hardy was arrested in North Carolina today on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a trooper discovered the TNA Wrestling Superstar after his 2009 Corvette ran off the road and struck a tree. Hardy was by himself and did not suffer any injuries.
The trooper observed signs of impairment and arrested Hardy. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and the trooper found no other contraband in the vehicle. Hardy submitted to a blood test, results of which are pending.
He was released at approximately 7:00 p.m.
TNA Wrestling officials reportedly suspended Hardy in June due to continuously arriving late to events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser. He stated last week on Twitter that his time away from the ring has been a blessing in disguise as it has allowed him to completely clean up his life.
Matt Hardy posted a message on Twitter on Thursday night updating fans about his time away from TNA – and addresses the rumors about he and Jeff refusing to enter rehab. Matt wrote:
“The time off from Impact Wrestling has been a blessing in disguise-it’s allowed me enough time at home to physically & mentally heal & completely clean up my life. It was needed. I feel great, & the old Matt Hardy feels alive & fresh!
Regarding the reports of TNA keeping the Hardy Boyz off television due to their refusal to enter rehab:
“And BTW, rumors will always circulate.. But I know the real deal about myself & Jeff when I look in the mirror, & I’m ecstatic about where we’re both at. Thanks to everyone who has always supported me-you guys are amazing & I love ya!”
We receive a ton of emails from fans about the status of Matt and Jeff Hardy, who have both been off TNA television for several months now. This week Dave Meltzer reported that the reason TNA has yet to bring the Hardys back is because the company wanted both of them to enter rehab treatment – and they refused.
The Meltzer report led many Hardy fans to ask Matt and Jeff on Twitter what the real story is.
Matt Hardy responded to the reports on Wednesday night, tweeting:
“Not the case..at all.”
Hardy also noted that his own wrestling school is in the works.
Matt Hardy was reportedly suspended by TNA back in June after showing up late several times to live TNA events. He tweeted last week that he currently has everything “on hold” and is not yet taking independent bookings.
As for Jeff, he is still making court appearances related to his September 2009 arrest, after police raided his home in Cameron, North Carolina and uncovered a jackpot stash of drugs – including 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine and items of drug paraphernalia.
Jeff has been charged with felony trafficking in opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
If convicted of all charges (which is unlikely), Jeff Hardy faces upto 14 years in prison.
– Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke has posed nude for animal activist company PETA, and the “sophisticated” campaign will be unveiled in Miami on Saturday – Hulk’s birthday. A rep of Hogan’s says:
“The photos at the exhibit are very sophisticated and classy and just give the illusion of nude or the perception of nude, but of course, to get these shots, the shoot itself is fully nude.”
– For those wondering about what’s up with Matt and Jeff Hardy – the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that TNA want both men to first enter rehab but they have refused.
— ImpactWrestling.com has announced a TNA Knockouts Championship Match for Hardcore Justice. Miss Tessmacher and Tara will defend the straps against Sarita and Rosita, the previous title holders.
Sarita, who announced four weeks ago via Facebook that she had suffered facial paralysis, continued to wear a protective mask at this past weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events in Texas. Her condition, however, has improved in the meantime.
— Matt Hardy, who has been inactive from TNA Wrestling since May 30, posted a status update on Twitter:
“To all of the promoters that have contacted me about working for them, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve kinda got everything on hold for now. I would greatly appreciate your patience in me taking bookings for now, thanks!”
Company officials reportedly suspended Hardy in June due to continuously arriving late to events and posting online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser.
– TNA announced on Facebook on Wednesday that they’re partnering with ESPN to reveal the location of this year’s Bound for Glory PPV, which takes place on Sunday, October 16th. The location of TNA’s biggest show of the year will be revealed on ESPN.com on Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. EST.
– Last week, Matt Hardy wrote on twitter that he’s been sick lately and as a result, has lost some weight and is down to 204 pounds. Hardy responded to concerned fans with some more information on his condition, clarifying that it’s nothing too serious:
“After having a terrible case of food poisoning, I’m beginning to feel normal again. Hope u all are well-everything happens for a reason.”
– Following the news that Generation Me and Orlando Jordan parted ways with TNA this week, it’s been confirmed that former WWE, TNA and ECW star Kid Kash has re-signed with TNA. Kash is a former X-division and NWA tag team champion.
— TNA Wrestling has an Impact Wrestling taping scheduled for Thursday, August 25 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The first TNA Wrestling event was held at the same venue in June 2002.
— Matt Hardy stated yesterday on Twitter that he is sick and therefore unable to eat for four days. His weight has also dropped to 204 pounds.
“Got on the scale tonight and weighed in at 204 after bein sick and not eating for 4 days. I can’t remember the last time I was this light, WOW!” he wrote. “Thanks for all the get well wishes, they are much appreciated! I’m finally feeling better, I can’t remember ever being this sick in my life.”
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be the opening act for Darius Rucker’s concert tonight in Fredericksburg, Virginia at the “Celebrate Virginia Live” tour. Visit CelebrateVirginiaLive.com for more information.
— Angelina Love has changed her tune on Twitter as she launched an account today on the micro-blogging site. It is located at twitter.com/ActualALove.
The account has been confirmed by Jeremy Borash and Taz.
Sarita remains as the last Twitter holdout of the TNA Knockouts. She stated yesterday on Facebook that she does not have a Twitter account.
— Matt Hardy posted the following update today on Twitter: “It’s amazing how healthy your body gets when u actually have a chance to rest it, not take bumps everynight, & don’t travel on an ungodly schedule.. I’m getting.. BETTER :)”
It was reported last week that Hardy was suspended by TNA Wrestling due to continuously arriving late to live events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun a woman with a taser, “among other reasons.”
— An Xplosion Championship Challenge Match between Hernandez and Max Buck was taped last night in Orlando, Florida for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion.
In his latest online video show, TNA star Matt Hardy gets his long hair shaved off by his girlfriend, Reby Sky. The video description reads:
“Reby shows a true act of love as she not only trims Matt’s hair, but she trims Matt’s terrifying “fly-hairs” on Matt’s back! And Matt raps about the experience, enjoy!”
.. and here’s the video:
Matt posted another video of himself and Reby Sky visiting Shane Helms, who is still recovering from his recent motorcycle accident that resulted in several surgeries:
It was reported earlier this week that Matt Hardy was suspended by TNA Wrestling due to continuously arriving late to live events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun a woman with a taser, “among other reasons.” It was noted to Hardy on Twitter that a group of thirty asked for refunds when it was announced that he would not be on hand for Friday’s live event in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Instead, they were given free merchandise.
Hardy wrote, “I thank those peeps who stood up for me. I haven’t done anything wrong.. And the “Fans Voices Should Matter”-don’t ever forget that!”
He continued, “If you asked for a refund in Ft. Wayne cuz I wasn’t there, tweet me your story and I will RT it.. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Hardy also continues to take issue with wrestling websites that publish inaccurate stories.
“As I said earlier, I have no more beef with the net. They’re people tryin to make a living off of the business that we are the lifeblood of,” Hardy wrote. “With that said, you certainly can’t believe everything you read. There’s always details to situations that they have no clue about and therefore report incorrectly.”
— In Matt Hardy’s latest YouTube blog, he posted a preface for an upcoming entry that will explain ‘Who is Matt Hardy.”
“You will all understand, who the real Matt Hardy is,” Hardy says. “You will all understand, what makes Matt Hardy tick. You will all understand, why Matt Hardy… is Matt Hardy.
“I promise you this, it is going to be a YouTube entry you do not want to miss. I promise you that. I promise… you that.
“THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! Will be spoken.”
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be holding a live concert at Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, July 15. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit JimPorters.com or call 502-452-9531.
James also stated on her Twitter account that she will be doing a VIP meet and greet.
— We reported here yesterday that TNA Wrestling officials suspended Matt Hardy due to continuously arriving late to live events. It’s now being said that Hardy’s suspension was also due to the video he posted online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser, “among other reasons.”
Hardy was left off last week’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida due to the aforementioned reasons.
Matt Hardy tweeted the following statement in response to the online reports: “Just checked out the headlines on the ‘net.. They make me smile :-) Everything’s cool in life-luv it! It’s 95 out but I’m not sweating ;)”
— TNA Knockout Tara has launched an official website at RealLisaMarie.com.
— Rob Van Dam is advertised to appear at the Los Angeles Comic Con, which takes place September 24-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.