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Kurt Angle Appearing At “One Direction” Event Today

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TNA issued the following:

Kurt Angle Joins “One Direction” And Star-Studded Lineup For 1D Day Global Event This Saturday

Olympic Gold Medalist, future TNA Hall of Famer and IMPACT WRESTLING Superstar Kurt Angle will join members of the chart-topping, award-winning band One Direction this Saturday, Nov. 23, for the global 1D Day event. Angle is among the star-studded cast of friends and heroes, including Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan, Celine Dion, Robbie Williams and The Muppets, to be featured during the seven-hour live stream, which fans can view and participate in via the One Direction YouTube channel.

Like the members of One Direction, TNA Superstars are adored by millions of fans across the globe, including in the band’s home of the UK. Angle, along with more than 20 other members of the IMPACT WRESTLING roster, has been announced for the upcoming MAXIMUM IMPACT UK Tour scheduled for January and February 2014.

You can follow Kurt Angle on twitter @RealKurtAngle for real-time updates about the 1D Day event.

  • How Much Does Stephanie McMahon Make Per Year? Find Out Here!
  • Final Cable Rating For TNA’s “Turning Point” Edition Of Impact Wrestling

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    Thursday’s special “Turning Point” themed edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV drew a final cable rating of 0.95, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 0.95 final draw actually marks a decrease from last week’s 0.96 cable rating, despite being live this week and having the “pay-per-view” style theme.

    As noted previously, Impact Wrestling this week averaged 1.190 million viewers, which was a slight increase from the 1.1 million viewers that the show averaged last week.

  • Top Former TNA Knockout Shows Up At WWE Show (PHOTO)
  • Former WWE Superstar Dynamite Kid Suffers A Stroke

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    According to multiple reports, legendary pro wrestler Tom Billington, who performed under the name “The Dynamite Kid” for the majority of his career, suffered a stroke in the past few days.

    Billington, who popularized the junior heavyweight style in Japan and Canada early in his career, has been living in England since a number of injuries ended his career in the ring.

    We don’t have a lot of details at this time on Billington’s current condition following the stroke, but as soon as more information becomes available we will post an update.

    Because Wrestling – Episode 123

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    This week on Because Wrestling, it’s Survivor Series time! We offer up our PPV predictions, talk about the passing of Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon, the American Wolves in WWE, Chris Jericho’s new podcast, the future of WWE Network, and more!

    Viewership For TNA’s “Turning Point” Edition Of Impact Wrestling

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    The Thursday, November 21st “Turning Point” special-edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV drew 1.190 million viewers. The 1.190 million viewers marks an increase from the 1.1 million viewers who tuned into Impact Wrestling last week.

    With the number, TNA returned to the top 100 ranking of the 18-49 demographic after dropping off of the list last for last week’s show.

    As far as competition goes, the New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL game on the NFL Network on Thursday night drew 7.68 million viewers. The NBA game on Thursday night did 1.90 million viewers.

  • Top Former TNA Knockout Shows Up At WWE Show (PHOTO)
  • Jim Ross Blog: Mad Dog Vachon, WrestleMania XXX Weekend, Charles Barkley/TNA

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    The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

    On the late “Mad Dog” Vachon: “Maurice was fearless and embraced being a true, wrestling villain which is becoming a lost art that maybe extinct sooner than later. If that assumption is true, then it does the business no favors. That would make the biz dependent on star power and less on personal issues and villains challenging the heroes in varying scenarios. I wonder what the over/under is on the larger alpha males in numerous bars around the world who thought they could whip Dog’s ass because he was smaller than he appeared on TV. Surprise!”

    On WrestleMania XXX weekend: “We’re looking at venues and dates for a JR show, or two, during WrestleMania 30 week in New Orleans. Likely or the Thursday and/or Friday night of WM30 week. Details are still being finalized.”

    On Charles Barkley: “Enjoyed Charles Barkley’s color commentary on TNA Thursday night during the Thunder vs. Clippers game. Chuck is unfiltered and is a breath of fresh air in today’s sports landscape of talking heads. Charles actually paid for Jerry Lawler and Stacey Carter’s wedding in Vegas. I know this to be true as I was there.”

    Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Jim Ross In Negotiations To RETURN As A Pro Wrestling Announcer
  • WWE Stressing Over TNA TV Taping?, Sami Callihan Moving To Main WWE Roster

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    – According to reports, one person backstage at Thursday’s WWE NXT television tapings noted that it was shocking how much WWE officials were stressing over the fact that TNA was taping Impact Wrestling head-to-head with WWE in the same general area.

    – Independent pro wrestling star Sami Callihan, who is now working in WWE NXT under the name “Solomon Crowe,” is apparently being considered for a spot on the main WWE roster. The word going around is that WWE is thinking about bringing Callihan up to the main roster as part of a tag-team combination.

  • Triple H Flips The Hell Out Backstage At RAW – Find Out What Happened!

    [Credit: F4WOnline.com & PWInsider.com]

  • Vince McMahon Advertised For RAW, Update On His Return To WWE Television

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    “The McMahon’s” are once again being advertised for an upcoming WWE television taping. The latest advertisement is for the December 2nd edition of WWE RAW in Oklahoma City. Obviously the last few times Vince McMahon has been advertised for a WWE event he has ended up not showing up on the show, so take these advertisements with a grain of salt.

    Vince McMahon is still scheduled to return to WWE television as a regular character in the near future. The company apparently wants to delay McMahon’s television return as long as possible in order to build up heat on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

  • Rare Photo Of Vince & HHH Backstage Working At Live WWE TV Taping

    [Credit: F4WOnline.com]

  • Ryback Reveals His Survivor Series Role, Says He Wants Goldberg At WrestleMania

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    WWE Superstar Ryback recently spoke with CBS Sports in a promotional interview for this Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view. The following are highlights from the interview:

    On his role at Survivor Series: “The open challenge [I’ll be holding at Survivor Series] is for anyone out there. I’m kind of a bully. I like a good fight and I like picking on people. If it’s someone bigger than me so be it.”

    On Vince McMahon: “He [Vince] is the Roman emperor, and we are all his gladiators. And I want to be the biggest, baddest gladiator.”

    On Bill Goldberg: “I have a great amount of respect for Bill Goldberg, but I’m not going to beat around the bush and say I wanna be best friends with the guy. I’d like to face him in the ring. I’ve heard him say he’s not happy with comments I’ve made about him, if he has a problem with it let’s settle it at Wrestlemania.”

    Check out the complete interview online at CBSLocal.com.

  • Ryback Talks About Why He Hates The Internet (VIDEO)
  • Daniel Bryan Asks Fans To Help Him Name His Finishing Move

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    WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan recently did an interview with The Bleacher Report where he discussed giving fans the opportunity to help him name his running knee finishing move. Bryan tweeted a link to the interview, which you can watch below.

    The options for the name of the finishing move are:

    – The Yes Strike
    – The Bearded Wizard
    – Little-Big-Man Knee
    – The Aberdeen Face Buster
    – The Washington Wizard

    http://youtu.be/oLeFgJouUAo

  • Several Photos Of Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella Together Outside Of WWE
  • Dave Meltzer On Steve Austin Show, John Cena’s Best Attitude Adjustments

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    – As previously reported, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan is scheduled to appear on a future edition of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast. Also scheduled for the podcast is veteran pro wrestling journalist and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer. Meltzer’s appearance on the show is scheduled to air either Tuesday or Thursday of next week.

    – The latest edition of “WWE Rank’D” on the official WWE YouTube channel looks at the best “Attitude Adjustments” by John Cena at past WrestleMania events. You can watch that video below:

  • John Cena And Nikki Bella Making Out Outside Of WWE (PHOTOS)
  • Update On Chris Jericho’s New Podcast, WWE Signs Another Indian Giant

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    – As previously reported, former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho is starting a new online podcast. Jericho recently posted an update noting that the podcast will be called “Talk Is Jericho.” Jericho also noted that his first guest will still be “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. “Talk Is Jericho” is scheduled to debut on December 4th.

    – According to a report on the IndianExpress.com website, a wrestler named Rajesh Kumar is set to begin training with WWE in Japan in the near future. Kumar is 39 years old, stands 7-foot 5-inches tall and weighs in at 335 pounds. He claims he meat WWE Superstar The Great Khali when he came to India two years ago and that was his motivation to begin training for pro wrestling.

  • How Much Does Stephanie McMahon Make Per Year? Find Out Here!
  • What Is Debra Up To These Days?, WWE European Tour Attendance Figures

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    – Former WWE Diva and ex-wife of WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Debra Marshall, recently noted on her official Facebook page that she has been accepted into the University of Alabama’s criminal justice graduate program and will start in January.

    – The following are some attendance figures from the recent WWE European tour:

    November 13th in Nottingham, England drew approximately 5,300 fans
    November 14th in Leeds, England drew approximately 7,300 fans
    November 15th in London, England drew approximately 12,000 fans
    November 16th in Minehead, England drew approximately 5,000 fans
    November 16th in Vienna, Austria drew approximately 3,500 fans

  • Former WWE & TNA Star Gets Married (PHOTOS OF THE WEDDING)

    [Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

  • WWE’s Big Plans For Roman Reigns & Big E. Langston, WWE YouTube Viewership

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    – As previously reported, WWE officials are apparently very high on Summer Rae. In addition to Summer, it is being said that WWE is going to put heavy focus on attempting to elevate the status of both Roman Reigns and Big E. Langston in 2014.

    – The official WWE YouTube channel reportedly ranked number four overall in total viewership for the month of October. WWE’s YouTube channel had 63,096,390 million viewers, trailing only The Ellen Show, The Fine Bros and Hola Soy German.

  • Huge Backstage News, In Great Detail, On WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns

    [Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

  • Shane McMahon Unavailable For WWE Project, WWE NXT Injury Notes

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    – Both WWE NXT Diva Charlotte and WWE NXT Superstar Sylvester LeFort will be out of action for a few more weeks. Charlotte will be out due to minor surgery, while LeFort is on the sidelines with a knee injury.

    – WWE apparently wanted to interview Shane McMahon for their “History Of WWE” DVD documentary that was released this week. For whatever reason, the company was told that Shane wasn’t going to be available for the interview.

  • PHOTOS From A Recent Meeting Between Jim Ross & Shane McMahon

    [Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

  • WWE Offering WrestleMania XXX For “Free” to Lure People To The WWE Network?

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    As previously reported, many people within WWE are reportedly under the impression that the much-talked-about WWE Network will launch before WrestleMania XXX in early-2014. Those same people are unaware of specific details past the point that WWE has been shooting a lot of footage for the WWE Network, however nobody seems to know exactly when that footage will be airing.

    According to one source, WrestleMania XXX is being strongly talked about as a way to lure people to sign up for the WWE Network. The idea is that WWE will get a large amount of subscriptions immediately if people realize that they can get WrestleMania XXX in HD for “free” by signing up for a $9.95 per month subscription service that includes tons of additional content.

    The hope is that if fans sign up for that very reason, most will not cancel because they will be able to get the monthly pay-per-views at a discount and have extra content to go with it. To WWE, this would serve as a way to make the WWE Network an instant hit, as opposed to relying on steady growth over time.

    [Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

    Shawne Merriman Talks About His WWE Tryout, His Management Team Comments

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    Earlier this week, we reported that WWE will not be offering former NFL star Shawne Merriman a contract after his recent tryout at the Performance Center. Merriman spoke to the Baltimore Sun about his WWE tryout, downplaying the situation:

    “I kind of just got in the ring and was messing around a little bit. I wanted to see their new facilities in Orlando, and it was something I dreamed about doing as a kid. So, when I actually got a chance to see the guys train, I just jumped in the ring and kind of had some fun. That was about it on that.”

    Update On Shawne Merriman Following WWE Tryout

    Merriman’s representatives from EAG Sports Management issued the following statement regarding the tryout and his future:

    “Shawne is currently in talks with WWE. Shawne worked out with WWE. They were very impressed and offered Shawne to start discussions on joining WWE. As a matter of fact the head trainer there was so impressed with Shawne he gave him the hardest moves to do to see if he “could” tire him out. Didn’t happen, Shawne blew threw them. The only reason he didn’t join WWE then was because when he returned back to LA he was offered a co-hosting position with the NFL Network and took the job for the remainder of the NFL season. He had been in talks with NFL Network for weeks prior to his visit to WWE training center. He is in talks with WWE to possibly join them after March. However it is just a discussion right now.”

    Shawne Merriman Curses Out CM Punk: “F*ck CM Punk”

    The Latest From John Cena, Morgan vs. DiBiase Booked, Hero Shoot Interview

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    – Former WWE Superstars Matt Morgan and Ted DiBiase, Jr. will be squaring off for the first time ever on 12/7 Family Wrestling Entertainment’s one-night tournament in Corona, New York.

    – World Heavyweight Champion John Cena tweeted today:

    – RF Video has released a new shoot interview with former WWE NXT star Kassius Ohno, now known as Chris Hero again. Below is a preview:

    Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards New Ring Names In NXT Revealed, Video Of Them From Last Night

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    Former ROH tag team champions Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards made their NXT in-ring debuts at last night’s tapings.

    Details On Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards’ Unique Relationship With WWE

    It was reported earlier that the former American Wolves are now known as the American Pitbulls. Both men also now have individual new ring names.

    Davey Richards is now John Cahill and Eddie Edwards is nowEric Philbin.

    Cody Rhodes Talks About Wrestling Goldust At WrestleMania

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    During a recent interview on the Between The Ropes podcast with Brian Fritz, Cody Rhodes talked about the possibility of wrestling his brother Goldust at WrestleMania XXX:

    “I can’t deny the fact I’ve heard all these rumblings of Goldust versus Cody Rhodes and all I can say is that if it’s something the fans want, if it’s something the WWE Universe wants, then they’ll get it. And it’s not always right away. And there’s more things going on and there’s a lot of ‘that’s best for business expression’ but it it’s something that fans want, I could see it being a very high possibility.”

    Cody Rhodes Interview: Survivor Series, Teaming With Goldust & More

    Cody Rhodes Interview: Survivor Series, Teaming With Goldust & More

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    One half of WWE’s tag team champions, Cody Rhodes, was interviewed by Ben Morse of Marvel.com this week to promote Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Cody said about:

    Teaming With His Brother: : I talked to some people this morning who talked to me last year around WrestleMania and I think they’re as shocked as I am to say, as it is for me to hear, to be one half of the Tag Team Champions with [my] brother Goldust. He’s 44-years old and in the best shape of his career. He didn’t even work for WWE when we started heading in this direction so it’s been a wave of surprise after surprise. It’s excellent. It’s a very happy time in my career and I’m not easily satisfied with what I do. I’m always trying to climb that ladder and this is one of the few times that I’ve looked around, surveyed the landscape, and been pretty happy.

    How Long He Plans To Remain A Tag Team Wrestler: “I was talking with Christian, of all people, the other day. I guess he’s been a Tag Team champion like 10 times. Edge was a Tag Team Champion [like] 12 times. I’m at five now and I feel it’s pretty early in my career. I was actually pretty relieved when I heard Edge’s statistics specifically, because I don’t want to be considered a tag team guy. But I do have lots of time left in my career and if there was ever a tag team I want to be remembered for, it would be the one I’m currently in with my own brother …. I’m currently not, to answer your question, itching to get back into the singles world.

    Survivor Series: “I’ve been a survivor twice. Both times I ended up like taking a bullet at the end of the match, one for Wade Barrett and one for Randy Orton. So this is a match I think I’ve got good experience in. It’s the match that’s the cornerstone of the pay-per-view. I think some people still remember the Thanksgiving classic that is the Survivor Series with these awesome pairings and “Mean” Gene [Okerlund] would interview all these colorful characters together. That still exists.”

    “It’s still the beating heart of that Survivor Series match. You have the polar opposites of the Shield and the Real Americans on one side. You have a character as ridiculous as Goldust, myself, you have the Usos who are also two brothers and you have Rey Mysterio. That’s what I like, the collection. I’ll tell you flat out, it’ll steal the show. There are excellent matches on there, Alberto [Del Rio] and [John] Cena, there’s Randy [Orton] and Big Show. But no match is going to come close to this and those guys can deal with that. It’s the Survivor Series match. I’m very excited about it.”

    Details On Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards’ Unique Relationship With WWE

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    At last night’s WWE NXT tapings from Winter Park, Florida, former Ring of Honor tag team champions Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards made their NXT in-ring debuts as the American Pitbulls.

    Rob Feinstein, the original owner of Ring of Honor has revealed the details behind Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards’ unique relationship with WWE.

    In a Facebook post, Feinstein revealed that The Pitbulls are NOT signed to a WWE contract, but will be working in NXT at and the Performance Center. After a few months, WWE will give them a chance on Smackdown to see if they can get over. If they do, they’ll get signed. Feinstein wrote:

    “Here is the deal with them. I knew about this about a month ago but out of respect to all parties involved I felt it was not in my best interest to say anything….They have not been hired by the WWE. In fact Joey Matthews and Steven Regal had to push for them to get looked at because HHH does not want anymore “top Indy” guys and actually said he already has “so and so”, who I will not name and his stance was why would I need another two that are already like him when we already have a few of that kind of person.

    “HHH feels that guys from ROH and PWG are hard to transform because they have their set ways and its harder for them to break them down and remold which I understand. So the deal with them is that they are not under contract. They reported to NXT this week and actually have a few other dates that they are still going to work for since they are prior bookings. They are also going to keep them as a tag team and after a few months I have been told they are going to Smackdown as a tag team to see if they get over….If they do get over they will get offered a contract.”

    Richards and Edwards are still scheduled to work for Ring of Honor’s Final Battle event on December 14th, where they are rumored to be facing Roderick Strong and Jay Lethal.

    DDP Yoga Day At The WWE Performance Center, Bryan On Austin’s Podcast

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    – Kevin Sullivan has been added to Alumni section of WWE.com.

    – Today is “DDP Yoga” day at the WWE Performance Center after DDP received an invite from Triple H and Bill DeMott. He tweeted today:

    – WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin announced on his podcast that Daniel Bryan will be a guest on his show in the next few weeks.

    Preview For Next Week’s Thanksgiving Edition Of Impact Wrestling

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    Partial *SPOILERS* For Next Week’s IMPACT WRESTLING

    Here is TNA’s official preview for next week’s Thanksgiving edition of Impact Wrestling:

    – IMPACT continues the longtime tradition of pro wrestling on Thanksgiving! After the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, join the rest of your family for a night of IMPACT WRESTLING! TNA President Dixie Carter will host the Thanksgiving special, and she promises a night to remember!

    – Speaking of Thanksgiving tradition, the infamous TNA Turkey Costume returns on Thursday night! Who will be humiliated and forced to wear the Turkey Suit on the broadcast? Tune in and find out! 

    – The Main Event of the Thanksgiving broadcast will feature Team Angle vs. Team Roode in an 8 Man Elimination Match! As the war between Kurt Angle and Bobby Roode continues, who will they pick to join them in battle in the huge tag team match on Thursday night?

    – After beating Bully Ray this past week and forcing the Aces and Eights to disband, Mr. Anderson is holding a public funeral for the end of the Aces and Eights on Thursday’s broadcast!

    All this and much more on Thursday’s special Thanksgiving edition of IMPACT starting at 9/8c on SpikeTV!

    TNA Genesis 2014 No Longer Airing On PPV: Details On Upcoming Impact Tapings

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    TNA has announced that “Genesis” will not be airing on pay-per-view in January, as previously promoted.

    Instead, TNA will tape a live “Genesis” edition of Impact Wrestling on January 16th from Huntsville, Alabama. After the taping, TNA will tape an additional episode of Impact, which will air on January

    Kurt Angle, Bully Ray, Bobby Roode, Magnus and Mr. Anderson among the TNA stars advertised for the taping.

    After the shows in Huntsville, TNA heads to Europe for the Maximum Impact tour, which will include another set of Impact tapings from the UK.