— Matches announced for tonight’s Impact Wrestling broadcast include Hernandez of Mexican American vs. Devon, plus the Knockouts Tag Team Championship will be on the line as Rosita and Sarita defend the gold against Velvet Sky and Ms. Tessmacher. Other matches scheduled to take place include:
* TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson vs. Gunner
* Rob Van Dam vs. Samoa Joe
* Austin Aries vs. Jimmy Rave vs. Kid Kash
— Independent wrestler Shima Xion was backstage at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling tapings.
— Mick Foley has been announced for Legends of the Ring XIII, which takes place October 8 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.
Samoa Joe and Crimson participated in a bar fight angle over the weekend that TNA Wrestling publicized Wednesday on the company website. To video of their bar fight, click here.
Officials Investigating Samoa Joe’s attack on Crimson – New Footage & Details
Fans started emailing us on Wednesday afternoon regarding a video circulating the internet of Samoa Joe assaulting Crimson in a bar from this past Saturday. IMPACT WRESTLING officials are looking into the matter, but have declined to comment thus far. You can watch the footage below, which was shot by another customer. We obtained the video from the customer’s YouTube Channel.
Samoa Joe will face Crimson this Sunday at Slammiversary on Pay-Per-View and online at TNAOnDemand.com
Crimson responded via his Twitter account @OfficialCrimson:
“So a video of an altercation with me an Joe has hit the internet…not a proud moment for me but it shows you what a tough guy Samoa Joe really is to come to my spot on my time to fight.. I’m still alive Joe and I’ll be sober Sunday..hope you’re ready for the fight of your life..”
Samoa Joe has yet to respond in any way. We will keep you updated.
Tune into Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 9/8c for more on this developing situation, as well as more on Sunday’s Slammiversary Pay-Per-View event.
— On Twitter, Hulk Hogan has been asked about bringing Randy Savage to TNA Wrestling. The Hulkster said he would if he could. He wrote:
“About bringing Randy Savage to TNA, man I wish we could get his butt off the couch he would add so much to the creative.”‘
He also posted the following concerning TNA Lockdown on Sunday:
“Good morning real WRESTLING people, LOCKDOWN is going to be intense Sunday in Cincinnati, this is not for the pg faint of heart.”
— Samoa Joe, Tara and SoCal Val are scheduled for an autograph signing today from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Hooters/Beer Sellar 301 Roverboat Row #1, Newport, Kentucky 41071. Call 859-431-6969 for more information.
— Mickie James is scheduled for an autograph signing today from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Columbia Chevrolet 9750 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, Ohio 45242. Call 513-891-7200 for more information.
– World Wrestling Entertainment officials reportedly did not reach out to Samoa Joe during a few day period last month he was a free agent. There were people in the organization pushing Joe to be signed, but results were not had before he reached a new agreement with TNA Wrestling. (source: PWInsider.com)
– WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan is advertised to face Tommaso Ciampa in a Submissions Match at this Saturday’s Millennium Wrestling Federation event at Memorial Hall on 590 Main St. – Melrose, MA.
For more information on Tommaso Ciampa, click here. A video promo of Ciampa commenting on his upcoming match with Bryan is available here.
Other matches scheduled to take place include “Slyck” Wagner Brown vs. former TNA star Homicide in a MWF Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage Match, TNA star Abyss vs. “Executioner” Brian Milonas in a Steel Cage Grudge Match, and Awesome Kong vs. MWF Tag Team Champion J-Busta in a Steel Cage Inter-gender Match. Paul Bearer, “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal, “Doink the Clown” Matt Borne, “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards and John Cena, Sr., among others, are also advertised to appear.
– Shaul Marie Guerrero, the daughter of Eddie & Vickie Guerrero, made her first on-camera appearance at a Florida Championship Wrestling taping this week at the FCW Arena. Guerrero appeared at ringside along for the FCW Divas Championship match between A.J. Lee and Naomi. A.J. defeated Naomi to become the new FCW Divas champion in a match that will air in January.
– To update the story of Samoa Joe’s TNA contract expiring, the latest is that negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. As for whether jumping ship to World Wrestling Entertainment is an option for Joe – there is reportedly “no interest” from WWE about bringing in the former TNA Champion, according to f4wonline.com.
For anybody that’s familiar with Joe’s work and knows what he could bring to the company, I think we can all agree – that’s a damn shame.
— While Samoa Joe is free and clear from all contractual obligations with TNA Wrestling, he is available to appear at this week’s television tapings if officials choose to use him. Both sides remain in negotiations for a new contract.
— Many backstage are impressed with Tara and Mickie James working through injuries at this week’s television tapings. Tara tore a ligament in her elbow, while James hurt her knee Monday.
According to multiple sources, we can confirm that TNA star Samoa Joe’s contract has expired.
Joe, who has been with TNA since 2005, is one of the most valued members on the TNA roster. There is hope that both sides will be able to reach a new deal, but negotiations are ongoing and nothing has been signed yet.
Joe worked Sunday’s Final Resolution pay-per-view, losing a hard fought submission match to Jeff Jarrett due to referee stoppage. Due to the backstage controversy surrounding Jeff Hardy at the PPV (click here to read more about that) – there was talk that Joe would be pulled from the PPV in the event that Hardy was deemed unable to perform and the main event would have been changed to a triple threat match involving Matt Morgan, Jeff Jarrett and Mr. Anderson.
The general feeling is that Joe will re-sign with TNA, but there might be some interest from WWE. Joe has many allies in WWE from his days in TNA & ROH (including CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Kaval and Evan Bourne) and it’s been said that Joe’s chance of getting a fair push in WWE are better now than they’ve ever been.
Samoe Joe in WWE is an exciting scenario to consider – we’ll be sure to provide an update on this story as soon as it becomes available.
WWE champion Randy Orton wrote on Twitter that he checked out TNA iMPACT! this week for only the “second time ever” and shared his thoughts on the TNA product.
“Samoa Joe can move. Miss working with (Kurt) Angle and Jeff. Coulda done w/o the JWoW segment tho. I enjoyed the backstage stuff for the most part anyway. Something about the realness of the conversations between some of the talent was really well done.”
When a fan seemed surprised that Orton was praising TNA, Orton responded:
“Who said that I do not like TNA? I surely didn’t. Never approved of the 8(sic) sided ring tho. Competition is a good thing.”
Orton put over TNA TV Champion AJ Styles:
“never met him. Can do some amazing things in the ring. IMO has alot to do with tna’s early success.”
He finished with some comments about Ken Anderson, who was outspoken against Orton following his WWE release:
“The only prob I ever had with Ken was him telling the Internet that I used my ‘pull’ to get him fired. Not tru, I have no pull.”
In a 2009 interview with ESPN 540’s “Pro Wrestling Report,” Anderson said he and Orton became “very good friends” in WWE before their relationship turned sour. At the time, he seemed to blame Orton for his WWE release:
“The fact that he made such a big stink about supposedly dropping him on his head. He literally blew up in front of all the talent including Vince and Stephanie and began to lecture me about how I had to be careful and his health was very important. It just doesn’t make sense to me.”
– As we reported here last week, Rob Van Dam will be taking some time off from TNA due to the company using up most of his contracted appearances. It’s worth noting that RVD is still advertised for the September 23rd TNA house show event in New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Aside from that show, RVD is not booked for any other live events or television tapings.
– After being kept of television for a few weeks following a recent backstage blowup a TNA iMPACT! taping, Samoa Joe is set to return to TNA at Monday’s iMPACT! tapings. Joe was sent home several weeks ago after going on rampage backstage at an iMPACT! taping. Joe reportedly flipped out after Jeremy Borash announced that there was 30 seconds remaining in his match with Jeff Hardy. The match ended in a time limit draw and Joe felt the “time remaining” announcement gave away the finish for the match. (Source: PWInsider.com)
– WWE announcer and ECW original Joey Styles was recently asked his thoughts on TNA’s Whole F’N Show edition of iMPACT. Styles said:
“I watched the Whole F’N show highlights online. I’ve seen wood chipper victims who were less of a mess than RVD. Who books that crap?â€
– Here’s a video preview for Thursday’s TNA iMPACT!:
— The word amongst the locker room is that the following former ECW performers were among those not contacted to appear at last night’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event: Dawn Marie, Jim “Sinister Minister” Mitchell, referee Jim Molineaux, manager Jason Knight, and ring announcer Bob Artese.
— The role of Raven’s lackey Lupus was played by one of the Team 3D training center students. It was not the individual who portrayed the original character in ECW. Additionally, he is scheduled to work a match at tonight’s television taping, likely against Jesse Neal.
— Samoa Joe is not backstage at tonight’s iMPACT! television taping. He is currently serving a suspension due to an incident that took place at the July 13 television taping.
TNA Wrestling has reportedly suspended Samoa Joe due to an incident that took place at the July 13 television taping.
Following the former World Heavyweight Champion’s match with Jeff Hardy, he reportedly yelled at TNA production members because he felt the finish was telegraphed due to ring announcer Jeremy Borash counting down its conclusion. Company brass instructed Borash to make the announcement, going against Joe’s request. He entered the production truck while the broadcast was ongoing to complain, which is considered a breach of etiquette. A decision was made to suspend him due to his conduct.
The suspension is reportedly for one month. He was not at last week’s iMPACT! television tapings in Orlando. He is also not listed for any upcoming live events.
As reported earlier, Samoa Joe was said to be very upset following his recent match with Jeff Hardy on iMPACT!, which ended in a time limit draw. Joe was furious following the bout because he felt the finish was given away by TNA having ring announcer Jeremy Borash say there were 30 seconds remaining when he specifically asked them not to.
Joe hasn’t worked for the company since the outburst. He wasn’t on hand for last week’s iMPACT! television tapings in Orlando. One source claims Joe yelled at production team members David Sahadi and Keith Mitchell, while others say it was Vince Russo — who reportedly instructed Borash.
Meanwhile, another source felt that Joe was right about the finish being given away, but added that he handled the situation poorly.
— Former WCW performer Scott “Flash” Norton suggested to TNA president Dixie Carter last week on Twitter that she bring him in as her bodyguard.
The former New World Order member wrote, “I really think you need a bodyguard & that I would be the perfect candidate 4 the job!”
Norton, who is now 52 years old and resides in Nashville, does not consider himself retired. He is currently accepting booking requests for independent gigs through his Facebook page.
— Brutus Magnus has joined Twitter. Fans can keep up with the infrequently seen TNA star’s whereabouts at twitter.com/NickAldis.
— Melina has tweeted an image of herself, John Morrison and former WWE performer Gregory Helms hanging out with TNA star Samoa Joe at San Diego Comic-Con International.
— Samoa Joe was said to be very upset following his match with Jeff Hardy on iMPACT! last week, which ended in a time limit draw. Joe was hot following the bout because he felt the finish was given away by TNA having ring announcer Jeremy Borash say there were 30 seconds remaining when he specifically asked them not to.
— TNA World Tag Team Champion Alex Shelley was pulled from last night’s Pro Wrestling Guerrilla “Seven” event due to an injury he sustained at this week’s iMPACT! television tapings. Shelley and partner Chris Sabin were originally scheduled to compete in a match for the promotion’s Tag Team Championship.
— TNA president Dixie Carter’s theme music is titled “The Man in Me.”
– TNA star Jeff Hardy was injured at Friday night’s TNA Live Event from Bloomington, Illinois. Hardy suffered a hand injury during a Monster’s Ball match with Abyss, but was able to finish the match. He wrestled the next night, but was said to be noticeably protecting the injured hand during his match. Hardy is not expected to miss any ring time.
– Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler was one of the many wrestling personalities who appeared at the popular Comic-Con event in San Diego over the weekend, which is “the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world.” Keibler noted on her Twitter page that she got to hang out with TNA star Samoa Joe and former WWE superstar Gregory “Hurricane” Helms at the show and posted this picture of them together:
— Though the iMPACT! replay was canceled last week, Spike today changed course and a replay of Monday’s show will air tomorrow night at 9:00 p.m.
— Initially, Team 3D were looking forward to working with The Nasty Boys as Brother Ray was telling friends he was excited about it. However, feelings changed quickly when the two teams actually worked a match together. Internally, Brian Knobs is considered fragile in the ring, to the point that he is unable to handle 3D’s finisher — Sags has been pegged as the go-to guy. Though it’s been speculated as lip service, Hulk Hogan has told people that The Nasty Boys will have to step up their game or else they won’t last long as in-ring performers. (source: www.pwtorch.com)
— Today is Samoa Joe’s birthday as he turns 31 years old. He has not been seen on television since the Feb. 18th edition of iMPACT! when he was abducted by ninjas in the parking lot of the Impact! Zone.
— Fans shouldn’t be too dismayed by the storyline of Samoa Joe being abducted by a group of masked men from a parking lot two weeks on iMPACT! as the long-term plan is for this to lead to a renewed push for the multi-time TNA champion at some point.
— Angelina Love is auctioning off a few ring worn items including platform boots worn on several episodes of iMPACT! as well as a beekeeper outfit. You can view the auctions at the following link.
— The TNA website has released new studio photos of ODB at the following link.
(Credit to www.pwtorch.com for some of the information used in this report)
– The following matches have been confirmed for TNA’s Against All Odds pay-per-view on February 14th:
TNA Heavyweight Title Match: AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe
Tag Team Legends Collide: The Nasty Boys vs. Team 3D.
– While some speculated that TNA would be holding live events Arizona during WrestleMania weekend when WWE is in town, the company has actually announced shows in Alabama and Georgia that weekend. They will be in Ozark, Alabama on March 25th and Columbus, Georgia on March 26th.
– Scott Steiner has been removed from the TNA roster page, which doesn’t say good things about his standing in the company. It was reported a few weeks back that Steiner’s future with TNA was up in the air. Ric Flair and Mr. Anderson have been added to the roster page.
TNA star Samoa Joe was interviewed by TNA’s official website and talked about “dead weight “on the TNA roster. Joe also defended the infamous shoot promo he cut at Turning Point 2007, when he verbally blasted Scott Hall in the middle of the ring for no-showing the event. Joe told TNA interviewer Hermie Sadler:
“It was a statement that needed to be made. This is a company that can’t have a lot of dead weight attached to it. You either come here to work or fight or get down or you don’t come here at all. For the people that I was speaking about, I made it known I wasn’t here to play games and just be a TV star. I’m here for this company to be the very best and for me to be the very best.”
Joe’s admits that his comments were harsh, but he stands by everything he said and said them because he cares about the company’s survival.
“If anything that I said out there you didn’t find to be true, then maybe you don’t need to be here because everything I said out there I still stand by. I apologized for the tone to some people because they may have taken offense, but at the same time, in their heart of hearts, they knew everything I said out there was absolutely true.”
Wrestlers and employees from both World Wrestling Entertainment and TNA Wrestling met up on Sunday night in Orlando, Florida – where WWE was taping this week’s ECW, Superstars and SmackDown and TNA held its Final Resolution pay-per-view.
TNA president Dixie Carter visited with WWE wrestlers a bar in Orlando, according to prowrestling.net Carter hosted a Christmas party next door at the hotel where the majority of the TNA crew stays. Several WWE superstars were said to be leery of going over to the TNA party because they feared heat from WWE management. However, some of the TNA crew went over to the bar to meet with the WWE wrestlers, and Dixie Carter eventually followed. It was described as a social visit with Carter meeting some of the WWE crew members for the first time.
TNA star Samoa Joe wrote the following on his Twitter page: “Just found out there are old associates in town. Tonight the Illuminati meets… Illuminati meeting became Illuminati sleepover and is now Illuminati pancake breakfast. Secret societies seem so much cooler in the movies.”
TNA Wrestling star Samoa Joe has posted a message on his Twitter page in response to the Internet rumor that he was upset with TNA management because they did not use a friend’s catering business at the Bound For Glory pay-per-view. Joe wrote:
“I often wonder how Wrestling news sites can call their posts “news” when they cannot cite sources or provide proof of what they say occurred? I’m not targeting anyone in particular. I’m just saying in normal journalistic circles sources and evidence are key aspects of journalism. I mean wrestling is a highly political game so you have to wonder what are these sources agendas? I’m just saying I know a few sites follow me I am interested in their take and their accountability policies. BTW I’m not a “sheet hater.” They bolster interest and discussion in the industry & I feel they have become a integral part of wrestling media. I get trashed & scrutinized everyday which is fine – IT’S PART OF MY JOB, but when people fabricate what I say about others, thats wank. I don’t want sheets to disappear. I just am calling for you to UP YOUR GAME, be better than what you are currently, Truth = Relevance.”
There have been a number of backstage altercations in TNA Wrestling over the past week or two. Here’s the latest:
— There was a massive edit for last week’s TNA iMPACT! as Lacey Von Erich fell flat on her face when she ran to the ring to do a run-in during the Knockouts elimination match. The issues with Von Erich don’t end there as she suffered a minor hamstring injury while training at the Impact Zone and made it known all night that she was in pain. She then reportedly told a male trainer to go and get her an ice pack and the guy ended up walking in to see a half-dressed Awesome Kong who was obviously not happy. We’re told Kong grabbed Von Erich and took her to the trainers room where she proceeded to cut a promo on her in front of Kurt Angle. When Von Erich went to TNA management to complain, they ended up siding with Kong.
— According to the PWTorch Newsletter, AJ Styles went off on Vince Russo and was frustrated over “what he argued was dismal booking of him early in his run as champion.” Styles feels he’s been made to look like a weak champion by Russo. Samoa Joe also had some beef with TNA management, but it was not wrestling-related, Samoa Joe complained that TNA blew-off of a commitment to use his friend’s catering business at the Bound For Glory PPV in California. Joe complaining about catering .. insert joke here.
— Chris Sabin suffered a concussion at the TNA Impact TV tapings on Wednesday night in Orlando, FL. Sabin’s concussion took place during a tag team match between The Motor City Machineguns and Team 3D when Sabin landed awkwardly. Sabin reportedly told people backstage that he was out cold during the match, but somehow regained his composure and finished the finish. We’re told Kevin Nash blew up backstage about the incident and was overhead yelling at Team 3D for not killing the original finish as he felt Sabin’s health should have been the first priority. Nash felt that as veterans, Team 3D should have made that call on the fly and that someone in production could have given a cue to the referee to end the match. While it probably won’t air, Nash did walk out in front of the Impact Zone and cut a promo about how upset he was that the match continued as Sabin was laying on the ring apron. Sabin was said to be feeling much better after the taping had finished. Nash is being praised by other wrestlers with the company for looking out for the safety of his coworkers.
— There was a massive edit for last week’s TNA iMPACT! as Lacey Von Erich fell flat on her face when she ran to the ring to do a run-in during the Knockouts elimination match. The issues with Von Erich don’t end there as she suffered a minor hamstring injury while training at the Impact Zone and made it known all night that she was in pain. She then reportedly told a male trainer to go and get her an ice pack and the guy ended up walking in to see a half-dressed Awesome Kong who was obviously not happy. We’re told Kong grabbed Von Erich and took her to the trainers room where she proceeded to cut a promo on her in front of Kurt Angle. When Von Erich went to TNA management to complain, they ended up siding with Kong.
