The “talent” releases continue in TNA – and Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke is the latest casualty.
Brooke Hogan WARDROBE MALFUNCTION Photo
There was some buzz going around the WWE locker room on Thursday that Brooke was gone from TNA – and the story was confirmed by multiple sources in TNA on Friday afternoon.
We’ll have more on this breaking story over the weekend here at 24Wrestling – and it what it means for Hulk Hogan’s TNA future.
The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On whether Backlash or Extreme Rules is a better follow-up to WrestleMania: “It all depends on the attractions….the talents invovled.”
On if anyone can match Shawn Michaels in his prime: “NXT will continue to make major contributions to the WWE primary roster over time. Some really good, potential stars there.”
On if RAW and SmackDown should go back to the elaborate stage set ups: “I haven’t given that much thought. Not big on my radar.”
On WWE switching talent from heel to face too often, specifically Alberto Del Rio: “Decision makes, due to the lack of main event depth, are constantly looking for the best roles for their top guys. ADR as a fan favorite was an experiment in my view but he’s a better villain.”
On which wrestling schools are the best: “Start with Lance Storm’s Academy in Calgary and take it from there.”
On if we’ll see the return of “The Stooges” Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco in the current HHH/Vince McMahon power struggle: “Highly unlikely.”
Check out more Jim Ross Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
-The latest edition of “The Steve Austin Show” is now online. The latest episode of the show features actor and comedian Jay Mohr. You can check out the podcast online at PodcastOne.com.
-WWE Diva Tamina Snuka, who has been romantically linked to Darren Young in the past, recently responded to a fan on Twitter about their supposed relationship. Snuka simply wrote, “Fact NEVER dated.” You can follow Tamina on Twitter @TaminaSnuka.
-Speaking of Young, the openly gay WWE Superstar was once again the subject of much discussion on today’s edition of “TMZ Live” at TMZ.com. As noted yesterday, Young was scheduled to appear on the show on Thursday, however he did not appear due to connection issues. The TMZ Live crew fielded questions from listeners, as they typically do on the program, and a lot of the questions were in regards to Young’s coming out of the closet on Thursday. You can listen to future editions of TMZ Live online at TMZ.com.
SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:
Former WWE NXT Superstar “Briley Pierce” and Dolph Ziggler’s brother, Ryan Nemeth is now blogging at PWMania.com. Nemeth posted his debut column talking about his WWE release and providing an update on what he has been up to. Here is an excerpt from his first entry:
Am I happy I was released? No. Of course not. Are you kidding? Nobody’s happy about getting fired. That’s insane. That’s not a thing. It’s just not. It’s completely 100% impossible to be happy about that. You’re “happy” you got fired? Really? Okay, let me ask you this: if you’re so happy you got fired then why didn’t you quit? Huh? Tell me. Seriously, can you explain that? Oh, you can’t? Because you’re lying? Yup, okay, got it.
I conclude: people who get fired and declare “I’m happy I got fired” aren’t telling the truth. They’re lying.
Case closed.
End of story.
The end.
Got it? Okay. I’m going to move on.
Am I, however, happy right now? Yes. Big time. I am incredibly happy. Since leaving WWE Developmental (FCW, NXT, WWEPC, HHH-XT, and whatever else it’s currently hash-tagged as in the scale-tippingly manic, dangerously positive and impossibly grateful tweets of the current Developmental roster members) I have done a lot. Like, really, a lot. I’ll explain…
Nemeth also writes about the pro and cons of leaving WWE and more. You can read his debut blog can be read in full at PWMania.com.
-WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently tweeted a new video clip from the set of his upcoming movie, “Hercules.” Johnson tweeted:
Shot this vid a few hours ago from set. Don’t let this beast grab you.. #UBecomeMyLunch #HERCULESMovie http://instagram.com/p/dFphUzIh3l/
-Currently “#WWE2K14” is trending number one overall worldwide on Twitter.
-Speaking of the WWE 2K14 video game, WWE executive and on-air character Stephanie McMahon confirmed she will be available as a playable character in the game during an interview at the SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Los Angeles, California on Thursday. You can watch the Stephanie McMahon interview below:
-TNA Impact Wrestling executive Eric Bischoff recently took to Twitter to comment on working with MMA legends Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz at Thursday night’s “Hardcore Justice” edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV. Bischoff wrote:
“Enjoyed working with @Rampage4real and @titoortiz last night. Intense, competitive and pro’s.”
-Speaking of “Hardcore Justice” on Thursday night, TNA Impact Wrestling writer David Lagana also tweeted his thoughts on working on the show on his official Twitter account. Lagana wrote:
“Last night was a lot of fun with #HardcoreJustice. So much hard work by all those involved on levels most will never see.”
-Former TNA Impact Wrestling star Jesse Sorensen is available for independent wrestling bookings next weekend. To book Sorensen anytime between August 23rd and August 25th, email [email protected].
WWE Superstar and one-half of The Prime Time Players tag-team, Darren Young, continues to make headlines for his decision to announce his sexual orientation during a recent interview with TMZ at an airport.
The same day Young spoke to TMZ, he also appeared at a “Be A Star” rally, where he made some more comments about the headline-grabbing announcement. “People told me that I would not be a WWE superstar, and I didn’t take no for an answer,” said Young.
Young continued, talking about overcoming a speech impediment. “I improved my speech and I’m living the dream. So (all I can) tell you is, if you have any types of disabilities, don’t (sell) yourself short.”
Read the full story online at PressTelegram.com.
The following are interview highlights with wrestling legend “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan:
On which current WWE Superstars he feels has the ‘It Factor’ right now: “I think everybody likes Dolph Ziggler, you know I seen him back in the Spirit Squad days. You see that kid, he’s got the blonde hair and a lot of white teeth, good body, good-looking young guy. He’s the kind of guy, a marquee player that WWE looks for, like John Cena, Hulk Hogan, somebody of that nature. I think Ziggler fits that bill. Kind of an unknown hero is McGuillicutty (Curtis Axel). I think Curt’s boy, third generation wrestler, he’s got a lot to show.
On second and third generation WWE Superstars: “I think guys that grow up in the business are just a little more polished than guys like myself who came into wrestling blind. I had no idea what to expect. I think, like Jake the Snake Roberts, Ted Dibiase, your second generation wrestlers, we see even more in Cody Rhodes and Ted Junior, that they grew up in the business and have a better understanding of the show.”
On the upcoming Mid-South DVD and the territory days: “Mid-South was a great wrestling territory, as you know many of the WWF stars came out of Mid-South. It was a great training area, not only did you learn how to do your work in the ring, but you learned how to do your interviews.”
“A lot more guys were making a living wrestling and it was a great time in the business. Of course, the WWE, WWF days was better for a few unique guys but for overall wrestlers, it was good in the territory days.”
Check out the complete interview online at ChaddukesWrestlingShow.com.
The following are highlights from a new WWE.com interview with NXT Diva Charlotte, who is the daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
WWE.COM: What was it like growing up with one of the greatest performers of all time as your father?
CHARLOTTE: Honestly, I grew up very privileged, and I am so thankful for the opportunities my dad’s career was able to provide. I have had the opportunity to travel the world, and I’ve met so many incredible people from all walks of life. I truly believe growing up in Charlotte, N.C., which was once a very small city, is what kept me grounded. I am still friends with the kids I went to kindergarten with.
Yes, our family is extremely well known in North Carolina; at the same time when you have lived in the same place your entire life, everyone gets to know you. When Dad and I would walk into a restaurant, it wouldn’t be the same reaction as we would get somewhere else, because the community as a whole knew us.
WWE.COM: How much of a difference existed between the Ric Flair that the world knew compared to the Ric Flair you grew up with?
CHARLOTTE: None. The sport of professional wrestling was and is my dad’s life. I truly believe he is loved and hated by so many because he is one of a few in history that can take an audience through an array of emotions. My dad has never been afraid to show emotion in public or at home. At sporting events he would be the first to tear up when I hit the stage. I think he was also the first inductee to cry on stage during the 2008 Hall of Fame Ceremony, when Triple H inducted him. My dad did everything he could to put food on the table.
WWE.COM: How true are all the stories of Ric Flair’s generosity?
CHARLOTTE: About three years ago I remember riding with my dad the day before Christmas Eve, and he was giving out gifts to people he knew at our local grocery store, favorite restaurants and even our local hair dresser. If I asked him to bring me a Gatorade to volleyball practice, he would bring four. On the other hand, when Dad was on TV talking about owning $800 alligator boots, he wasn’t kidding.
Some people criticize because they think my dad still wants to be active because he still wants the limousines and jets. The truth is, he does still want to be active and in the public because his life has been dedicated to our industry. Dad loves his fans and constantly wants to give back.
Check out the complete interview online at WWE.com.
-WWE Diva Tamina Snuka, daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, as well as the woman who was previously romantically linked with Darren Young, talked about Young’s decision to come out of the closet and reveal his homosexual lifestyle to TMZ this week. Tamina wrote the following in a new tweet on her official Twitter account:
“@DarrenYoungWWE It takes a lot of Heart and Courage to Know Who Are #YouAreAmazing”
-The following is the latest video of the “JBL & Cole World Tour” from Green Bay, Wisconsin. The video comes courtesy of the official YouTube channel of WWE announcer JBL:
-WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus announced via her official website that her baby is due next month, and that it will be a baby boy. She also noted that she will be naming the child “Maximum,” or “Max” for short. For more, including photos from her baby shower, visit TrishStratus.com.
-The online pre-sale for the upcoming WWE RAW television show in St. Louis, MO. takes place today. There are two pre-sale passwords fans purchasing tickets today can use, and those are WWERAW and CHAMP.
-As we previously reported, Mark Henry and “surprise guests” are scheduled for the August 22nd WWE NXT television taping from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. WWE has since announced both Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter for the 8/22 NXT taping.
-TNA Impact Wrestling will be running a live event tonight in Roanoke, Virginia. The advertised main event is Chris Sabin vs. Bobby Roode, however the card was noted as subject to change due to the Hardcore Justice show on Thursday. Also scheduled is a singles match between Jeff Hardy and A.J. Styles, as well as a Bound For Glory Series match between Austin Aries and Ken Anderson.
The full lineup for the TNA Impact Wrestling live event in Roanoke, Virginia is as follows:
-Chris Sabin vs. Bobby Roode
-Austin Aries vs. Ken Anderson [Bound For Glory Series Match]
-Jeff Hardy vs. A.J. Styles
-James Storm vs. Robbie E.
-Gail Kim vs. ODB
-Eric Young vs. Jesse Godderz
-TNA Impact Wrestling will follow up their live event in Roanoke today with another live event on Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
-WWE Superstar CM Punk has officially been added to the WWE live event in Philadelphia on October 13th.
-The FOX News Latino website recently interviewed current World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio mainly talks about performing as a heel in WWE. You can read that interview online at FOXNews.com.
-The official WWE website has added a video of The Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron) and Natalya on E! News. You can watch that clip online at WWE.com.
-The Bella Twins were recently guests on NFL AM on the NFL Network. Nikki and Brie talked about Total Divas, as well as this Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. You can check out their appearance on the show online at WWE.com.
Former WWE head writer Alex Greenfield recently spoke to John Pollock of The Fight Network this week to discuss a number of WWE related topics. Below are highlights from their discussion:
On Vince McMahon wanting to censor Christian’s face on TV with a blue dot: “Right before I started, there was a big show, I think it might have been in Toronto. Christian was just so completely over, and everybody thought he was going to get a push at, I think it was the World Heavyweight Championship at that point. We were on the plane one time shortly after I started, and Vince was just like “God damn, I just don’t like his face. His face really bothers me.” I was like, “He’s ugly, Vince?” “No, it’s not that he’s ugly, it’s just, I don’t know, it’s ratty! You know what we should do? That Kennedy gimmick.” And we’re all like, “What?” Some see-on of the Kennedy fortune I guess got arrested for rape in the 1990s at some point. When the woman who was accusing him was on the stand, all of the networks put a blue dot over her face. Vince was like, “God damn, you know what we should do? We should put a blue dot over his face whenever he comes out.” It was the flight to Sheffield, England, also the flight where the Spirit Squad idea was invented. This was a whole flight of bad ideas.”
On a backstage segment Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels had in 2005: “I always found Shawn to be an entitled prick. He tried this s*** with Angle one night; Angle wasn’t having it, and threw him around like a rag-doll. I remember I was supposed to do some sort of stand-up interview, a backstage deal with Angle afterward, and Shawn comes up like a house of fire, like “You were taking liberties!” And it’s because Shawn was booked to lose a match and started his overselling nonsense, because that’s the kind of thing he always did because he’s a guy who hated losing. I don’t argue with anyone that, when he’s working with friends in exactly the way he wants, yes, he’s one of the best performers of all time. That doesn’t mean you’re one of the best performers of all time, though, if you can’t do it with people who aren’t your friends.”
Check out the complete interview online at TheFightNetwork.com.
-WWE will be running a live event in Portland, Oregon tonight. No official matches are advertised for the show, however, WWE Champion John Cena is listed as the headliner. Also advertised for the show are CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Alberto Del Rio, Christian, Rob Van Dam, The Shield, Ryback, Dolph Ziggler, Curtis Axel, Paul Heyman, Wyatt Family, Kane, R-Truth, Antonio Cesaro and AJ Lee.
-The following is a non-spoiler preview of tonight’s WWE SmackDown:
–Christian vs. Damien Sandow
–AJ Lee & Layla vs. Kaitlyn & Natalya
–Mark Henry & Rob Van Dam & Big Show vs. The Shield
–The Miz vs. Jack Swagger
–Curtis Axel vs. Zack Ryder
–Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett [No-DQ Match]
-WWE CEO Vince McMahon took to Twitter on Friday morning to share his comments regarding Darren Young coming out of the closet as a homosexual on Thursday. McMahon tweeted:
“I respect @DarrenYoungWWE’s decision to come out and am happy to see the support from the WWE Universe.”
-Speaking of Young, the WWE Superstar appeared on “The Today Show” with Matt Laurer on NBC on Friday morning to discuss the revelation he made on Thursday that he is an active gay wrestler in WWE. You can watch the interview of Young on “The Today Show” on the program’s official website, Today.com.
As part of WWE’s week-long invasion of Los Angeles leading up to Sunday’s SumerSlam pay-per-view, the company held a Superstars For Hope party in Beverly Hills to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Aside from the WWE personalities in attendance (Steve Austin, Jim Ross, Triple H, Stephanie, CM Punk & more) – some of the celebrities in attendance included Travis Barker, Vanessa Hudgens, Christina Milian, Shawn Merriman and Eddie George, among others
Darren Young made global headlines this week when he revealed himself to be the first openly gay WWE Superstar.
According to TMZ.com, Young told WWE that he is “deeply in love” with his boyfriend of 2 years, a man named Nick.
The two currently live together in now in Florida – and Young reportedly told WWE that Nick was actually the driving force in his decision to come out.
Since coming out, Darren Young has received tremendous support from the WWE Universe – and even got support from basketball player Jason Collins, who “came out” earlier this year and became the first openly gay NBA player.
Sam Roberts (@Notsam) got exclusive video interviews with Titus O’Neil, Big Show and Randy Orton at the Superstars For Hope party last night in Los Angeles, California. All three talked about Darren Young coming out, among other topics. Here are the videos:
WWE Superstar CM Punk spoke to Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated this week to hype Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
The Buildup To His Match Against Brock Lesnar: I think we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. We’re selling tickets and we’re selling pay-per views. I think behind the scenes a lot of people want to see this match and I’m excited for it. It’s not every day you get to wrestle somebody that can push you and make you better. I think there’s a lot of eyes on us that normally wouldn’t be because people want to see what I can do. It’s an interesting dynamic.
The Challenges Fighting Brock Lesnar: There are always going to be detractors who will say I don’t look like I’ll be able to hang with Brock Lesnar. But Brock’s a freak of nature and I don’t know anybody who looks like they can “hang” with Brock Lesnar. But anyone can be choked out in seven seconds.
His Match Against The Undertaker At WrestleMania: I think everybody is always selling me short and then I always prove them wrong. It keeps me pissed off and that’s where I need to be, I guess. I’m sick and tired of pulling main event matches and not being in the main event at WrestleMania. Eventually it’s just gonna get to the point of, “OK, I deserve to play with this toy, you’re not gonna let me play with it, then I’m gonna find some other toys to play with.” It gets me down when I really think about it and analyze it, but in the end it keeps me sharp and like I said, pissed off. But I don’t think I’m the guy you want pissed off forever.
If He Voices These Concerns To Vince McMahon: : Absolutely. All the time. We have conversations about it. Hell, if you’re in this business and don’t want to be in the main event at WrestleMania you shouldn’t be in this business. This past WrestleMania, I proved it to the one person that I needed to prove it to, that I should’ve been in the main event. I’ve shattered every negative stereotype people had about me. I proved to the one person that mattered that last year’s main event should’ve been mine and that person is me and I don’t give a sh-t about anyone else.
Who He Wants To Wrestle: I’m in a very unique position. I can have a viable WrestleMania main event with anyone. I can do it with John Cena. I can do it with Daniel Bryan. I can do it with The Undertaker. I can do it with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
If Steve Austin Will Wrestle Again: Yeah, my gut tells me that he will. Whether he makes the right decision or not to wrestle me is up to him.
Punk vs. Austin Seeming Like A Big Money Dream Match: You would hope. They tend to miss the mark on a lot of common sense stuff sometimes.
If He Would Ever Do His Own Reality Show: Reality show? What the hell is reality TV any way? It’s as scripted as anything. I wouldn’t want my life acted out on television in some weird drama. If somebody wants to follow me around with a camera, I do think my life is pretty entertaining on its own without trying to spice it up. But it doesn’t sound like anything I’d sign up for. I do like the small sliver of privacy I’m afforded.
WWES Superstar Dolph Ziggler was interviewed by Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated this week to hype Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Getting Into Standup Comedy: When I was 5 years old I wanted to be a WWE superstar. When I was 8 years old I watched Saturday Night Live and I always wanted to be on there and be an entertainer. I’ve be a student of comedy for 20 years now, I just study and watch and go to comedy clubs and open mics and write my own material and try out my material. I’ve actually done stand up a couple of times and I love it. Not only the challenge of it, but the entertainment aspect. I wanna study great guys and wonder why they got the reaction that they did when they did, why are they so successful. Why are guys who are kind of funny getting great reactions, but guys who are really funny not always getting them.
Which Is Harder – Comedy or Wrestling: I would say they’re both pretty cut throa,t and sometimes you’re not gonna hear any reaction and that’s the worst thing that can ever happen. But at least in the WWE, you have another guy out there with you who you can blame. Last year, 80,000 people at WrestleMania, I was having the time of my life, living it up, not nervous at all, just having a great time. A couple of months ago I did my first standup set in front of about 50 people and I was literally shaking when I went on the stage.
The Funniest Wrestler of All Time: Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was better than anyone else at making me laugh. He was sooo good. So damn good at this. He was “The Brain” because he was so smart as a manager, as a commentator as a performer. He could do it all. He knew what to do, not just tell a couple of jokes. He was smart, and that is such a turn on to me as someone you look up to. His job was almost always to make other people look better than they were and he did it better than anyone else.
Total Divas & If He’d Want His Own Reality Show: Even knowing all those people, I think it’s a very intriguing show. When I first watched it, I was like “Wow, I can get into this show.” I would think about doing a reality show. However, as much as I want to be in TV, movies and crossover, I saw those cameras around for a couple of months and it’s huge invasion of your privacy. I’d have to think about it. I wouldn’t mind being a guest star or a bit player, but I’d need 24 hours at home in silence sometimes.
-Following the Hardcore Justice edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Thursday night, here is your updated standings for the Bound For Glory Series tournament:
Magnus – 39 points (3-1-0) (+1 gauntlet)
Roode – 27 points (1-3-0) (+1 tables)
Joe – 26 points (3-2-1)
Anderson – 24 points (4-1-0)
Hardy – 24 points (4-1-0)
Daniels – 23 points (3-0-1)
Kazarian – 22 points (0-3-1) (+1 ladder)
Styles – 22 points (2-2-1)
Aries – 21 points (3-1-0)
Hernandez – 7 points (1-4-0)
Bradley – 0 points (0-4-0)
Park – (-3 points) (1-3-0)
-TNA has posted the following clip on their official YouTube channel of what happened immediately after Hardcore Justice went off the air:
http://youtu.be/tkFF7fFpZsU
-As seen on the TNA Hardcore Justice edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV on Thursday night, TNA President Dixie Carter addressed the Kurt Angle situation live in the ring before the fans in Norfolk, Virginia. Carter came to the ring, and simply explained the situation as a shoot, informing fans that Kurt Angle was currently in rehab and would not be able to participate in the Main Event Mafia vs. Aces & 8’s five-on-five match as advertised. She noted that the match would be pushed until next week’s edition of Impact Wrestling, leaving the Main Event Mafia a week to find a suitable replacement. She also talked about how Angle had the full support of herself and the rest of the TNA Impact Wrestling company. Additionally, Carter said there is no specific timetable in terms of a television return for Angle.
-TNA announced the next Impact Wrestling special, which will be a “No Surrender” themed edition of the show. The TNA No Surrender edition of Impact Wrestling is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 12th and will feature the Final Four of the Bound For Glory Series tournament to determine who will challenge for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at the Bound For Glory pay-per-view in October.
The following are results from the TNA Impact Wrestling taping from Thursday night in Norfolk, Virginia. The show will air on Thursday, August 22, 2013 on Spike TV.
-The show opens with Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian coming out to the ring. Roode congratulated Bully Ray for winning back the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Chris Sabin at Hardcore Justice. He noted that Bully now has a target on his chest. Roode vowed to win the Bound For Glory Series tournament so he could capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He also noted his desrie to get Austin Aries to join their group, so that they would have even more control of the Bound For Glory Series tournament. Eventually, James Storm and Gunner came out, which led to a match.
-Bobby Roode and Frankie Kazarian defeated James Storm and Gunner in a Non-Title match. The finish came when Roode pinned Storm after hitting him with a low blow.
-Manik defeated Sonjay Dutt in singles action.
-Joseph Park defeated Jay Bradley, Christopher Daniels and Hernandez in a Four-Way Street Fight. With the victory, Park earned 20 points in the Bound For Glory Series. Austin Aries came out at one point, and teased joining Daniels and his group, but ultimately turned on Daniels.
-Bully Ray came out with Tito Ortiz, who is now a part of the Aces & 8’s group. Ray said he is going to shock the world one more time. He claims he’s back with Brooke. However, it’s Brooke Tessmacher. Ray and Brooke ended up making out, and Bully noted that this time he’s got the “hot Brooke.”
-Gail Kim defeated ODB in Knockouts singles action.
-The Main Event Mafia defeated The Aces & 8’s via Pinfall. A.J. Styles, who has now completely dropped the old Sting “Crow” look, was the replacement for Kurt Angle for the Main Event Mafia. So the five men representing the Main Event Mafia were Sting, Magnus, Samoa Joe, Rampage Jackson and A.J. Styles. The five men representing the Aces & 8’s were, of course, Devon, Wes Brisco, Garrett Bischoff, Knux and Ken Anderson. The finish in this one came when Styles pinned Devon with his Styles Clash finisher. So, according to the rules of the match, since Devon took the pin, he is now done with TNA Impact Wrestling for good.
