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Bill Goldberg Says He’s Training Six Days A Week, Wrestling Legend Hospitalized

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– Wrestling legend and one-half of the famous “Midnight Express” tag-team, “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, was hospitalized on Sunday in Jonesboro, Arkansas due to complications from diabetes. The issues have resulted in some leg problems for the former Tag-Team Champion. Eaton just recently overcame some heart complications after having a Pacemaker installed.

– For those wondering about the physical condition of Bill Goldberg following a lengthy absence from active wrestling, the former WCW mega-star recently told a fan on Twitter that he still works out six days a week. Goldberg tweeted:

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • News On RAW Christmas Announcing, Part Two Of Edge On “Talk Is Jericho”

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    – Part two of Chris Jericho’s new “Talk Is Jericho” interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Adam “Edge” Copeland is now available online. Fans interested in checking that out can do so at PodcastOne.com.

    – As if you couldn’t tell just by watching the show and listening to the commentary, due to Monday’s RAW Christmas special being taped a week ago, and the fact that WWE decided to make the Batista announcement last night, among other reasons, Michael Cole and JBL did voice-over work for the show. According to JBL’s Twitter account, the two did the voice-overs live from WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday night.

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • Backstage News On Jeff Jarrett’s TNA Resignation: Is It A Work?

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    Jeff Jarrett’s TNA resignation announcement apparently caught many by surprise. As we noted recently, Jarrett had been taking a bigger management role and extended agent work following the departure of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff from the company, which makes this announcement even more interesting.

    Nobody in TNA is talking as if there were any kind of issues involving Jarrett at the last set of television tapings, and it appears that things are “business as usual.”

    TNA sources who are normally “in the know” were also caught off guard by the announcement, and aren’t entirely ruling out the possibility that this is a work. At the same time, that is basically speculating based off of the fact that nobody seems to know much of anything about what caused him to resign out of the blue.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    [Credit: ProWrestling.net]

  • Jeff Jarrett Tweets About Leaving TNA & Teases Starting A New Promotion

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    Following his announcement that he is parting ways from TNA, Jeff Jarrett posted the following quote from Walmart founder Sam Walton:

    Jim Ross Q&A: Jarrett Leaving TNA, Lesnar vs. Batista, HBK vs. Sting, War Games

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    WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has once again updated the Q&A section of his website. The following are some new highlights:

    On calling the legendary Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat matches: “It was a honor to call them back when play by play was in fashion. Working w/ Bob Caudle was a privilege. Flair & Steamboat were….legendary. I was at right place at right time.”

    On if he feels Tito Santana is underrated: “Tito was a great in ring talent. I don’t know who has underrated him. He was a star.”

    On whether or not Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania was the match of the year: “Thanks for your take. I have no dog in this hunt. There weren’t an overabundance of great matches in WWE in 2013 IMO ”

    On Jeff Jarrett leaving TNA: “I’m not connected to TNA or Jarrett or to what their relationship together was or has been lately. I don’t know what his departure means to TNA. TNA has many fixable issues. I wish Jeff and his family well.”

    On the overrun during WWE RAW on Monday’s: “Enhances the TV ratings minute by minute numbers.”

    On a dream match at WrestleMania between Shawn Michaels and Sting: “At the right place at the right time it would have been terrific. A main event. The ship’s sailed on that one or so I think.”

    On the possibility of the War Games concept being used by WWE: “Highly unlikely. I don’t see it happening. It wasn’t a WWE creation and the blood is a no-no.”

    On Drew McIntyre’s future in WWE: “It’s all about the creative and the production and execution of such. Any one can be made to be relevant in the fictional world of pro wrestling.”

    On the importance of Steve Austin during the Attitude Era: “In the Attitude Era, it was Stone Cold who was the straw that stirred the drink. But he was surrounded by some great talents as well.”

    On the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Batista in 2014: “If both are around with enough TV availabilities I’d say it’s possible. It would be a nice attraction.”

    On if the Hardy Boys would ever return to WWE: “I’d say never say never but I’d also guess it would likely be a long shot. Sometimes long shots come through.”

    Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Colt Cabana Talks Working For WWE Again, WWE Edits Batista’s Tweet

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    – Independent pro wrestling star Colt Cabana recently spoke to The Cleveland Plain Dealer about reports of him doing commentary work for WWE. Colt said:

    “I’m just riding the wave of fun right now. The WWE has been weirdly talking with me for over a year now. I can’t rely on them though. I do my own thing until stuff gets concrete. Right now, I can’t worry if I’ll be doing announcing or anything else. I know I want to concentrate on continuing to wrestle around the world and growing my comedy stuff. All I can say about the future is that I’m going to be having fun with wrestling. That’s a guarantee.”

    Check out the complete interview online at Cleveland.com.

    – As noted on Monday night, former WWE Superstar Batista posted a tweet about his announced return at the January 20th edition of RAW. In the tweet, Batista noted, “I can’t wait to get to the Cheesefest in Hoakietown and punch somebody right In the f’n face! Playtime’s over children.” When WWE displayed the tweet on RAW on Monday night, they edited the “f’n” out of the quote.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Mick Foley Claims He “Begged & Pleaded” To Be On RAW Christmas Special, More

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    WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley has been tweeting since Monday night about his desire to be part of the RAW Christmas special that aired this week. Foley initially tweeted:

    Foley then tweeted these two, followed by a lengthy “feel good” Christmas-related story, which you can read below the following two tweets:

    Here is the “feel good” Christmas-related story Foley wrote about on Twitter:

    “Sure, I would have like to be on #RAWChristmas – but it’s not my show, and not my call. So, I’m going to look at the glass of milk half-full and share a nice behind the scenes story.

    A couple months ago, I heard from a longtime Santa -a large man who had fallen on tough times, and had been unable to play the Santa role he loved, because he no longer owned a suit for his large frome. Following the Santa match on RAW, Mark Henry gave me his Santa suit, and I had it in a box bound for Kentucky the next day.

    The Kentucky Santa sent me a photo a couple days later – the suit fit perfectly :)

    And to all a good night.”

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • Confirmed Title Match For RAW Next Week, Jim Ross On Batista’s WWE Return

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    – Due to his victory in the “Christmas Present on a Pole Match” at the special Holiday themed-edition of WWE RAW on Monday night, Fandango will get a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship. It was announced that Fandango will challenge Big E. Langston on RAW next Monday night.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross tweeted the following regarding the WWE return of Batista:

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Batista Speaks On His WWE Return, WWE Continues The Hype

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    – As part of the promotion for “The Animal” Batista’s return to WWE, which is now confirmed for the January 20th edition of RAW, WWE has added a playlist of Batista’s most epic matches. You can check it out online at WWE.com.

    – Speaking of Batista, he tweeted the following about his upcoming WWE return:

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • VIDEOS: Batista Return Promo, Preview For Next Week’s New Year’s RAW

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    WWE has added the following videos to their official YouTube channel:

    Batista Return Promo

    New Year’s RAW Preview:

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • WWE & WWE Superstars Tweet About Batista Return Announcement

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    The following are some tweets related to the announcement that former WWE Superstar “The Animal” Batista will be officially returning to the company on the January 20th edition of RAW:

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Batista’s Official WWE TV Return Date Revealed (Video)

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    It was officially announced during the special Christmas-themed edition of WWE RAW on Mondy night that former WWE Superstar “The Animal” Batista is indeed making his return to the company in 2014.

    WWE announced Batista’s return for the January 20th edition of WWE RAW.

    Triple H & Bruno Sammartino Featured In Part Two Of Five-Part MSG Series

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    WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino and current WWE executive Triple H will be featured in part two of “The Garden Transformed: Year Three,” a five-part series airing on MSG. The episode featuring Sammartino and HHH is scheduled to air on Saturday at 10:30pm E.T.

    “Even around the world, this is how they know me,” said Sammartino. “In Argentina, in Brazil, I remember going to Australia, all the trips I did in Japan, you know how they’d advertise me? ‘From Madison Square Garden, Bruno Sammartino.’”

    For more information, visit Newsday.com.

    (Thanks to Joshua Stewart from Newsday for passing along the link.)

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • “Rowdy” Roddy Piper Confirmed For Ring Of Honor TV Taping On January 4th

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    Ring Of Honor issued the following on Monday:

    AN APPEARANCE BY A LEGEND & TWO BIG MATCHES SIGNED FOR NASHVILLE!
    SATURDAY, JAN 4TH, 2014 – NASHVILLE FAIRGROUNDS

    Ring of Honor’s first television taping of 2014 is less than two weeks away! On Saturday, January 4th, all the stars of ROH will be in Nashville. This event will host the first rounds of the 2014 Top Prospect Tournament. We can now confirm an appearance by a LEGEND and two more giant matches for
    Nashville!

    ROWDY RODDY PIPER will make a very special appearance Saturday, January 4th for the fans in Nashville. This will be a rare chance to meet a Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer. Autographs will be available for a fee.

    “Mr Wrestling” Kevin Steen vs. Chris Hero

    Finally, we know Chris Hero’s first opponent as he returns to ROH – Kevin Steen! While Hero has already been announced as part of a major tag team match at Wrestling’s Finest in Pittsburgh, Nashville will host his very first match back in Ring of Honor. At Final Battle, Kevin Steen defeated Michael Bennett in a brutal brawl that destroyed the ringside area. While an incredibly talented wrestler in his own right, in recent years former ROH Champion Steen has tended toward ring apron power bombs and steel chairs over trading holds with his opponents. Nashville is going to see a huge styles clash as he welcomes the technically savvy Chris Hero back to ROH.

    Chris Hero has made clear he has his sights set on Adam Cole and the ROH World Championship. His return matches to Ring of Honor will be his chance to prove he is still one of the best wrestlers on the planet, and Hero knows all eyes are on him. A collision with Kevin Steen could derail the comeback before it’s even started – or it could be the catalyst that sends Chris Hero barreling straight toward Adam Cole and Matt Hardy.

    ROH World TV Championship
    ROH World TV Champion “Sicilian Psychopath” Tommaso Ciampa vs Silas Young

    At Final Battle 2013, Tommaso Ciampa finally captured what has eluded him his entire Ring of Honor career: the ROH World TV Championship. He defeated longest reigning champion Matt Taven and destroyed the HOT at the same time. Ciampa has persevered a through horrifying injury and rehabilitation to begin 2014 more motivated and dominant than ever before. In Nashville, he makes his very first TV Title defense against Silas Young!

    Nigel McGuinness is awarding Silas Young a TV Title opportunity after his Final Battle strap match victory against Mark Briscoe. Young has been building momentum in ROH and no doubt sees a title victory as a fitting way to kick off the year. Meanwhile, now that he finally holds ROH gold, there is no way Ciampa is losing his title without an all out war to defeat him. Be there in Nashville to see a huge match between two of the most intense, hardest hitting athletes in Ring of Honor!

    Tickets to this television taping are available HERE. Keep checking rohwrestling.com for updated information on our first show of 2014!

    2014 TOP PROSPECT TOURNAMENT

    Participant #1 – Cory Hollis
    Participant #2 – Raymond Rowe
    Participant #3 – “The Benchmark” Bill Daly
    Participant #4 – Cheeseburger
    Participant #5 – Andrew Everett
    Participant #6 – The Romantic Touch
    Participant #7 – Kongo
    Participant #8 – Hanson

    SIGNED TO APPEAR

    – ROH World Champion: Adam Cole
    – ROH World Tag Team Champions: reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish)
    – Jay Briscoe
    – Mark Briscoe
    – “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
    – Jay Lethal
    – Michael Bennett with Maria Kanellis
    – Matt Taven
    – Roderick Strong
    – Cedric Alexander
    – Caprice Coleman
    – Plus More

    “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Taping
    Saturday, January 4, 2014
    Bell time – 7:00 pm CST

    Tennessee State Fairgrounds/Expo
    625 Smith Avenue
    Nashville, TN 37203

    Click HERE To Purchase Tickets

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • TNA Issues Statement Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s Departure

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    The official TNA website issued the following statement this afternoon regarding Jeff Jarrett’s tweet from earlier today that he has resigned from the company:

    TNA Entertainment, LLC announced today that it has accepted Mr. Jeff Jarrett’s resignation from the company effective January 6th, 2014.

    Dixie Carter, President, commented “On behalf of TNA, we would like to thank Jeff for his contributions to the Company. We wish him the very best and look forward to his continued participation as an investor in TNA Wrestling.” 

    Jeff Jarrett Announces He’s Leaving TNA & Reactions From TNA Stars

    Matt Striker Speaks On Time In WWE, Situation With Justin Credible, Future Plans

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    SESCOOPS.COM reader Pro Wrestling Society sent along the following highlights of a False Finish Radio interview with former WWE Superstar and announcer Matt Striker:

    False Finish: I know you carry a William Regal figure, why?

    MS: My time in WWE, Regal was a mentor and a friend and he had been one of my favorite wrestlers and he need up cooler then i ever thought he would be. The figure reminds me to be as much like regal as possible. He is such a gentleman and he is so humble yet so tough. It reminds me that you need to be a professional.

    False Finish: Talking about the world of sport wrestling, do you think it has a place in USA?

    MS: Hell yeah, back in the day when it was all about the Beatles, the sex pistols came around and boom we got punk. There is a place for everything if it is real and people subscribe it. Hell if there is a place for Miley Cyrus, there is a place for anything

    False Finish: I heard you say on Pro Wrestling 101 that you think of a wrestling ring as a tic-tac-toe board, Can you explain this?

    MS: I draw nine squares in the ring, so when i fall if I can get back to one of the squares then I know Im in proper position. If someone has to move me to a spot for a move, first he is an idiot and second I’m not doing my job. When you pull back the curtain it is a dance, and I want to be the best dance partner possible.

    False Finish: When you debuted in WWE it was against Kurt Angle. What was that like?

    MS: I thought it was a one shot deal, I’m big on faith and I looked up to the heavens and as weird as it sounds, something was carrying me that night. Iwas in the palm of something much greater than me, and that is why that night went as great as it was. It was not human done, it was divine intervention. I never knew it would be a 9 year career.

    False Finish: How is championship wrestling in Hollywood treating you?

    MS: I’ve known of them from before I went to WWE. You see the same going up as you do going down, I never burn bridges. They reached out and said they shoot twice a month in California and asked me to come down and I was sold. There is a lot I love about Cali. It has a great locker room. There are some great wrestlers you need to see like Scorpio Sky, Joey Ryan, Adam Pearce is out there…It is great to be able to see them and work in commentary and production and see guys reach their goals.

    False Finish: What are your thoughts on Justin Credible?

    MS: I respect him, people on the internet talked about the altercation we had in the locker room. We havent seen each other since. I’m not gonna come out and trash the guy. If he throws first let’s do it but I wont throw the first punch.

    False Finish: What are you doing now besides commentating? What are your plans?

    MS: Plans? I’m happy to wrestle and do the seminars. People from all across the world send me clips and I critique and send them back. I’ve been doing acting and stunt work. I just auditioned for and cast in the new Star Trek Equinox. Even if I’m Dead Klingon Number 3, it’s a way for me to be creative.

    False Finish: When you were commentating take us through a day to prepare for something like Raw.

    MS: The prep is ongoing. Josh and I were boys, and we would just talk and try to tie pop culture into wrestling. I like to challenge myself to come up with the coolest ways to make guys interesting. The shows are the same every week. I wanted new facts and I would dive all in to the matches and try to make it entertaining.

    Word association:

    William Regal: Professional.

    Carlito: Body guy.

    Little Guido: He was one of the first main guys I wrestled and he took me under his wing.

    Tommy Dreamer: Friend, when I had nothing and no one would talk to me, Tommy stepped in and he was a brother and a father figure.

    Baseball: Its f*cking awesome

    ECW: Revolutionary, it changed the business. And it could never go back.

    CZW: Great place, I like DJ Hyde, it gives the fans the alternative. Not everyone likes hip hop or pop people need an alternative.

    Kofi: He needs to break out, I want to see that nasty side I don’t want to see the boom kick every night I want to see some growth.

    Vince McMahon: The Don, a lot of people give him a hard time, but who loves wrestling more than Vince… is nobody, he speaks about it every day and everyone in the WWE owes a debt to Vince.

    Big Daddy V: Girthy, DDD cup, he was always good to me I used to have to oil his back. He was a sweetheart.

    Michael Cole: Cole is a story-teller, he knows what Vince wants and he does what is needed and he does his job and helps others.

    Check out the complete interview online at BlogTalkRadio.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Final SmackDown Rating For Friday Lowest In All Of December

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    The Friday, December 20th edition of WWE SmackDown scored a final cable rating of 1.91, according to Nielsen Media Research.

    The 1.91 final draw marks a decrease from the previous week’s rating, which came in at a 1.94.

    The number marks the lowest rating for SmackDown in the month of December.

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • TNA Wrestling Confirms Sting For Two Additional Shows In January

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    The following is from ImpactWrestling.com, the official website of TNA Wrestling:

    Sting added to the Jan 10 event in Bristol, TN and Jan 11 event in McMinnville, TN

    Multi-time World Heavyweight Champion “The Icon” Sting has been added to the January 10 live event in Bristol, Tennessee and the January 11 live event in McMinnville, Tennessee! Don’t miss your chance to experience TNA Wrestling LIVE On Tour when it comes to your area!

    January 10: Bristol, Tennessee
    Vance Middle School, 815 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, TN at 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets are on sale at Vance Middle School, Little Italy Pizza and Evermore Comics and Games in Kingsport, online at www.ShopTNA.com/tickets or by phone at 888-786-2TNA (2862)

    Appearing in action will be: “The Icon” Sting, Bully Ray, Samoa Joe, Magnus, Mr. Anderson, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Gunner, The Bro Mans, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries and Gail Kim!

    Event Details: Tickets start at $15 | Fans who purchase a $50 will meet select IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars at an early-entry autograph session at 5:30 p.m.

    January 11: McMinnville, Tennessee
    McMinnville Civic Center, 500 Garfield Street, McMinnville, TN at 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets are on sale by phone at 888-786-2TNA (2862) or online at www.ShopTNA.com/tickets

    Appearing in action will be: “The Icon” Sting, Bully Ray, Samoa Joe, Magnus, Mr. Anderson, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Gunner, The Bro Mans, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries and Gail Kim!

    Event Details: Tickets start at $15 | Fans who purchase a $50 ticket will meet select IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars at an early-entry autograph session at 5:30 p.m.

  • Backstage Update On WWE Attempting To Lure Sting Away From TNA
  • Details Released On TNA’s International PPV Taping In London On February 1st

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    The following is from the official website of Wembley Arena:

    TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will tape its first ever international Pay-Per-View events in the UK, as part of the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour – which comes to Wembley Arena on February 1st.

    TNA also today announces NINE more wrestlers for the MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour – Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle, TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp winner Rockstar Spud, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Brooke, ODB, Knux, Robbie E and Jessie Godderz.

    They will join Bully Ray, Magnus, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries, Manik, James Storm, Gunner and Gail Kim on all four shows.

    Kurt Angle said: “I absolutely love coming to the UK, as does everyone on the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING roster, so am delighted to be returning in 2014.

    To coincide with this announcement, TNA is releasing a special Family Package ticket offer for the MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.

    Running through until the end of November, those purchasing four tickets across any price band will receive a 20 per cent discount – meaning a family of four can experience TNA IMPACT WRESTLING live from just £72, plus booking fee. Of the four people attending, a maximum of two can be adults (over 16). ID may be checked on arrival to confirm those entering on child tickets are under 16.

    For more information, visit WembleyArena.co.uk.

  • Backstage Update On WWE Attempting To Lure Sting Away From TNA
  • Former WWE Superstar Recalls Rib Involving Randy Orton And The Police

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    SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:

    Former WWE Superstar Mark Jindrak, who is now known as Marco Corleone, has published a new column at PWMania.com. Jindrak goes in depth and talks about why he got pulled from Evolution and replaced by Batista, recalling times when he and Randy Orton were acting immature including photos from a prank that went wrong involving himself, Orton and the cops. Jindrak also recalls when Vince McMahon told him that he was being pulled from Evolution. Here is an excerpt from his article:

    “Randy and I, with the help of Maven, pulled off a great joke on this night [2003 Raw event]. However it went a bit rockier than we expected. We were the last wrestlers in the place. There was probably 5-6 police officers outside to keep the crowd in check. There was one officer that was inside that we conversed with and saw that he was cool. So we asked him if he would step in and just break us up if we started a fake fight outside. He agreed and we set a whole plan up for when we got outside. Outside we started arguing back and forth until it turned to shoving. It was only supposed to be shoving but with the passion that Orton and I had for a great “rib”, turned to some pretty stiff forearms and punches.

    The cop that was supposed to break us up, got thrown off to the side during the struggle which brought in the other police officers that were unaware it was a joke. When they tried to restrain us, we thought they were going along with us as well. So it really turned to mayhem when we threw them off us too. Maven was trying to stop us but he got wrapped up in the craziness as well. Finally they grabbed us and we all got on the same page. They put Randy in the cop car and told Maven and I to meet them at the gas station down the road. So we did and that capped off our joke. I think the best thing about the fight was our jumpsuits. A day before, we wrestled in Springfield, Massachusetts, home of the basketball hall of fame. Therefore we got a great price on some badass NBA Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics velour jumpsuits. Haha”

    “On June 23, 2003, after Raw finished in Madison Square Garden, Vince McMahon wanted to see me in his office backstage. He had told me that he thought it would be in my best interest if they held me out of the group. He told me they had plans of putting me in a tag team with Garrison Cade. He thought I would be best suited as a babyface at this time starting out. I was upset being pulled from this group, but immaturity didn’t let it hit home too much. I figured I’m just going in a different direction, cool. In all actuality Vince was letting me down easy and I appreciate it years later. Then again, I didn’t even realize I just lost out on making millions and millions of dollars and many championship opportunities.”

    You can read Mark Jindrak’s column, “Marco in Mexico with Mark Jindrak” in its entirety at PWMania.com.

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW
  • Randy Orton Says Being A Bad Guy “Is More Fun”, New Female Talent Appear At NXT Show, Lita Appearance

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    – Following Randy Orton’s relatively lackluster 2012 that saw him win no major championships and put his career at risk with a second drug testing violation, “The Viper” returned to form in 2013 with multiple title reigns and becoming the “Face of WWE.” The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion was voted by fans as “Best Return To Form.” This is being attributed to Orton showcasing his “remorseless, sadistic side,” which he enjoys.

    “Being a bad guy is just more fun,” remarked Orton. “Otherwise you worry too much about what the fans think of you. It’s a worry I don’t like to have. I’d rather be myself and explore different ways I can make people feel uneasy even just by walking by and glaring at them.”

    – WWE NXT’s final event last Thursday at its former base in Tampa, Florida, the NXT Arena (formerly known as the FCW Arena), featured the return of Brandi Rhodes (née Reed, formerly known in WWE as Eden Stiles) and the first live appearance of Sarah Backman (a 22-year-old former World Arm Wrestling Champion from Sweden). The newcomers and other female talent appeared as “Santa’s Helpers” during a skit featuring “Santa,” Eugene and Aiden English.

    Rhodes, who is the wife of Cody Rhodes, re-joined WWE this fall after leaving the promotion two years ago. Both she and Backman began wrestling training at the WWE Performance Center in November.

    – Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita, professionally known as Amy Dumas, has been announced to appear at the Alamo City Comic Con taking place September 26-28, 2014 at Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, Texas 78205.

    Jeff Jarrett Announces He’s Done With TNA

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    TNA founder Jeff Jarrett just tweeted the following, announcing that he is done with TNA:

    The news is surprising, since Jarrett had been taking on a larger role behind the scenes in recent months as the head of TNA’s creative team. He also has a minority stake in TNA.

    Jarrett hasn’t been used on-screen in TNA since 2011 when he lost a #1 Contenders Steel Cage Match to Jeff Hardy and was “fired” in storylines. He continued to work behind the scenes, overseeing TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion in India but more recently working as a backstage agent, and negotiating the deals for AJ Styles to “defend” the title in Japan and Mexico.

    TNA Issues Statement Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s Departure

    Here are some reactions from various TNA stars:

    https://twitter.com/JeremyBorash/status/415225645581742081

    https://twitter.com/showtimeey/status/415214999682826240

    https://twitter.com/showtimeey/status/415215115856654336

    Davey Richards Update: Teases That He’s “Heading To Orlando”

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    Former Ring Of Honor standout Davey Richards had a big “farewell ceremony” this past weekend during the Pro Wrestling Guerilla event. During the ceremony, Richards made a few references to him “heading to Orlando.”

    Richards is scheduled to work for the EVOLVE Wrestling promotion in Orlando next month, according to a recent video he posted on his official Facebook account. To check out the video, visit Facebook.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • TNA Running Four Events, Taping Two PPVs This Weekend; Full Details

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    TNA will be running four live events this weekend, two of which will be taped for future “One Night Only” pay-per-views in 2014. Here is the official TNA schedule for this weekend:

    December 27th at Licouras Center in Philadelphia

    – Magnus (c) vs. Samoa Joe (TNA World Title)
    – Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson (Steel Cage Match)
    – Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
    – The BroMans (c) vs. Eric Young & Joseph Park (TNA World Tag-Team Titles)
    – Chris Sabin (c) vs. Austin Aries (TNA X-Division Title)
    – Velvet Sky vs. Lei’D Tapa
    – Ethan Carter III appearance

    December 28th at the NYCB Theater in Westbury, Long Island

    – Magnus (c) vs. Samoa Joe (TNA World Title)
    – Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson (Steel Cage Match)
    – Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
    – The BroMans (c) vs. Eric Young & Joseph Park (TNA World Tag-Team Titles)
    – Chris Sabin (c) vs. Austin Aries (TNA X-Division Title)
    – Velvet Sky vs. Lei’D Tapa
    – Ethan Carter III appearance

    December 30th “Hardcore Justice” PPV Taping at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.

    – Lethal Lockdown: Team Angle vs. Team Roode
    – TNA X-Division Xscape: Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin
    – Full Metal Mayhem: Abyss & Eric Young vs. Daniels & Kazarian
    – Street Fight: Lei’D Tapa vs. Velvet Sky
    – Tables Match: Tommy Dreamer vs. Ethan Carter III
    – Stretcher Match: Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson

    December 30th “#OldSchool” PPV Taping at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

    – Monster’s Ball: Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss
    – Last Man Standing: Bobby Roode vs. James Storm
    – Fall’s Count Anywhere: Bully Ray vs. Tommy Dreamer
    – Also appearing: Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Mr. Anderson, Bad Influence, The BroMans, Eric Young, Chris Sabin, Velvet Sky and Lei’D Tapa

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
  • Kofi Kingston Responds To Being Called Underrated, “Dangerous” Danny Davis Speaks Out (Video), JBL

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    – Kofi Kingston says he doesn’t care what people think about his in-ring performances.

    The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the seven-time mid-level champion was voted by fans as “Most Underrated.” Kingston, however, doesn’t care for the moniker.

    “I don’t really care what people think about me,” Kingston remarked to WWE Magazine about being called underrated. “I think if someone’s underrated, that they’re under appreciated. I’m fully confident in my abilities, I know every night, in my mind, that I’m going to have a good match. People feel underrated when they think they’re not getting the credit they deserve. That’s why I don’t care that much about what people think.”

    – Bill Apter recently caught up with “Dangerous” Danny Davis, who famously portrayed a crooked referee for the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. During the interview, Davis reveals that he now resides in Massachusetts, drives a truck for a living and still even wrestles.

    – John “Bradshaw” Layfield mentioned on Twitter that he was doing voice-overs at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut over the weekend.

    – Celebrating birthdays are Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta, who turns 51-year-old, and Jamie Noble, who turns 37. Noble currently works for WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity.