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New Japan Pro Wrestling Announce G1 Climax 25 Tournament Matches

Martin Lamont
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During tonight’s NJPW Dominion PPV the blocks were announced for the upcoming G1 Climax 25 Tournament which will be held from July 20th through August 16th.

Two matches for each of the shows as part of the G1 Climax 25 Tournament have also been confirmed which will lead up to the final on the 16th of August in Tokyo.

Block A:
Togi Makabe
Hiroshi Tenzan
Toru Yano
Doc Gallows
Bad Luck Fale
Tetsuya Naito
Katsuyori Shibata
Kota Ibushi
Hiroshi Tanahashi
AJ Styles

Block B:
Hirooki Goto
Satoshi Kojima
Yuji Nagata
Tomoaki Honma
Michael Elgin
Karl Anderson
Yujiro Takahashi
Tomohiro Ishii
Shinsuke Nakamura
Kazuchika Okada

The July rundown for the G1 Climax 25 Tournament is as follows:

20th July (Hokkaido)
AJ Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
Kota Ibushi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

23rd July (Shizouka)
Kazuchika Okada vs. Michael Elgin
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson

24th July (Kyoto)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hiroshi Tenzan
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tetsuya Naito

25th July (Kagawa)
Yuji Nagata vs. Shinskue Nakamura
Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada

26th July (Hiroshima)
Kota Ibushi vs. AJ Styles
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito

28th July (Oita)
Hirooki Goto vs. Tomoaki Honma
Satoshi Kojima vs. Kazuchika Okada

29th July (Fukuoka)
Tetsuya Naito vs. AJ Styles
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kota Ibushi

Into the month of August, the matches for the G1 Climax 25 Tournament are:

1st August (Osaka)
Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tomohiro Ishii

2nd August (Aichi)
Hiroshi Tenzan vs. Kota Ibushi
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano

4th August (Miyagi)
Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

5th August (Iwate)
Togi Makabe vs. AJ Styles
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi

7th August (Shizuoka)
Shinuske Nakamura vs. Yujiro Takahashi
Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii

8th August (Kanagawa)
Hiroshi Tenzan vs. AJ Styles
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata

9th August (Korakuen Hall – Tokyo)
Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

11th August (Korakuen Hall – Tokyo)
AJ Styles vs. Bad Luck Fale
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Togi Makabe

12th August (Korakuen Hall – Tokyo)
Yuji Nagata vs. Kazuchika Okada
Tomoaki Honma vs. Tomohiro Ishii

14th August (Ryougoku Kokugikan – Tokyo)
Togi Makabe versus Kota Ibushi
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. AJ Styles

15th August (Ryougoku Kokugikan – Tokyo)
Yuji Nagata versus Hirooki Goto
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kazuchika Okada

16th August (Ryougoku Kokugikan – Tokyo)
Block A Winner vs. Block B Winner

Multiple Title Changes At NJPW Dominion, Announcement Made For G1 Climax

Martin Lamont
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– New Japan Pro Wrestling held their PPV Dominion 7.5 at the Osaka Castle Hall on the 5th of July and multiple title changes took place at the event.

Not only that but NJPW confirmed the matches that will feature on the G1 Climax Tournament which will be held from July 20th through August 16th. They can be seen at this link.

Results for NJPW Dominion 7.5 are as follows:

Ten Man Tag Team Match
Manabu Nakanishi, Máscara Dorada, Ryusuke Taguchi, Sho Tanaka and Yuji Nagata defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Jushin Thunder Liger, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask and Yohei Komatsu

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Three Way Match
The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) (C) defeated reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly) and Roppongi Vice (Baretta and Rocky Romero)

Tag Team Match
Tetsuya Naito and Tomoaki Honma defeated Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale and Yujiro Takahashi)

Singles Match
Katsuyori Shibata defeated Kazushi Sakuraba

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match
Kushida defeated Kenny Omega (C) to become the new champion.

NEVER Openweight Title Match
Togi Makabe (C) defeated Tomohiro Ishii

IWGP Tag Team Title Match
Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) (w Amber Gallows) defeated The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Michael Bennett) (C) (w Maria Kanellis) to become the new champions.

Singles Match
Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Toru Yano

IWGP Intercontinental Title Match
Hirooki Goto (C) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura

IWGP Heavyweight Title Match
Kazuchika Okada defeated A.J. Styles (C) to become the new champion.

World Heavyweight Champion Heading To Tough Enough This Week

Martin Lamont
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1

– This Tuesday on “Tough Enough” on the USA Network, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins will guest star be featuring and assisting the contestants with a special challenge.

– On Twitter a few days ago, a series of photographs were shared on the official “Tough Enough” account featuring Rollins and the contestants as they brush up on their “character development”

“Tough Enough” airs on the USA Network at 8/7c, hosted by Chris Jericho and Renee Young followed by “Tough Talk” – the aftershow hosted by The Miz on the WWE Network.

WWE Hall Of Famer Set For Dusty Rhodes Special, The WWE List And More

Martin Lamont
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– As previously reported, immediately following RAW tomorrow night, the WWE Network will air a one hour live special where WWE Superstars and Legends will talk about Dusty Rhodes.

PWInsider are noting that one of the legends WWE plan on bringing to Chicago for the live special is WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair.

– This coming Tuesday on the WWE Network a new episode of “The WWE List” will air at 4:30pm EST looking at “the Royalist of Superstars that WWE has ever been graced with!”

– Michael Cole noted during the WWE’s “Beast in the East” special yesterday that Nikki Bella has begun her campaign to become the longest reigning Divas Champion in WWE History. S

She posted the following on Instagram after her match with Paige and Tamina:

https://instagram.com/p/4vBmJLCkCH/

The photo had the following caption:

What an honor defending and retaining my Divas Championship in Tokyo. On the road to 300 days. Through jet lagged and injuries I gave it all I had last night and I succeeded. Couldn’t have done it without my #BellaArmy support. We stand strong and proud! Love you! ???????? #DivasChamp #FearlessNikki #FearlessDivasChampion #RoadTo300Days #WWETokyo #Repost

Finn Balor Comments On His Win In Japan, Congratulated By Other Superstars

Martin Lamont
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– Moments after winning the WWE NXT Championship at WWE’s Beast in the East live event in Tokyo, Japan, Finn Balor was congratulated by a number of Superstars backstage.

In the video above, after defeating Kevin Owens for his first title reign in the WWE Balor was congratulated by Cesaro, Neville, United States Champion John Cena and William Regal.

– Following the match against Kevin Owens yesterday in Japan, Balor took to his Twitter account and shared the following photo:

If you missed the match then you can watch the full show at this link.

TNA Knockouts Knockdown 2015 Pay-Per-View Lineup

Matt Boone
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TNA Slammiversary won’t be the final pay-per-view in TNA history after all. TNA will return to the pay-per-view arena all throughout July, as TNA Knockouts Knockdown 2015 is now available.

The event was taped back on February 14th in Orlando, Florida and features an all-Knockouts card.

Below is the lineup for TNA Knockouts Knockdown 2015:

* Cherry Bomb vs. Gail Kim
* Solo Darling vs. Havok
* Rosita vs. Angelina Love
* Su Yung vs. Taryn Terrell
* Mia Yim (Jade) vs. Brooke Tessmacher
* Alisha vs. Madison Rayne
* Andrea vs. Awesome Kong
* Knux, Crazzy Steve and Rebel vs. Jessie Godderz, Robbie E and Angelina Love
* 7 Knockouts Gauntlet Match to crown the Queen of the Knockouts

Jim Ross Blog: JR’s Rumored Issues With Big Show, EC3 TNA Title Win & More

Matt Boone
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WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has updated his official blog with some of his latest thoughts and comments. Below are some of the highlights:

On rumored issues with Big Show: “One question I’ve been asked many times regarding the Big Show apparently saying on a podcast that he was “never one of my guys” while I was in charge of talent roster in WWE. That’s news to me. It was Jerry Brisco and who I who made the first contact in person with Show to begin recruiting him to come to WWE which was the smartest thing that Paul Wight ever did. It was my wife who invited Show and his former manager into our home where she cooked him a meal fit for a king including home made biscuits and apple butter which we have given him as a gift occasionally through the years. I have always thought the world of Paul Wight and still do. Yes, Vince McMahon and I decided to send Paul to developmental to help him with his fundamentals and to give him the opportunity to lose some needed weight to improve his overall health and to help us maximize our significant investment. If that was being unfair, then so be it.

The role that I fulfilled in assembling our talent roster as EVP of Talent Rations was a thankless one but I knew that when I took the job. Tough decisions have to be made and if encouraging someone to lose weight is a bad thing then I was guilty. Show wasn’t the only performer with who we addressed this matter. Plus, how many 500 pound men do you know that live long, healthy lives? We also addressed these issues with Yokozuna and Vader who we both wanted to achieve optimum health.

Our system of scouting, signing and developing talent seemed to work pretty well because, in the opinion of many, the best roster that WWE ever had or will have was during the time around the Attitude Era. I hope that roster is surpassed some day but only time will tell.”

On EC3 winning the TNA title: “Congrats to EC3 and Kurt Angle for having, along with The Wolves and the Dirty Heels, a helluva wrestling match Wednesday night on Destination America and it’s unfortunate that the TV ratings did not reflect the effort and execution of talents involved. EC3 has been well programmed for his new role and getting the torch passed from Kurt Angle is one of the best things that will ever happen in EC3’s career.”

On WWE lawsuit issues: “Sad that it seems that some “Ambulance Chasing” attorneys never go away and are attempting to convince some former wrestlers to seek monies from WWE, and no other companies or promoters, for alleged concussion related issues supposedly received during their years in various wrestling rings while working for multiple companies. While I have compassion for anyone suffering, to blame WWE for all their issues seems ludicrous. This seems like a frivolous lawsuit lead by barristers who want to earn a payday for themselves and their gullible clients many of who did not prepare for their future, create an adequate self employment/independent contractor personal, business structure likes thousands of electricians, plumbers, truck drivers, farmers, carpenters, etc.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

Triple H Comments On Brock Lesnar, Update On His Status For RAW This Monday

Martin Lamont
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– At today’s “Beast in the East” live event which took place in Tokyo, Japan and was shown on the WWE Network, Brock Lesnar defeated New Day member Kofi Kingston.

After the match both Xavier Woods and Big E came to the ring and were also taken out by Lesnar, Triple H tweeted the following after the attack:

– While we’re talking Brock Lesnar, during the live event, Michael Cole noted that this coming Monday on RAW (July 6th) Lesnar will be in Chicago to confront Seth Rollins.

Lesnar will be seeking Payback on Rollins and the Authority after they attacked him a few weeks ago on RAW, standing tall at the end of the show as seen below.

WWE’s “Beast In The East” Main Event Videos, Triple H Thanks Fans For Watching

Martin Lamont
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4

– Following the “Beast in the East” live show from Tokyo, Japan which was broadcast on the WWE Network, the WWE have shared two videos one of which features Finn Balor taking on Kevin Owens.

The second short video features the “Beast in the East” himself Brock Lesnar in his match against New Day member Kofi Kingston. The full show can be seen here – with results here.

– Shortly after the event, Triple H took to Twitter to thank everyone from around the world for tuning into the live event:

WWE’s “Beast In The East” Dark Matches, Chris Jericho Comments On His Match

Martin Lamont
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10

– Earlier this morning, WWE their “Beast in the East” live event on the WWE Network around the world from the Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Results from the show can be seen at this link.

Two dark matches took place at the event including The Lucha Dragon defeating New Day members Xavier Woods and Big E, while Cesaro defeated Diego of Los Matadores.

– Chris Jericho opened the live event in Tokyo by taking on Neville and following his match he posted the following on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/p/4tklZTmDoo/

https://instagram.com/p/4tlh-3GDqH/

Triple H Shares Photo Of Finn Balor, Note On Why Naomi Missed Show

Martin Lamont
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5

At today’s WWE live event “Beast In The East” which was shown around the world on the WWE Network, Finn Balor defeated Kevin Owens to become the new WWE NXT Champion.

Following the match, WWE Hall of Famer Tatsumi Fujinami came out to congratulate Balor. After this Owens declined a handshake from Balor.

This is Balor’s first title run within the WWE and Triple H tweeted a photo shortly after the match showing Balor backstage with his title.

– During the WWE Network Special, the Divas Championship match was advertised as being Nikki Bella defending against Naomi and Paige.

As noted Tamina had replaced Naomi and fans began asking Naomi on Twitter why she wasn’t at the show and she explained the tweet below that they were dealing with the loss of a family member:

WWE Network’s Live Special “Beast In The East” Results

Martin Lamont
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WWE were live this morning (July 4th) from Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan for their “Beast in the East” special event which was broadcast on the WWE Network.

The event has been focused around Brock Lesnar making his return to Japan where he would compete in a WWE ring for the first time since WrestleMania 31 where he lost the WWE Championship.

Below are the results for the show:

Chris Jericho vs Neville
Winner: Chris Jericho by making Neville submit with the Lion Tamer.

WWE Divas Championship
Paige vs. Tamina vs. Nikki Bella (c)
Winner: Nikka Bella retains with a forearm on Tamina.

Kofi Kingston vs. Brock Lesnar
Winner: Lesnar wins with an F5 and attacks New Day after the match.

WWE NXT Championship
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens (c)
Winner: Finn Balor wins after defeating Kevin Owens with a Coup De Grace.

John Cena & Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane & King Barrett
Winner: John Cena and & Dolph Ziggler win after Cena hits the AA on King Barrett.

If you didn’t get to see the show live then click this link to be taken to the WWE Network where you can catch a replay of exactly what went down.

Hulk Hogan Talks WrestleMania 32, Triple H Bringing Him Back To WWE & More

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WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is still itching to get back in the ring, telling Sean Fewster of Australia’s Adeliade Now publication that it’s been “very, very hard” for him to follow the business from the sidelines.

“I’m ready to jump out of my seat and say ‘you can do it better’ or ‘your timing is off’ or ‘that was really good … It just feels like my spirit wants to jump out of my body.

But you have to look in the mirror and say, ‘You’re 61, you’ve had surgeries, it’s not your time.’ It’s been hard for me to accept that. It’s coloured my principles. But I’ve found peace, I’ve found a lot of happiness, in the fact that I’ve been offered a job as the ambassador.”

Hogan said he met with Vince McMahon shortly after WrestleMania 31 and pitched the idea of getting back in the ring at next year’s WrestleMania 32 next year from Arlington, Texas.

“I had a run-in with Vince McMahon after the last WrestleMania. I saw him in the lobby and said: ‘I know what’s going on. Next year, WrestleMania is in Dallas and you’re going to try to break my attendance record. Let me tell you something, brother, there’s no way you’re running that show next year without me on the card! Whether it’s for my last hurrah, my retirement match, my next run, or to beat whoever the champion is and be champion again!’ Vince shook my hand and said, ‘I look forward to it.'”

He also gave credit to Triple H for his current role with WWE, who reached out to him after Hogan finished up with TNA.

“This ambassador position means I can still be a part of the big show, and I thank Triple H for that. If not for him, this thing between Vince McMahon and I – this heat – would still be bad,” Hogan said. “Vince made me feel so welcome when he explained to me I’m the glue that bonds the father, the son and the grandson that watch wrestling.”

Hogan will be joining WWE for next month’s live events tour of Australia. He’ll serve as the guest General Manager for all three shows in Brisbane (8/6), Melbourne (8/7), and Sydney (8/8).

Will NXT Takeover: Brooklyn Air Live On The WWE Network?

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On Friday, WWE COO Triple H announced that NXT will be invading the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night, August 22nd during SummerSlam weekend.

While the initial tweet did not mention if the show will be aired live on the WWE Network, WWE.com has confirmed that this will in fact be a live Network special.

“The Superstars and Divas of Tomorrow have set the wrestling world on fire with the NXT TakeOver live specials on WWE Network, which have all emanated from Full Sail University in Florida — until now.

As announced by WWE COO Triple H, on Saturday, Aug. 22, NXT will invade the Barclays Center on the eve of The Biggest Party of The Summer for the seventh NXT live special.”

Kurt Angle Undergoing Neck Surgery, How Long He’ll Be Out

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TNA star Kurt Angle has posted a new blog update at his website with some comments about his upcoming neck surgery and how long he expects to be out of action.

Angle says he’ll be undergoing surgery next week to address a benign tumor in his neck and expects to be out of action for “about a month.”

TNA’s next set of Impact Wrestling TV tapings take place from July 22-30 from Orlando, Florida.

“Thank you all for your incredible support,” Angle wrote. “Your comments have kept my spirits high throughout this trying time. Much Love, Kurt.”

Photo From Special WWE HOF Ceremony, Barrett Reveals He Wants The WWE Championship

Martin Lamont
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– While many of the WWE talent are in Japan for their tour – including tomorrow’s big WWE Network Live Special, they also held a special Hall of Fame ceremony.

The ceremony was held in honor of 2015 WWE Hall of Famer Tatsumi Fujinami at today’s live event in Toyko and a photo was shared online showing NXT’s Hideo Itami also in the ring.

The full card for tomorrow’s WWE Network Special the “Beast in the East” in Tokyo, Japan can be found by clicking on this link.

https://instagram.com/p/4q_CuwAFBi/

– Over on The Jakarta Post, they have an interview with WWE Superstar King Barrett who has been promoting the WWE Live event in Singapore.

During the interview he revealed that he wanted to be the first English wrestler to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

“That is definitely a goal of mine to the World Championship,” he said. “I need more time and I will wait for my opportunity and that is where I am at right now.” Read more at this link.

Brie Bella Comments On Daniel Bryan’s In-Ring Future

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Last month, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart declared that Daniel Bryan’s in-ring career is over, he just doesn’t know it yet. Bryan’s wife, Brie Bella, remains optimistic that Bryan will in fact wrestle again because he’s “stronger than any man I haver met.”

During an interview with BBC to promote the new season of Total Divas, Brie said there have been “some very positive things in his recovery” – without getting into specific details.

He has such a fight in him so I feel you will see him back in that ring. I know my husband’s dreams. Granted, he’s done so much in the wrestling business – and it’s not over forever – but it’s not supposed to end this way.”

Brie said they talk every day about his recovery and his desire to get back into the ring.

“He needs a lot of prayers. We talk about this daily and he will get back in that ring. That is his goal and I believe in him. I really do,” Brie said.

WWE 2K16 Cover Art To Be Revealed During Next Week’s RAW In Chicago

Martin Lamont
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63

The next big WWE game “WWE 2K16” is due to be released on the 27th of October on a number of consoles including Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.

It has been revealed that the game will feature 120 unique characters for you to use at your disposal – that doesn’t include multiples of superstars like we’ve seen in the past.

This will make WWE 2K16 the largest roster in any WWE game in history. The roster will feature superstars from WWE, NXT, WWE Legends and there’s a possibility for some ECW Originals.

The reveal, according to this tweet is set to take place during this week’s episode of RAW live in Chicago – July 6th:

PWInsider are reporting that 2K are working hard to ensure the roster is as up to date as it possibly can be and that even Samoe Joe could be included.

The first six superstars for the game were confirmed last month and can be seen at this link while Finn Balor posted a photo of himself alongside his character which can be seen here.

Dan Spivey Weighs In On Health-Related Lawsuits Against WWE, Praises Rehab Assistance Program

Daniel Pena
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Former WWE Superstar Dan Spivey (a/k/a Waylon Mercy), who now works as a sober coach providing one-on-one assistance to recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, offered his take on the current slew of lawsuits against WWE from former performers who claim they have suffered long-term health problems from working for the organization.

He wrote on his personal Facebook page:

To my fans, I am sure you have seen posts regarding former WWF/WWE Superstars who are taking part in a law suit against Vince and the WWE. The suit is in regard to injuries incurred, wrestlers forced to work hurt and forced to take pain medication and steroids.

I just wanted to let you all know my opinion about this law suit, which simply put, I don’t agree with it.

I got into wrestling because I loved it. I wanted more than anything to be a WWF/WWE Superstar. Did I get injured? Yes. 6 hip replacements, neck fusion, knee replacement, plus a few other minor injuries, but I was never forced to work hurt and these never stopped me from living my dream. Did I work 7 days a week? Yes, because in the 80s thats what you did to be the best at what you loved. Because of the WWF/WWE I traveled the world, I became a household name, and loved it!

Did I have an addiction to drugs and alcohol? Yes, but not because of wrestling, but because of me. I can tell you, 6 years later I am clean and sober…because of the WWE. The WWE has a program in place where former WWF/WWE Superstars can go to a rehab facility, all expenses paid, no questions asked, which I was able to take advantage of. The WWE has had this program in place since 2007.

Because of the WWF/WWE they allowed me to live my dream and then helped to save my life. I have no regrets or ill feelings, I am grateful for the WWF/WWE for giving this good ole country boy a chance to live his dream. Again, I don’t agree with the law suit, and I wanted you my fans, who have been faithful to me and continue to keep the name Dan Spivey aka Waylon Mercy alive, to know my opinion in this matter.

There were a lot of good hands that never got a chance to work for the WWF/WWE, and part of the law suit is that they want to form a union. For every guy that would walk out, there would be 10 guys that would cross the picket line and work for free just to say that they worked for the WWE.

This statement is my opinion.

Thank you all for all the years that you have supported me
God Bless
Dan Spivey

The complete list of WWE drug suspensions

NXT TakeOver Special From Brooklyn Announced For 8/22

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Triple H has been teasing a big announcement regarding NXT during SummerSlam weekend and boy did he deliver.

WWE’s COO revealed on Friday afternoon that NXT will not only be holding a live event in Brooklyn, New York during SummerSlam weekend, but that the event will take place from the Barclay’s Center and will be a special TakeOver event that will likely air live on the WWE Network.

NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn takes place on Saturday, August 22nd, the night before SummerSlam.

The Barclay’s Center is the largest venue to host an NXT show to date, by a long shot. It remains to be seen how many tickets are made available and how much of the venue they can fill up. This is a bold move by WWE and a wise strategic move in their quest to make NXT a viable touring brand.

ROH Turns Down Working With TNA, TNA Exec Threatens To Poach Their Talent

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As noted earlier this week, TNA’s working relationship with Global Force Wrestling was a ‘last resort’ after the company was turned down by Ring of Honor and other promotions.

TNA Executive Bob Ryder, who has been lashing out on Twitter against Dave Meltzer and various reports circulating about TNA, went on the TNA Mecca forum and addressed the TNA-ROH situation.

Ryder acknowledges that ROH was not interested in “doing business” with TNA and suggests, “Maybe we should get aggressive and go after some of their unsigned talent? That would be interesting.”

Video: Must-See EC3 Promo After Becoming TNA World Heavyweight Champion

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TNA has published a must-see promo of EC3 reacting to his TNA World Heavyweight championship victory over Kurt Angle on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

EC3 talks about his 13-year journey to the gold, the injuries that have tested his will along the way and the people in ‘other companies’ who used their influence to bury him and convince the people in power that he didn’t have what it takes.

EC3 has been one of the standout acts on TNA for quite some time now. He’s a deserving champion, a great choice to be the new face of TNA and knocked it out of the park with this promo.

TNA & ROH Draw Record Low Ratings This Week

Matt Boone
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Ring of Honor saw a slip in viewership on Wednesday night, while TNA Impact Wrestling took a significant hit in the numbers.

Impact Wrestling drew an all-time record low of 267,000 viewers and a 0.09 rating in the 18 – 49 demographic for its post-Slammiversary edition of the show this week. Those numbers are down 28 percent and 25 percent from the week before and are the lowest ratings for an original Destination America airing of the show to date.

The previous low was the first Wednesday episode, which aired on June 3rd. That show drew 297,000 viewers and a 0.09 demo rating.

Impact Wrestling’s midnight replay added just 51,000 viewers and a 0.01 demo rating, down from last week’s 82,000 and 0.03.

This week’s edition of ROH TV drew 157,000 viewers and a 0.05 demo rating, down 15 percent in viewers from last week’s 185,000. The viewership was the lowest on Destination America but the rating was tied for last week with the highest yet.

ROH’s 11pm replay drew 81,000 viewers and a 0.03 demo rating, down from last week’s 145,000 and 0.04.

Mike Tenay On TNA’s Uncertain Future, Always Featuring Former WWE Stars

Matt Boone
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1

Longtime TNA announcer Mike Tenay recently appeared as a guest on The In The Room podcast to discuss a number of topics. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On uncertainty in TNA over the years: “There was the chance, when we got going, to take this to another level. But realistically, when you look back at the fact that we were – in terms of the wrestling business model – doing it completely backwards. We were running a pay-per-view show without having the regular television show to drive people to the pay-per-view … You look at that business model and you just say “How the heck could that thing succeed?” Fortunately, even after a little stumble after the first couple of months, we received the new investors: the Carter family got involved. They were able to keep us going in that environment … In spite of all [the] negatives, we were able to attract Spike TV. Gosh, if you look back, you would have to say it was a long shot for a company that started off as just a pay-per-view company, for a company that had had its obituary written on many, many occasions. It’s one of those things that we think about every year at the anniversary time and it’s definitely one of the things that I was thinking about this past week and this past weekend, when we celebrated our 13th year in business, which is just amazing.”

On TNA bringing former WWE stars vs. bringing in experienced indie wrestling talent: “Obviously you’re going to need a mix, going forward. That’s the first thing that you have to think about. I don’t think it’s great to have a roster that’s overloaded with veterans, and I think at the same time it’s very difficult to start with a group of independent names that haven’t really achieved a lot on the national stage.The perfect mix, and as I look and see what we’ve done in the past year plus, I don’t think that TNA gets enough credit. The fact that we’re able to maintain a roster of the established people … and what we’ve been able to do in terms of bringing new young talent to the forefront … and combining them in an effort where you have, obviously, the veterans there to give the rub to that new young talent, which you’re always going to have to do.”

Check out the complete interview at VOCNation.com.

Lita Talks About WWE Tough Enough, Being A Trainer, Her Favorite Match

Matt Boone
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WWE Hall Of Famer Amy “Lita” Dumas recently appeared as a guest on The Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast this week. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On her recent Tough Enough experience and her thoughts on the contestants: “It’s incredible. I’m there with Booker T and Billy Gunn and of course all of us having cut our teeth and not just ending up accidentally signing up for a TV show, it’s hard to not have a slight bit of “what do these kids have”? But I will say some of those kids actually brought it and the ones who didn’t were really gone in an instant. I was excited about doing the show and after the first three days of the mini camp and seeing what we were going to have to work with for the next 10 weeks. I am really excited to develop these potential WWE Superstars or if they don’t make it they will have a super unique experience they were in on. ”

On the respect of the contestants: “Each one of them and especially the ones that come from an acting background or a football background made it a point to come over to me and say what you (guys) do is really, really hard and that they have a whole new level of respect for what we do. I appreciate them coming up and saying that and game on!”

On how the contestants handled the eliminations: “The first group of cuts was the easiest. Even though there are some of the cuts that were a bummer, you can’t have everyone on the show. Those I can’t speak for as much because I do think some of them will find whatever is for them, the ones that weren’t cut it could have easier have been the person next to them and it’s a tough competition. We went through over 11,000 videos to get the 40 that were there in the first place. I’d be curious if there wasn’t just a hair of relief that they weren’t the ones chosen when they walked out the door.”

On the training process: “Myself, Billy Gunn and Booker T will be in the trenches. We are going to be there the most and training them at the performance center. They have unlimited resources there. They aren’t just popping in and filming a TV show. They are going to get some real hands on experience. Then Paige, (Hulk) Hogan and Daniel Bryan will come in and say what do you guys have and then with (Chris) Jericho hosting he will be throwing in his two cents. I think they will really gain an advantage with us getting to know them and if we see something in them and knowing what Paige, Hogan and Daniel Bryan will be looking for having been in there spot, I’ve already seen myself getting an attachment to some of the kids. I am not known for being super emotional but you might see a tear or two because I am getting attached to those kids.”

On her favorite match as a fan: “Victoria and I were in a baby-face feud at the time and I was doing some research to see what stood out to me and there was a double baby-face match of Shawn (Michael) and Bret (Hart) and watching these two incredible personalities and athletes have this match it stands out to me as I was watching it as a great match and then watching at as being in school for an hour watching it and re-watching it again and building such a level of respect for that match and what they did.”

Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.

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