Melina, who has remained mum on the subject of TNA Wrestling since parting ways with WWE in August, was asked at the pre-launch party for Saints Row: The Third if she has plans to join the promotion (video available here).
She discreetly replied, “Oh, I’m still… still deciding.”
Melina was also asked if she’ll be appearing on Dancing with the Stars. She said “you never know” and explained, “I’d love to do any opportunity that presents itself, I would love to do that. I’m also interested in like Cirque du Soleil too, so I’m kind of like, you know, the sky’s the limit right now! There’s so many opportunities and it’s just (laughs) overwhelming!”
Melina stated in a 2007 interview with The Sun that she watches TNA.
“I still watch all the wrestling I can – whether it’s TNA, Japanese or Lucha Libre – because that’s my art,” she said.
The day after WWE announced they had come to terms on the release of Melina, and Gail Kim revealed on Twitter that she had quit the promotion, Mickie James was asked during an interview promoting Hardcore Justice about the possibility of her former Diva colleagues coming to TNA.
“I’d love to work with Gail,” James said. “I didn’t really get a chance to work with her. We had, like, maybe one or two matches but we were always on the side usually, so that would be really exciting. I was kinda looking forward to doing more with her and I didn’t get a chance.”
Mickie James participated in an interview with Female First while she was in the UK promoting TNA Wrestling’s upcoming Maximum Impact Tour and recalled her reaction to being released from her WWE contract last year. She admitted it was as big a shock for her, and did upset her.
“I think it angered a lot of people,” she says, continuing: “It would be one thing if I was doing a poor job, and I didn’t capture the fans every time I went out there, or if I wasn’t so good at what I did.”
As it was, it drained her of her passion for wrestling, until one show in a high school gym.
“I looked around the locker room, looking in these peoples’ eyes. There were people who had never been anywhere, never wrestled anywhere except here. You could see that fire in their eyes, that desire and that wanting to make it. I thought…s***, what happened to that?”
She adds: “It was one of those wonderful eye-opening things. I do this because I love it, I love entertaining the fans. I love what I do out there, and I’m amazing at it.”
This led her to TNA, with the organization acquiring another wrestler who gained notoriety in WWE. Whilst TNA sometimes comes under fire for pushing homegrown talent aside in favour of former WWE talent, she thinks it’s important to keep it fresh.
“You can’t do the same things over and over again. We have so much talent, there are ways to keep it fresh,” she explains, before pointing out that AJ Styles and Samoa Joe are still featured regularly on television.
She then adds that if people wanted to watch the same thing over and over again, they would tune into WWE.
“TNA really started to make a name for themselves with the X Division, stuff like that, because it was different, nobody else was doing it,” she says.
According to the article, the industry has it’s detractors, both in the wrestling press and with sceptics. James has a less-than-favorable opinion on the subject of “the poor end of the wrestling press” (referred to as “dirt sheets”):
She points out that “nobody reads those things”, adding: “I feel like, nine times out of ten, it’s somebody who thinks they know, but really they don’t.”
The industry also faces criticism from those who disregard what the wrestlers do as fake. James says, “We’ll never try to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes and say there’s not a certain artwork to it. I guarantee you, 9 out of 10 people in the world wouldn’t step in the ring and do what I do, nor could they. I think we have one of the hardest jobs in the world.”
She also discusses her memorable program with Trish Stratus, balancing her music and wrestling careers, the experience of a live TNA show, and more. The full article can be accessed here.
Mickie James has revealed in an interview how Vince McMahon yelled at her in the aftermath of her first WrestleMania match.
James debuted in WWE in 2005 and participated in a memorable angle with Trish Stratus. The storyline climaxed at WrestleMania 22 where James capture the WWE Women’s Championship from the blonde bombshell, but contained a controversial moment. Her character had developed crazed lust-like feelings for her opponent, touched Stratus’ crotch and made a provocative gesture towards the camera insinuating lesbian intimacy.
McMahon was furious with James and ordered the gesture be edited out of future video releases.
Speaking to Wrestlecast, James recalls: “The only people that remember that are the people watching or who were there live and in person. It didn’t make the DVD.
“I came back through the curtain and Vince was really mad. In the moment it had seemed amazing to me. I thought ‘Vince will love this’.
“‘Crass’ was the word I got. He didn’t like it at all. He told me ‘We’re going to have to go back and edit that out. Do you know how much time (this will take)?’
“This was my first Wrestlemania, my mom was in the audience, I’m freaking out already. I’m back through the curtain and I’m already in tears and an emotional mess. And I got yelled at.”
James, along with TNA star Magnus, participated in a near 50-minute chat which featured many interesting anecdotes about their respective careers. The podcast can be accessed here.
Here’s a little bonus video of one of the more memorable moments from the Trish Stratus – Mickie James feud:
— Hulk Hogan stated this morning on Twitter that he will be making a ‘huge’ announcement at tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping (airdate September 29).
He wrote, “Got a huge announcement tonight at the IMPACT Tapings. HH.”
— The following matches were taped last night in Orlando, Florida for upcoming episodes of TNA Xplosion:
* Eric Young defends the TNA Television Championship against Doug Williams
* Alex Shelley vs. Gunner
— Mickie James has an autograph signing scheduled for Pro Championship Wrestling in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, October 22. Visit www.pcwwrestling.net for more information.
— 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.
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.
— Mickie James beat Winter tonight on Impact Wrestling to capture the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship for the second time. It also marks as her eighth national title victory, breaking Trish Stratus’ record of seven.
— Eric Bischoff appointed Karen Jarrett the VP of the Knockouts division on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling. In her first act, she made Jackie and ODB full-time roster members. Jarrett then announced that Traci Brooks, who was scripted to act disappointed in being snubbed for the role of Knockout Law, would be her assistant.
Meanwhile, Jackie and ODB have been added to Impact Wrestling’s roster page.
— TNA Knockout Tag Team Champion Tara, Tommy Dreamer and former TNA Knockout Sojo Bolt are advertised to appear for Remix Pro Wrestling on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Marietta Middle School 242 Seventh St. Marietta, Ohio. Visit www.remixprowrestling.com for more information.
— Tonight on Impact Wrestling, Sting battles Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship with Hulk Hogan serving as special enforcer.
Matches slated to air include:
* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels
* Mickie James vs. Winter for the Women’s Knockout Championship
* Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam in a Bound For Glory Series Match
* Austin Aries vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Jesse Sorensen
— Asistencia Asesoría y Administración officials have confirmed that Sting will be appearing on their Heroes Immortales show on Oct. 9 in Monterrey, Mexico. He will be participating in the promotion’s TNA invasion angle.
— Mickie James turned 32 years old Wednesday while Jeff Hardy turned 34.
Mickie James defeated Winter at tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping in Huntsville, Alabama to re-capture the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship. The title change will air next Thursday.
On the June 23 edition of Impact Wrestling, James was defeated by Winter in a Street Fight, following outside interference from Love. This led to a match at Hardcore Justice, where James lost the Women’s Knockout Championship to Winter, following interference from Love and red mist from the former Katie Lea. On the following edition of Impact Wrestling, James defeated Madison Rayne to earn a rematch for the title, which took place tonight.
The win is James’ second in TNA and eighth nationally.
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.
Mickie James spoke with Ledger-Enquirer.com to promote TNA Wrestling’s live event yesterday in Columbus, Georgia. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
The challenges a woman faces in the male-dominated world of professional wrestling: “As a woman I want to prove myself even more. I might not be as tough as the guys but sometimes I have the match of the night. Then the guys have to go out and top me. It’s still such a male-dominated sport that we’re not taken seriously. We still have lingerie matches and pillow fights. It’s a real task. But most of the fans know who I am.”
Injuries she has endured throughout her career: “I haven’t had a ton of injuries. I had a MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection in my knee. I had to get it drained and removed. My knee (was swollen) up to the size of my thigh. I was stubborn. I told everyone I’ve wrestled with worse than this. But I flew home and got it checked. The doctor told me if I had waited it could have been a lot worse. I’ve had stitches in my eye, lost a tooth, I’ve separated both shoulders twice and I’ve had a few concussions.”
Stacy Keibler: She’s hot stuff. I heard she dated George Clooney for a minute. I’m so jealous. That’s awesome. She’s really branched out and done things as a female that the Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin have done.
“But she’s never really been a wrestler. She’s done lingerie and pillow fight matches.”
What would surprise fans about herself: “I try to keep the sanctuary of the storylines. That means I travel by myself. I’ve found that the people I have the most connections with are the ones I work best on opposite sides. We have the passion for wrestling and we want the same thing. You say you’re sorry later.”
— Ric Flair returned to television on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, challenging longtime rival Sting to a match. Sting agreed to put his career on the line if Flair promised to deliver him Hulk Hogan.
— Mickie James will receive her TNA Women’s Knockouts Championship re-match against Winter on the September 1 episode. TNA Wrestling tapes the episode next Thursday in Huntsville, Alabama.
— TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle will face Crimson in a non-title match on next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. The match was set up following an in-ring confrontation.
— Zema Ion stated on Twitter that he is suffering from an injury.
He wrote, “Off to the doctor to see wtf this chest pain ive been having for last 4 days is all about… bruised sternum. wonder how that happened?”
Mickie James announced Thursday plans to record a second country music album; providing she raises enough money from fans to fund the project.
Through Kickstarter.com, the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is seeking $5,000 in contributions by September 2, 2011 to begin work on the project. She wrote, “I’m getting ready to go into the studio to record a new project, and I wanted to find a way to offer you a chance to not just pre-order the CD, but to have an exclusive chance to get some other goodies that have never been available (and won’t be available again!).”
Those who pledge $10 receive a copy of the album and MP3.
Those who pledge $25 receive an autographed album and their name in the album’s “thank you’s.”
Those who pledge $50 receive access to an exclusive web concert.
Those who pledge $75 receive a personalized video message from James.
Those who pledge $100 receive a one-of-kind T-shirt painted by James.
Those who pledge $200 have their name listed as an Executive Producer in the new album.
Those who pledge $2,500 receive a 30-minute acoustic concert at their home. However, they will also have to provide James with two plane tickets, a rental car and two hotel rooms.
Those who pledge $10,000 receive all of the above, plus a co-starring role in James’ music video.
Her campaign can be accessed here, which also features a video of James discussing the project. The TNA Knockout has so far raised $1,610.
— TNA Wrestling performer Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com that she no longer has aspirations for a career in mixed martial arts. The multi-time women’s wrestling champion cites an injury (a torn ligament in her elbow) during a Steel Cage bout against Mickie James, which will eventually require Tommy John surgery, as the main reason for mixed martial arts no longer being in the cards. Varon also cites her age, and feels that she would have been involved in mixed martial arts if she was ten years younger.
— TNA Knockout Sarita is still feeling the effects of facial paralysis as she donned a protective mask at this past weekend’s World Wrestling Council Aniversario 2011 events in Ponce and Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The mask was specifically designed to protect her face as it entirely covered her mouth and left eye.
Sarita competed against Puerto Rican women’s wrestler Black Rose at both events as a heel. She won Friday in Ponce but lost Sunday in Bayamón.
Meanwhile, TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James was advertised to compete at Aniversario 2011 but scratched days before the events.
— The producers of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars are giving fans the opportunity to cast the upcoming season. Velvet Sky is asking fans via Twitter to show their support by voting for her to appear on the reality show. To vote for the TNA Knockout under the athletes category, click here.
— Kurt Angle is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.
— Sarita posted a message today on her Facebook account thanking fans for their support after recently suffering facial paralysis. She did not, however, post an update on her condition.
She wrote, “Thanks to everyone for your kind words of support. Right now my mind is on a goal I’ve had for some time…wrestling in Puerto Rico! I went to the beach, trained wrestling, went to the gym, met new people and saw new places…all the things in this world that make me happy!”
She also noted that she will be on hand for World Wrestling Council’s Aniversario 2011 tonight in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She is advertised to wrestle Mickie James at Sunday’s show in Bayamón. Wearing a protective mask, she returned to action at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping.
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be performing a live concert tonight at Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and she will be participating in a meet & greet with fans. Visit JimPorters.com for more information.
This will be a homecoming for James as she spent time in Louisville while coming up through WWE’s developmental system.
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.
— Ric Flair is not scheduled for this week’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida.
— Jeff Jarrett, Abyss and Mickie James appeared at last night’s Asistencia Asesoría y Administración television tapings in Veracruz, Mexico.
— TNA Wrestling will be holding an event at the Chenango County Fair in Norwich, New York on Friday, August 12, 2011. Bell time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale.
— Orlando Jordan celebrates his 38th birthday today.
— 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.
— TNA Wrestling color commentator Taz announced on his Twitter account that he won’t be on hand for Destination X due to a family obligation. He will, however, be at the subsequent television tapings.
Jeremy Borash will fill in for Taz. He wrote on Twitter: “Looking forward to joining the announce table for Destination X this Sunday. This is going to be a fun PPV! Don’t miss it!”
— TNA Wrestling’s “BaseBrawl” event scheduled for Saturday, August 27 at Regions Park in Birmingham, Alabama has been canceled. Refunds can be made at point of purchase.
— Devon and Jack Evans appear on this week’s Impact Wrestling Post Show. (Video Link)
— “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Mickie James are advertised to appear at Direct Auto Insurance 530-J Joseph E Lowery Blvd Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
— 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.
— Abyss stated Wednesday during a chat session on TNAOnDemand.com that he would be defending the X Division Championship (which he renamed the Extreme Title) against Brian Kendrick next month at Destination X.
— Kazarian is featured in Impact Wrestling’s latest “Why Wrestling Matters” video. The former TNA X Division Champion discusses what drives his passion and dedication for professional wrestling.
“There are a number of people out there, old and young, male and female, that want an alternative, that want a pro wrestling company,” Kazarian says. “They want to be entertained by what happens inside of a wrestling ring. They don’t want to be talked to, they don’t want to be lied to, they want to watch people fight. That’s why Impact Wrestling is important today, more so than it ever has been.”
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be appearing at a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in Elizabethtown, North Carolina on Saturday, August 20. Visit MickieJames.com for more information.
— Gunner posted a diatribe on his Twitter account in response to wrestling fans criticizing Impact Wrestling’s “Wrestling Matters” initiative.
“If ya shoot why don’t u realize first “wrestling matter” is the whole package! Promo’s, matches and everything!! It takes stories to build to good matches,” Gunner wrote. “I know everyone has opinions but don’t be an idiot!!
“Wrestling is a whole new world than it used to be!! How about learning to cut a promo or do backstage SHIT before u shoot on a company.” He continued, “WWE and Impact both have promos and in ring segs for a reason…to BUILD to a match! Oh I got it, let’s just have random ass matches for no reason.
“And there is Gunner’s 2 cents worth!!! Fools.”
— Alex Shelley faces Okada in the first round of the TNA Xplosion Championship Challenge. To view the match, click here.
— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James and Winter have been announced for Legends of the Ring XIII, which takes place Saturday, October 8 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.
— ImpactWrestling.com has announced a Knockout Street Fight for this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling as TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will battle Winter.
Also announced for Thursday’s show is a Bound For Glory Series match featuring Scott Steiner against Bully Ray. Eric Bischoff will also call out Sting.
— Tara is featured in Impact Wrestling’s latest “Why Wrestling Matters” video. The former TNA Women’s Champion discusses what drives her passion and dedication for professional wrestling.
“It is baffling to me that wrestling has become a bad word. I don’t buy it,” Tara says. “What do we out there? We wrestle. That is the base of what we do and we take so much pride to be here. This is not just a job to me; I eat, sleep and breath wrestling.
“I bust my butt out there… torn ligament, torn ACL, broken nose, chipped teeth; strictly for entertaining.”