TNA Impact Wrestling

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling from Orlando, FL:

* TNA Champion Bobby Roode, X-Champion Austin Aries & Bully Ray vs. James Storm & TNA Tag Team champions Samoa Joe & Magnus

* Gauntlet Match: AJ Styles vs. Kazarian and Daniels

* Kurt Angle will explain why he attacked Jeff Hardy.

* ODB vs. Madison Rayne.

* Zema Ion vs. Shannon Moore.

* Mickie James & Velvet Sky vs. Angelina Love & Sarita.

• *SPOILERS* For Tonight’s IMPACT Wrestling

— After a deal fell through for Jason Pierre-Paul of the Super Bowl champions New York Giants to appear on this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, TNA Wrestling has secured another player for the event.

TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter announced this afternoon on Twitter, “New York Giants star running back and Super Bowl champion Brandon Jacobs will appear on Thursday’s IMPACT.”

— Jeremy Borash filled in for Taz on commentary at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. Taz stated on Twitter that his wife’s brother passed away on Saturday.

He wrote, “My wifes brother passed on Sat’ night, great man. I wouldve NEVER had a career if it wasn’t for him. Gave me the $ to go to wrestling school when I had nothing. RIP Joe.”

— Gunner appears for Action Packed Wrestling on February 24, 2012 at the APW Arena in Chester, South Carolina. Click here for event information.

— TNA Wrestling color commentator Taz announced on his Twitter account that he won’t be on hand for Destination X due to a family obligation. He will, however, be at the subsequent television tapings.

Jeremy Borash will fill in for Taz. He wrote on Twitter: “Looking forward to joining the announce table for Destination X this Sunday. This is going to be a fun PPV! Don’t miss it!”

— TNA Wrestling’s “BaseBrawl” event scheduled for Saturday, August 27 at Regions Park in Birmingham, Alabama has been canceled. Refunds can be made at point of purchase.

— Devon and Jack Evans appear on this week’s Impact Wrestling Post Show. (Video Link)

— “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Mickie James are advertised to appear at Direct Auto Insurance 530-J Joseph E Lowery Blvd Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, August 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

— It was reported earlier that Ric Flair underwent rotator cuff surgery on his shoulder last Thursday after being written off television at TNA Lockdown. Jim Ross clarified the WWE Hall of Famer’s health status by stating that he did not undergo surgery. JR tweeted over the weekend:

“While @ the gym yesterday got a text from ‘Naitch’ who was checking on my ‘wrestling’ status. BTW Ric has a horrid shoulder but no surgery.”

Taz, who stated on Thursday’s episode of TNA iMPACT! that Flair underwent surgery earlier that day, wrote on Twitter,

“For those whom have asked, Mike & I were either given BAD info on RF Shoulder issue or RF status changed from Tues (TV), to this weekend.”

— Mick Foley is scheduled to return to television imminently.

— TNA Knockout Tara has been announced for AdventureCon, Tennessee’s Largest Pop Culture Collectors Show. The annual event takes place June 10-12 at the Knoxville Expo Center in Knoxville.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Douglas Williams was dropped on his head during a match with Hernandez at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida. The match was stopped for Williams to be evaluated.

Williams is said to be fine following the injury scare. He is not expected to miss any ring time.

— Independent wrestler Bobby Shields wrote an article discussing his experience at the Team Taz Finishing Camp. The goal of the camp is to assist wrestlers in learning the nuances that may be preventing them from grabbing the attention of one of the major wrestling promotions.

— On Twitter, Matt Hardy confirmed the rumor that he is dating Reby Sky, a glamour model and entertainment personality who recently turned down a WWE developmental contract offer.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— TNA Knockout Mickie James has been announced for the WrestleReunion event taking place WrestleMania XXVII morning (April 3) at the Downtown Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia. Other talent scheduled to appear include Winter, Christy Hemme, Tommy Dreamer, Scott Steiner, Bruno Sammartino, Carlito and “Cowboy” Bob Orton.

— Tommy Dreamer celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday. Regarding this, he wrote on Twitter: “Thanks to all 4 the happy birthday wishes. 40 yrs old & I realized I have been wrestling 4 more than half my life. God bless everyone.”

— Taz mistakenly referred to Tara by her WWE ring name Victoria last night during Against All Odds.

TNA color commentator & former ECW World Champion Taz was one of the featured guests on this week’s live edition (01/17/11) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.

Taz Discusses The Launch Of His New Dojo (The Team Taz Finishing Camp), His Response To Those That Feel His New Venture Is Direct Competition To Florida Championship Wrestling/The WWE’s Developmental System, TNA’s Decision To Take iMPACT On The Road Beginning Next Month, The Importance of Taking The Televised TNA Product On The Road, What TNA Hoped For When Putting iMPACT On Monday Nights Last Year/What The Company Learned From The Experiment, The Professional Differences Between The WWE & TNA, What He Would Do To Differentiate TNA From The WWE Even More, Why Ring Of Honor Losing Their HDNet Television Show Is Bad For The Business, & The Real Story Behind The History-Making Night When He Captured The ECW World Heavyweight Championship From Mike Awesome While Under WWE Contract

You can listen to an MP3 of Taz on Monday Night Mayhem by clicking here.

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

The launch of his new dojo (The Team Taz Finishing Camp), what his time in the industry has taught him leading: into the launch of his newest venture, & what students can expect if trained by Taz: “The Team Taz Dojo basically encompasses everything I’ve done in my career (from ECW, to WWE, to currently TNA), because I’ve been fortunate enough to feel that I’ve learned so much about this industry about what a performer needs to do and not do in front of the curtain and behind the curtain. I’ve done a lot of the right things business wise, and I’ve done some bad things business wise, so that helps me become a better instructor to help the new generation of wrestler. The deal with my dojo is you’re dealing directly with me. This is not ‘the blind leading the blind,’ or ‘this is one of Taz’s guys…he worked out with him.’ I’m the guy that’s gonna sit there with you and break down your matches with you.”

Why he believes that TNA’s decision to take impact on the road to Fayetteville, NC for an upcoming set of television tapings next month is “well overdue” & the importance of taking the televised TNA product on the road: “I think us going to do TV on the road is something that’s well overdue. Even well before I was a member of TNA, I really think this was something that TNA should have done. It’s a lot harder to pull this off than people know. We are going to shoot TV on the road. It’s not a cheap thing, but I think Dixie (Carter) realizes that it’s something that needs to be done. They are very nice people in The iMPACT Zone, the people that come to the show, but it’s a completely different feel than when you go to a TNA live event and then you watch the audience or hear the audience on television. It’s a completely different feel. The people in The iMPACT Zone, and no knock on them, they’ve seen a lot. We put out a lot out in front of them. They get a little spoiled, and that’s only normal I think.”

What he feels are the biggest professional differences between TNA & the WWE: “It’s a different world in TNA. WWE has been around for over 50 years, so it’s like how do you prepare a company that’s been in business for 8 1/2 half years like TNA has? I knew that coming in that it was a smaller company when it comes to that, obviously since it’s a younger company. The only thing that I see that we could get better at is the amount of man power we have, and that’s just needing more bodies behind the scenes to do more things. But that comes in time.”

More is contained in Taz’s exclusive interview, including his candid thoughts & comments on the recent controversy that has stirred up online between those believing that Taz’s dojo is direct competition vs. the WWE’s forthcoming “Tough Enough” program & FCW, what TNA hoped for when putting iMPACT on Monday nights last year vs. the WWE & what the company learned from the experiment, what he would do to differentiate TNA from the WWE even more, which talents in TNA have asked him for guidance since he came into the fold, why Ring of Honor losing their HDNet television show is bad for the business, what he sees from the younger generation of wrestlers today & what they may lack, the real story behind the history-making night that took place when Taz (while performing under WWE contract) won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship from the late Mike Awesome (while performing under a WCW contract) with MNM’s very own Jim Molineaux calling it down the middle, plus so much more! Follow Taz right now on Twitter (at www.Twitter.com/OfficialTaz), and be sure to log on to www.TeamTaz13.com to find out the complete details on how you can register to be trained by “The Human Suplex Machine” at the Team Taz Finishing Camp.

TNA star Taz has announced that he is opening a new “finishing camp” aimed at helping aspiring pro wrestlers get signed with one of the major organizations.

Taz makes it very clear on TeamTaz13.com that the “Team Taz Finishing Camp” is NOT a wrestling school and is NOT for beginners. The 6-week course is for experienced aspiring wrestlers with at least 2 years of experience who are not yet ready for “prime time.” Taz and his team of coaches will work hands on with the students to put the finishing touches on their in-ring skils, mic work and more.

Here is the official mission statement for the Team Taz Finishing Camp:

My goal with this concept is to assist fellow wrestlers in learning the nuances they might be missing that is preventing them from grabbing & holding the attention of one of the Major Pro Wrestling companies.

I have been fortunate for over 20 years to have worked on both sides of the camera with ALL the power players who drive today’s Sports Entertainment industry. This is why I am in a unique position to instruct on what you might need.

I am looking to work with the people who are “right there” but struggling with how tough it is to “make it”, I BEEN there! I cannot guarantee you stardom but I can guarantee you my true dedication and knowledge of the industry and what those in power positions are looking for in their talents. Our mission is to make you a POLISHED talent in all aspects primed for the success you have earned at the NEXT LEVEL!

For more on the Team Taz Finishing School, visit TeamTaz13.com.

— The newly created TNA Immortal Championship was a belt specifically made for Jeff Hardy and thus will not replace the actual TNA World Heavyweight Championship over the long run. The assumption of many within the company is that the longtime belt will return once Hardy loses the Immortal Championship.

Though the purple belt has been panned online, a number of people within the organization are high on its appearance. One TNA source deemed it “beautiful” and raved about the designer’s attention to detail.

The word amongst the locker room was that the belt cost the company $18,000.

— TNA Wrestling color commentator Taz noted today on Twitter that he is dealing with a financial situation, which has left him highly upset.

Taz wrote, “To my supporters, Sorry I haven’t been on here for a few days. Something PISSED me off last week- so I have nothing nice to say, still mad.”

He then added, “My anger has to do with $$. Thats all I can say right now.”

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

source: PWInsider.com

— It was reported last week that TNA Knockout Sarita, who competes as Dark Angel in Mexico, was nixed from Sunday’s CMLL card due to an arm injury. In an update on the situation, SuperLuchas.net is reporting that she suffered a torn triceps in her left arm during a recent TNA Wrestling card. The multi-time wrestling champion is currently recovering in her native Canada and expected to be kept out of action through the end of August.

The injury may have occurred during her recent TV bout with Angelina Love at the July 26 iMPACT! taping as it was the last time she competed in a match. Furthermore, she was left off the following night’s television taping.

— Former ECW performer Tracy Smothers, 47, is expected to appear at tonight’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event alongside the Full Blooded Italians (F.B.I) — Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke and Sal E. Graziano.

— Mike Tenay and Taz are expected to call HardCORE Justice.

Props to f4wonline.com for some of the info used in this report:

– There has been talk of Lacey Von Erich leaving “The Beautiful People” and turning babyface.

– Taz recently talked to Hulk Hogan about bringing Mike Knox in, but “The Hulkster” reportedly had no idea who he was. Eric Bischoff, on the other hand, vaguely remembered him. Nonetheless, there is said to be slight interest in using the recently released WWE star.

– A match pitting Samoa Joe against Matt Morgan could be a late addition to Sunday’s Sacrifice pay-per-view, but a final decision had not been made as of yesterday.

— Apparently in response to an online report indicating she has had backstage issues with The Beautiful People, Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) wrote the following on her Twitter page: “To clear up rumors.I enjoy wrestling Velvet and Madison. Some people love to stir up things. Have you ever played the game telephone?”

— TNA announcer Taz is pushing creative to bring Mike Knox in, who was recently released by World Wrestling Entertainment. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— In this week’s TNA webmatch, Kazarian squares off against Generation Me member Max. You can view the bout here.

— On her Twitter account, Awesome Kong confirmed her departure from TNA Wrestling.

She wrote: “I have asked for and received an early release from my contract. I would like to thank TNA for their support in this matter.”

Kong’s profile was removed from TNA’s website earlier this week, which is their unofficial way of confirming a wrestler’s departure from the organization.

— TNA president Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter account that Rob Van Dam will be appearing at two house shows next month in Georgia. She wrote: “We have confirmed RVD for his first TNA house shows on April 22 & 23 in Macon, GA and Albany, GA.”

— Click here to view the latest episode of TNA Wrestling Today, with special guest Taz.

ECW original and TNA announcer Taz has posted a message on his Facebook.com page regarding Vince McMahon’s announcement that ECW is shutting down once and for all in 3 weeks.

Last night on Twitter, Taz wrote “thank god” WWE’s version of ECW is done and sarcastically called McMahon not thanking Paul Heyman or the ECW originals a “classy” move. On Facebook, Taz explains exactly what bothered him about McMahon’s announcement:

“Point is, why not acknowledge the Paul Heymens contributions to the industry? Or, saying thanks to all the ECW original wrestlers? A lot of blood, sweat and tears were dropped during the original ECW’s life! If you are going to thank cameramen & directors (etc) than acknowledge the past history because its well deserved.

Even if Vince McMahon did not feel Paul Heyman and the ECW originals deserved to be acknowledged, Taz feels Vince once again left money on the table by not getting the most out of an asset he bought:

“If you utilized the letters ECW to make a lot of $$$ over the past several years I would assume that your respect the history of ECW? If you would produce and sell a successful DVD documenting the companies history…I would assume you feel that the original ECW history has value….than why not give it a proper send off?”

He concluded the message by saying he’s happy the ECW letters are being retired, as they deserve to rest in peace. Visit Facebook.com to read the full blog.

Last night on ECW, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon announced that the ECW brand is being put to rest once and for all this month. WWE will be introducing a new brand, dubbed WWE NXT, which will feature the “next generation” of WWE superstars.

ECW originals Taz and Tommy Dreamer have posted messages on Twitter about McMahon’s announcement and neither sounds happy with how it was handled.

Tommy Dreamer was vague with his comments, but expressed general frustration:

“Many people have asked me why I left WWE. If you watched ECW tonight, a piece of the puzzle was revealed for my actions. Stay tuned.”

Taz on the other hand criticized Vince McMahon for not giving credit to the people who actually made ECW the force it once was. He wrote:

“So, WWE ending their ‘vision’ of ECW (thank god). ANY ORIG ECW wrestlers get a thanks? How about Paul Heyman did he get a thanks? Classy move!”

Read More: Visit PWTweets.com to follow 80+ wrestlers & divas on Twitter!

Taz posted a message on his Facebook page in response to a reader’s comment that TNA should bring in Paul Heyman and put him in charge of the creative team:

“How do u know if Paul would want to even be back in the wrestling biz?”

“How do u know if Paul was happy doing with he’s doing”

“How do you know if Vince Russo and Paul aren’t friends and talk ‘shop’ at times?

How do you know if TNA wants Paul?? How do you know if Paul wants TNA?

How do you know if Paul wasn’t offered to work for TNA already?

You don’t, sir.”

— Kanascity.com has an article that looks at WWE’s attempt to “polish” its image in hopes of attracting advertisers. The article cites WWE’s shift to TV-PG programming and the Celebrity Raw Guest host gimmick as examples of WWE attempting to broaden its appeal. Since going TV-PG, WWE has landed Pepsi, 7-Eleven stores, Mattel toys and the Army National Guard as new sponsors.

— TNA announcer Taz wrote a message on his Facebook responding to fan suggestions on how to improve the TNA product. Taz wrote:

“Folks, I get many suggestions on my Tweet/FB pages asking me to do “this” or do “that” in TNA with certain talents…just so you all hear this from me…I am NOT a member of the TNA booking team guys….so there (lol)!”

— Congratulations to former WWE Diva Stacey Keibler, who turns 30 years old today. She was born on October 14, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland.