The following are highlights from a recent Miami Herald interview with TNA Knockout Lei’D Tapa:

On being a TNA Knockout: “It’s an honor to work with TNA and to be a Knockout. It’s a great opportunity.”

On participating in TNA’s Gut Check: “I’m just really grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the [TNA] Gut Check. That put me on the radar — to get me out there and get known. It was the perfect opportunity for me and the right moment for me to be in front of the right people. For TNA to give me the opportunity to be with them and to grow as a wrestler and as an entertainer, I’m really honored and thankful.”

On working with Gail Kim: “It’s an honor to work with Gail Kim and I’m so glad I have the opportunity to be doing what we’re doing right now. She’s a great teacher to me. She’s helping me to keep growing and giving me advice. She’s a phenomenal athlete and a great, great talent. Before I started wrestling, I would watch her on TV to see how she works. Not only is she a beautiful woman, she’s a strong woman. I always believe that being a woman stands for something, and when I look at her, that’s what I see.”

Check out the complete interview online at MiamiHerald.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out the complete interview online at RingBellesOnline.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out the complete interview online at ArtOfWrestling.cz.

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

The following are highlights from a recent interview with Adam Pearce:

On rumors he was behind the #August1Warning videos: “I wasn’t surprised that a few people picked up on it. I was then crazily surprised that it seems like everybody assumed that I was going to behind those wonderful videos. … Within hours, I was obviously the guy!”

On his decision to exploit the attention received by the #August1Warning videos: “Within the first twelve hours. It was to the point where it wasn’t just fans and it wasn’t just online. I was getting texts from people who know me, and people who should know better. … If half the boys are thinking this, then why wouldn’t I use it?”

On what he expected from TNA Gut Check: “Reality television is scripted television. Pro Wrestling is scripted television. So why would ‘Reality Television within Pro Wrestling Television’ be anything other than scripted television.”

On his 7 Levels Of Hate series with Colt Cabana: “It’s a wrestling story from soup to nuts, except for all of the drama that happened 75% of the way throughout the series. I think people are going to be both surprised and really interested to see how things effected real life for guys like me and guys like Colt Cabana.”

Check out the complete interview online at BlogTalkRadio.com.

HUGE Backstage News On How Kurt Angle’s DWI Arrest GREATLY Effects TNA’s Plans!

– The official website of TNA Wrestling has announced “Bad Bones” John Klinger as the winner of the Gut Check Challenge, an online tournament.

As a result of his victory, Klinger has earned the opportunity to compete in the Gut Check Challenge on a future episode of Impact Wrestling.

Of the 6,361 votes cast in the final round, Klinger garnered 2,185. The runner-up was “Portugal’s Perfect Athlete” Shanna, who drew 1,571. Finalists were WWE Tough Enough contestant A.J. Kirsch, The Big O, Lufisto, and Chance Prophet, among other independent wrestlers.

– As seen Thursday on Impact Wrestling, Joseph Park qualified for the Bound For Glory Series by defeating Crimson. In this Inside IMPACT video, Park reacts to his big win.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzT8FHyCaOo

TNA has issued the following press release announcing the next round of Gut Check voting:

The TNA Gut Check Challenge returns! Voting begins Thursday, April 4!

The Gut Check Challenge is a competition where YOU – THE FANS – decide which competitor deserves to compete on our monthly “Gut Check” on IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV for the chance to earn a contract with TNA.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO APRIL 4 – PREVIEW THE VOTING SITE AT:
CHALLENGE.TNAGUTCHECK.COM

Starting April 4, you will need to register at challenge.tnagutcheck.com in order to vote in each bracket. IMPORTANT: You cannot change your vote. Once you vote, the bracket will be closed to you. When the next bracket opens, you can return the the voting page, sign in and vote again. Whichever competitor earns the most votes at the end of each bracket will advance to the “Winners Bracket”. Then, from June 8-15, fans will vote on which competitor from the “Winners Bracket” will get the chance to compete on IMPACT for a chance at a TNA contract!

Before voting starts, we encourage everyone to learn about the competitors by viewing their bios below! The date each bracket will be open is also listed. If you are one of the participants – make sure your friends, family and supporters know which Bracket/Dates to vote!

BRACKET 1 (April 4-6)
BAD BONES JOHN KLINGER – GUT CHECK BIO
BAD BOY SHANE ANDREWS – GUT CHECK BIO
DOUBLE D DAVE DUTRA – GUT CHECK BIO
HANDICAPPED HERO GREGORY IRON – GUT CHECK BIO
HOT STUFF Chris Marx – GUT CHECK BIO
HOTSHOT DANNY DUGGAN – GUT CHECK BIO
J-MONEY NATE BLAZER – GUT CHECK BIO
TUCKER – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 2 (April 8-10)
JUGGERNAUT JASON AXE – GUT CHECK BIO
PICTURE PERFECT Zaid Khan – GUT CHECK BIO
PORTUGAL’S PERFECT ATHLETE SHANNA – GUT CHECK BIO
THE 5 STAR SPUDD JOEY ACE – GUT CHECK BIO
The Cuban Crippler RICKY REYES – GUT CHECK BIO
THE FABULOUS FRANKIE VILLA – GUT CHECK BIO
THE IRISH DEVIL MANDRAKE – GUT CHECK BIO
THE MIGHTY NORSMAN TYR – GUT CHECK BIO
TY RENO – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 3 (April 12-14)
THE PRIME MINISTER OF PAIN JOHNNY SLAUGHTER – GUT CHECK BIO
THE SHOGUN CHRIS L.O.G.A.N. – GUT CHECK BIO
THE SHOOTER Curtis Payne – GUT CHECK BIO
YOUR LIFEGUARD Vince Beach – GUT CHECK BIO
A.J. KIRSCH – GUT CHECK BIO
ABEL ANDREW JACKSON – GUT CHECK BIO
ALLEN SHEPARD – GUT CHECK BIO
ANDY WILLILAMS – GUT CHECK BIO
TYLER SEXTON – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 4 (April 16-18)
ANGEL LOPEZ – GUT CHECK BIO
ANGEL SANTOS – GUT CHECK BIO
BARRY RYTE – GUT CHECK BIO
BARRY WOLF – GUT CHECK BIO
BENJAMIN BEDFORD – GUT CHECK BIO
BOBBY FONTA – GUT CHECK BIO
BOBBY OCEAN – GUT CHECK BIO
BRANDON DAY – GUT CHECK BIO
WILLIAM COLT – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 5 (April 20-22)
BRAYDON KNIGHT – GUT CHECK BIO
CAM!!KAZE – GUT CHECK BIO
CASEY CORESH – GUT CHECK BIO
CHAD WHITMAN – GUT CHECK BIO
CHANCE PROPHET – GUT CHECK BIO
CHASE STEVENS – GUT CHECK BIO
CHAZ MONTANA – GUT CHECK BIO
CHRIS BOHREN – GUT CHECK BIO
ZACH “THE RIPPER” CONNER – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 6 (April 24-26)
CODY JONES – GUT CHECK BIO
CRASH TEST DUMMY – GUT CHECK BIO
CRAZZY STEVE – GUT CHECK BIO
DAB SAVAGE – GUT CHECK BIO
DAMIEN CORVIN – GUT CHECK BIO
DANIELE VETTORI – GUT CHECK BIO
DASH VENTURE SULLIVAN – GUT CHECK BIO
DAVE DREAD – GUT CHECK
RED LIGHTNING – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 7 (April 28-30)
DAVE LINTON – GUT CHECK BIO
DAVID RAMOS – GUT CHECK BIO
DEANDRE JACKSON – GUT CHECK BIO
DEL CARDINAL – GUT CHECK BIO
DENNIS WATERS II – GUT CHECK BIO
DEXTER VERITY – GUT CHECK BIO
DIMITRI “ROSTO” SOLIOTOPOULOS – GUT CHECK BIO
DIONETT VATON – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 8 (May 2-4)
DUSTIN RAYZ – GUT CHECK BIO
ED HOUSE – GUT CHECK BIO
EL REBELDE NORIEGA – GUT CHECK BIO
ERIC CORVIS – GUT CHECK BIO
ETHAN HD – GUT CHECK BIO
FAÇADE – GUT CHECK BIO
FARHAN FARUQUI – GUT CHECK BIO
FLEX – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 9 (May 6-8)
FOXY ROXY – GUT CHECK BIO
FUG – GUT CHECK BIO
GARY BALLANCE – GUT CHECK BIO
HEARTATTACK MACK – GUT CHECK BIO
HOSS HAGOOD – GUT CHECK BIO
JAKE DIRDEN – GUT CHECK BIO
JAMES ALEXANDER – GUT CHECK BIO
JAMES RAMPAGE HAMBLIN – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 10 (May 10-12)
JB COOL – GUT CHECK BIO
JEREMIAH PLUNKETT – GUT CHECK BIO
JEREMY HOGEL – GUT CHECK BIO
JOHN DEER – GUT CHECK BIO
JOHNNY YUMA – GUT CHECK BIO
JOSH DANIELS – GUT CHECK BIO
JUDAS YORICK – GUT CHECK BIO
JULIAN STARR – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 11 (May 14-16)
JUSTIN RYKE – GUT CHECK BIO
JUSTYN GLORY – GUT CHECK BIO
KOWGIRL KISSEY – GUT CHECK BIO
KYLE MATTHEWS – GUT CHECK BIO
LINCE DORADO – GUT CHECK BIO
LOGAN WAIT – GUT CHECK BIO
LUFISTO – GUT CHECK BIO
LUIS OCASIO – GUT CHECK BIO
THE SAVAGE – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 12 (May 18-20)
LUSCIOUS LATASHA – GUT CHECK BIO
MARC KRIEGER – GUT CHECK BIO
MARK STERLING – GUT CHECK BIO
MAYAN WARRIOR – GUT CHECK BIO
MIA SVENSSON – GUT CHECK BIO
MICHAEL HICKS – GUT CHECK BIO
MIKE SANTIAGO – GUT CHECK BIO
MR 450 – GUT CHECK BIO
THE PUNISHER DON VEGA – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 13 (May 22-24)
MR PLATINUM – GUT CHECK BIO
N8 MATTSON – GUT CHECK BIO
NICK CUTLER – GUT CHECK BIO
NIKKI STORM – GUT CHECK BIO
OX SAWYER – GUT CHECK BIO
PIERRE EVAL – GUT CHECK BIO
PSYCHO MIKE ROLLINS – GUT CHECK BIO
PUNISHER VANSLYKE – GUT CHECK BIO
THE PROPHET – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 14 (May 26-28)
PUNJABI PRINCE JOHNNY GILL – GUT CHECK BIO
RAVENOUS RANDY – GUT CHECK BIO
RAYMOND KING – GUT CHECK BIO
REFEREE BILLY J – GUT CHECK BIO
REGGIE “THE REAL” REASON – GUT CHECK BIO
RJ SINGH – GUT CHECK BIO
ROCCO PERRELLI – GUT CHECK BIO
ROCKIN REBEL – GUT CHECK BIO
THE NOMAD DAMON DIVINE – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 15 (May 30-June 1)
RUFF RYDER RASHAAN – GUT CHECK BIO
RUTHLESS JOSH ROBINSON – GUT CHECK BIO
RYAN ARNOLD – GUT CHECK BIO
SGTMAJ PAUL LOGAN – GUT CHECK BIO
SHAWN ADAMS – GUT CHECK BIO
SHAWN SHULTZ – GUT CHECK BIO
SHERMAN TANK – GUT CHECK BIO
STARR – GUT CHECK BIO
THE GREAT WALTER ALEXANDER – GUT CHECK BIO
TITUS MACHIAVELLI – GUT CHECK BIO

BRACKET 16 (June 3-5)
STEVE BOZ – GUT CHECK BIO
STEVE DE MARCO – GUT CHECK BIO
STEVE OFF – GUT CHECK BIO
THE “GREEK GOD” PAPADON – GUT CHECK BIO
THE BENNY BLADES – GUT CHECK BIO
THE BIG O – GUT CHECK BIO
THE BUTCHER – GUT CHECK BIO
THE FLATLINERS (ASYLUM and BURNS) – GUT CHECK BIO
THE FREAK – GUT CHECK BIO
THOMAS WALTON III – GUT CHECK BIO

TNA has announced another Gut Check tryout camp, which takes place on from Ottumwa, Iowa on August 18th. Here’s the official announcement from TNA:

Think you’ve got what it takes to become the next big star? Then it’s time for a “Gut Check” – your first step in becoming an IMPACT WRESTLING superstar!

TNA Gut Check is a two-hour seminar that will cover multiple aspects of professional wrestling and participation in these ongoing seminars will be very limited. Prospective professional wrestlers, announcers, managers, valets and referees will be evaluated through promos, drills, simulated matches and in-ring work by TNA Head Agent D-Lo Brown.

Additionally, the Gut Check seminars will allow for management to scout up-and-coming talent to appear on the “Gut Check” segment of the monthly Open Fight Night on the hit Spike TV show IMPACT WRESTLING. This will give aspiring wrestlers & other talent the kind of instruction and advice they can’t receive anywhere else in the industry.

Current TNA Superstars that are Gut Check alumni include Crimson, Anthony Nese, Alex Silva and Jesse Sorenson.

For more information and to fill out an application, visit FormSite.com.