With his wrestling career uncertain, Roode has been working as a producer at WWE events and has been well-received in the role. On a recent edition of the Insight podcast, Roode was asked about the possibility of wrestling again and revealed he has been green-lit to compete.
“Ironically enough, I just got green-lighted. The fusion has completely fused. So as far as looking at it from a medical point of view, it’s safe to get back in the ring I guess.
“But at almost 48 years old, given the opportunity I’ve been given now, to work as a producer, which was my goal coming to WWE almost eight years ago, I’m quite happy doing this. And I feel like I’ve had a good run as they say and I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing now.
When asked about even a one-off appearance, possibly in a Royal Rumble match, Roode admitted it was possible but made clear his days of being a full-time WWE Superstar are over.
“You never know, yeah, sure. Could I do this full-time? There’s no way I could. Look, to be honest, the injury, I have three levels that are bad. The level six and seven are not good either.”
A Mental Struggle
During the interview, Roode admitted that he would like to have one last match, but explained why it’s unlikely. He also addressed the mental struggle his injury has made him face.
“I don’t, mentally, think I could take the risk of going back in the ring and working a full-time schedule. Just knowing that. I feel like I look differently too. You know what I mean? I always kind of prided myself on how I looked on Television. I love being in the gym and working out and when you physically don’t look the same, it’s a mental thing as well for me.
“I think everybody would like to have one last match right? But sometimes, when the wheels fall off, the wheels fall off. That’s the nature of the beast and this sport and this industry.
Robert Roode On His Injury
On the podcast, Roode discussed his first neck fusion surgery, which came about after an injury from years earlier started causing him issues. Roode was rather fortunate to learn that he needed the surgery considering he wasn’t feeling any pain as a warning sign.
“The thing was I wasn’t living in any pain. I didn’t have any pain. I could go through the day without feeling any sort of pain. But the issue with me was my strength. When I started losing strength, I started losing muscle in my right arm.
“And that scared me because the first thing I thought of was Paul Orndorff and his injury. And that’s what was happening to me. I was starting to atrophy in my shoulder and in my bicep.”
Arm atrophy from a nagging injury led to Orndorff being forced to retire in 2000. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
WWE’s Robert Roode is on the road to recovery after undergoing neck fusion surgery
The former WWE NXT Champion posted photos after his surgery on Instagram, which he indicated was for fusion to his C-5 and C-6 vertebrae that was done in Birmingham, Alabama. He wrote the following on the surgery:
Roode’s Statement
“Big thank you to Dr. Andy Cordover and his amazing staff at @andrews_sports_medicine and St Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. C5/6 fusion is complete. Now the work begins. Recovery and Rehabilitation. Looking forward to the challenge. Thanks @deneane__17. You’re the best.”
In September, the veteran wrestler shared a picture of Southlake Orthopaedics in Birmingham, Alabama, and mentioned going home after what he believed was a successful trip. He also mentioned that he was suffering from an injury.
Roode expressed his thanks to Southlake and Andrew Sports Medicine, which typically performs surgery on injured WWE stars. He posted a picture in the post that indicated he had surgery, but he didn’t explain why he was going to the facility.
Since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 1st episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Dallas, Texas, Roode has not competed and has not made an appearance on television. Before he left, Dolph Ziggler was paired with Roode on WWE television.
Robert Roode is slated to return to in-ring action after not wrestling on WWE TV since the beginning of April.
The veteran wrestler hasn’t worked a match since a non-televised house show in June. In September, he underwent a medical procedure at Southlake Orthopaedics in Birmingham, Alabama.
According to a report by PWinsider.com, Roode was spotted back in Birmingham on Wednesday (November 9), and the “hope” is that he’ll be making a return to the ring “soon.”
Plans for Robert Roode
Per the report, WWE has talked about bringing Roode back on SmackDown, which would split up his tag team with Dolph Ziggler, who is on Raw, unless Ziggler is moved over too.
Under the leadership of Paul Levesque (Triple H), when he was still booking NXT, Roode was pushed as a top star and became the NXT Champion. Under Vince McMahon’s vision, he never hit the same heights on the main roster.
That could change with a new regime in place and a fresh start for Roode, who may be elevated more than he was under Vince McMahon. While on the main roster, Roode has been a US Champion and a three-time Tag Team Champion.
Robert Roode has seemingly provided an update on his status amid the various rumors about his absence from the WWE ring.
The former NXT champion recently posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday. He tagged in Southlake Orthopaedics and noted that he recently had a medical procedure done in Birmingham, AL:
“Heading home after what is hoped to be a successful trip to Birmingham AL. Big thank you to @southlakeortho and @andrews_sports_medicine for taking great care of me this week. Especially to the first class medical staff of Dr Micheal Ellerbusch , Dr Andrew Cordover and Dr Charles Carnel.”
Robert Roode joined WWE back in 2016. He had a successful run in NXT where he won the brand’s top title once during his tenure.
The former TNA world champion made his main roster debut in August 2017. He has been a regular for WWE programming ever since and has won multiple titles in the company.
A WWE tag team may be on the verge of a slight name change soon.
WWE officials aren’t afraid to make some alterations to its characters. From attire, to music, to name changes, the company will make any changes it sees fit. WWE has even reversed changes in the past.
A tag team that recently resurfaced on Raw could possibly get their own change.
Dirty Dawgs Getting Name Change?
After a brief stint on NXT, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, Dirty Dawgs, returned to Monday Night Raw. They started a feud with Omos and MVP.
According to USPTO, WWE has filed a new trademark for “Dirty Dogs,” which is a slight change from what the company currently calls the team.
“Mark For: DIRTY DOGS™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network.”
As mentioned, Ziggler and Roode had been on NXT for a little while. Dolph captured the NXT Championship but eventually lost it to Bron Breakker.
Time will tell if WWE actually goes through with a slight change or if they’ve trademarked the “Dirty Dogs” version just to get ahead of anyone who may try to use it.
WWE decided to do a title change on the Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
As seen on this week’s episode, The Street Profits defended the SmackDown Tag Team Titles against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.
Ziggler and Roode dethroned Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to win the straps. This is the first blue brand title reign for Roode and Ziggler.
During this year’s Draft in October, The New Day was drafted to Raw while The Street Profits were drafted to SmackDown. At the time, WWE official Adam Pearce had the two teams trade championships.
As a result, there was never an official title change, but rather the titles were renamed and the champions followed suit. The Street Profits had been champions since winning the titles from Murphy and Seth Rollins on the March 2nd episode of Monday Night Raw.
The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin) dethroned The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) to win the Raw Tag Team Titles last month at the WWE TLC pay-per-view event.
Historically, WWE doesn’t have tag team champions defend their titles at the Royal Rumble, which is the next pay-per-view event on tap for the company as it takes place later this month.
Robert Roode made his return to WWE programming after almost 7 months of absence during the September 28th episode of Raw where he answered the open challenge issued by the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
While the former champion was unsuccessful in his quest to win the title, a lot of people have been wondering what’s next for the former NXT star.
With the WWE draft looming around, people have been wondering if we can see Roode changing brands. During his recent interview with ComicBook.com, Robert talked about the possibility of moving back to NXT, saying that he will try to be the guy on whichever brand he ends up in:
“Wherever the job takes me, I’m going to be there and I’m going to do everything I can to be a guy that the brand can lean on, and to be in the mix, and to take every opportunity that is given to me and make the best of it.
So whether that’s on Raw, whether that’s on SmackDown,” said Robert Roode “Or whether that’s on NXT, I’m going to do everything I can to stand out and to work my way towards being a champion again.”
While WWE has not confirmed the participation of NXT in this year’s edition of WWE drafts, there have been a lot of rumours of the Black and Yellow brand being represented in the process.
Though if Robert Roode does end up moving back to NXT, he won’t be the first main roster guy to do so as we have seen people like Finn Balor returning to the brand in recent times.
The WWE draft this year will begin with the October 9th episode of SmackDown and it’s expected to conclude with the following episode of Raw on October 12th.
The former NXT Champion recently had an interview with TVInsider, where he talked about things like staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic, his WWE return and more.
When asked about the claims from his former tag team partner and the possibility of him coming to WWE, Roode refused to comment on the matter revealing that he hasn’t talked to Storm in years:
“That’s above my pay grade. I haven’t talked to James in years. During this time especially, I don’t know what’s going to take place or who is coming in or not. I have to worry about myself. I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing with Dolph and doing my thing.”
Robert Roode hadn’t been seen on WWE TV since the Elimination Chamber PPV in March this year because of the travel restrictions put in place due to coronavirus.
He returned to WWE during the September 28 episode of Raw and the former NXT star has shown interest in reuniting with Dolph Ziggler and winning back the Raw tag team championships.
Roode Roode opened up on his WWE hiatus in a new interview. The Glorious one returned to TV last week after being away for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He lives in Canada and the borders between Canada and the United States have been closed, preventing him from entering the country.
Roode discussed this while speaking with TV Insider.com.
“I had a lot of free time on my hands. The travel ban made it difficult for me to get to work every week, [so] I’ve been a fan.”
He watched the product during the hiatus. “It was a long layoff, around seven months.. a lot of downtime to heal up physically and mentally and just wanting to get back to work. Thankfully, last week was my opportunity.”
As a veteran of the squared circle, Roode said it was a big adjustment being away from professional wrestling.
“I’ve been in this business for more than 20 years. This is the longest period of time I’ve been off and at home. When your lifestyle is like this for 15, 20 years, it’s a hard adjustment. In a way, it was enjoyable to not live out of a suitcase and get to spend time with family.”
Roode missed WWE after a couple months away. The business is in his blood and his passion. He recalled missing the camaraderie, the schedule, and life on the road so he’s happy to be back.
The first match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules PPV.
During the opening segment of Monday’s episode of RAW, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre came out for an in-ring promo only to be interrupted by Dolph Ziggler.
This is where Ziggler revealed that due to the trade involving AJ Styles being moved to Friday Night SmackDown, RAW was able to select two SmackDown stars. It ended up being Ziggler and Robert Roode being moved to the flagship show of WWE.
Later in the promo, Ziggler brought up how he’s owed a title match, and McIntyre redeeming himself after being fired from the company a few years ago. Now, the former friends turned foes will face off in a match.
In this same segment, Ziggler challenged McIntyre for the WWE Championship, which McIntyre accepted on the spot.
As a result, they’ll wrestle at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event on Sunday, July 19, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center.
Since moving to the SmackDown brand, Styles not only won the United States Title by beating Daniel Bryan in the tournament finals but also got into a new program.
He just lost to the debuting Matt Riddle on last week’s show and the expectation is that they’ll be feuding going forward.
Some WWE superstars have decided not to work the shows due to health concerns over coronavirus, but there are others who are not able to appear due to the various restrictions, like Robert Roode.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer provided some update on the absence of the former NXT Champion and revealed the reason why he hasn’t been featured on WWE programming recently.
Per Meltzer, both Roode and the Singh Brothers live in Canada and they haven’t been used by the company for their shows in recent weeks because they are not able to get into the United States due to the current travel bans.
It’s worth mentioning here that Brock Lesnar lives in Canada as well but he was able to make an appearance for the WrestleMania 36 event from the Performance Center.
Regarding Lesnar’s appearance at the event, it was noted that WWE was able to ‘pull strings’ to make it work so he can compete against Drew McIntyre at the Show Of Shows.
For those who don’t know, both Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn have pulled out of the tapings due to coronavirus concerns and latest reports reveal that the WWE management is not very happy with Zayn’s decision.
Earlier this week, WWE suspended Robert Roode and Primo Colon for violating the company’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy. This was their first violation of the policy, so they will be serving thirty day suspensions.
WWE did not reveal substances they got caught using. However, new information has been revealed in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Roode has been off WWE TV for the past two weeks. The Observer states that Roode’s violation might be the reason he was written out of storylines.
He was last seen on the November 29 episode of SmackDown in a match against Roman Reigns. He was stretchered out of the arena, as seen below:
Original Plans for Robert Roode
WWE actually had plans for Robert Roode at the TLC PPV. He was slated to team with Dolph Ziggler against New Day in a match for the SmackDown Tag titles.
The plan was changed and The Revival was put in place of Ziggler and Roode for the match at TLC. Meltzer added that the change might have been made because of Roode’s violation.
WWE TLC will be taking place this Sunday at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tune into SEScoops.com for full coverage of the event.
Two wrestlers have been suspended by WWE as a result of violating the company’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy. Robert Roode and Primo Colon are the offenders, according to a brief statement posted at the WWE Corporate website.
It is unclear at this time what substances they got caught using. This is the first time either of them have failed a WWE drug test, so they’ll be serving 30-day suspensions.
Roode has been off WWE television for several weeks. He was last seen on a recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown in a match against Roman Reigns, where he was stretchered out of the arena. Video of that scene is embedded below.
Primo Colon has been wrestling in Puerto Rico with his brother Epico. The two have been under WWE contract for over a decade, but have not been regular fixtures on WWE television in several years.
Click Here to read WWE’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy in full.
WWE has suspended Robert Roode and Eddie Colón (Primo) each for 30 days effective immediately for a first violation of the company's talent wellness policy. https://t.co/i0IAbLlcVQ
With their new push as a tag team, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are on top of the division.
Ziggler and Roode dethroned Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman as the WWE RAW Tag Team Champions. The match took place at the WWE Clash of Champions pay-per-view event in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Spectrum Center.
This match was set up on the August 26th episode of RAW when WWE held “the biggest Tag Team Turmoil match in WWE history.”
Heavy Machinery, The Revival, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Lucha House Party, Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode, War Raiders, Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins competed in the match.
Ziggler and Roode won the contest. As a result, they earned the right to challenge Rollins and Strowman for the WWE RAW Tag Team Titles at the latest PPV event under the WWE banner.
The only reason that Rollins and Strowman had the titles was to further build their program for the Universal Title.
This marked the first match of the night for the top two stars on the RAW brand as they worked the headliner of this show as well.
What are your thoughts on Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode winning the WWE RAW Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
On last week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, a new tag team debuted comprised of Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler. Together, the pair would emerge victorious from “the biggest Tag Team Turmoil match in WWE history.”
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the idea for this pairing came from RAW’s Executive Director, Paul Heyman. Apparently, the plan was to have their win on RAW act as a means to showcase Robert Roode’s in-ring skills.
Off the back of their victory, the two will now go on to face the RAW Tag Team Champions at WWE’s upcoming Clash of Champions pay-per-view. The Tag Team Champions just happens to be the team of RAW Universal Champion Seth Rollins and “The Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman. The duo recently won the titles from O.C. members, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, on the 19/8 episode of RAW.
At the time of writing, there is no further indication as to what WWE or Paul Heyman have planned for Roode and Ziggler. If the plan is to eventually get Roode over, however, then the team may not have any long-term plans.
Clash of Champions takes place on Saturday, September 15th from the Spectrum Center in North Carolina.
During this week’s episode of WWE Main Event, a new stable made its debut featuring Raw stars. Robert Roode, EC3, and Cesaro tagged up together to defeat the Lucha House Party.
Renee Young on commentary said that she has the scoop about the team. She revealed that the the boys are calling themselves “The Main Event Muscle Men”. However, EC3 later clarified that the name is not an official handle. EC3 wrote on Twitter, “The commentary stated that in one of my therapy sessions with @ReneeYoungWWE, I had a lucid dream that I formed a trio with Mr. Roode and Mr. Cesaro and in that dream we were dubbed “The Mainevent Muscle Men.”
By no means was that an official handle. But dreams come true.”
The commentary stated that in one of my therapy sessions with @ReneeYoungWWE, I had a lucid dream that I formed a trio with Mr. Roode and Mr. Cesaro and in that dream we were dubbed “The Mainevent Muscle Men.”
It would be interesting to see how this new stable makes their Raw debut, or if they even make it at all. The group could work as a decent upper mid-card heel stable but it all depends on what direction WWE takes with them.
— Mick Foley went on Twitter to compliment TNA Wrestling stars James Storm, Bobby Roode and Bully Ray for their performance on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
“Well done – @Cowboy_J_Storm , @REALBobbyRoode, and Bully Ray all worked their butts off!” he wrote.
Storm faced Roode and Ray in separate matches.
— Sarita, who is known outside of TNA Wrestling as Dark Angel, is heading to Japan in March for women’s wrestling promotion Stardom. She will partner with Io Shirai in the main event of the March 4 event against Nanae Takahashi and Miho Wakizawa. (Article link)
The TNA Knockout said of the upcoming bout on Facebook, “I’ll be spending my birthday and celebrating my 10th anniversary as a wrestler in Japan this year. No better way to celebrate!”
– Gail Kim, who returned to TNA Wrestling last night as a heel aligned with Karen Jarrett, competed in a match against Tara. This is their first meeting since 2004 when both wrestlers were employed by WWE.
– Robert Roode faces Samoa Joe in No. 1 Contender’s Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. James Storm defeated Kurt Angle for the title at Tuesday’s taping.
– It was announced at tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida (airdate October 27) that Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro would be appearing at next Wednesday’s taping in Macon, Georgia.
– Robbie E receives a shot at Eric Young’s TNA Television Championship.
– In the days leading up to Sunday’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view, Bobby Roode was scheduled to win the TNA World heavyweight title. Despite Kurt Angle being injured and all the hype that went into this being Bobby Roode’s time – Roode got screwed.
Some people are expecting Bobby Roode to win the TNA title in the coming weeks (at the next PPV or on an episode of Impact) – while others think that the company is eager to Jeff Hardy.
– Sting defeated Hulk Hogan by submission at Bound For Glory – and the rivals joined forces after the match to fend off a beatdown from Bully Ray, Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff and others. With Hogan and Sting working together at Bound For Glory, there has been talk of them teaming up together at a future pay-per-view in a match against Ric Flair and a partner.
– TNA had about 2,500 paid fans at Bound For Glory, which is considered a major disappointment. The was heavily “papered” – with many fans receiving free tickets to the event at the last minute to fill up the crowd.
Main Event Radio interview with Robert Roode Host: Ryan Rider Full interview available at MainEventRadio.com
How does it feel to be the No. 1 contender for the TNA Heavyweight Championship of the World? “It feels great. It’s been a long time coming. For the past 13 years I’ve been in this business sacrificing a lot. Paying my dues, honing my crafts. 9 years with Impact Wrestling has been a long time. I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go. There’s nobody better to get in the ring with than Kurt Angle. My first opportunity for a world title shot in the ring with that guy, it’s going to be something special.”
What can we expect from the match itself? “It’s going to be an amazing match. Kurt [Angle]’s record speaks for himself. A lot of people recognize me as a tag team guy from Beer Money and my early Team Canada days. The past few months I’ve made a name for myself. These past few weeks on Impact having solo matches against some of the best wrestlers in the company – Kazarian and this past week AJ Styles. My confidence level is at a high right now. I’ve been studying a lot of Kurt’s matches. I’m prepared for the best wrestling match of my career. It’s going to be a very special night for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Roode on coming a long way from your Team Canada days to where you are today: “It’s been a long road. It’s been fun at the same time. Nine years in TNA; through the ups and the downs. Coming in as Team Canada was a lot of fun. From representing my country to where I am today it’s been incredible. I’m living my dream. And you never know if I’ll bring back one of my old hockey sticks for Bound for Glory. I’m a big hockey fan. Hockey was always my first love. There’s always a hockey stick around.”
Where do Beer Money and Fortune stand at this point with Roode becoming a singles wrestler? “There’s always going to be Beer Money. Beer Money will never die. James and I have invested too much time and we’ve invested our heart and soul into the team. We literally were thrown together four years ago in a situation where creatively there wasn’t a lot for us. He and I made the team work. We got it over; we made it what it is. I don’t think there will ever be a time where Beer Money will ever go away. Beer Money will always be remembered – we’ve done a lot together. As far a Fortune, we’ve had our problems but Fortune is family. Sometimes family fights but Fortune will stick around.”
Memories of teaming with James Storm: “The Best of Five Series with the Motor City Machine Guns will probably go down in history as one of the best tag team matches of all time. What can you say about the Team 3D matches? What made Beer Money what it was was our ability to adapt to different styles and have great matches with the X division guys like MCMG or heavyweight guys like Team 3D. Our ability to adapt to different styles and to entertain the fans at the same time. Beer Money will never go away. No matter how successful Bobby Roode becomes on his own or James Storm becomes on his own, Beer Money will always live forever. Some day we will always get back together whether it be a month from now, a year from now, or 10 years from now – bring back Beer Money the way it should be.”
What happened with Chris Harris? “Honest to God, I’m not sure how it was supposed to pan out. There were some ideas thrown around. They brought Chris in for one match. Whether it was a decision made before or after the match they decided to go a different route. They tried it and obviously didn’t like it for whatever reason and they decided to go a different way. That’s all I can say about that situation.”
What was it like working for the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair? “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a Nature Boy fan my whole life. To be managed by Ric, to be mentored by Ric both on and off the screen was a blessing. It was an incredible feeling to see him at ringside, in my corner, to do the backstage interviews and to get to know the guy backstage. It was a great learning experience and something I will never forget. Ric Flair is one of a kind and he can take a beating and he is still ticking. 60-something years old and he lives and breathes the business.”
Thoughts on his co-headliner, Hogan vs Sting: “It’s going to be a big match, no doubt about it. It’s been built up quite heavily. It’s been quite documented how many back surgeries Hulk has had in the past year. Sting is still Sting; the guy has still got it. So it’s going to be an interesting match. Whether you’re a wrestling fan of the 80’s, 90’s, or this era you will be interested in it. Two of the biggest names in wrestling’s history for one more time, probably the final time. This may be the last time Hulk Hogan ever steps foot inside the ring.”
— Velvet Sky is offering custom professional photoshoots through TNA photographer Lee South. Those interested pick the theme and outfit style with an option to purchase the worn outfit after the shoot. Also included are professional prints and behind the scenes video from the photoshoot.
The offer, which is priced at $450.00, is available here.
— TNA Wrestling has announced live events for DAecember 29 in Albany, New York and December 30 in Poughkeepsie, New York at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Jeff Jarrett, James Storm and Robert Roode have been announced for both shows.
— TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions Tara is advertised to wrestle for FWE Wrestling on Saturday, November 5 in a match against Jackie Haas. The event takes place at 3 Legged Dog Studios in Downtown Manhattan. Visit www.fwewrestling.com for more information.
Below is the official preview for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling:
Jeff Hardy returns Thursday on IMPACT WRESTLING At 9/8c on SpikeTV
Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the return of Jeff Hardy and a huge World Title match! Can’t watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday night? Make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the action.
Here is a preview of Thursday’s broadcast:
– Starting this Thursday, it’s two back-to-back weeks of “can’t miss” IMPACT WRESTLING broadcasts on SpikeTV!
– All roads lead to Sting vs. Ric Flair next week (Sept 15), but this Thursday the World Heavyweight Title is on the line in the main event as Kurt Angle defends against Mr. Anderson, who cashes in his rematch clause
– Plus, the “Final Four” superstars in the Bound For Glory Series go face-to-face – who will advance to the main event at Bound For Glory?
– The British Invasion vs. Devon and The Pope to determine the #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Championship
– Eric Young defends the Television Championship against Robbie E
– And what does Karen Jarrett have planned for the Knockouts Division? Will the new Knockouts Law rule the lovely ladies with an iron first?
— It was announced last night on Impact Wrestling that Sting will face Ric Flair two weeks from now on the September 15 show. A stipulation is in place where Sting will receive a match against Hulk Hogan if he wins, but must leave wrestling if Flair wins.
— The “Final Four” wrestlers of the Bound For Glory Series concluded Thursday night on Impact Wrestling with Bully Ray ranked No. 1 with 49 points. He is followed by Robert Roode (42 points), Gunner (42 points) and James Storm (40 points). Ray will face Storm in a semi-final match at No Surrender while Roode will square off against Gunner. The Bound For Glory Series Finals takes place the same night and the winner will automatically be ranked the No. 1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Crimson, who obtained 50 points during the series, was officially scratched Thursday afternoon due to injuries he suffered from Samoa Joe last week.
Four matches have been announced for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
* A Four Corners Match will take place featuring AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jerry Lynn.
* Crimson will face Bobby Roode in a Bound For Glory Series Match.
* Matt Morgan and James Storm will face “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Devon in a Bound For Glory Series Match.
* Velvet Sky will face ODB and Jackie. If Velvet Sky wins the Handicap Match, ODB and Jacqueline have agreed to never show up in the Impact Zone again.
IMMORTAL has also issued World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson an ultimatum.
TNA World Tag Team Champion & one-half of Beer Money, Robert Roode, was the featured guest on this week’s live edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by The Big Mosh & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent.
During the interview, Roode Discusses TNA’s Highly-Anticipated Return To Buffalo For This Saturday Night’s BaseBrawl Event, Beer Money’s Future In TNA, What He Believes Himself & “The Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm Have Left To Prove Together As A Tag Team, His Reaction To Hulk Hogan’s Recent Comments About Possibly Becoming The Next Big Singles Star On Impact Wrestling, The Chances Of Seeing Him Go One-On-One With “The Nature Boy” & What It Has Been Like For Him Working With Ric Flair, The Biggest Point Of Growth He Has Seen In TNA, Why He Believes “Going On The Road” Is Important To The Continued Growth Of TNA, The Current State Of Tag Team Wrestling In The Industry Today, Plus Much More In His Exclusive Monday Night Mayhem Interview!
You can listen to an MP3 of the interview by clicking here.
Interview highlights courtesy of Paterson, MNM’s associate producer & official correspondent:
What he believes his tag team partner (“The Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm) & himself have left to prove as a tag team & whether or not we are seeing the final days of Beer Money as a tag team in TNA/Impact Wrestling:
“I don’t know. James & I in this three-year span have done a hell of a lot. We’ve become champions. We’ve lost championships. We’ve won them again. We’ve been in the ring with some of the greats. I don’t know tag team wise what’s left for us to do. We could stick around for a while and do our thing, but the fact of the matter is tag team wrestling is not as popular as it once was. Tag teams was always a staple, but nowadays, it’s not. I think there’s going to come a time, whether it be in the near future or further down the road, that James & I are going to get an opportunity to prove ourselves in singes competition, but no matter what, there’s always going to be a Beer Money.”
His reactions to Hulk Hogan’s recent comments during his press conference at CWI’s “Brawl at the Bush II,” in which “The Hulkster” stated why he & TNA have high hopes for Bobby as a future singles star in the company, plus why he is personally looking forward to seeing more from Bobby in the coming months:
“Obviously, you don’t want to disappoint anybody from my standpoint. When Hulk Hogan says something like that, I have to take it to heart and do everything I can to what he expects of me. I’m ready to do this. I’ve been ready for a long time, and who knows what is going to happen as far as with James & I and our singles careers when it comes, but I could promise the fans to expect the unexpected.”
His thoughts on returning to Buffalo for TNA’s BaseBrawl event this Saturday night at Coca Cola Field:
“I’m looking forward to it. I did a BaseBrawl when I first started out in TNA, and it was a lot of fun & really different. I’m looking forward to getting back to that field and performing in front of the Buffalo fans. It’s always awesome in Buffalo.”
