According to The Sun Herald, Walter Lolley II, known as “Rip Steele” while working for WWE’s at-the-time developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), was arrested on November 5th for intercepting shipments of drugs from his job at a shipping company in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Police reportedly stopped Lolley II on careless driving when they found him to be in possession of a felony amount of marijuana. Police later searched his home, where they found an additional pound of marijuana, multiple doses of illegal steroids, as well as oxycodone and Adderall pills.

The belief is that Lolley II was selling the drugs he obtained by intercepting the packages at his shipping company job.

Currently, the Biloxi Police Special Crimes Division and Mississippi Bureau Of Narcotics are conducting an investigation.

Below is the mug-shot photo from Lolley II’s arrest.

There have been some rumors going around that claim the reason TNA released Lei’D Tapa was because of her lack of skill, as well as the belief that she was viewed as a “ticking time bomb” to management.

The former Knockout confirmed recently that it was TNA’s decision to release her, however she denied the aforementioned rumors on her official Twitter account.

It’s worth noting that Tapa is already working for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) again.

The following are highlights from a recent interview with former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis:

On working with Paul Heyman in OVW in the past: “I’m kind of an underground Paul Heyman girl and he is what really inspired the ditsy character, he really inspired me to do the things that I did at WWE. I’m an admirer of his work, I think what he has done with so many guys and throughout ECW was incredible.”

When I was in OVW I just watched him as he helped CM Punk every day, Punk was already incredible but then Paul Heyman kind of pushed him over the edge and gave him that opportunity on ECW to be who he is today.”

On what Vince McMahon is like as a boss: “He was great with me, I know he can be very tough with other people but with me he wasn’t, he was like a father figure to me, I really enjoyed working for Vince.”

On her opinions of the Total Divas reality show: “I’ve watched a few of the episodes of Total Divas and I think it is a great show. There is a lot of tremendous talent in WWE’s women division at the moment, I think AJ Lee is incredible, I’ve always been a fan of Natalya. There are also some great women down in NXT like Paige, there are a lot of great talented women that are a part of that company at the moment.”

On whether or not we could ever see her and Mike Bennett in WWE or TNA: “TNA called me twice this year, I think they’re a great company but I’m loving my time in ROH and I’m definitely happy with my fiancée. Who knows if that will ever change, but I wish TNA all the best in the world, I think the girls there are tremendous.”

WWE called me earlier this year and for whatever reason that fell through, would I go back there eventually, sure. I loved my time there I loved traveling the world and the people that I worked with. I’m sure Mike will be in the WWE very soon and it will be great to join him there.”

Check out the complete interview online at Wrestling101.com.

– The official WWE website has added a new article looking at WWE Superstars Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Randy Orton and Batista all passing through Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) on their way to WWE. You can check that out online at WWE.com.

– Speaking of Cena and Orton, both WWE Superstars are interestingly enough not advertised for the WWE SmackDown television tapings on January 14th in Worcester or on January 21st in Grand Rapids. Triple H is advertised for both shows.

– Puerto Rican wrestler Sebastian Guerra, who is a 21 year old, 6-foot-5 and 285-pound independent worker, was at the same WWE tryout camp that included Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Joey Ryan and several others a few weeks ago. WWE apparently wants Guerra to gain additional experience and learn the English language better before doing something with him. As a result, Guerra is expected to head to Ohio Valley Wrestling for further training and to attempt to improve his English by living there.

– Current word is that Paul Heyman is not expected back on WWE television for several more weeks. As previously reported, Heyman is expected to be brought back when Brock Lesnar makes his television return to the company.

The following are highlights from a recent Ring Belles Online interview with former TNA Knockout Taeler Hendrix:

On the TNA Gut Check segment and being mad at Joey Ryan: “It was all real – that was my real reaction, and nobody told me about Joey Ryan either [who hopped the railing and demanded another Gut Check after losing the previous one]… I was really mad at him because I didn’t know that was going to happen. He was ruining my moment – I didn’t know if I was going to be signed and this could be my last moment on television.”

On not getting direction on how to develop for a potential call-up to television: “I was told one thing, then I was told something else and something else, and Taryn Terrell was signed and I was like, ‘well, I’m here, I could have been the ref.’ At the time it was very discouraging… I didn’t know if I had to change my look or change the way I wrestled.”

On her weight gain: “Health is more important. I would rather be beautiful and healthy. I was 108 pounds and for someone who’s 5’7”, it probably wasn’t healthy.”

On her lesbian storyline with Heidi Lovelace in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW): “If it’s controversial, I want in. Bette Davis is my role model and would take the most controversial roles in Hollywood that they would not want women to play. She would play them and won Oscars for them. That’s what I want to do, so it wasn’t weird for me at all playing a same-sex love storyline. Plus, we were on the Christian Network and sponsored by Papa John’s which is a family company. It was very interesting to see how far we could play it and how much we could do.”

On the origins of her heel character in OVW: “The character I portray now is emulating a girl who bullied me from elementary school. I take her and remember how I felt when she cut my hair, put gum on my feet and when I got jumped. When I decided to take this Taeler Hendrix character and run with her I drew a lot of inspiration from things like Pretty Little Liars.”

Check out the complete interview online at RingBellesOnline.com.

-As somewhat of another cost-cutting measure, TNA has ending their working relationship with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as of this week. The belief is all TNA contracted talent will be asked to relocate to Orlando, however that is not official at this point.

-As previously reported, TNA has confirmed that their November 21st Impact Wrestling television taping will be held at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Apparently, the Impact Zone will now be held at Soundstage 19, instead of Soundstage 21, as it used to be. Soundstage 19 is reported to be 16,500 square feet, with dressing rooms that contain showers, hair and make-up rooms, wardrobe and talent holding with kitchen support and the capability of fiber and satelitte transmissions.

Constant Updated News On The Major TNA Sale — CLICK HERE!

-The new TNA Impact Wrestling broadcast team member that debuted on Sunday night, Gil Corsey, works for WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. Corsey has some prior pro wrestling experience, as he worked for the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) broadcast team.

-Norv Fernum, who worked against Ethan Carter III during the Bound For Glory pay-per-view, is a regular for the Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG) promotion as Peter Avalon.

-Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath, who appeared at the Bound For Glory event on Sunday, is friends in real-life with Jessie Godderz of the BroMans tag-team. BroMans won the TNA Tag-Team Championships from James Storm & Gunner on Sunday night.

Related News: Huge News on the Future of TNA — and it’s NOT Good!

[Credit: ProWrestling.net]

-Jamin Olivencia defeated James “Moose” Thomas in a “Loser Leaves OVW” match on Saturday night to retain the OVW World Heavyweight Championship. With the win, Olivencia became the longest reigning OVW World champion in history. After his victory, Olivencia issued a challenge to TNA wrestler Kurt Angle. Whether or not this is the beginning stages of an angle shot to bring Angle into OVW as a special attraction remains to be seen.

-Sony Six, TNA’s television broadcast partner in India, recently announced that they will be airing the upcoming “Bound For Glory” pay-per-view event on Sunday, October 20th, live and free on their station.

TNA BOUND FOR GLORY SPOILERS >>

Former WWE employee John “Big” Gaburick, who now works as an executive for TNA Impact Wrestling, was at the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) promotion on Wednesday. Apparently Gaburick spoke with the talent prior to their show, but nothing of note was discussed in terms of OVW’s relationship with TNA.

Former WWE Superstar Al Snow is still writing the weekly television down at OVW.

When asked about OVW serving as a developmental territory for TNA, one source noted there is “no firm structure” in place.

HUGE TNA Bound For Glory *SPOILERS* + MAJOR Update On Hogan/TNA Situation [>>]

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

-The wrestler that Ryback defeated on Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown was independent pro wrestler Jamin Olivencia. Olivencia has been working regularly, as of late, for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as well as the Wrestling Cares promotion.

-WWE will be holding a live RAW television show from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 2nd. This will be the company’s first visit to Oklahoma since the “retirement” of the city’s own Jim Ross.

-The following wrestlers are scheduled to appear at the Big Event convention at the Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York on November 9th: Chris Jericho, Mick Foley, Terry Funk, Bruno Sammartino, Diamond Dallas Page, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, X-Pac, Savio Vega, Jesus Castillo, Miguel Perez, Jose Estrada, Matt Hardy, Al Snow, D’Lo Brown, Sid Vicious, Howard Finkel, Joey Styles, Debra McMichael, 2 Cold Scorpio, Matt Striker, Demolition, King Kong Bundy, Tito Santana, Greg Valentine, Bobby Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, Brutus Beefcake, The Barbarian, Haku/Meng, Bushwhacker Luke, Paul Orndorff, The Rougeau Brothers, Sunny, George Steele, Danny Davis, Steve Corino, Ashley Massaro, Nitro Girls Spice and AC, Jazz, Rockin Rebel, Rob Terry, Damian 666, Karlee Perez, Andrew Anderson, Bobby Fulton and Davey O’Hannon.

Multiple RAW Spoilers For Monday + New Battleground Matches & Stipulations!

SESCOOPS.COM reader Joell Allen from Suplex Media sent along the following:

We interviewed Dixie Carter for a video interview for WHM (Australian magazine) and Suplex Media. The video of the interviewed hasn’t been released yet.

Here are some of the topics discussed:

– Possible Australian Gutcheck/Bootcamp TV series
– Why TNA went from 12 PPV’s to 4 PPV
– Her reason and current thoughts of IMPACT WRESTLING on the road every other week
– How British Bootcamp came to fruition
– Where is Rockstar Spud
– The relationship between TNA and OVW
– Favourite homegrown stars
– Why the UK is such a big deal to the companies calendar year
– Talks about a second season of British Bootcamp
AND PLENTY MORE
RUN TIME – 17mins 01secs

Check out the interview online at Blip.tv.

REPORT: Sting & AJ Styles Leaving TNA For WWE In 2014 [READ MORE >>]

TNA and OVW star Sam Shaw recently spoke to Robert “The Krupy” Krupar from Art Of Wrestling about a number of topics. Below are highlights from the discussion:

The Krupy: Recently, a lot of conflicting reports concerning your OVW/TNA status have surfaced online. So, my question is: are you still employed by TNA or not?

Sam Shaw: Yes, still an independent contracted talent with TNA.

The Krupy: Most wrestlers say their character is them with the volume turned up high. How much of you is in Sam Saw – the wrestler?

Sam Shaw: It’s really me. Absolutely me. No one said “ hey try this gimmick…wear boardshorts and skater shoes and be this X-games type-guy.“ That whole concept was me being me. I’m sure there were fans that looked at me and said „look at this guy…no wrestling gear, stupid tattoos and spiky hair? He’s gonna suck!“ My whole thing is this: why be like everyone else? You’re always going to be compared to other wrestlers but I wanted to be my own person/character. Hillbilly Jim was a redneck farmer guy, so you knew it right away when he walked down the aisle with the whole presentation. No one asks why Bully Ray doesn’t wear spandex. Aces & Eights are bikers…none of them should wear trunks and wrestling boots. I wear boardshorts and skater shoes everyday. That’s the way I grew up, skating, surfing and wearing those types of clothes so it feels natural for me to wear that in the ring. Am I opposed to wearing the traditional gear? No. I have before.

The Krupy: Can you tell us something more about the recent releases in OVW? A lot of young and talented wrestlers left.

Sam Shaw: It’s always sad to hear that guys/girls get released, especially if you are really close with them. I was close with a few of them, but I know that they love this line of work so much that they will bounce back and seize other opportunities.

The Krupy: What´s your opinion on the entire Gutcheck concept as a Gutcheck winner?

Sam Shaw: For me personally, it was a great way to introduce me to a much wider audience . Instead of just debuting me they used the GutCheck concept to introduce me and in a lot of ways. I’m not sure if certain people within the company knew if I would sink or swim when the bright lights and TV cameras were focused on me. My goal was to make the most of the opportunity and show that I belong and I could do some cool things when all the attention and pressure is layed on me. It’s hard to throw a guy out there if he isn’t particularly known, even on the Indy scene where there are so many talented guys that are looking for the same opportunity that I got. I’ve been doing things with TNA since 2009, as I was training under Bully Ray and Devon at Team 3D Academy (and busting my ass) which afforded me opportunities over the years that others might not ever get. Bully always told me „it’s right place, right time“ and „maximize your opportunities“ and he was totally right!

Check out the complete interview online at ArtOfWrestling.cz.

24WRESTLING.COM: New Design, Features + TONS Of Backstage News & *SPOILERS*

Jesse Neal appeared on the Running The Ropes podcast (interview available here). Highlights are as follows:

* Neal says that Christina Von Eerie (a/k/a Toxxin), his girlfriend, was never under contract to TNA Wrestling. Her status with TNA remains unknown following Neal’s departure from the organization.

* Neal says the widespread rumor that he received food stamps earlier this year isn’t true. He does, however, admit that he was almost evicted from his small one bedroom apartment three times this year because he couldn’t afford to pay rent.

* Neal says he rejected TNA’s request to move to Louisville, Kentucky and train at Ohio Valley Wrestling because the money they were offering “wasn’t anything close to live on.” Management told him to get a sidejob if he needed money, but felt that with three shows per week and training six days out of seven he wouldn’t have the time.

* Neal says he spoke to company president Dixie Carter over the phone regarding his situation and was promised it would resolved. He adds she was gracious to him on his final day with the company and was sure she’d see him in TNA again one day.

* Neal praised creative writer Vince Russo, who encouraged him with his promos.

— PWInsider.com confirms Jesse Neal has parted ways with TNA Wrestling. He worked one final match for the organization at Monday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

The founding member of Ink Inc. decided to leave TNA Wrestling after declining their request to relocate to Louisville, Kentucky to work out of developmental league Ohio Valley Wrestling.

— Matches taped Monday and Tuesday in Orlando, Florida for upcoming episodes of TNA Xplosion are as follows: Christopher Daniels vs. Devon; Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe; Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe.

— To celebrate TNA Wrestling’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, Challenge have teamed up with the wrestling organization to run a competition which includes a first place prize of dinner with Velvet Sky. Details are available here.

source: PWInsider.com

– TNA Wrestling’s official website, ImpactWrestling.com, has been restored after it was hacked twice Sunday evening. Visitors to the site were greeted with a black screen and a message reading “I LOVE YOU MINDY.” The statement was accompanied by a graphic of an eagle drapped in the flag of Algeria.

– Matt Morgan, who trained at Ohio Valley Wrestling while the promotion was affiliated with WWE, commented on TNA Wrestling’s partnership with the league. Morgan tweeted:

“Ecstatic that TNA has new deal in place for OVW to be used as our developmental system. That’s where I trained as a list of who’s who in wrestling today. We are very fortunate to have Danny Davis/OVW/trainers in helping our superstars of tomorrow.”

Company president Dixie Carter added:

“Excited about our new association with OVW. ‘Excellence is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey that never ends’ -Brian Tracy.”

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM AT OVW

Focus On Development Key To TNA

NASHVILLE, TN (November 7, 2011)– TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announces that they are entering into an exclusive relationship with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), effective immediately, as the official training and developmental facility for TNA’s current and future stars of TNA IMPACT WRESLTING. Former wrestling star and OVW owner Danny Davis will work closely with TNA SVP of Programming and Talent Relations Bruce Prichard in the development of the talent through training, live events, and weekly television production allowing talent to explore every aspect of the business.

“OVW is the best of the best as far as training and nurturing potential superstars. Their track record speaks for itself. Whether looking to develop brand new talent or to fine tune existing talent, OVW has the talent and program to fit our needs.” says TNA’s Prichard. “TNA is providing developmental talent the opportunity to hone their craft in an environment that will allow them to grow and prosper.”

TNA talent will be arriving soon at the facility to begin an extensive training program with the industry’s leading experts. The program is akin to a college scholarship program where talent is provided a scholarship style agreement with TNA to learn the craft. The talent to attend the program is selected by TNA’s Prichard and TNA officials who will be monitoring the progress of each wrestler at camp and the live events.