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Justin Gabriel Skydiving (Video), Hulk Hogan/Tough Enough, More

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– WWE Hall Of Famer noted on social media on Friday that he is in Orlando, Florida doing promotional work for the upcoming new season of WWE Tough Enough. “The Hulkster” tweeted the following.

– SEScoops.com reader Danny Warren sent along the following video clip that features former WWE Superstar Justin Gabriel making history as he jumps out of an airplane to discuss his Canadian Wrestling’s Elite debut for the “Fear Factor Tour.” For more on CWE, visit their official website at CWECanada.ca.

You can check out the Gabriel skydiving clip below.

Update On The Future Of Lucha Underground

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Lucha Underground talent has still not been told anything definitive about a second season or another round of TV tapings.

Since Lucha Underground has first priority over their talent’s bookings, a lot of the guys have been holding off on agreeing to work shows in August and September, when the first round of tapings would take place for season 2.

Company officials are still moving forward under the assumption that there will be a second season and there is strong interest in bringing in former EVOLVE star AR Fox.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Ring Of Honor “Best In The World” PPV Results

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Ring of Honor held their Best in The World PPV event on Friday night in New York, New York at the Terminal 5. Here are the results:

– Mark Briscoe with ODB defeated Donovan Dijak.

– The Decade (Adam Page and BJ Whitmer) defeated Matt Sydal and ACH.

– Dalton Castle defeats Silas Young.

– War Machine defeat C & C Wrestling Factory.

– #1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match: Roderick Strong defeats Moose and Michael Elgin.

– The Bullet Club (AJ Styles and the Young Bucks) defeated the Kingdom (Matt Taven, Michael Bennett and Adam Cole).

– No DQ Tag Team Title Match: The Addiction (C) defeated ReDRagon.

– Champion vs. Champion Match: Jay Lethal defeated Jay Briscoe to become the new ROH World Heavyweight Champion.

Dolph Ziggler’s WWE Contract Expiring, Speculation He’s Leaving

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Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler’s contract is expiring in just a few months and there’s a lot of speculation that he could be leaving the company later this year.

Ziggler has been understandably frustrated about the way he’s been booked over the past few years and has been branching out into standup comedy.

During a recent episode of MLW Radio, former WWE creative writer Court Bauer commented on the possibility leaving WWE, noting that it’s a similar situation to John Morrison’s departure. Bauer said:

“Dolph’s deal is up in a few months and he has indicated informally that unless he gets a big push, he may leave like Mundo.”

Davey Richards On What To Expect At TNA Slammiversary, Training With WWE HOF’er

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TNA performer Davey Richards was interviewed to promote the upcoming TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view event. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On what to anticipate at TNA Slammiversery: “We are going to do what we always do and go out there and deliver the best package of professional wrestling match that we can on the planet today. For this one, I don’t want to spill the beans but we’re going to have something truly special and something that hasn’t been done in a very long time and it takes a very unique blend and a lot of trust from a company to do and they are going to allow us to do it. It’s going to be something that I think we are going to be remembered for a very long time and something I’m very proud to be a part of. So definitely don’t miss it.”

On training under “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Tony Kozina: “Paul was real old school. When I say old school, people always say what does that mean. He was really just get in there and do the basics over and over and over again I have a lot of respect for what you do where you had to have it perfect because you were taking someone’s life in your hands. I learned all the basics and a real good fundamental grasp of wrestling and Tony really helped me out with getting out there and getting my name known and getting out there and travelling and being recognized and really sacrificed a lot of things for himself to really help me get out there and make my name. I wouldn’t be where I am today without either one of those guys so I’m eternally in debt both are great guys. Paul was a little more scary and a little more stern and Tony is definitely the funniest person I have ever met so it’s very unique blend of guys.”

Check out the complete interview by clicking here.

Bret Hart Says Daniel Bryan’s Career Is Over, Explains Why Roman Reigns Isn’t Getting Over

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog to discuss the state of WWE, Daniel Bryan’s future, Roman Reigns and much more. It’s a great read and definitely worth checking out.

Despite Daniel Bryan telling fans that he’s optimistic about returning to the ring one day, Bret Hart says he’s seen this story play out before and thinks Bryan has wrestled his last match.

“Daniel Bryan is finished,” said Hart. “He’ll never wrestle again. I don’t think he knows it yet. I feel terrible about Daniel Bryan. For all intents and purposes, he had the exact same thing happen to him that happened to me after Bill Goldberg kicked me in the head [ending Hart’s career].

“One day, you learn it’s over. Doctors tell you that you can’t wrestle and you’ll never wrestle again. I lost millions of dollars because of that. I pray that it’s not the same for Daniel Bryan.”

Hart also talked about why Roman Reigns didn’t get over the way WWE expected, and sees a strong similarity between Reigns’ character and a former rival of his.

“It was so manufactured that it hurt someone who was naturally getting over on his own,” said Hart. “As soon as the company decided they were going to make him the star, people started to sour on him. Roman Reigns is a really good wrestler and he’ll find his path. He turned the corner at WrestleMania when the fans accepted him on his own merit just ‘cause he had a great match.

“But, in the creation of Roman Reigns, he seems to now be a lot like Triple H’s character. Long hair, indestructible, no facials, he’s always angry, and there’s no softness in his eyes, so it’s very hard to get sympathy. All of that was poorly thought out.

Other topics discussed include the passing of Dusty Rhodes, Dustin and Cody, Seth Rollins and much more.

Hogan/Gawker Lawsuit On “Good Morning America,” ESPN Honors Dusty Rhodes

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– Mainstream sports news outlet ESPN paid tribute to the late, great “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes during a SportsCenter segment. The hosts of the show, Jay Harris and Robert Flores, both shared their own personal memories of Rhodes during the segment, which you can watch at ESPN.com.

– The Gawker-Hulk Hogan lawsuit was covered on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday. The segment, which featured an interview with Hogan’s attorney, was introduced by Robin Roberts. As previously reported, Hogan is suing Gawker for $100 million over the sex tape, which involved Hogan and Bubba The Love Sponge’s now ex-wife. The trial begins on July 6th.

Dusty Rhodes’ Former Valet Baby Doll Talks Working With Him, His Death & More

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Former wrestling valet Baby Doll (aka Nickla Roberts), who worked during the 1980s alongside the late Dusty Rhodes, recently spoke with the folks at Busted Open Radio for an interview. Below are some highlights.

On hearing the news of Dusty’s death: “It was a shock to me too. It’s one of those things that you always … it hits ya and then you think “Wow, I wish I had just one more time to see him just one more time to do one more Fan Fest or one more autograph show just to see Dusty again. He was such an icon in my life. For a lot of us, he made us stars. He made us household names. He made us legends and I am forever grateful for that.”

On her time with Dusty: “I was so young then too. I was in my early 20s and the guys were a little bit older, they were more established in wrestling, like in their early 30s, you know a little bit later, and for them to take me in and to be a girl, and to be the only girl that was working at that time in that huge area, I couldn’t ask for a better respect that was given to me and how I was treated and just everything that was given to me… it was amazing, it really was.”

On Dusty’s creative genius: “He took what was going on already and just bumped it up. That was one of the things that got me started. I had two showed left with World Class, and that was the two shows in Miami and Tampa that I had against Stella Mae, and it was Christmas Day and the day after that that was in like 1984. So I only had two shows left and I didn’t have any more bookings after that, I was done. I didn’t know quite what I was going to do. I knew that Michael Hayes was promoting Florida so I landed and I got in a rented car and stopped at the first liquor store and got a huge bottle of Jack Daniels and went to go talk to Michael Hayes… and Michael Hayes was like “Oh no honey, I’m getting ready to close down Florida, it’s slowed down a lot. Who you need to talk to is, go talk to Dusty. You know Dusty. He’s over there in the other dressing room. He’s getting ready to do big things in North Carolina. It’s already goin’, but North Carolina is literally about ready to blow up.” And Michael Hayes had put Dusty over and this was in like December of 1984 and Michael Hayes predicted it… that Dusty was getting ready to do something amazing in North Carolina and that’s where I needed to go. And I went over there and Dusty was sitting down and Tully was standing off to the side and I was kind of like “Well, here I am… I’d sure like to work some more… do you think you can use me?” They went out and watched my match and after that it was history because they were looking for the perfect 10 at the time and Dusty just saw that character in me… he just saw a lot that he could work with. But I just thought that it was so cool that back in December of 1984 that Michael Hayes predicted all of that.”

On how many young superstars that he took under his wing and got the best out of and Dusty’s lasting legacy: “It was done the right way. It showed a created part of wrestling. It was very cool what he did. He had a magic. It was just something that I will forever be grateful for. And it was the same thing with Big Momma, Jimmy Valiant’s ex-wife… the character that he brought out in her — that was fantastic. Like “Here, I’m giving you my women… I’m giving you my woman off the street to make you feel better man!” (laughs) And I’m like, “Oh my god, how are you doing this?” It was awesome. And if you look at my face in some of the promos, like when I’m standing back behind Dusty, and he’s talking, you can kind of see it on my face like “Oh my god, are you really saying this? I can’t believe you’re saying this”. It just cracks me up because he was just so much more and even with his passing it’s so cool to hear everybody talking great things about him. But even before this, I can’t even think of anybody that said anything bad about Dusty. It was always… Dusty was making a lot of money and made a lot of people money and how creative he was.”

Check out the complete interview at BustedOpenNation.com.

ROH “Best In The World” PPV Lineup For Tonight: Champion vs. Champion

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Ring Of Honor will be holding their “Best in the World 2015” pay-per-view event on Friday night, June 19th at 9pm EST., headlined by a “Champion vs. Champion” match featuring ROH Champion Jay Briscoe vs. ROH TV Champion Jay Lethal.

Below is the final lineup for tonight’s show, which takes place live from New York City’s Terminal 5:

– C&C Wrestle Factory (Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander) vs War Machine (Hanson & Raymond Rowe)

– Silas Young vs. Dalton Castle

– ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction (Chris Daniels/Frankie Kazarian) vs. reDRagon (Bobby Fish/Kyle O’Reilly): no DQ

– Mark Briscoe (w/ODB) vs. Donovan Dijak (w/Truth Martini)

– Matt Sydal & ACH vs. The Decade (BJ Whitmer/Adam Page)

– The Kingdom (Adam Cole/Michael Bennett/Matt Taven) w/Maria Kannellis vs. Bullet club (AJ Styles/Young Bucks)

– #1 Contender’s Match: Roderick Strong vs. Michael Elgin vs. Moose

– Title vs. Title: ROH Champion Jay Briscoe vs. TV Champion Jay Lethal

Make sure to visit us here at SEScoops.com later this evening for a complete ROH “Best In The World” PPV report.

Vickie Guerrero Announces She Is Engaged

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Former WWE personality Vickie Guerrero announced on Facebook that she’s engaged to be married. She posted:

“Kris Benson….YES!! I will marry you!!!!”

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Vickie Guerrero is the widow of wrestling legend Eddie Guerrero, who passed away from heart failure back in 2005. She left WWE last year and is now working in the field of medical administration.

WWE Working On Christmas Special, WWE & NXT Attendance, Screwjobs

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– Below are some recent WWE & NXT attendance figures:

June 11th in Pittsburgh for NXT drew a sellout of 1,600 fans
June 12th in Cleveland for NXT drew a sellout of 1,300 fans
June 12th in Springfield, IL drew 3,500 fans (John Cena tour)
June 13th in Columbus for NXT drew a sellout of 1,100 fans
June 13th in Terre Haute, IN drew 3,000 fans (John Cena tour)
June 13th in Dayton drew 5,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
June 14th in Columbus for Money In the Bank drew a sellout of 13,000 fans
June 15th in Cleveland for RAW drew a sellout of 13,000 fans

– WWE is working on a Christmas DVD special that will feature WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle hosting. The project was taped last week at the Santa’s Village theme park in New Hampshire.

– The latest edition of WWE’s “5 Things” video, which you can view below, looks at 5 Screwjobs That Shocked Sports Entertainment.

https://youtu.be/nGaY2kSIQdw

Video: WWE To Hire OVW’s Mike Hayes After All

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Mike Hayes, the OVW star and decorated war veteran who took part in the WWE Tough Enough tryouts but was ultimately eliminated before the final cut, is reportedly going to be hired by WWE after all..

WWE released a video on Thursday, which you can view above, of WWE Senior Director of Talent Development, Canyon Ceman, informing Hayes that he will have an opportunity in WWE when he feels he is ready, noting that the company always honors its’ word.

Check out the video released by WWE above.

WWE Tough Enough Post-Show To Air On WWE Network

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WWE issued a press release today to announce details on where and when fans will be able to tune into the WWE Tough Enough post-show.

Below is the press release with all of the details:

STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE Network will exclusively air Tough Talk, a live recap show hosted by WWE Superstar The Miz, starting Tuesday, June 23 at 9/8 C, immediately following the new hard-hitting reality series, WWE Tough Enough on USA Network. During the half-hour program, The Miz will have exclusive interviews with eliminated competitors, judges, coaches and special guests. Using social media to ask fans for questions and comments, The Miz will get the answers they want most.

A devoted lifelong WWE fan, MTV “Real World” alum Mike “The Miz” Mizanin competed on the fourth season of Tough Enough, where he finished as the runner-up. Determined to make it, The Miz continued to train and earned his spot at WWE, where he is now living out his dream at the top of the roster. The Miz has also been featured in commercials, on television and has starred in 20th Century Fox’s action-thriller films “The Marine 4: Moving Target,” “The Marine 3: Homefront” and ABC Family’s “Christmas Bounty.”

WWE Tough Enough, premieres Tuesday, June 23 at 8/7 C on USA Network. Outside the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world. Host and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be joined by a panel of judges, including WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan and WWE Diva Paige.

Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.

Injury Updates On Sami Zayn & Hideo Itami (Spoilers)

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WWE taped another 4 weeks of NXT television on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. (Full Results).

Both Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami, who are out of action with shoulder injuries, commented on how long they’ll be out of action.

Hideo Itami said that he’ll be appearing live at WWE’s 4th of July special from Tokyo, Japan, but will be out of action for another 3-4 months. He also issued a challenge to the winner of the Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor NXT Championship match.

Sami Zayn cut a promo later in the show, calling 2014 the best year of his career but letting fans know that he’ll be out of action for the remainder of 2015. Zayn vowed to come back better than ever and says he plans to recapture the NXT Championship and get revenge on Kevin Owens.

Video: Don West Returns To Promote Global Force Wrestling

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Former TNA announcer and beloved pitchman Don West is back and he’s pumped up about Global Force Wrestling.

GFW released a new video of Don West hyping the promotion’s Grand Slam Tour and of course, their extensive line of merchandise, including coozies (!!!) and the must-have Jeff Jarrett special edition guitar.

EVOLVE Issues Statement Regarding Johnny Gargano’s NXT Debut

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EVOLVE issued the following statement in response to indy star Johnny Gargano competing against Uhaa Nation at last night’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University.

They noted that Gargano is still under contract with WWN and will be returning to Evolve in New York this summer.

“Johnny Gargano wrestled Uhaa Nation at last night’s NXT taping in a dark match. Watch their first ever match at EVOLVE 27 here. We are very happy that WWE gave Gargano this opportunity. We have all traveled the road with Gargano and watched him go from the pre-show FRAY! on the first ever DGUSA event to his historic reigns as DGUSA Champion. If there is ever a WWN Hall Of Fame, Gargano is sure to be on the first ballot. It is only with your support that Gargano has accomplished all these things. Gargano remains under WWN contract. He will return to EVOLVE in New York on August 15th and 16th. We can already announce one of the huge matches he will be involved in that weekend. After what happened at EVOLVE 44, it’ll be Gargano vs. Ethan Page in an Anything Goes Match at EVOLVE 47 in Queens, NY at La Boom.”

CM Punk Trashes Hulk Hogan Again

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CM Punk has once again trashed Hulk Hogan over his alleged love for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.

Punk was doing coverage during yesterday’s Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory parade for CSN Chicago and blasted Hogan for appointing himself as a spokesperson for the Lightning when he doesn’t even know their team captain’s name.

When Hogan’s name came up and Punk was told Hogan is a big Tampa Bay Lightning fan, Punk disagreed.

“No he’s not,” Punk said. “That’s the problem I have with that. If I’m a Lightning fan, I’m embarrassed they hitched their wagon to a guy like that. Doesn’t know Stamkos’s name, the captain’s name. Icing to him is something he eats three times a day.”

“My love for hockey supersedes anything else and I would just like to see people tune in and understand the game and appreciate the game for what it is. You put something on there like that, it kind of lowers it a little… If I’m a Lightning fan, I want someone to better represent my team. They’re a hell of an organization. That paints them in the wrong light.”

Tough Enough Partnering With Periscope For Behind-The-Scenes Live Streaming

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WWE has announced that they are partnering with live streaming app Periscope to provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the new season of Tough Enough.

“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”

Tough Enough premieres on the USA Network this coming Tuesday night at 8pm EST. (Meet the Cast)

Here’s the official press release.

USA NETWORK REALITY SERIES WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH® TO FEATURE DAILY PERISCOPE COVERAGE

STAMFORD, CONN – June 19, 2015 – WWE will turn to Periscope, a new live streaming app, to give fans a look through the eyes of the competitors as the drama unfolds each week during training and competitions leading up to the weekly premieres of the new hard hitting reality series to air on USA Network, WWE Tough Enough. The @WWEToughEnough account on Periscope will also include guest appearances from the show’s host WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, Tough Enough judges WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™, as well as various other WWE Superstars and Divas.

Starting June 23, WWE Tough Enough will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7C on USA Network. Outside of the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world.

“WWE is already best in class when it comes to utilizing Twitter to engage with their massive global fan base,” said Danny Keens, Head of North American Sports Partnerships at Twitter. “Periscope allows anyone in the world to share and experience live video and now fans of WWE’s Tough Enough can further engage with talent from the show live in real-time. WWE is removing another barrier and allowing fans to have a deeper connection with their favorite WWE stars.”

“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”

WWE Tough Enough combines the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama, as WWE hopefuls vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Unlike anything on television today, the lightning-fast hour of entertainment and competition will include live results every week, giving fans worldwide the power to decide who stays and who goes the very same night.

Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.

The revolutionary WWE Tough Enough App is now available for download. This app will provide an unprecedented fan experience before, during and after the show by enabling fans to vote for who stays and who goes with results calculated in real-time during the final minutes of each episode. The app will also include competitor bios and video and social updates as the competition unfolds throughout the week.

Spoilers – WWE NXT Tapings From Full Sail University

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WWE taped 4 weeks of NXT Tv on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Here are complete results:

– Johnny Gargano vs. Uhaa Nation was the dark match, Uhaa wins with a military press followed by two standing moonsaults.

Episode 1:

– Kevin Owens interrupts a Hideo Itami promo and takes credit for Hideo being injured. Finn Balor stops Hideo from being attacked, brawling with Owens. Rhyno meets them on the stage and destroys Finn

– Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated Jason Jordan and Sylvester Lefort

– Dana Brooke defeated KC

– Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated two local wrestlers

– Finn defeated Rhyno. Owens tried to attack but Samoa Joe made the save

Episode 2:

– The Vaudevillians defeated The Mechanics

– Baron Corbin defeated a local wrestler

– Emma defeated Carmella

– Tyler Breeze defeated Tye Dillinger

– Joe and Finn defeated Owens and Rhyno when Balor pinned Owens

– Owens challenged Finn to a fight and got one. Finn won the non-title match and celebrated.

Keep reading on Page 2 for results of the next two shows:

Johnny Gargano & Uhaa Nation Wrestle At NXT Tapings (Photos)

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Uhaa Nation and Johnny Gargano wrestled in a dark match that took place prior to the tapings. Uhaa won with a military press followed by two standing moonsaults.

Check back later tonight for full spoiler results from the NXT tapings.

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TNA Impact Wrestling & ROH TV Ratings For This Week

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The Wednesday, June 17th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling drew 476,000 viewers for the first and second airing of the show combined. Viewership was up from last week, as a combined total of 404,000 viewers tuned into the first and second airing of the show.

The first airing of Impact Wrestling this week delivered 374,000 viewers, and the replay that followed the ROH show drew 102,000 viewers.

This week’s edition of Ring Of Honor TV, which was the “Best in the World” pay-per-view “go-home” show, drew 272,000 combined viewers, down from last week’s show, which drew a combined total of 299,000 viewers.

ROH this week drew 172,000 viewers for the first airing, while the replay drew 100,000 viewers.

Sheamus In Line For WWE Championship Run, Original Plans For MITB

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Following his Money in the Bank win this past Sunday, it looks like Sheamus could be in line for a run with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship over the next year.

Sheamus earning the MITB contract was a result of his planned win from last year being derailed as the result of numerous factors, including CM Punk leaving the company and Daniel Bryan’s various injuries.

The plan was for Sheamus to turn heel last year and face Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX, however CM Punk leaving the company, the WWE Universe rejecting Batista and Daniel Bryan’s undeniable popularity led to booking changes.

After WrestleMania, Sheamus was going to win the MITB briefcase, but Bryan’s injury resulted in last year’s MITB match being for the WWE Championship. It was decided that John Cena was the best choice to win the belt and go on to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

“The win means Sheamus is likely to take the title some time over the next year from whatever babyface beats Rollins for the title. Headlining with a new name in the mix is a good idea. But Sheamus, even with the change in look, is far from being a new name. I’m not sure that Sheamus is thought of by fans at the level of a guy who at this point should win the title or even headline a PPV in a singles match.”

Terry Funk On Being Inducted Into WWE HOF By Dusty Rhodes, Their Legendary Feud

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WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk recently appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio to talk about one of his biggest career rivals — the late, great Dusty Rhodes. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On Dusty Rhodes and the chemistry he had with the fans: “He just had a great amount of charisma. Why did I love going in the ring with him? Was it because I was his great buddy? I was his friend, was that the reason? No. What the great reason was that why I enjoyed so much going in the ring with him… and believe me, as I loved him too and everything else and I love him for those two other reasons … but I loved going in the ring with him because I made more money with him than I did with anybody else. He was a tremendous attraction. That’s why I enjoyed going with him (laughs) ya make more money with him. The Dream was something special. He was a phenomenal in-ring performer but his greatest attribute was his mind and his ability to interact and talk to the people themselves… to the fans themselves.”

On the last time he spoke to Dusty: “Oh heck, I don’t know when it was. Probably a year or two ago… that’s how we always went. Wrestlers are that way. We say we love each other and we say goodbye then we go onto the next town. We don’t ever really say goodbye … just go to the next town… the next day. And whether you see those guys … you see them again. I talked to him a few times through the years… probably a couple times a year. Telling him … whatever, you know … or just running into him. We always feel like we are going to run into each other again … we never say goodbye… it’s just like, going down the road.”

On Dusty inducting The Funks into the WWE Hall of Fame: “It was [a special moment]. Of course it was. Like I said, he was a special guy. I just had so much compassion for him. You don’t start out with somebody and go up and down the roads with em and learn together like we did. I would say that it was an education traveling with him and he would have told you the same thing about traveling with me … it was an education traveling with me.”

On Dusty’s relationship with Vince McMahon and the WWE and working deep into the NWA territory: “If going to the WWE was like going to school, he was just in his freshman year. The WWE is a wonderful, wonderful, great place. And Dusty had so much ability and they realized that too, that’s why he was there. Dusty was the best at talking and teaching people to talk. Dusty was an innovator. Dusty wasn’t just a wrestler, he was a manipulator… and that’s very true. He was great at whatever he did. He had such compassion, such love and he instilled that love into his two kids. You watch those kids, and I call them kids now and they aren’t kids anymore, but they are going into their prime now and you watch them in the next 10 years. They are going to be very well known in the business for one reason: they idolize Dusty, both of them. And they should have idolized him because he was one of the very best in the country. I truly believe both of them are just wonderful pieces of talent that are going to be pushed to a different level than what they have been … at least I’m hoping that they will… I think that’s the smart thing.”

Check out the complete interview at BustedOpenNation.com.

NXT Diva Getting Called Up Soon, WWE’s 4th Of July Network Special & More

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– Paige’s ongoing storyline with the Bella Twins talking about bringing change to the Divas division will likely culminate with one of the NXT Divas being called up to the main roster.

Ric Flair’s daughter Charlotte is a strong possibility, since she’s been considered ‘ready’ for quite some time now.

– Bayley is currently working through a broken arm. She was wearing a cast at this past weekend’s NXT live events.

– Joey Styles confirmed on Twitter that the July 4th WWE live event from Tokyo, Japan will air live on the WWE Network in its entirety. Aside from the Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor NXT Championship match, Brock Lesnar and Chris Jericho will also be in action on the show.  (Full Card)

– The following is Part 1 of WWE’s new in-depth look at Finn Balor as he prepares to face Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship on July 4th.

TNA Making Strong Push To Sign Rey Mysterio

Matt Boone
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In the past year, TNA has reportedly made a legitimate attempt to sign multiple top-tier former WWE Superstars, such as Edge, Alberto El Patron and CM Punk. Apparently the promotion is currently focused on trying to sign one major talent that recently officially parted ways with the company.

According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA is in the process of making a big play for former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio.

TNA reportedly tried to sign Mysterio just this past week, as both Dixie Carter and John Gaburick spoke with him about the possibility of signing with the company.

According to one source, both TNA executives tried to push the idea that they could get Mysterio’s merchandise into stores and assist him in getting television and film work.

Additionally, Carter and Gaburick gave Mysterio the impression that they would build TNA around him as the company’s long sought after Hispanic star. They reportedly told him that the deal would be a non-exclusive deal, as he would still be allowed to work for other promotions on days that do not conflict with TNA’s schedule.

For what it’s worth, the belief is that Mysterio will still be signing a contract to officially join Lucha Underground in the near future.

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