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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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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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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.

TNA Executive Vice President Parts Ways With The Company

Matt Boone
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TNA announced via social media that the company’s longtime Executive Vice President Andy Barton has parted ways with the promotion.

Barton worked alongside TNA President Dixie Carter at her management/marketing company Trifecta Entertainment from 1996 to 2002 and then moved on to work for her in TNA.

TNA issued the following statement regarding the departure:

“We wish TNA executive Andy Barton all the best as he pursues a new opportunity. Glad to have CSO Eric Sherman on board as we look to build on our powerful global brand, continue our rapid international growth and expand onto emerging platforms.”

EC3 On Becoming TNA Champion, Private Conversation He Had With Angle

Matt Boone
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New TNA World Champion Ethan Carter III recently appeared as a guest on the “This Is Awesome Wrestling Show” podcast to discuss his big title victory over Kurt Angle this week and more. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On becoming TNA World Champion: “Everything I’ve ever been through, every stupid personal or professional hell I’ve ever had to overcome, it made it all worth it. I’m very fortunate. I hate using the word blessed, because people use #blessed way too much. But for one day, I can say I was #blessed.”

On being able to watch his win and experience it with everyone else: “Watching it personally, I had a nice soiree. My girlfriend hooked us up with a party and a bunch of people came by. What was cool about it, as much as people who support either her or I, our friends, they not huge wrestling fans. They check it out from time to time. Kind of fans we need more of, which is mainstream people checking it out from time to time. You know, again, when we talk about smart fans and credibility, or messing with the finisher or outside interference. The hook, line, and sinker with every little thing we did and every part of that story we told, like, it was mostly clean, but I’m still kind of a dirt bag because I still need a little help — the stuff with Tyrus. I guess, a guy whose never had a wrestling match in his life who can give out stars can say, ‘Hey, that’s typical TNA.’ When you watch the reaction of the people we try to get, and they are hooked, line and sinker, and they are buying into this and seeing it unfold, it was kind of an out of body experience.”

On what it means to have Kurt Angle be the wrestler he won the title from: “He’s a Hall of Famer in every company he’s been in, let’s not forget that. But I mean, dude, whoa. Like, whoa. Like you said, we grew up watching Kurt. It’s very, very rare you have the opportunity to have your dream match. And I think it’s even more rare that it happens to be for a world title. It’s surreal. You know, I’ve had that match a thousand times in my head. I remember doing German suplexes and then Angle Slams in my backyard, locking in the ankle lock. Next thing you know, I’ll take about eighteen of them…I don’t remember because they all hit me in the head. Withstand that, then defeat him with a wrestling hold. Ha! Pin! What? Out of control.”

On who hugged him first after win: “John Gaburick.”

On what Kurt Angle told him after the match: “Later that day, he was sitting down talking to me, and I will not say what he said to me. But to hear those words come out of his mouth, was maybe even more important than actually winning the title.”

On joining the list of past TNA World Champions, such as Sting, Jeff Hardy, Bull Ray, Samoa Joe, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle and others: “When you read it like that, that’s a pretty damn exclusive list. I guess that’s a great thing about TNA World Championship, they take a lot of slack for doing things wrestling fans hate for some reason. One thing they do very well is keep the integrity of the World Championship. And that’s pretty cool to be on that list.”

Check out the complete interview at MooreGlenn.com.

WWE On Brock Lesnar Returning To The Ring In Japan This Weekend, And More

Martin Lamont
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– WWE have issued the following press release relating to Brock Lesnar’s return to the ring at the WWE Network Special Event in Tokyo, Japan tomorrow (4th July).

BROCK LESNAR®: THE BEAST IN THE EAST LIVE FROM TOKYO ON WWE® NETWORK

STAMFORD, Conn., July 2, 2015 – The award-winning WWE Network will broadcast Brock Lesnar: The Beast in the East Live from Tokyo, on Saturday, July 4 at 5:30am EST from the iconic sumo stadium, Ryogoku Kokugikan. In his first match since WrestleMania®, WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar will return to action and NXT Champion Kevin Owens™ will defend his title against NXT Superstar Finn Bálor™.

WWE Network, which launched on February 24, 2014, is the fastest-growing digital subscription service with more than 1.3 million subscribers as of March 30, 2015. It is available in more than 175 countries, and was named Best Over-The-Top Content Service for 2015 at the Cynopsis Sports Media Awards.

Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to sign up for WWE Network online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TVs through connected devices such as Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku streaming devices as well as Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung. WWE Network’s one-of-a-kind programming includes all 12 WWE pay-per-view events LIVE at no additional charge plus groundbreaking original series, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more than 3,300 hours of video-on-demand programming.

– According to PWInsider, former AWA and WWE wrestler Brad Rheingans will be travelling with Brock Lesnar to Tokyo, Japan. Paul Heyman is not on the tour with Lesnar.

The whole reason for Lesnar’s visit to Japan was noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter a few weeks ago where it was said that they planned on visiting retired wrestler Masa Saito.

You can check out the full card for the WWE Live Event at this link.

WWE Network To Air Live Dusty Rhodes Special Following RAW

Martin Lamont
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1

This coming Monday (July 6th), immediately following RAW which is being held in Chicago, Illinois, the WWE Network will host a live special looking at the life of Dusty Rhodes.

The synopsis reads: “Live from Chicago, WWE celebrates the life and career of Dusty Rhodes, as told by WWE Legends and Superstars.”

According to a report by PWInsider, Cody Rhodes (Dusty’s son) who is currently known as Stardust is set to return at the TV tapings next week so it’s possible he’ll be at the show.

Video: Finn Balor Makes His Entrance At Live Event In Singapore

Martin Lamont
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YouTube user Primus SJ posted the following video of Finn Balor making his grand entrance on the way to the ring during the live event in Singapore.

Finn Balor was on his way to the ring where he defeated King Barrett in front of an audience of more than 10,000 fans ahead of the WWE Network Special on Saturday.

Various reports say the match was very good, Balor’s reception was excellent, Barrett managed to insult the fans and following the match, Balor thanked the fans by bowing down in front of them.

Make sure you don’t miss the WWE Network Live Special “Beast in the East” which takes place tomorrow from Tokyo, Japan. The full card can be seen at this link.

Final Card For WWE’s “Beast In The East” Live Special From Tokyo

Martin Lamont
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On Saturday the 4th of July WWE will head to Tokyo, Japan for their “Beast in the East” Live Event which will be broadcast live around the world on the WWE Network. Here’s the final card:

NXT Championship: Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens

WWE Divas Championship: Naomi vs. Paige vs. Nikki Bella

Brock Lesnar vs. Kofi Kingston

Neville vs. Chris Jericho

John Cena and Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane and King Barrett

The Lucha Dragons vs. New Day

Cesaro vs. Diego

WWE Network: Commentary Plans For “Beast In The East,” News On The Main Event

Martin Lamont
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– This Saturday, July 4th, the WWE Network will air the “Beast in the East” live event from Tokyo, Japan at 5:30am Eastern / 2:30am Pacific. The full card can be seen at this link.

WWE have been billing the big matches as Finn Balor taking on NXT Champion Kevin Owens as well as the return of Brock Lesnar who is advertised to take on Kofi Kingston.

Brock Lesnar taking on Kofi Kingston won’t be the final match to feature on the show as it’s more than likely going to be a squash match.

The actual main event for the show is being advertised locally as John Cena and Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane and King Barrett however that could change between now and then.

– On the topic of this live event, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that rather than send commentators to Japan, they may do commentary live from WWE Studios in Stamford, CT.

[READ: Plans For Special WWE Hall Of Fame Special In Japan This Weekend]

Early WWE Battleground Odds, Lita Talks Tough Enough, John Cena Meets Troops

Martin Lamont
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– WWE Battleground isn’t due to take place until July 19th but the latest betting odds have been released by BetWrestling.com.

Favourites to win are shown in bold. The odds are so close because they have been revealed earlier than they usually are.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Seth Rollins(+145) vs. Brock Lesnar (-185)

WWE United States Championship
John Cena (-170) vs. Kevin Owens(+130)

WWE Tag Team Championship
The Prime Time Players (-185) vs. The New Day (+145)

Roman Reigns (-130) vs. Bray Wyatt(-110)

– WWE Hall of Famer Lita recently appeared on the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling Podcast and spoke about her latest role within the company as a coach on Tough Enough.

She discussed what it was like working with Billy Gunn and Booker T, dealing with eliminations, working with the contestants and she revealed her favourite match of all-time. Hear it at this link.

– Before today’s WWE live event in Singapore today WWE United States Champion John Cena met with US service men, women and their families. WWE shared the following pictures on Twitter:

Seth Rollins Congratulates EC3 On His Victory Over Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar Possibly Working More

Martin Lamont
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– WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins took to Twitter on Thursday to congratulate TNA’s Ethan Carter III (EC3) on his victory over Kurt Angle to win the TNA World Title.

EC3 defeated Kurt Angle during the 1st July show giving him his first run with the TNA World Championship. Rollins and EC3 previously trained together in in WWE’s developmental system

You can see the tweet sent by Rollins, and the reply from EC3 below:

– In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Suplex City shirts are being made for local markets suggesting that Brock Lesnar could be working more live events.

It’s possible that Lesnar could work the 8/8 show in Sydney, Australia and the 11/6 show in London’s O2 Arena – though these haven’t been confirmed.

Lester was reportedly given a pay rise with his new contract which is said to have included more dates per year in comparison to the original deal.

WWE Network Update For New Users, DVD Sales Down, WWE Shop Sales Up

Martin Lamont
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– It appears that the WWE website has removed anything relating to the free month for new users who sign up to the WWE Network.

Over the past few months the company have been selling the fact that new users could get access to the WWE Network for free for that particular month, this seems to have stopped.

It now appears that anyone who signs up can now get the first month free, regardless of what month they sign up in. This is similar to other video on demand services like Netflix.

– Since the network launched, sales of DVDs have taken a considerable nosedive. They are down from 271,000 last year to just 176,000 this year – a drop of 35.1%.

The biggest selling DVDs over the past nine months have been Slam City (119,000), WrestleMania (92,000), The Best of Sting (88,000), Attitude Era Volume 2 (83,000) and John Cena’s Greatest Rivalries (62,000).

– The WWE Shop is continuing to grow in popularity. It’s reported that they average 1,161 orders per day which is an increase of 24.2% from 935 last year and nearly double that in 2013 (613).

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

SmackDown Preview For Tonight, JR’s Interview With Mike Tenay, Bret Hart

Matt Boone
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– Part one of Jim Ross’ in-depth interview with TNA announcer Mike Tenay is available on the latest edition of his “Ross Report” podcast, which you can download at PodcastOne.com.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Bret Hart celebrates his 58th birthday today. “The Hitman” was born on July 2, 1957. Other wrestling birthdays today include former Attitude Era star Scotty 2 Hotty (45) and referee Charles Robinson (51).

– WWE taped the following matches for tonight’s SmackDown:

* Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose
* Adam Rose vs. R-Truth
* Mark Henry vs. Ryback
* Brie Bella vs. Naomi
* The Prime Time Players vs. The Ascension
* Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns

For complete SmackDown spoilers for tonight, click here.

Lucha Underground Plans Underway For Season Two, News On Dario Cueto’s Monster

Martin Lamont
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– In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter it’s noted that plans are set to be in place for the filming of the second season of ‘Lucha Underground’ on the El Rey Network.

At present, the current location in Boyle Heights, CA is likely to be used once again but as of yet no official announcement has been made to the public, nor do talent have any specific dates.

A change of location has apparently been discussed to save money including moving the show down to Mexico but major executives likely wouldn’t be happy about travelling there so often.

– In other ‘Lucha Underground’ news, Dario Cueto’s monster, who is seemingly his brother will be given the name ‘Monster Matanza Cueto’.

Cueto’s biggest rival in the second season, the masked man behind Black Lotus is set to be given the name of ‘The Master’.

Lucha Underground TV Results – July 1, 2015

Matt Boone
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Lucha Underground TV
Taped at “The Temple” of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California
Aired July 1, 2015 on El Rey Network
Report by John Moore and ProWrestling.net

The intro video this week was focused on Chavo’s fear of Mexico, and what drove him to betray the trust of El Dragon Azteca for the temptations of Dario Cueto. Chavo’s creepy and hilarious evil smile was included. Texano’s ongoing feud with Daivari was also a focal point of this week’s video package.

The actual show started in Dario Cueto’s office where he was counting money. Chavo walked into the office to cash in on his final request. Dario Cueto said he couldn’t remember which pissed Chavo off for a bit. Dario was joking of course, and he said that Chavo could have a No-DQ match against Prince Puma on this week’s episode. Dario Cueto added that he’d do anything for Chavo. Chavo said he wanted something done about Konnan and his cane. Cueto said that if Konnan interferes in the match, Chavo automatically gets the title. Chavo did his funny Evil Chavo smile as he left the office.

Mexican Dubweiser came back to the arena (M. Bison and all) after handing the reigns back to the Ryobacks for one week. Vampiro was so happy he was pointing his finger more than Sin Cara would. He was really pumped for the Drago vs. Hernandez feud brewing. Matt Striker said that many feuds were heating up leading up to Ultima Lucha including the Texano vs. DelaVar Daivari feud. “The Golden Warrior” was in the ring spitting Whiskey at people while he was flanked by Big Ryck. This prompted the crowd to chant “Golden Shower” at him. Texano came out through the babyface entrance for once as his awesome, in my opinion, theme played.

1. DelAvar Daivari vs. El Texano Jr. Texano wasted no time and brought the fight to Daivari on the onset. Daivari ducked outside after a backdrop and hid behind his human shield known as Big Ryck. Daivari snuck back in the ring and gained a little bit of an advantage. Texano hit a springboard splash on Daivari and got a nearfall. Ryck provided a distraction which allowed Daivari to chop block Texano. Daivari went on to target Texano’s left leg. Vampiro said that Texano was the longest reigning world champion in AAA (random fact: Texano beat Mil Muertes to get that title)

After softening up the left leg of “The blue collar hero” Texano, Daivari got a nearfall. Daivari distracted the ref so Ryck can sneak a punch in. Daivari locked in the Figure Four Leg Lock after Texano showed that he couldn’t stand due to the attack on his leg. Texano reversed the weight of the lock to force Daivari to break the hold. Throughout this match, Matt Stryker and Vampiro kept going over how they couldn’t really pronounce the name DelAvar Daivari.

Daivari used the corner turnbuckle to wrench on Texano’s left leg. Texano tried to escape, but Daivari laid a huge slap on the chest of Texano. Texano fought his way out with a front dropkick from the second rope. Both luchadores got up on their feet to beat the ten count. After a fairly even chest chop battle, Texano hit the Ruff Ryder leg lariat for the nearfall on Daivari. Texano lifted Daivari for the powerbomb, but Daivari hit the x Factor on him for the nearfall.

Daivari summoned Ryck who came to the ring apron with Texano’s bull rope. Daivari escaped the fireman’s carry from Texano sending him into Big Ryck. Texano dodged the bull rope punch and sent Ryck to the ground with a superkick. Texano lifted and hit the sitout powerbomb to defeat his rival Daivari.

Texano defeated DelAvar Daivari via pinfall in 6:15.

Texano quickly left the ring to avoid an attack from Daivari’s hired bodyguard…

Prince Puma was training backstage with Konnan advising him on Chavo. Konnan said that it ain’t nothing but a thang. Catrina teleported into the room and said that if Puma survived this ordeal, he was going to need all the help he could get because Mil Muertes was going to destroy anyone between him and his title at Ultima Lucha. Mil Muertes approached and stood face-to-face with Puma. The lights freaked out and Mil Muertes instant-transmissioned away which confused Puma a bit. Konnan said it was just mind games… [C]

Back from the break in a hidden part of the Temple, Konnan was conversing with a mystery figure who supposedly hates Chavo for disrespecting Mexico and Mexican heroes like Blue Demon Jr. Konnan said “that Chicken-Sh*t wouldn’t have the balls to ask for a match against Puma, unless he had a trick underneath his sleeve”. Konnan said that he was giving the green light to this mystery person who was supposedly Mexico, to have revenge against Chavo…

Back in the arena Hernandez strutted to the ring with his smug look. Drago 2.0 was his opponent, looking for revenge for costing him his title shot at Ultima Lucha… [C]

2. Hernandez vs. Drago. Hernandez tried to gloat with his muscles and got a cheap shot on Drago. Drago immediately kipped back up and stood face to face with the taller luchador. Drago attempted to sunset flip Hernandez, but the man wouldn’t budge. Hernandez lifted Drago but got hit by an enziguri. Drago punched Hernandez from the ring apron and hit a springboard dropkick on Drago. Drago grounded Hernandez with a sweep kick and hit him with a running senton. While Hernandez was seated after some kicks, Drago hit him with a front dropkick to have him lying down.

Hernandez ended the Drago onslaught with a buckle bomb, which prompted him to do his cocky strut. Matt Striker said that there might be some animosity against Hernandez from the locker room for hating on Mexico in favor of Texas. Hernandez grounded Drago with a backbreaker leading to a two count. Hernandez chopped Drago in the corner while rubbing Drago’s dragon horns in a mocking way. Hernandez caught a running Drago and hit a half-tilt-a-whirl side slam. Drago made a bit of a comeback but that comeback was thwarted by Hernandez’s boot. Drago managed to come back and hit Hernandez with the frankensteiner.

Hernandez was sent over the top rope after Drago dodged him. Drago then followed up with a tope. Hernandez tried to backdrop Drago, but Drago converted his momentum to get a springboard senton on Hernandez. Hernandez countered and hit the Boarder Toss on Drago on the ring apron. Hernandez grabbed a fan and ripped the belt right off his pants. Hernandez whipped Drago with said belt. It took a while, but Hernandez was finally disqualified after choking Drago with the belt.

Drago defeated Hernandez via DQ in 6:43.

The camera panned to the crowd where the fans looked ashamed of Hernandez for using such cheap tactics. Hernandez grabbed the mic and told the “dumbass” fans that Dragons weren’t real. he said their hero was just a man, and a man who just got his ass whooped. He said if you have a problem with that, he would whoop your ass too…[C]

Chavo was getting hype for his upcoming match and the lights freaked out again. Catrina teleported behind Chavo this time and said that Mil Muertes was going to destroy the man with the championship, even if it’s Chavo. Chavo was unfazed after Mil Teleported in and said he was going to meet them both at Ultima Lucha. Chavo walked away and Mil let out a demonic scream…

Back in the ring, Melissa Santos handled ring introductions as Marty the Moth flapped his wings while invading Melissa’s personal space like a creepy fanboy. I’m not sure why, but Marty looks like he gained a few pounds in his face since the last episode we saw him. Marty’s opponent was the AAA Mega Champion, Alberto El Patron. El Patron vs. Johnny Mundo was hyped for Ultima Lucha.

3. Marty “the moth” Martinez vs. Alberto El Patron. Alberto El Patron went right at Marty with punches and kicks not allowing Marty a glimpse of hope. Marty escaped for a bit with his own punches but only got kicked back. Marty got sent right into the turnbuckle. Afterwards Alberto El Patron locked in the Cross-Armbreaker for the quick submission victory.

Alberto El Patron defeated Marty “The Moth” Martinez via submission in 0:53.

After a quick celebration, Alberto grabbed the microphone. He told Los Angeles that El Patron was in the house! He then called out Johnny Mundo and said that he knew that Mundo was here and could hear him. He thanked Mundo for putting him through the window and awakening something inside Alberto (In Spanish) The Evil Alberto El Patron. He said that was the biggest mistake of Juanito Mundo’s life because Evil Alberto was crazy and sadistic. He then said that Mundo tried to disfigure the face that El Patron’s mother gave him. He then said that he was going to rip off Mundo’s face. He said that messing with El Patron wasn’t only the worst mistake Mundo has made, but his last, but “You already knew that!”…

4. Chavo Guerrero (w/ The Crew) vs. Prince Puma (w/Konnan) in a No-DQ match for the Lucha Underground Championship. Chavo was flanked by the living Crew guys, Mr. Cisco and Cortez Castro. Vampiro wondered where Bael was. Melissa Santos made sure to state that if Konnan interferes, Chavo would win the title. Vampiro acted extra pissed off because of course, he is always pissed off when Konnan is around.

Chavo taunted Konnan to try to get Konnan to hit him. After a lockup, Chavo hit a shoulder block. Puma got up immediately and got an armbar on Chavo. Chavo escaped, but faked a leg injury to distract the ref. He didn’t have to since it was no-DQ, and the Crew went on to attack Prince Puma. Konnan teased interfering, but only provided a distraction for Puma to recover, which of course pissed of Vampiro since it was Konnan.

The Crew brought the action back in the ring and hit their footstomp combo on Puma. The Crew held Puma into position for the frogsplash while he was selling his leg injury. Konnan called in Texano to clean house. Texano hit the sitout powerbomb on Mr. Cisco. Prince Puma went to the top rope and hit the 630 on Chavo for the pinfall victory.

Prince Puma defeated Chavo Guerrero via pinfall in 5:56 to retain the Lucha Underground Championship.

Prince Puma stood in the ring with his belt as Texano looked on from the steps. Texano had the mic and said that Mexico was coming for Chavo, and Mexico was right here (Wait? Doesn’t El Texano translate to “The Texan?”. So the Texan is Mexico, okay?). Chavo yelled in the ring and threw a mini-fit. Prince Puma and Texano stood together with the crowd as the show ended.

Then again… not quite yet! Chavo was angry in the locker room selling his leg injury. Blue Demon walked in to continue the feud that just won’t end and laughed. He said he wasn’t going to fight people already hurt. He said he was a good man unlike Chavo. Chavo taunted Blue Demon by saying that Texano was doing Demon’s dirty work. Chavo then said that Texano drew more of a pop than Blue Demon has ever had. He then called Texano Mexico and Demon was just a has-been from Miami. Demon started throwing Chavo around and said “YO SOY MEXICO CHAVO! YO SOY!”. Blue Demon walked out of the room as Chavo flashed an evil smirk to the camera signifying that he has gotten into the head of the legend, Blue Demon Jr. This closed the show officially.

NXT TV Results – July 1, 2015

Matt Boone
-
3

WWE NXT
Aired July 1, 2015
Taped June 18 at Full Sail University and aired on WWE Network
Report by Zack Zimmerman and ProWrestling.net

A hype video aired for the main event tag match of Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Owens and Rhyno… The opening video played… Inside the arena, the fans chanted “NXT” before The Vaudevillains made their entrance. The Mechanics were out next.

1. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) vs. The Mechanics (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson). Dawson took control early with a cheap shot to the mid-section, but Gotch went up-and-over him out of the corner and The Vaudevillians took control briefly. Moments later, Dawson regained the advantage on Gotch and The Mechanics began to isolate him.

There was a miscommunication leading to an English lukewarm tag. They hit the reverse uppercut into a swinging neckbreaker and scored the pinfall.

The Vaudevillains over The Mechanics in about 3:15.

The commentators, Rich Brennan, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves checked in from the commentary table and hyped the Beast in the East special as well as tonight’s main event…

At the WWEPC, Devin Taylor was standing by with Becky Lynch who said she sprained her hip flexor at Takeover, so she has to take a few weeks off. She said she’s going to come back more motivated than ever and win the NXT Women’s Championship. She said this was just the start of N-Bex-T. Total babyface mode.

Back in the arena, Baron Corbin made his entrance. His opponent was already in the ring and was introduced.

2. Baron Corbin vs. Tucker Knight. Corbin hit a weird looking jumping face crusher and then End of Days for the win.

Baron Corbin squashed in about 0:45

The next installation of the Finn Bálor story was hyped next… A Beast in the East vignette aired…

In his office, William Regal looked ready to explode as bickering voices filled his office. He finally had it and yelled “enough!” to stop Enzo & Cass and The Vaudevillains from yelling at each other. He declared that next week the two teams would face off to determine No. 1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships. Enzo & Cass left to help Carmella get ready for her match later…

The Finn Bálor story picked back up. Bálor talked about how NXT had really sparked his creativity and some of the most rewarding things he’s experienced is the art he’s inspiring in kids. Basically, he loves fan art. He talked about how the body paint helps the wrestler side channel the artist side. Bálor said that prior to NXT, he had a limited reach and was an unknown commodity amongst the masses. So he spoke about how great of a feeling it was to hear the response when “Prince Devitt” appeared on the screen on the night of his debut.

He discussed combining Finn McCool and Bálor to come up with his name, and also noted that his dad’s nickname is Finn. They showed him in the empty Full Sail arena working with the production crew on his entrance. Matt Bloom spoke about how the guy didn’t have much wrestling to learn, but the production side of things was where he had to learn. Triple H was shown helping and giving him specific advice.

Finn said that NXT is his home. He discussed how much it meant to him to be able to work the WWE Live tour in Ireland in the same building he went to watch WWF as a kid. He said that he’s naturally an introvert, but when he puts on the paint it helps him release his inner demon. He said it’s not just paint, it’s being able to channel all of his intensity into his work. He talked about the evolution of his paint while wanting it to remain recognizable.

Bálor said that he left Japan last April expecting to never see his friends over there again. William Regal’s announcement of the title match was replayed and Bálor discussed how excited he was. He was shown with Karl Anderson in a couple of clips. They aired soundbytes of Bloom, Lynch, and Bálor really building him up as the future of the business.

Kids were shown talking to a roving reporter talking about how cool Finn is. An older fan predicted he would revolutionize WWE. Lynch broke down in tears discussing how much he deserves this because of his much he helped her. A music video played with more soundbites and clips of him in NJPW and NXT. Bálor said that he truly believes that he’s left everywhere he’s gone better than when he got there, from the UK to Japan to NXT and eventually WWE. Corey Graves hyped that the WWE Network would be replaying the Finn Bálor story in its entirety… [C]

Eva Marie was shown working in an empty arena in front of William Regal and Sara Amato… Back in the arena, Emma made her entrance with Dana Brooke alongside. Her music is now her old music remixed into a new theme. Carmella was out next. She cut a promo on her way to the ring introducing herself and closed “Bada-bing, hottest chick in the ring.”

3. Emma vs. Carmella. The crowd went back-and-forth with ‘Evil Emma” and “Emma sucks” chants. After a back-and-forth opening minute, Carmella hit a hurricanrana out of the corner, but Emma took control of a referee separation settled into a lengthy bodyscissors.

Carmella threw a few back elbows, and finally began to mount a comeback. It was pretty weak until she hit a side kick and a running mafia kick. Carmella did her goofy taunt, which allowed Emma to apply the Emma Lock for the tap.

Emma forced Carmella to submit in about 4:10.

Backwtage, Bull Dempsey was banging on a vending machine for stealing his dollar. He was about to smash it with a stool, but Regal stopped him on the backswing. Bull said he was just trying to get the pistachios, but Regal didn’t want to hear it. Bull had something smeared around his lips so Regal took a swipe with his finger and tasted it, and then momentarily looked disgusted in himself for doing that. Regal told Bull to sort himself out or he’s going to find himself in a bad spot… The main event was hyped… Tyler Breeze was hyped in action next.

Backstage following his loss last week, Devin Taylor was standing by with the world’s worst tag team wrestler, Jason Jordan. Chad Gable approached and began to wipe the sweat off. Gable said he always watches Jordan’s matches, which Jordan thought was creepy. Gable said Jordan is making himself look like a loser, but he’ll be ready, willing and Gable when Jordan finally figures it out…

Tyler Breeze made his entrance. His opponent was already in the ring.

4. Tyler Breeze vs. Tye Dillinger. A segment of the crowd chanted “10” for Dillinger’s “perfect 10” schtick around the live events, while another portion chanted “Breeze is gorgeous.” Dillinger took control of Breeze out of the gate and shoved his boot all over Breeze’s face in the corner. Dillinger worked Breeze over methodically with stomps and a body slam, but the crowd was eating him up.

Dillinger looked for a back-body drop, but Breeze floated over and used a fallout reverse DDT. Breeze used his headscissor takeover into a mount before raining shots down on Dillinger. Moments later, Breeze hit the Beauty Shot and scored the pinfall.

Tyler Breeze beat Tye Dillinger in about 2:50.

The main event was hyped up next… [C]

In the ladies locker room, Emma and Dana Brooke had their eyes all over Sasha Banks’s NXT Women’s Championship. They warned her that they’re going to be coming for her. Sasha said that she’s the boss of NXT and she’ll take them both on. Brooke said that sounds like a challenge. Emma set up a tag match and the heels laughed that Sasha doesn’t have any friends because she’s turned on them all. Sasha said she’d find someone.

Back in the arena, the main event competitors made their entrances.

5. Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe vs. NXT Champion Kevin Owens and Rhyno. Joe and Rhyno opened up with Joe teeing off with jabs. Rhyno came right back after him but Joe hit his twisting enzugiri and made the tag to Bálor. Rhine managed to back Bálor into the corner where Owens tagged in. Bálor briefly got the better of Owens, but he was unable to lift Owens for a suplex and Owens took control with a hard whip into the corner.

Owens dumped Bálor to ringside going into the final commercial break. [C] Back from break, Owens was in firm control of Bálor before tagging out to Rhyno. Rhine used a stalling suplex with some squats for good measure. A short time later, Owens hit the 5 Moves of Doom, but Bálor fought out of the AA and hit a jumping double-stomp leading to a double tag.

Joe got the better of Rhyno with an atomic drop, boot, and senton, but walked right into a hard spinebuster Owens tagged in, but Joe planted him with the STJoe. My feed skipped and when it resumed, Rhyno accidentally hit Owens with a Gore. Bálor followed up with the shotgun dropkick on Rhyno which sent him crashing into Owens in the corner. Bálor hit a hesitation dropkick before he went up top and came down with the Coup de Grace on Owens for the win.

Bálor and Joe defeated Owens and Rhyno in about 8:00.

Post-match, the commentators debated whether or not this would be the outcome in Japan on Saturday for the NX Title. Replays aired before Joe raised Balor’s arm in the ring and the commentators gave one final plug to the Beast in the East special.

TNA Impact Wrestling Results – July 1, 2015

Matt Boone
-
6

TNA Impact Wrestling on Destination America
Taped in June at Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios
Report by Jason Powell and ProWrestling.net

[Q1] A video package focussed on Kurt Angle and EC3 heading into their TNA Title match… Josh Mathews checked in on commentary and noted that the battle between The Rising and Beat Down Clan with the loser disbanding was up first. Mathews was joined on commentary by “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero… Ring introductions for that match took place…

1. Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, and Mica vs. MVP, Low Ki, Kenny King, and Hernandez in an elimination match. The losing team must disband. Low Ki caught Mica with a kick to the head and pinned him to eliminate him from the match. [C]

[Q2] Around 12:00, Drake ran to the corner and superplexed King. Pope said Drake has been watching footage of Angle (because of the way he ran up the ropes). Drake performed a dive over the top onto MVP. Drake came up holding his knee and was eventually helped to the back, leaving Galloway to face all four opponents by himself.

At 14:15, Galloway pinned Low Ki, then pinned King at 14:30. At 15:40, Hernandez performed a Border Toss on Galloway. MVP checked in and delivered the Playmaker. Moments later, MVP hit a drive-by kick to the head of Galloway and pinned him, meaning The Rising must disband…

MVP, Hernandez, Low Ki, and Kenny King beat Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, and Mica in 16:40.

Backstage, Kenny King told MVP and Hernandez that Low Ki took a bad fall and was on his way to the hospital. MVP was excited that The Rising is finished…

Magnus stood in the ring and delivered a promo. Magnus said James Storm is a slimy son of a bitch and that’s all he has to say about him. Then he went on to talk more about Storm and how his actions made Magnus’s family stronger. Magnus introduced Mickie James.

Mickie thanked the fans for their support, then thanked Magnus for standing by her side, not rubbing it in her face (maybe he’ll get to now?), and proving he’s the man for her.

[Q3] James Storm came out with Khoya. He told Mickie to imagine if he had pushed her a little harder and how she would have held her baby son while sitting in a wheelchair. Storm said he can have any women he wants beside him in The Revolution.

Mickie called Storm a pathetic waste of a man and questioned whether he could actually find a woman. Mickie thanked him for bringing out the crazy in her and promising the fans one more match. She told him to go find that woman because she and Magnus intend to whip both of their asses…

The broadcast team hyped The Wolves vs. The Dirty Heels for after the break… [C]

2. The Wolves vs. Bobby Roode and Austin Aries in a 30-minute Iron Man match for the vacant TNA Tag Titles. This was the deciding match of the best of five series.

[Q4] Ten minutes into the match and there were still no falls. Eddie Edwards made a hot tag to Davey Richards, who went on an offensive flurry. Mathews made a good call by talking about how Edwards taking so much punishment gave Richards a chance to enter the match with energy. Richards had Roode pinned, but Aries broke it up. [C]

Richards ended up taking a prolonged beating, including a nice missile dropkick from Aries into a powerbomb from Roode. Roode covered Richards, but Edwards broke up the pin. Ring announcer Christy Hemme noted that the match had ten minutes remaining.

[Q5] Edwards took the tag and got a near fall on Roode. Roode and Aries came back and performed a nice double team combo on Edwards for a near fall of their own. Aries put Edwards in the Last Chancery, but Richards broke it up with a double stomp.

The Wolves came back with a pair of top rope double stomps on Aries and had him pinned, but Roode broke it up. Hemme announced there were five minutes remaining in the match. Aries performed a running dropkick on Edwards. Roode performed a spinebuster. Aries followed with a 450 splash and pinned Edwards to give his team a 1-0 advantage.

With three minutes to go, The Wolves were at ringside. Roode held them and Aries performed a suicide dive. Edwards battled his way back inside the ring. He and Richards teamed up for a powerbomb/backstabber combo that resulted in Edwards pinning Aries at 28:54, according to Mathews.

Roode hit Edwards with one of the title belts. Aries put his arm over Edwards, who kicked out at the last moment. Roode went or the Roode Bomb, but Edwards rolled through and pinned him to give his team a 2-1 advntage. Roode applied the crossface on Edwards while Aries held Richards at ringside, but the clock expired… [C]

The Wolves defeated Austin Aries and Bobby Roode 2-1 in a 30-minute Iron Man match to win the best of five series and the vacant TNA Tag Titles.

[Q6] 3. Taryn Terrell (w/Marti, Jade) vs. Awesome Kong vs. Brooke in a Triple Threat for the TNA Knockouts Championship. Yes, Brooke bent over and shook her ass as part of her ring entrance again. Isn’t it enough that she’s athletic and attractive? Taryn ducked to ringside early on.

Mathews noted that it’s not an elimination match and Taryn doesn’t have to factor into the finish to lose the title. He also noted that Taryn won the match by pinning Gail Kim in a Triple Threat match that Havok entered as champion. Late in the match, Marti and Jade knocked Brooke off the ropes. Jade kicked Kong and then clotheslined her over the top rope, then Taryn performed a Diamond Cutter on Kong for the win…

Taryn Terrell defeated Awesome Kong and Brooke to retain the TNA Knockouts Title in 5:20.

After the match, The Dollhouse were heading backstage when the mystery woman’s video played. She’s no longer a mystery woman, as the video package revealed herself as Gail Kim… The broadcast team hyped Angle vs. EC3, and part one of Mike Tenay’s interview with Jeff Jarrett… [C]

Mike Tenay interviewed Jeff Jarrett and Karen Jarrett in the middle of the ring in an empty studio. Tenay spoke about the surprise of Jarrett returning. Tenay asked Jarrett what winning the King of the Mountain match means regarding the future of TNA and Global Force Wrestling. Jarrett spoke about how he was surprised to be back as well, and said there is definitely a future with TNA and GFW and it will shock some people.

Ring entrances for the main event took place. Jeremy Borash handled the in-ring introductions and his voice went all Peter Brady while saying Angle was the reigning and defending champion of the world… [C]

4. Kurt Angle vs. EC3 (w/Tyrus) for the TNA Championship. Angle hit an early suplex and then followed with a pair of German suplexes. EC3 grabbed the ropes to block the third, then Angle sent him to ringside. Mathews said this isn’t the type of match that EC3 signed up for. Huh?

Back in the ring, Angle hit two more German suplexes. EC3 once again grabbed the ropes to prevent a third. Angle was jawing with the ref when EC3 clotheslined him to grab control of the offense at 4:15. EC3 remained on the offensive heading into the break.

[Q8] [C] EC3 remained in control coming out of the break and had Angle in full nelson position, but Angle broke free. Angle came back with three German suplexes. Angle set up for the Angle Slam, but EC3 dodged it, then Angle hit him with three more German suplexes. Welcome to Suplex, um, Village, bitch? Angle was knocked to ringside, where Tyrus caught him with a clothesline.

Back in the ring, Angle performed, yes, more German suplexes. He also ran EC3 into Tyrus to knock Tyrus off the ring apron. Angle performed the Angle Slam for a two count. Angle applied the Ankle Lock. EC3 rolled out of it. Angle performed an overhead belly-to-belly suplex that sent EC3 crashing into referee Brian Hebner.

Tyrus attacked Angle while the referee was down and then rolled to ringside and jawed at fans. EC3 performed the One Percenter and covered Angle, who kicked out at two. EC3 acted shocked as Mathews noted that this was the first time someone had kicked out of EC3’s finisher.

EC3 called for Tyrus, who grabbed a chair. Pope said EC3 was trying to get himself disqualified, which would be really stupid considering how long he waited for a title shot. The refeee cut Tyrus off. Tyrus jabbed his chair into the referee, who ordered Tyrus to the back. Two additional referees ran out and joined in ordering Tyrus to the back. Tyrus complied.

EC3 set up for his finisher again, but Angle countered and eventually applied the ankle lock. Mathews noted that it was the same move that made Matt Hardy tap out last week. EC3 reached for the ropes, but he eventually kicked Angle off to break the hold. Angle set up for his finisher, but EC3 countered into a rollup and pinned Angle. EC3 celebrated and Angle acted shocked and disappointed.

EC3 defeated Kurt Angle in 20:35 to win the TNA Title.

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