– Former WWE Diva Mickie James will be wrestling in New York City for Impact Championship Wrestling on August 2nd. Her opponent will be WSU champion Mercedes Martinez. It will be James’ first post-WWE match in the United States since leaving the company earlier this year. In July, she’ll be working 3 shows for the WWC promotion in Puerto Rico and 2 shows for the SMASH promotion in Japan.
– The Nexus group’s theme music is “We Are One” by the band 12 Stones.
– The ratings are in for Week 2 of Chris Jericho’s ABC game show “Downfall” and they’re not good. Tuesday’s show drew a 2.3 overnight rating with 4.1 million viewers. Week 2 was down from last week’s season premiere, which did a 3.1. With only 6 episodes taped and ratings on the decline already, the chances of ABC ordering more episodes after the initial run don’t look good.
– FlashGameshows.com has an interview up with Chris Jericho, who talks about how he got the “Downfall” gig and what it’s like hosting a game show where contestants get thrown off the roof of a skyscraper.
– If you haven’t seen Chris Jericho’s new “Downfall” show, you can watch the first 2 episodes online at Hulu.com.
— Awesome Kong teased on her Twitter account today that she’s returning to national television in the near future. She wrote: “Kong returns to wrestling on national television soon! Check back for details.”
The multi-time Women’s Knockout Champion officially parted ways with TNA Wrestling in March after requesting her release from the organization. She later revealed that she had asked for her release due to monetary issues and recent changes to company management.
–Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James will be appearing for the Japanese wrestling promotion SMASH on July 24, which is owned by former WWE performer Tajiri. Scotty 2 Hotty and Eugene will also be competing on the show.
— Former WWE performer Jimmy Wang Yang threw out the first pitch at yesterday’s Class-A minor league baseball game between the Rome Braves and Charleston RiverDogs. Yang and former WCW wrestler Glacier signed autographs following the game.
— Recently released WWE stars Carlito and Katie Lea Burchill have been pulled from next month’s World Wrestling Council Anniversario event. Carlito was pulled due to circumstances surrounding his release from WWE. Meanwhile, Burchill has been unable to obtain a new working visa for the United States since her departure from WWE, hence her removal from the event. She is being replaced by TNA Knockout ODB. (Thanks to Manuel Gonzalez)
— Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia will be holding a special one hour meet and greet over coffee and pastry at her hotel on the mornings of June 12th and 13th. The one hour “Coffee ‘N Chat” will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. It will be limited to 8 people each day. Tickets can be purchased on eBay at Lilian Garcia Direct or at Lilian’s booth at the Philadelphia Comic Con on Friday and Saturday — cash only. If fans bring items to be signed, there will be a charge of $20 per item. Those interested in attending can instantly purchase a ticket here.
— Fans have the opportunity to meet former WWE Diva Mickie James at this week’s Country Music Association Festival in Nashville as she will be appearing at the Roughstock booth. In another note, she participated in yesterday’s Porter Wagoner Celebrity Fishing Tournament, partnering with fisherman Roland Martin.
— World Wrestling Council announced that former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James will compete at Aniversario 2010 — the promotion’s biggest event of the year. Previously announced names for Aniversario 2010 include Scott Steiner, AAA’s El Mesias, Shelton Benjamin, Tommy Dreamer, Katie Lea Burchill, Carlito, Primo and Tony Atlas.
Anniversary 2010, dedicated to Don Pedro ‘Huracan’ Castillo, will take place on Friday, July 9 at the Luis T. Diaz Coliseum in Aguadilla, on Saturday July 10 at the Coliseum Salvador Dijols of La Playa de Ponce, and on Sunday July 11 at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon. Visit <strongwww.superestrellaswwc.com for more information.
— Former WWE performers Charlie and Jackie Haas welcomed a baby boy this past week, Thomas Russell Haas II. Nicknamed after Charlie’s late brother Russ, Thomas was born Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., weighing 8 lbs, 14 oz.
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia and former TNA wrestler Christopher Daniels have been announced to appear at the San Diego Comic Con taking place July 22-24 at the San Diego Convention Center. More wrestling stars are expected to be added to the event in the coming weeks.
According to a reliable source in TNA, the company plans to offer Mickie James a Knockouts contract when her 90-day no-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment expires in late July.
Earlier this month, TNA president Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter that she and Jeremy Borash attended Mickie James’s album release party in Nashville. This was actually not the first time Carter and James met as the two met in person shortly after the multi-time Women’s Champion release from WWE to begin informal discussions on joining TNA.
Friends of the recently released WWE Diva indicate she’s not looking to do anything wrestling related for the time being as she is concentrating on her country music career. It’s also said that she doesn’t talk about the wrestling industry much these days. Nonetheless, TNA is very interested in signing her.
Mickie James worked for TNA back in 2003, before her time in WWE. Here are some pictures of Mickie in TNA, wrestling as Alexis Laree:
— Former WWE performer Dwayne Johnson claims he doesn’t care if his movies flop because he likes to try his hand at many different genres of film. He says he doesn’t mind if people criticize his movie choices because he only ever does what he wants to do.
He told movies.ie: “I don’t want to be just that guy, who only does those kinds of movies. I want to strike out and try everything. And it’s okay if it doesn’t work every time – I’d be incredibly lucky if they did, especially given the range I’ve been trying – but I’m always so glad that I got the chance to push myself in a different direction, in a different genre.
“I don’t expect the person who loved ‘The Scorpion King’ to run and see ‘Tooth Fairy’, and I don’t expect the little girl who loved ‘The Game Plan’ to go and buy all my WWF videos. The important thing is, I love them all equally.”
— Mickie James has two autograph signings scheduled next month in New York. On Saturday, Jun. 26, the former WWE Women’s Champion will be signing at Sedutto’s (located at 314 New Dorp Lane / Staten Island, NY). The next day, she will be signing at the Middletown Flea Market (located at 128 Dolson Ave / Middletown, NY). Times have yet to be announced.
— In today’s wrestling birthdays, Steve Corino turns 37 years old, Pete Gas turns 40, and Headshrinker Samu turns 47.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has launched a page on Facebook promoting her debut country music album, Strangers & Angels. The country recording music artist hinted on Twitter last week that her manager was insistent she get on Facebook and/or Myspace.
— Celebrity Apprentice contestant and former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis was briefly featured on yesterday’s edition of TMZ. Cameras caught up with her and she said would like to make out with actress Scarlett Johansson.
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia was forced to pull out of the Adventure Con pop culture collector’s show taking place this weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a result of sickness. She stated on her Twitter account that she has a sinus infection, and thus her doctor is prohibiting her from flying.
She wrote on Twitter, “Bummed cause I have a sinus infection & my doc won’t let me fly this wkend. Have 2 cancel signing in TN. Sorry guys. :-(”
Wrestling talent scheduled to appear at the event include Mick Foley, Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Greg Valentine and Raven.
– TNA President wrote on Twitter she attended Mickie James’ album release party last night in Nashville, TN and was invited by Mickie herself. Dixie wrote:
“Just left my first music showcase in a while. Wanna guess the artist? Mickie James. Thanks for the invite girl.”
– To follow up on the news that TNA is looking to slash their budget by releasing talent, TNA sources have confirmed that talent cuts are indeed on the way. There were rumors at the recent TV tapings that some of the top stars in TNA are open to taking less money than what’s in their contracts just to keep their spots on the roster. TNA wants to get rid of all bad contracts, mainly those that guarantee a talent money whether or not they are being used.
– There are several people within TNA who want Orlando Jordan’s controversial bi-sexual character to be removed from television.
— TNA president Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter account this evening that she attended Mickie James’ CD release party.
“Just left my first music showcase in a while. Wanna guess the artist? Mickie James. Thanks for the invite girl,” Carter wrote.
James held her release party, promoting Strangers & Angels, in Carter’s (and TNA’s) backyard of Nashville, Tennessee.
— Abyss received 17 stitches in his arm as a result of the attack by Desmond Wolfe that aired on tonight’s episode of iMPACT!.
— There has been talk of doing shoot interviews with talent that would be exclusively sold on ShopTNA.com. The video releases would also feature matches and other footage.
(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)
Beth Phoenix’s injury two weeks ago during a Superstars taping was significantly worse than originally let on. During a bout with Rosa Mendes, she jumped off the turnbuckle, resulting in her left knee giving out. She was diagnosed with a bone bruise, a torn and displaced meniscus — a sprained MCL and a torn ACL — which required surgery. She underwent the surgery yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama under Dr. James Andrews and is expected to be out of action for approximately six months.
Initial reaction to the seriousness of her injury is that a lot of people within WWE now regret cutting Mickie James loose last month, since the company is left with marginal depth on the SmackDown babyface side. It’s said that James’ behavior on the European tour was the deciding factor in letting her go. However, her release had been brewing as there was talk of cutting her prior WrestleMania due to her behavior. Notably, James had a few run-ins with Batista with things becoming so heated that he threatened to quit if she wasn’t fired. Undertaker had to step in to calm him down.
There was talk this week of moving Gail Kim over to SmackDown, or signing someone outside the company who can work. With Lisa Marie Varon’s contract with TNA expiring this week, there is a chance the company may re-sign her. However, her age is a huge question not to mention that she said some things disparaging the company after she left that could possibly hurt her if people remember them. Most notably, she took part in a pseudo-shoot segment last December railing her previous employer, emotionally saying she broke her two-year contract with WWE to come to TNA. She also said she left WWE because she didn’t want to be remembered as a ‘joke’.
— Mickie James will be holding a CD release party promoting her highly anticipated country music album, Strangers & Angels, on Thursday, May 20 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will be held at the Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall (located on 1530 Demonbreun Street) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the event should contact Don at don@absolutepublicity.com.
— April Hunter wrote on her Facebook page that one of the “big two” wrestling companies contacted her this week. However, problems arose when they requested she get medical clearance first.
“So, one of the “big two” wrestling companies contacted me this wk,” Hunter wrote. “But I was asked to go to my own doc & get medical clearance first (they wont cover that). Most “healthy” wrestlers wouldn’t be given medical clearance 4 the GYM, let alone in ring the way lawsuits work in the USA. Don’t have a doc. I use Robitussin…prolly wouldn’t need a job if I could afford health ins in the 1st place.”
— In today’s wrestling birthdays, Zack Ryder 25, Big Van Vader turns 53, and Robert Fuller turns 59.
The Connecticut Post reports that WWE fan Zavr Peygumbari, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested last week after he called WWE headquarters over twenty times with threats to blow up the company’s office and harm staff members. Zavr was upset that WWE released former Women’s Champion Mickie James.
Zavr was arrested last Friday and arraigned yesterday at state Superior Court in Stamford, CT. Zavr’s next court date will be on May 25th. He was originally held over the weekend in Stamford on a $250,000 bond but released on a $5,000 bond Monday. His lawyer describes him as a “fervent wrestling fan” who did not intend to follow through on his threats. Court records show that New York City police know Zavr as being emotionally disturbed.
During his arraignment on Monday, the angry WWE fan apologized for the phone calls and called them foolish & childish. Zavr allegedly threatened to blow up WWE’s offices and said he would visit the building with a machete and a machine gun. The phone calls began on April 24th and continued through April 27th. Nineteen calls were made by Zavr on April 24th with a handful of calls made over the next few days. During one call, Zavr threatened to kill an un-named WWE employee and his family. The phone calls were traced back to a cell phone that Zavr had.
Zavr has been charged with four counts of fourth-degree threatening, one count of second-degree harassment and two counts of second-degree threatening.
The judge told Zavr on Monday that he could not contact WWE employees, go near it’s offices in Stamford or attend any events. Zavr’s actual response to this in front of the courtroom: “I’m not allowed to go to wrestling shows?”
— It appears Mickie James will be appearing on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown as she noted arriving to England yesterday on her Twitter account. The multi-time women’s champion has been confined to the sidelines in recent weeks due to being diagnosed with a staph infection on her right knee.
— A number of former WWE Superstars and Divas will be taking part in a convention taking place this November in Dublin, Ireland including Mick Foley, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, The Honky Tonk Man, Candice Michelle, Lilian Garcia, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Rick Martel, Tito Santana, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, The Genius and Virgil. The event will feature a meet and greet, photo opportunities with the wrestlers, chat, autographs, Q and A with all of the wrestlers, and more. Visit WrestlezoneIreland.com for more information.
— Undertaker is ranked No. 1 on this week’s edition of the POWER 25 on WWE.com. Meanwhile, World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger moves up to the No. 3 position after not even being ranked the week before.
— Former WWE star Paul Burchill has launched an official website at www.PaulBurchillOnline.com.
— Bouts pitting Awesome Kong against former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James at Northeast Wrestling events this weekend will take place as originally advertised. The former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion previously contacted the promotion to inform them that she would be unable to compete due to a back injury. The promotion, however, announced today that she has since been medically cleared.
— Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie noted on her Twitter account yesterday that she will be releasing a press release soon discrediting all allegations levied towards her non-profit organization, Wrestlers Rescue.
“Worked on the press release that will prove all of the allegations against Wrestlers Rescue to be false. God luck liars! Try not to squirm.”
— Former WWE Diva Terri Runnels recently confirmed on her Facebook account that she is dating former ECW star New Jack. Here is a recent picture of the couple:
— The WWE Divas have been officially added to Sunday’s WrestleMania card as WWE.com posted an official preview regarding the 10-Diva Tag Team Match tonight. The bout will see Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix team up to take on Women’s Champion Michelle McCool, Divas Champion Maryse, Layla, Alicia Fox and Vickie Guerrero. (Match preview)
— Mickie James noted on her Twitter account she was unable to play in the company’s annual golf tournament due to her knee, so it appears she will be very limited in her WrestleMania match.
— Fans can follow Vance Archer on Twitter at twitter.com/VanceArcher. He returned to action last weekend, working SmackDown live events.
– WWE has announced that actor and comedian Wayne Brady will host the Monday Night RAW on May 3rd from Jacksonville, Florida. Brady hosts the Let’s Make a Deal gameshow and has appeared on shows such as Chappelle’s Show, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother and others. The upcoming Guest Host schedule looks like this:
March 29: “Hot Tub Time Machine” stars Rob Corddry and Clark Duke
April 12: David Hasselhoff
April 19: “MacGruber” stars Will Forte, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Phillippe
May 3: Wayne Brady
– Due to Mickie James’ recent battle with a staph infection, her country music debut album has been pushed back to May 18th, 2010.
To listen to the first song from Mickie’s new album, click here.
Mickie James has pushed back the release of her debut album, Strangers & Angels, until May. It was initially scheduled for release next Tuesday.
She wrote in a blog post on the WWE Universe website: “I have come to the decision to push back the release of my album “Strangers & Angels” to mid May… After Wrestlemania, after the draft, after the tours… My main focus now, as it should be, is to get myself 150% for Wrestlemania first and foremost…”
James then went on to describe the severity of her staph infection, which may forbid her from competing at WrestleMania.
“Then, this is the second time in 2 months that I have ever been sent home from the road, both for the same reason. A Staph Infection, but not just any, as I found out in the hospital it’s MRSA. The first was from the most recent Mexico Tour where I was sent to Tampa to be treated. Then it came back worse than before this last time during the live event Loop in Texas where I was sent home. Then immediately admitted to the hospital in Richmond. To all the WWE universe who came to any of the shows or have watched in the last few weeks to see me. I am truly sorry and please know that I wanted to be there more than anything. Both times I tried to fight it, I fought with the doctors. I fought with my boss.. to just let me work through it, “its just an infection.. No big deal… I’ve worked through worse with a smile on my face†but thankfully for me, they wouldn’t hear of it! I cant express how truly grateful I am that they didn’t listen to me.
“I didn’t realize the severity of the infection and how bad it was. When i was admitted into the hospital I went straight into surgery to get the infection out of my body. They also told me I wouldn’t make it to Wrestlemania. I told them they were wrong.. Watch me! When I woke up i was devastated… My leg was in an immobilizer, my knee was sliced open with tubes coming from it t help drain it. As the days passed in the hospital I found out more and more about the infection, about how bad mine truly was. The nurses also explained to me what could have happened if it had gone a little longer untreated. The infection had already gotten into my bloodstream and I was extremely ill.. A few more day meant I could have lost my leg.. Even my life… So I really want to take this moment to say thank you to them all from the bottom of my heart… To our Doctors, the Dr.’s who treated me, and my Boss(who always has to deal with my stubborn ways..haha)! It is because of you that I am getting better everyday, That I am able to write this, that I have my leg, that I have my life, I love you, God Bless You!”
Mickie James has been released from the hospital and is now at home recuperating, reports PWInsider.com. Those who asked about her status at television last night were told there is no time table for her return at this time, but everyone was hopeful she would be back in time for Wrestlemania.
WWE acknowledged James’ staph infection yesterday in a post on its website. They disclose that she underwent two surgeries for a staph infection on her right leg.
“I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “I have no control of anything. At least with an injury you know for sure how long it is going to take.”
— Gail Kim posted a note on her official website to clear up rumors that have been circulating online regarding an alleged injury sustained this past week on Monday Night Raw.
She wrote: “I’m mainly writing a message because I’m getting concerned emails about an injury??? I am not injured. I don’t know where that came from?? oh well…. thanks for the concern everyone. Off for the road once again, so tune in monday and check out those smart, sexy and powerful DIVAS….!!!!”
— Mickie James discusses crossing over into the world of country music in an interview with the Miami Herald.
“If anything, people are thinking it’s kind of cool,” James said. “I think it’s human nature to say, ‘You’re a wrestler. That is what you do.’ I think it can be hard sometimes for people to understand that you can have more than one thing you like to do.”
“It’s really crazy for the most part that everyone has been really cool about it. Some people who aren’t even wrestling fans have no idea who I am. It’s a whole new journey for me.”
Though she has crossed over to country music, James believes she still has more to accomplish in the world of wrestling. Therefore, she doesn’t see herself leaving an industry she worked so hard to break into.
“I still have history to make and some goals. I love it so much,” said James. “I have already dedicated much of my life to it. I definitely want to go down as the greatest of all time. That’s what anyone, who has ever wanted something, believes. That is their main goal. I want to keep bettering myself. There is new competition coming in, so I have to work to keep my name at the top.”
— In an interview with The Wichita Eagle, Mickie James apparently defends the “Piggie James” storyline poking fun at her weight.
“Everyone was probably picked on at some point in their lives,” James told Kansas.com. “So it really touches people’s heartstrings. Everyone knows how that feels or can relate to that in some way. People can become involved in that because they can feel it.”
The former WWE Women’s Champion also commented on her passion for pro wrestling despite her foray into the country music world.
“I love wrestling,” she said. “That’s what I do, that’s who I am. I’m an athlete. I think (music) is just a different part of me. It’s not just Mickie James the wrestler who you see every Friday night, it’s a little piece of the other side, the part you wouldn’t know about me.”
You can read the interview in its entirety at the following link.
— WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has launched his first official online store at www.brethart.com/store. The online store features new T-shirts as well as autographed limited edition framed photos.
— The WWE Raw house show on May 1st, 2010 will be held at the Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama. Tickets go on sale March 13th, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— A fourth release has been confirmed today in referee Scott Armstrong, 50. A number of wrestlers are said to be upset over his departure as he is well liked.
Armstrong was hired in the summer of 2006, shortly after the company launched ECW. The oldest son of “Bullet” Bob Armstrong competed for a number of years in World Championship Wrestling before hanging up his boots in 2000 to referee.
Others released today include Maria Kanellis, Gregory Helms (a/k/a The Hurricane) and Paul Burchill.
— With help from Special Guest Referee Vickie Guerrero, Michelle McCool recaptured the WWE Women’s Championship from Mickie James on tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. This marks her third title win.
— Last night’s episode of WWE Superstars scored a 0.83 cable rating, with 969,000 viewers. The replay did a 0.16 rating with 161,000 viewers.
— Reigning WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has hired fashion designer Natasha Rawls of NaJo Creations to design her clothes for her live country music debut on Monday, Feb. 22nd in Nashville. Rawls will also design James’ outfit for the annual WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. (WWE Diva and Country Artist Mickie James taps new designer)
— As a result of the demise of ECW, Tiffany, Rosa Mendes and Savannah have returned for Florida Championship Wrestling for further in-ring training.
— Speaking of Tiffany, both she and Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre signed autographs before last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping.
— It appears the team of Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft are heading to SmackDown as they took on Cryme Tyme at last night’s SmackDown television taping in Kansas City.
— Mickie James has posted a blog on the WWE Universe website promoting the debut of her first single to country music radio off her debut album, Are You With Me?!.
“Words can not begin to describe how incredibly excited I am,” James wrote. “Its been a lot of hard work and tons of fun! I am so very grateful to have been blessed with such an extraordinary team that has helped bring this dream to a reality. For everyone who has stood by my side through this all and help keep me on this wonderful journey. My friends, My family, My James Gang!, The entire WWE Universe…. I could not have gotten to this place without each and every one of you. I have poured my heart and soul into the entire album that will be released March 23rd entitled “Strangers & Angels”. I do not know what will come of it all but I hope and Pray for the best! I have my faith…. Through this entire project God has provided miracle after miracle…. So I let go… He shall lead the way!”
— The WWE Raw house show on May 15th, 2010 will be held at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Bell time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale March 6th, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
WWE Diva Mickie James has been working on her debut country music album titled “Strangers & Angles,” which is set to be released on March 23rd.
The first single from the album, “Are You With Me?,” hit the airwaves today and was played on radio stations across the country for the first time.
Mickie James has been posting messages on Twitter all day about her song’s radio debut, asking fans to call into radio stations and request for the song to be played.
You can listen to “Are You With Me?” – then COMMENT & tell us what you think.
