– Speaking to English digital publication Hooked on Wrestling, TNA Wrestling star Kurt Angle labeled WWE Hall of Famer and former rival “Stone Cold” Steve Austin “underrated.”
“One of the most underrated wrestlers – not entertainers, but wrestlers – in the history of professional wrestling,” said Angle of the 6-time WWE Champion. “He changed the face of wrestling. I wrestled him in my first year in the business, and I knew nothing. Austin carried me through every match that we had.”
– In Robbie E’s latest blog for Spike.com, the former TNA Television and X Division Champion offers tips on how to be a “bro.” One vital requirement concerns grooming.
“To be a proper bro, one must be properly groomed. Which consists of trimmed nose hairs, ears regularly cleaned, and so on,” wrote E. “And if I have to tell you to use a ton of product in your hair and keep your tan perfect, you should probably just stop reading now, because you’ll never be a bro.”
E has also re-launched his official website, Robbie-E.com.
– During an interview with The Sun promoting TNA Wrestling’s upcoming tour of the U.K., AJ Styles vowed that he will never alter his “Total Nonstop Action” wrestling style.
“You know I feel you pick your time and place… and I do that. I pick my spots and use them wisely,” Styles said. “I’ll not tone it down until I stop wrestling.”
Styles also addressed his upcoming autobiography set for release next year.
“I do have a book in progress. It is early days so far,” said Styles. “What I hope to do is tell the story of my early life and bring it right up to my wrestling career. I will include some behind the scenes stuff and while my faith will be included, there will be wrestling stuff there for the fans, too.”
– The newest addition to the TNA Wrestling announce team, Todd Keneley, takes a shot at getting on “The List” this week on the latest edition of “The List” with Robbie E and Robbie T.
– GQ has named Hulk Hogan as among the twenty-five “Least Influential People of 2012—”a collection of people so uninspiring that we should round them all up and stick them on an iceberg.”
The publication says of the legendary wrestler, “When I was a kid, I wanted to be just like Hulk Hogan. Funny how getting caught banging his best friend’s wife on tape and then finding out that his best friend was allegedly the one taping it has now diminished my admiration. Kudos to Hulk for having a big ol’ dick, though. That thing is thicker than a turnbuckle.”
– TNA has released the following video previewing this Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast featuring a Six Man Tag Team Main Event, Samoa Joe vs. Devon, Kurt Angle vs. D.O.C, and more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Q0zU3ysxk
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Brooke Tessmacher and Robbie E will appear at Tammany Hall 152 Orchard St. New York, New York, this Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. E-mail FWEAdsales@gmail.com for more information.
– This week on “The List,” Robbie E lists the five biggest Hamsters in TNA Wrestling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dji544AtuX4
– Madison Rayne competed in a bikini competition Friday for the annual NPC National Bodybuilding Championships in Atlanta, Georgia and placed 14th in her class of 44 contestants.
– The official website of Universal Studios Florida has Impact Wrestling dates scheduled for January 3, 10, 17 and 18. The first three dates will be live broadcasts.
– TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced via Twitter that Kurt Angle and Sting will face two members of Aces & Eights Thursday night on Impact Wrestling. This is the final show before Turning Point, which will see Kurt Angle take on Aces & Eights rep Devon.
– In the following video, Robbie E and Robbie T bring in Miss Tessmacher to take a shot at getting on “The List”.
– This week’s featured match on TNA Xplosion on Challenge pits AJ Styles against Robbie T.
– Madison Rayne, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since Aug. 30, stated on Twitter that she is still affiliated with TNA Wrestling despite her absence.
“Yes everyone, I am still employed. Happily. No need to keep asking/worrying. It is ALL good. LoL. Thank u for all the concern tho,” she wrote.
The four-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion has kept busy in the meantime by training for fitness competitions. She placed second in her class at a competition in Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday.
– Jeff Hardy, Robbie E and Robbie T appeared on Sunday’s broadcast of WrestletalkTV on Challenge in the United Kingdom. Hardy offered his take on the greatest moment in wrestling history while E and T discussed their respective careers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tf9Oo6GV3A
– AJ Styles and Christy Hemme appear at Direct Auto Insurance 14187 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, Florida, this Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. Call 407-656-2274 for more information.
– Former WWE talent Shawn Spears competed in a dark match following Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling episode, as he lost to Joey Ryan. Spears briefly competed on WWE’s ECW brand in 2008 as Gavin Spears.
In a match taped for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion, TNA World Tag Team Champions Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez faced Robbie E and Robbie T.
– European bookmaker Paddy Power have launched a new “Hulkamania” licensed online slot machine. Hulk Hogan had previously given his image to American land-based casinos but this marks Hogan’s first online casino venture. If you’re in a country where gambling is legal, you can check it out here here.
– Spike TV cameras were on hand for Wednesday night’s Ohio Valley Wrestling television taping in Louisville, Kentucky as footage of King Mo training and watch action from ringside was shot. The footage will air on an upcoming Spike TV special centered on the combatant.
– Matt Morgan, who has not appeared at a TNA Wrestling event since June, made a surprise appearance at Saturday’s house show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dressed in street clothes, Morgan entered the ring through the crowd and laid out Robbie E.
Following the appearance, Morgan posted another one of his trademark cryptic messages on Twitter, stating, “All 2nite really meant was I’m tired of “just be patient Matt”, being patronized & most of all being SOLD DREAMS! The real question is……Who am I with? Time will tell. ‘Til then,Tick-Tock….”
Hours before the appearance, Morgan teased appearances in either Chicago, Boston and Pennsylvania, where Ring of Honor, WWE and TNA Wrestling are respectively holding events this weekend: “Lots of great wrestling this weekend. Chicago………Boston…….Pennsylvania……. Who knows where il show up!”
– On Twitter, Hulk Hogan was asked about the status of Devon and the TNA Television Championship. He responded, “I have no idea, I asked Dixie and she said she’s working on it brother.”
Devon is no longer affiliated with TNA Wrestling after his contract expired in late August.
TNA’s official site has announced that “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero is officially out of the 2012 Bound For Glory Series.
Last week at Hardcore Justice, The Aces and 8s viciously attacked Dinero, particularly his shoulder, rendering him unable to compete that night in his scheduled Bound For Glory Series match. Following a visit to the doctor, Dinero said he would be sidelined for a few months. Enclosing an image of a broken collarbone, Dinero tweeted, “Looks like Pope will be out of action for a couple months. Damn You Aces & Apes!!! ~PHS.”
Dinero’s news has caused Impact Wrestling to officially eliminate him from the remainder of the Bound For Glory Series. In this year’s format, every wrestler was scheduled to face everyone in the tournament. Dinero had three matches left to compete in, against AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam and Robbie E.
ImpactWrestling.com says Sting will make a decision regarding the matter and those matches tomorrow night on Impact Wrestling on Spike TV at 8/7c.
TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced via Twitter Thursday that three Four-Way “Bound For Glory Series” matches will take place at Hardcore Justice. Each match will feature a different stipulation with the winner receiving 20 points.
* AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe
* Bully Ray vs. James Storm vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Robbie E
* Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus vs. Mr. Anderson vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero
Stipulations for all three matches will be announced during tonight’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast at 8:00 p.m. on Spike TV.
Also scheduled for Hardcore Justice is Austin Aries defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Roode in a singles match. The pay-per-view event takes place August 12, 2012 at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida.
– TNA Wrestling has released the promotional poster for No Surrender, which takes place September 9, 2012 at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. The twelve wrestlers participating in the “Bound For Glory” series are featured on the poster: AJ Styles, Bully Ray, Christopher Daniels, D’Angelo Dinero, James Storm, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Magnus, Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Robbie E and Samoa Joe.
– Sam Shaw has been added to TNA’s roster index on ImpactWrestling.com after being awarded a contract last week on Impact Wrestling in the “Gut Check” challenge.
– Tara has changed her Twitter handle to taralisamarie.
– Spike TV indicated Wednesday that there have been talks of maintaining Impact Wrestling as a live program on Thursday nights once its scheduled run concludes at the end of the summer. If no commitment is made, TNA will resume taping the program on a bi-weekly basis.
– Chris Mordetzky, formerly known as Chris Masters in WWE, posted a message on Twitter promoting tonight’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast: “Make sure u check out @IMPACTWRESTLING tonight!”
Masters has been campaigning for a roster spot in the promotion after competing in a dark match last month. He also took part in their satellite promotion, Ring Ka King, earlier this year.
– Christopher Daniels defeated Robbie E in a “Bound For Glory Series” match on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion.
– Twelve-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, 43, wed his girlfriend of two years, actress Giovanna Yannotti, 25, Friday. It is his second marriage after divorcing Karen Smedley, now known as Karen Jarrett, in 2008. He also announced big news.
“I’m Married! Kyra Kody Giuliana @ Guess What? We’re Due to Have Another Baby. Life is Awesome!” Angle tweeted.
The couple already have one child together; on January 22, 2011, Yannotti gave birth to a daughter named Giuliana Marie Angle.
– A “Bound For Glory Series” match featuring Christopher Daniels versus Robbie E was taped Thursday before Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast.
– Sam Shaw, who was assaulted by the “Aces and Eights” gang before his scheduled “Gut Check” match on Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast, has appeared on TNA Wrestling programming in the past. The Florida-based independent wrestler portrayed the character “Lupus” at the ECW-themed pay-per-view, Hardcore Justice, in August 2010. He is a product of the Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling.
– TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion Eric Young stated on Twitter that he underwent throat surgery Thursday to remove polyps.
“Surgery sucks. I have had nothing to eat or drink since last night at 1000pm. I want to kill some body right about now. My surgery starts in 30 mins and I’m still in waiting room ggrrraaaggghhhhhhhhhh,” he wrote. “Still in waiting room for surgery. They have no idea how close they are from death like @REALBobbyRoode after 4 hrs with out food @RobbieEImpact.”
Young wrote Friday that he has resumed his daily activities and that his throat feels okay. Since 2004, he has undergone over fifteen throat surgeries.
– Jay Bradley, who competed as Ryan Braddock for WWE in 2008 and 2009, lost to Magnus in a dark match before Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling.
In a match taped for TNA Xplosion, Devon defended the TNA Television Championship against Robbie E.
– TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode confirmed Alex Shelley’s departure from TNA Wrestling. He tweeted on Wednesday:
“Best of luck to Alex Shelley, sad to see u go. BEer Money vs MCMG best of 5……never be forgotten! See u down the road.”
Shelley’s profile was removed from ImpactWrestling.com on Tuesday.
– ImpactWrestling.com has announced Robbie E as a third potential challenger for Devon’s TNA Television Championship on Thursday’s episode of IMPACT WRESTLING, joining Rob Van Dam and Mr. Anderson. One more candidate will be revealed tomorrow and then beginning at noon, fans will be able to vote who Devon defends the title against.
– In a battle of former “Beautiful People” mates, Angelina Love faces Velvet Sky on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion on Challenge.
— On Thursday’s live episode of Impact Wrestling, Devon will defend the Television Championship against the choice of the fans. This week, IMPACTWRESTLING.com will reveal one challenger each day—the first is Rob Van Dam. Voting will open on the website at noon eastern time on Thursday, May 31st.
— MAIN EVENT chats with Velvet Sky, who discusses the challenges facing a female wrestler, how TNA has changed her life, how she uses social media to connect with fans and more.
— Multiple TNA Wrestling stars are advertised for this Saturday’s Legends of the Ring 14 event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey including Austin Aries, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne, Matt Morgan, Robbie E and Rosita. (Event Information)
Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke said on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s TNA Lockdown pay-per-view event in Nashville, Tennessee. Since her father’s arrival to TNA Wrestling over two years ago, it’s been speculated that she would eventually assume an on-camera role. When asked Saturday whether she has plans to join the Knockouts division, she remarked, “Knockout division? I’m about 2 feet taller than all em. It just wouldn’t be fair lol.”
Hogan told British newspaper The Sun that WWE has tried several times to get her to follow in her father footsteps and become a wrestler.
“The WWE have told me that if I ever want to become a wrestler all I need to do is walk through the door and they’ll give me a job straight away,” Hogan said three years ago. “They are always like, ‘Hey Brooke when are you gonna put on some spandex and get in the ring?’”
So what’s stopping her from becoming a wrestler?
“It’s just not my interest,” Hogan said then. “I’m more of a girly girl.”
Meanwhile, Robbie E warned Hogan to not interfere in his Television Championship Match against Devon tonight like at Victory Road when she took away a steel chair he attempted to use. He then blamed her for the loss over Twitter as he felt she was hitting on him during the match.
“Don’t get involved in my match again hamster or I’ll have @IMPACTWRESTLING security get you ejected bro!” E wrote.
She responded, “listen peanut, cool your jets. You’re not my type.”
TNA Wrestling’s eighth annual Lockdown pay-per-view takes place tonight at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The following matches have been announced for the show:
Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Bobby Roode (c) vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Lethal Lockdown
Team Eric Bischoff (Eric Bischof, Gunner, Bully Ray, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) vs. Team Garett Bischoff (Garett Bischoff, AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson and Austin Aries)
Steel Cage Match
“The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle
Steel Cage Match for the World Tag Team Championship
Magnus and Samoa Joe (c) vs. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin
Steel Cage Match for the Women’s Knockout Championship
Gail Kim (c) vs. Velvet Sky
Steel Cage Match for the Television Championship
Devon (c) vs. Robbie E
Steel Cage Match
“The Blueprint” Matt Morgan vs. Crimson
TNA Wrestling has announced three new title matches for Lockdown on April 15 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium as the World Tag Team Championship, Women’s Knockout Championship and Television Championship will be on the line. A stipulation has been added to Lethal Lockdown as the losing Bischoff family member “must leave TNA for good.”
Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Bobby Roode (c) vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Lethal Lockdown
Team Eric Bischoff vs. Team Garett Bischoff
Steel Cage Match
“The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle
Steel Cage Match for the World Tag Team Championship
Magnus and Samoa Joe (c) vs. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin
Steel Cage Match for the Women’s Knockout Championship
Gail Kim (c) vs. Velvet Sky
Steel Cage Match for the Television Championship
Devon (c) vs. Robbie E
Steel Cage Match
Crimson vs. “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan
— Josh Lewis, who hosts Repo Games on Spike TV, will appear on this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling. The announcement was made during Victory Road as Lewis was shown sitting ringside.
It is unknown whether Josh will compete in a match, but according to a report published on TMZ.com on Saturday, the life-long wrestling fan plans to “get physical.”
— Sunday at Victory Road, Devon answered Robbie E’s open challenge and defeated him to capture the TNA Television Championship. Brooke Hogan, daughter of Hulk Hogan, became involved with the match as she pulled a chair away from E.
In other title bouts at Victory Road, Gail Kim retained the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship against Madison Rayne, Austin Aries defeated Zema Ion to retain the TNA X Division Championship, and Magnus and Samoa Joe retained the TNA World Tag Team Championship against Crimson and Matt Morgan.
Mr. Anderson, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since the November 15, 2011 Impact Wrestling taping, is scheduled to return to the ring at this week’s Impact Wrestling World Tour in Worcester, Plymouth and Lowell, Massachusetts. He will be teaming with Rob Van Dam (who was stretchered backstage two weeks ago at Genesis after taking a DDT onto the concrete floor) at all three shows in matches against Mexican America members Anarquia and Hernandez.
Mexican America members Rosita and Sarita are also advertised to team, which they rarely do at house shows. They will be facing Brooke Tessmacher and ODB at all three events.
Other matches scheduled include:
* “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs Christopher Daniels
* Jesse Sorensen vs Kid Kash vs Shannon Moore
* Garett Bischoff vs Television Champion Robbie E (with Rob Terry)
— Hulk Hogan, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since the episode of Impact Wrestling following Bound For Glory, suggested on Twitter that he will be on hand for the January 28, 2012 double taping at Wembley Arena in London, England.
“There is gonna be some IMPACT in the UK,HULKAMANIA is coming and you know what happens we it’s running wild Brother!!!” Hogan tweeted Friday.
— Eric Young underwent surgery on his throat Thursday, his fifteenth operation since 2004. He noted on Twitter that he plans on working out at the gym today.
— Robbie E appears at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S.12th St. Allentown Pennsylvania on Saturday from noon until 2:00 p.m. For more information contact prowrestling1@aol.com.
— ImpactWrestling has announced that Jeff Hardy will be getting another shot at Bobby Roode’s World Heavyweight Championship this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a rematch from Sunday’s Genesis pay-per-view.
In another Genesis rematch, “Cowboy” James Storm will square off against Kurt Angle in a match to determine the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.
Matt Morgan and Crimson are advertised to compete this Thursday against Rob Terry and Television Champion Robbie E.
— Sarita stated Wednesday on Facebook that she will be wrestling at this Friday’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event at Arena Mexico. The TNA Knockout has not competed since taking a scary fall during a two out of three falls tag team match at the same venue on November 22, 2011. She slipped on the top rope while attempting to dive and fell flat on her face onto the wooden floor. She was placed on a stretcher while the match continued and subsequently hospitalized.
Tonight, Direct Auto Insurance and TNA Wrestling present Final Resolution live on Pay-Per-View and online at TNAOnDemand.com from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Eight matches have been announced for the event.
World Heavyweight Championship 30 Minute Ironman Match
AJ Styles vs. (c) Bobby Roode
Steel Cage Match
“The King Of The Mountain” Jeff Jarrett vs. “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy
(Karen Jarrett will be handcuffed to Sting at ringside)
The Olympic Gold Medalist vs. The Cowboy
Kurt Angle vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Challenge Match
Christopher Daniels vs. Rob Van Dam
Women’s Knockout Championship Match
Mickie James vs. (c) Gail Kim
World Tag Team Championship Match
Matt Morgan and Crimson (c) vs “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Devon
X Division Championship Match
Austin Aries (c) vs Kid Kash
Television Championship Match
Robbie E (c) vs Eric Young
— TNA has signed a two-year deal with the UK’s Challenge TV network that will see Impact Wrestling continue to air on Sunday nights through the end of 2013. TNA PPVs will air the Wednesday after they air live in the United States. The following is from TNA’s official announcement:
“Our first year on Challenge TV has seen us double our viewership in the UK and Ireland – and we are really looking forward to another two years of even greater success,” TNA president Dixie Carter stated in a press release.
“Our wonderful fans have made us the most-watched wrestling programme in the UK and we’re pleased this new agreement also gives them the security of knowing they can always watch us on the same channel every week – Challenge TV.”
— TNA star Robbie E. got married on Saturday, according to a recent tweet by Dixie Carter.
— This year’s TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view from Philadelphia drew 3,585 fans for a gate of $145,898.
— TNA’s Turning Point pay-per-view drew approximately 9,000 pay-per-view buys, on the low end of what TNA has been doing for their monthly shows.
