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Bayley On Divas She Looked Up To As A Kid, Her Natural Cheerfulness & More

Matt Boone
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NXT Women’s Champion Bayley recently spoke with The Daily Record to promote the upcoming NXT U.K. tour. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On taking pride in the responsibility of being a role model:

“I hope I am an inspiration, as it’s something I’ve always wanted to be. When I was younger, I had people like Lita, Ivory and Molly Holly to look up to and I try to think of how they made me feel. No matter what I do in the sport, whether it’s during matches, or outside the ring, I’m always conscious of putting on a good image. I see lots of young girls dressing up like me and I get all these tweets saying I’m an inspiration. It’s a great feeling, so it’s really important not to let anyone down.”

On the reach of WWE NXT and her newfound popularity:

“I’m noticing the more we travel outside of Florida, the more I’m noticing the impact we’re having. Like I’m touching people outside of my own state, which is crazy. I’m seeing my Hugger shirts all over the world, on everyone from little kids to grown men and women. When I started seeing that everywhere, that was when I realized something was happening. It’s really cool.”

On her cheerfulness coming natural because she loves her job:

“It’s easy for me as I really feel like a little kid when I walk out on stage. Even if I’m feeling tired, sore or beat up backstage and am thinking ‘I don’t know if I can get through this one’, as soon as I walk out there, the adrenaline just pours out of me. It’s not even something I have to think about, it’s automatic. Once I see the fans and that wrestling ring, it’s like a switch. I just love it.”

Update On John Cena Filming American Grit, WWE Return

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More details have emerged regarding John Cena’s new show American Grit, coutesy of Washington newspaper The Dispatch.

– Filming began in mid-November in Little Marshell Falls and Pack Forrest and will run through December 16th.

The production schedule makes it unlikely that Cena will be back in time for WWE TLC from Boston on December 13th. As noted last week, Cena’s next advertised WWE appearance is December 26th at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

– The 10 episode season of American Grit will begin airing on Fox in Spring 2016.

Rey Mysterio Dealing With Another Knee Injury

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Rey Mysterio was unable to compete at Saturday night’s AAA TV taping at Arena Neza due to a knee injury.

He came out with crutches to address the fans and apologize for the injury. He was beat down by Averno, Brian Cage and Chessman before Blue Demon Jr. ran out and made the save. Rey to hit a 619 to help clear the ring. Blue Demon replaced Rey in his match.

Mysterio’s knee problems have been well-documented over the years. No word on how long he will be out of action.

Source: Luchaworld.com

Latest WWE Fan Council Survey Compares Main Roster To NXT

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WWE sent out yet another Fan Council survey over the weekend, asking fans a variety of questions comparing WWE to the company’s NXT brand.

One of the sections asked fans to pick which of the following terms describe WWE and which terms describe NXT:

Energy, Authentic, Hardcore, Fantastical, Unique, Hokey, Excitement, Dangerous, Wrestling, PG-rated, Shocking, Quality, Technique, Wholesome, Fun, Unpredictable, In-Ring Action-Driven, Social, Action, Nostalgic, Mindless, Giving Promos, Intense, Passion, Old School, Imaginative, Safe, Success, Family friendly, Potential, Story-Driven, Younger, Cutting Edge, Real, Simple, Fast Paced, Mainstream, Traditional, Gritty.

There was a write-in section where fans could voice their opinions about what they like and dislike about both products.

The survey then asked whether WWE or NXT did a better (or equal) job at the following:

  • Seeing good rivalries/match-ups
  • Feeling part of a large group of passionate fans
  • Getting an appropriate amount of surprises
  • Being amazed
  • Being amused
  • Being entertained
  • Having a great show to watch with family
  • Having a great show to watch with friends
  • Seeing a wide variety of Divas
  • Seeing enough of my favorite Divas
  • Watching athletic moves and maneuvers
  • Seeing the quality of in-ring wrestling I want
  • Hearing compelling dialogue/promos
  • Getting the right mix of unique characters
  • Seeing a wide variety of Superstars
  • Watching interesting stories play out

Bubba Ray Dudley Teases Another ECW Original Appearing On Monday’s RAW

Matt Boone
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https://youtu.be/PsKH7rurSJc

As noted, there has been talk of another ECW Original joining The Dudley Boyz and Tommy Dreamer in their ongoing battle against all four members of The Wyatt Family.

While there hasn’t been any updates regarding who the specific ECW Original will be, Bubba Ray Dudley took to social media on Sunday evening to inform the WWE Universe of an “Extreme Brother” he spoke to on the phone tonight before telling fans not to miss RAW tomorrow night.

We reported on Wednesday that there has been talk of a fourth ECW Original joining Bubba, Devon and Dreamer at the WWE TLC pay-per-view this coming Sunday in Boston, making it an even four on four match against Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.

Bubba Ray Dudley tweeted the following about the phone call he had with a fellow “Extreme Brother” on Sunday.

Sheamus Promises To Have A Diva Fired On Raw, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan Doing Stand-up Comedy

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– At Saturday’s WWE live event in Augusta, Georgia, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus promised to have ring announcer Eden fired at Monday’s Raw for not introducing him properly for his match against Roman Reigns.

Eden played up the angle on Twitter this afternoon as she responded to the above tweet.

– “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is trying his hand at stand-up comedy with his own one-man show. The WWE Hall of Famer plans to launch this venture in February at various New York venues and is seeking bookings through KennyCasanova.com. Details on “The 2×4 Tour” are as follows:

WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is one of the most popular American professional wrestlers of all time. People everywhere know his trademark 2×4, his battle cry “HOOO!” and his “USA! USA!” chant. He has sold out stadiums, headlined PPVs and is now headed your way with his comical “One Man Show” to a limited amount of venues across the country. Don’t miss it, tough guy!

ABOUT THE SHOW – This hour-long show is a wrestling fan’s dream; an up-close, intimate experience with an iconic sports celebrity! Hacksaw’s sense of humor & storytelling ability create a show jam-packed with action. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the crazy life of WWF superstar and the underbelly of professional wrestling as a whole.

TARGET AUDIENCE – This show is a “must-see” for anyone who has ever watched wrestling, but you don’t have to be a wrestling fan to dig it. Fans of comedy & pop culture also give it the big thumbs up!

AUDIENCE INTERACTIVE – Time is set aside for a Q&A where you can talk freely with Hacksaw, asking any “no punches pulled” questions you have. Topics might include (but are not limited to) working with top names like Hulk Hogan & Andre The Giant, wrestlers playing practical jokes on each other in the locker room, obsessed fan stories and wrestling in strange places around the world.

AUTOGRAPH SIGNING – There is always time for an autograph signing & photo opportunity at the end of each show. Hooo!!!

Scott Steiner OK After Totaling His Car Early Saturday Morning

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Scott Steiner is doing fine after totaling his car early Saturday morning. He tweeted the following about the accident:

Jim Ross’ Twitter Account Hacked, JR Trends After Death Hoax

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is alive and well, contrary to the statement posted on his Twitter account late Saturday night.

JR’s Twitter account (@JRsBBQ) was hacked and posted the following FALSE statement that JR had passed away:

“We are shocked and saddened to bring you the news that Jim Ross has sadly passed away. Long time friend @WhiteLeedsSite was with him at the time of his passing and it was said to be very peaceful. We will be making a further statement shortly.”

“Jim Ross dead” was trending worldwide after the despicable act and several wrestlers had already began sending their condolences to their social media followers.  The Twitter account is currently suspended.

Alberto Del Rio Attacked By Fan Saturday Night In Puerto Rico (Video)

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While wrestling in Bayamón, Puerto Rico last night for World Wrestling Council, Alberto Del Rio was assaulted by a fan at ringside.

Del Rio was wrestling in Puerto Rico to fulfill a commitment he made prior to returning to WWE. During a match against Ray Gonzalez at WWC’s Lockout event at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum, a fan pummeled the WWE United States Champion in the back while he was outside of the ring.

The fan was thrown out and the contest immediately continued. It ended in disqualification when Gonzalez’ Figure-Four Leglock on Del Rio was broken up by El Hijo de Dos Caras (Del Rio’s younger brother and former WWE developmental wrestler Memo Montenegro).

Ethan Carter III On The Success Of NXT, Women’s Wrestling & More

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TNA star Ethan Carter III recently appeared as a guest on Art Of Wrestling, not to be confused with the Colt Cabana podcast of the same name, and spoke about the current success of NXT, his most memorable opponent and whether or not he is a fan of women’s wrestling. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On his most memorable opponents and good friends within the industry:

“I’ve been fortunate to share the ring with great wrestlers of legendary status, and those that will fill their boots in the future. It wouldn’t be fair to list names without feeling as though I missed someone, but I can say that my favorite opponent has been Kurt Angle. Kurt was one of the reasons I fell in love with wrestling, and one the reason I decided to pursue it as a career.”

On whether he is a fan of women’s wrestling and his favorite Knockout:

“I’m very much a fan of women’s wrestling and the effort our knockouts and women throughout wrestling have put forth in changing it’s previous perception. They are very skilled athletes who deserve recognition for that fact. As far as my favorite, I don’t play favorites (Gail Kim).”

On the current success of NXT:

“It’s far different from the incarnation I was on and that is obviously for the better. They have a very good show and I’m happy to see the success of the people who are there.”

Carmella Talks About Being Best Friends With Bayley, Idolizing Miss Elizabeth & More

Matt Boone
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NXT Diva Carmella recently appeared as a guest on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast and spoke about her previous jobs as a New England Patriots and Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, working in NXT with Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, being friends with NXT Women’s Champion Bayley and more. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On her father being a pro wrestler and a WWE enhancement talent when she was a kid:

“I grew up watching wrestling and in wrestling because my dad wrestled when I was younger. He wrestled independently and in the WWE in the ’90s, so it’s just bringing everything full circle being here in the WWE.” Carmella added, “when [Van Dale] does get a chance to see me, he’s so proud. And he watches NXT every single week and he’s always calling me [and] telling me what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong, so it’s really cool.”

On managing Enzo and Cass and being a wrestler, and not having a preference between the two:

“I feel so lucky because I get the best of both worlds. I get to go out and wrestle on my own, but I still get to be a part of Enzo and Cass, [which] as you said, is one of the biggest and most popular acts here in NXT, so I can’t just chose one. I really enjoy both, especially with my background cheering. I’m out there cheering on my boys! But I just love performing in front of the cameras, so when I’m out there and wrestling on my own too, it’s such a cool feeling, just all eyes are on me.” Carmella continued, “I’m so grateful and I have so much fun either way, so when I’m with the boys, I feel like I’m a certain character, but when I’m by myself, I have to kind of amp it up because I’m just out there by myself.”

On being best friends with current NXT Women’s Champion Bayley:

“I don’t know if you know that, but we’re Baymella. And we’re just super silly and crazy and we mess with people, like, on our little road trips to our shows all the time and we’re just messing with people any opportunity we can get, pranking people. That’s just what we do!”

On the Divas Revolution in WWE:

“When I first started [at WWE], it was just beginning of the Divas Revolution. I am just so excited to be able to have an opportunity to show that we’re athletes and we’re here to work hard and we’re not just here to have these little five-minute matches that are about how we look. It’s more than that.”

On growing up idolizing Miss Elizabeth and how she was influenced by her:

“Watching [professional wrestling] when I was younger, I idolized Miss Elizabeth. For me, I was like, ‘okay, that is a diva. That’s what I want to be.’ She’s classy and she always looked the part. She looked fabulous. And that to me, that is what I want to portray, so to be here now in this time with the Divas Revolution, it’s perfect for me.”

Big E. Talks About His Pre-WWE Athletic Career, Dealing With A Number Of Injuries

Matt Boone
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WWE Tag Team Champion Big E. (Ettore Ewen) of The New Day recently spoke with Brian Fritz of Sporting News about his days as an amateur wrestler for the Iowa Hawkeyes and dealing with a wie variety of injuries prior to coming to WWE. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On his undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes facing Michigan State for the Big 10 championship:

“I don’t think a lot of people really predicted it to be a 12-0-type season but it’s very cool to see. It’s one of the toughest Iowa teams that I can remember seeing. It’s pretty remarkable so I’m quite proud to go out and watch these guys play their best and deal with a lot of difficulties and adversity.”

On his football playing days with the Hawkeyes:

“I have to use the term ‘the best of times, the worst of times. Worst of times mainly because it was very frustrating dealing with all of the injuries. I tore both of my ACLs. I broke my right patella. I tore my left pec, all within about a 2½-year span. That was very frustrating. But it was a dream come true for me. The first thing I wanted, looking back, being a child, was being a football player. That was my very first dream and getting to live that was really cool.”

On finally making it onto the field during the 2006 season as part of the defensive line’s second unit:

“That year, I believe we played Ohio State when they were No. 1 in the nation,” he said. “The week of, I remember the amount of hype. I believe we were No. 12 in the nation at the time. Things didn’t end up going our way the rest of the year; we finished 6-7. But the atmosphere of that game was really cool. We played Michigan at the Big House when they were No. 2 in the nation. We had some pretty big moments.

“Those are things that I’ll take with me to the grave.”

ECW Original Hack Meyers Dies At Age 41 Due To Complications From Brain Surgery

Matt Boone
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https://youtu.be/nisHZB0njLg

ECW Original Hack Meyers (Donald Haviland) passed away on Saturday, just two days before what would have been his 42nd birthday.

PWInsider.com is reporting that Meyers died from complications related to the recent brain surgery he underwent at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in November.

Meyers became a popular act in ECW and gained a reputation for saying “shah” when he would land a punch or kick during a match, a trend that led to fans chanting “shah” along with him and “sh*t!” when his opponent would land a shot in return.

Fellow ECW Original Axl Rotten posted the following tweet and photo of Meyers in a hospital bed before the operation just three weeks ago.

Charlotte Says She Wants To Be The Female Version Of The Rock

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WWE Divas Champion Charlotte recently spoke with the News & Observer publication out of Raleigh, North Carolina to promote next Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view in Boston, Massachusetts.

On blurring the line between fiction and reality:

“Having my dad in the business and using a lot of what’s been real life … most of Charlotte’s character is really who she is. A lot of who Ashley is is Charlotte and the same with my dad. It’s not like I’m the Joker.”

On being a role model for women:

“That’s probably the main focus – to be a role model for younger girls and send positive messages to never give up and be who they want to be. That’s a really big part of the job where you talk to kids at (places like) Make a Wish and have that opportunity to interact.”

On her future in WWE:

“I’m not 21 anymore and I’ve got a good head on my shoulders. I’m on cloud nine. I want to be the female Rock. Honestly I can’t believe I’m here today. Where I’m going to be in three years, I’m sure I’ll be blown away.”

Ric Flair’s WWE TV & MSG Return, Flair Says Orton Is Sidelined From WWE “Indefinitely”

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– WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair is currently scheduled to make his WWE television appearance at the December 28th edition of WWE RAW at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, “The Nature Boy” is scheduled to appear at the next WWE live event at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 26th. It is believed that Flair will continue to be included in the ongoing storyline involving his daughter, WWE Divas Champion Charlotte.

– Speaking of Flair, the two-time WWE Hall Of Famer noted during the latest edition of his “WOOOOO! Nation” podcast that Randy Orton is out “indefinitely” from WWE right now.

As noted, Orton’s shoulder surgery was going to keep him on the sidelines until after WrestleMania 32 in April. Since then, it has been revealed that he needs a second operation to clean out bone chips in his neck after he heals up from his shoulder surgery.

The neck injury could keep him on the shelf for another three-to-six months, and as we reported via the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week, there is a chance that Orton’s neck is worse than WWE currently believes. If that turns out to be the case, he will have to get fusion surgery, which could keep him out of action for well over a year.

Tommy Dreamer Added To WWE Live Events, SmackDown Rating Rebounds & More

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– This week’s SmackDown drew a 1.49 rating with 2.044 million viewers, bouncing back from last week’s Thanksgiving edition (1.15 rating, 1.652 million viewers).

– After returning to WWE TV on RAW, Tommy Dreamer has been added to the following WWE events (via Steven Fernandes):

  • December 19th – Inglewood, CA
  • December 20th – Winnipeg, MB
  • December 26th – New York City
  • December 27th – Hartford, CT
  • December 28th – RAW in Allentown, PA
  • January 9th – Montgomery, AL
  • January 10th – Mobile, AL
  • January 16th – Charleston, WV
  • January 17th – Canton, OH

– The latest “WWE Top 10” video looks at insane ladder leaps:

Stone Cold Podcast With HBK Premieres After WWE TLC (12/13)

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WWE is switching things up for Steve Austin’s next “Stone Cold Podcast” on the WWE Network, as they announced that Austin’s next podcast will air after their TLC pay-per-view next Sunday night, December 13th at 11pm EST., instead of the usual post-RAW time slot on Monday night.

Austin’s guest for the next “Stone Cold Podcast” on 12/13 will be fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels. While WWE is advertising the show as a one-hour live podcast on the WWE Network, based on previous advertising such as the above commercial that premiered during the WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view, Austin’s interview with HBK and his interview with Ric Flair were taped in advance of the airing of the show, which is another first for the “Stone Cold Podcast” on the WWE Network.

WWE’s official description for the “Stone Cold Podcast” with Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels on the WWE Network on 12/13 after the TLC pay-per-view reads as follows:

“WWE Hall Of Famer and Icon Stone Cold Steve Austin will have a no holds barred LIVE interview with the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels!”

Reason Why GFW Took NEX*GEN Title Off PJ Black Before First “Amped” Episode

Matt Boone
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https://youtu.be/17MjPfQnJwQ

Regarding PJ Black (Justin Gabriel) losing the Global Force Wrestling NEX*GEN Title to Sonjay Dutt last week, prior to the airing of the first ever GFW Amped episode, the decision was made out of necessity as Black has signed with Lucha Underground.

Upon finding out about the signing, GFW officials decided to immediately take the title off of Black and put it on someone else, with Dutt being the talent that the office settled on.

Dutt defeated Black to become the second-ever GFW NEX*GEN Champion at the WrestleCade “Showcase of Champions” event in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on November 7th.

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

JTG Says Race Is Still A Major Issue In Pro Wrestling

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Race is a barrier to being successful in the wrestling industry, according to former WWE superstar JTG. In an interview with new project The World According To Wrestling, one half of popular WWE tag team Cryme Tyme, who’s real name is Jayson Paul, said that for certain superstars there is definitely a glass ceiling.

In a candid interview, JTG also discussed how race is presented to wrestling audiences, his views on Hulk Hogan’s comments and his best moments in the industry.

Here’s some highlights:

Is there a glass ceiling in the wrestling industry?

JTG: “For certain superstars there is definitely a glass ceiling. Using Zack Ryder as an example, it doesn’t matter if the crowd is on your side. If they don’t approve of you, if they don’t put the machine behind you, then they are not going to follow through with it. They handpick their stars.”

Is race is a barrier in this glass ceiling?

JTG: “I definitely believe so just due to history, the results you know? All the superstars that have been identified as African Americans, have been identified as Black – I’ve never seen them been the face of the company or be the Heavyweight champion. I’ve seen it in other companies like TNA and WCW, but in WWF still there hasn’t been a Black face or a champion.”

Hulk Hogan’s racist comments:

JTG: “What Hulk Hogan did was very disappointing. He was one of my biggest childhood heroes in the 80s and to hear him say that “We’re all a little racist” you’ve pretty much sealed your own fate. And I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. It’s still disappointing. I know that he is a loving guy and he’s very positive. I’ve met Hogan probably like two or three times and he’s already had good spirits about him but racism has nothing to do with loving or hating somebody; it’s a mindset that you are superior to the other race.”

Representations of race in wrestling:

JTG: “That’s how wrestling has always been. Hopefully it changes real soon. And usually they bring them in as a heel; as a monster for the white champion to overcome. You know Umaga, he was fed to John Cena. Same thing with Kamala in the 80s, he was fed to Hulk Hogan. Nine times out of ten they make the angry black man – the savage – just be fed to the champion. It’s an obstacle that he’s going to win.”

NBCUniversal Comments On WWE’s Declining Viewership

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Over the past week, several mainstream media outlets have been reporting on the sharp decline in WWE RAW viewership, including Fox News and the New York Post.

A rep from NBCUniversal issued a brief statement to the New York Post about the situation, showing support for the company they are paying so much to for original content:

“WWE programming delivers one of the most massive live audiences in cable on a weekly basis and is consistently a top performer for our networks,”

The Post article notes that some cannibalization of RAW’s viewership by the WWE Network was expected and WWE stock is up 40% this year.

Chris Jericho Comments On Passing Of Former Stone Temple Pilots Frontman Scott Weiland

Matt Boone
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Chris Jericho took to Twitter on Friday to comment on the passing of former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland, who died at age 48 of cardiac arrest on Thursday night in his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota.

In an interesting pro wrestling connection to the rock stars’ passing, the hotel that Weiland’s bus was parked at is located just a few miles away from the hotel where former WWE and WCW Superstar Brian Pillman died in the same city back on October 5, 1997.

Below are the tweets Jericho posted on Friday regarding the passing of Scott Weiland.

Tough Enough’s Daria Berenato Makes NXT In-Ring Debut, Neville/Miz Note

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– It looks as though former Neville may be undergoing some character changes in the near future. Featured above is a video clip from this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown that shows The Miz approaching the former NXT Champion backstage and offering to help by taking Neville under his wing.

– In addition to WWE Tough Enough winner Josh Bredl revealing his new WWE ring name, Bronson Mathews, during a promo segment at the NXT live event in Orlando, Florida on Thursday evening, another former Tough Enough contestant made her in-ring debut.

Daria Berenato, who was signed to a developmental deal with WWE after Tough Enough ended, worked a match at the NXT live event. Berenato is currently working under her real name, but is also using the “Jersey Devil” nickname. She was squashed by Nia Jax in her in-ring debut at Thursday’s live event.

VIDEO: Dana White Reveals EXACTLY How UFC Will Decide CM Punk’s Debut Opponent …

Tough Enough Winner Josh Bredl Reveals New WWE Ring Name

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WWE Tough Enough winner Josh Bredl appeared at the NXT live event in Orlando, Florida on Thursday night and in an in-ring promo segment, revealed his new WWE ring name.

Bredl, who also appears regularly on the WWE Network original series “Breaking Ground,” revealed that his new name is Bronson Mathews.

After revealing his WWE ring name, Bredl mentioned that he has 250,000 reasons to prove himself and that 2016 will be a big year for him.

Below is a photo of Bredl’s in-ring promo segment from last night’s NXT live event.

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Lana Teasing That She’ll Be Dropping Her Russian Accent

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Following her return to television on Monday’s RAW, Lana joined her fiancé Rusev for this week’s WWE.com sit-down interview with Michael Cole. While speaking to Cole mid-way through the interview, it was apparent that she was speaking without the Russian accent we see her use on WWE television. The Ravishing Russian got some feedback on social media about her shifting dialect and explained it with the following tweet:

You can watch below to see Lana speaking without her Russian accent:

EC3 Interview: Impact Moving To Pop TV, TNA’s World Title Series & More

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Former TNA World ChampionEthan Carter III joined The Rack radio show on Thursday night, where he discussed Impact Wrestling moving to Pop TV, TNA’s World Title Series, TNA’s ability to try new things, what 2016 has in store for him and much more. You can listen to the 12-minute interview at Wildtalkradio.com. Here are the highlights of what EC3 said about:

Impact Wrestling’s moving to Pop TV:

“I’m very excited for the move. I mean, Pop TV has already shown their going to be a great partner to ‘tag team’ with. They’re very excited to have us and their slogan is ‘We’re fans too’ and I think that’s very good and resembles the product that we bring because we’re fans of what we do too. So, I think combining those two companies: that network and this product, I think it will be a great, great matrimony of fun and pleasure and wonderful entertainment.”

The Live Premiere on January 5th:

“I love doing TV and I love doing it live because you can’t make a mistake. Everything has to be perfect and everything has to be pristine and it adds a little bit of pressure to what you are doing but pressure is good- it makes you better and January 5th live on Pop TV, our first episode is going to be blockbuster and gangbusters and I’m very much looking forward to opening the show as the 2-time, unbeaten, World Heavyweight Champion, first time in wrestling history. It’s pretty cool.”

Being “Thrown Into” The World Heavyweight Championship Series:

“That’s great verbiage- ‘unjustly thrown into it’. The whole Title series shouldn’t even be taking place, I should just have been given back the World Title as I was robbed of it, but alas it is taking place and I can’t change that- the only thing I can do is win the whole frickin thing.”

The concept behind the World Title Series and so many people being included:

“I mean the World Title Series in wrestling, the people vying for the top championship of the promotion is only a handful of guys, 3 or 4 maybe. Right now, 32 people had an opportunity to show their worth and get a chance to be a World Heavyweight Champion. We’re whittling it down to the Round of 16, after this Wednesday, there will be 16 people and a lot is on the line and a lot of people to impress but it’s an interesting concept- everyone had an opportunity, everyone gets a shot and if you’re into everyone having an opportunity and a fair shot, it’s very cool. Me, personally, I’m only into me getting a fair shot but alas, I’m not the one making the decisions; great for everyone else but me.”

TNA’s ability to try new things:

“I love the idea. It’s 2015, going on 2016- it’s very hard to be innovative in entertainment and trying new thing and thinking outside the box while not resting on the laurels of the past and what’s cool about it is we have the opportunity to try new things and I think it’s been a far greater success than anyone has anticipated.”

What 2016 holds for EC3:

“I would mark 2015 down as the best year of my life. Now, I beat a couple of legends, became World Heavyweight Champion, ascended to the very top of the industry, I got two cats- that was a big deal in 2015. Again, very big year for me, but you can’t rest on what you did in the past and 2016 is a whole new year. There’s more pressure on me and people will be chasing after me and I welcome that challenge and looking forward to that very much. As far as my personal goals, I mean, winning the World Title Series, capping off the year being two-time unbeaten Champion, opening the show January 5th live on Pop TV on Impact Wrestling as the World Heavyweight Champion and then holding it for the whole calendar year; that’s my goals.”

His favorite & least favorite opponents in TNA:

“I have a favorite and a least favorite. My favorite would be Kurt Angle because he’s the greatest wrestler to have ever lived and I was able to learn a lot by overcoming the odds and defeating him, so that would be the greatest. And my least favorite would have to be Matt Hardy because all of this misery is because of him. He’s conniving and generally evil, I dislike him very much and I look forward to being the one person to knock him out of the World Title Series and then out of wrestling in general.”

You can follow Ethan through his Twitter (@EthanCarterTNA) or visit his website (http://therealec3.com) for his latest news and notes. You can follow Ethan and the other stars of TNA Impact Wrestling Wednesday Nights at 9:00 pm on Destination America and then starting on January 5th you can see the stars of TNA on Tuesdays nights at 9:00 pm on Pop TV. Check your local cable listings for local times, channel availability as well as the latest card information.

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