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TNA Impact Wrestling Announces New International TV Deal With SONY SIX

Matt Boone
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TNA Impact Wrestling issued the follownig press release on Thursday afternoon:

SONY SIX – India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel acquires broadcasting rights to TNA Wrestling’s full catalog of programming

The channel will exclusively air more than 500 hours of wrestling content across key Asian markets

Mumbai, July 2013: Further expanding its bouquet of international sporting events, SONY SIX, India’s premier sports entertainment channel, has acquired the exclusive broadcasting rights to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling across the Indian Sub-continent.

SONY SIX will now air all of the best TNA Wrestling programming every week including IMPACT WRESTLING, Xplosion, Greatest Matches and Unfinished Business, along with four episodic Pay Per View programs and eight One Night Only specials throughout the year.

TNA Wrestling is one of the leading brands in the world of sports and entertainment, providing high excitement action across the globe. TNA is the home of ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan, ‘The Icon’ Sting, ‘The Charismatic Enigma’ Jeff Hardy, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Bully Ray, Magnus, AJ Styles, Gail Kim, TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Chris Sabin.

This acquisition strengthens the diverse sports offering by SONY SIX further.

On acquiring the rights, Mr. Man Jit Singh CEO, MSM said, “Wrestling is considered one of the ancient sports in the world and India with Kushti has a storied tradition in wrestling. India’s recent success in International Wrestling has attracted the youth in India and also captured the imagination and interest of audiences across the country. Given this national interest in the sport, we are proud to have acquired TNA Wrestling as one of our premium international sporting events. TNA Wrestling has garnered immense viewership internationally and we believe this association further reiterates SONY SIX’s commitment to airing high impact alternative sports in India.”

Commenting on this new initiative Mr. N P Singh COO, MSM added, “SONY SIX will now offer fans more than 500 hours of exciting original wrestling content every year. TNA Wrestling is a global phenomenon, producing exclusive entertainment for more than 5 million viewers in 14 languages each week and seen in more than 120 countries across the world. We at SONY SIX look forward to building on this fascinating sport in the years to come”

Speaking about the partnership with SONY SIX, TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter said, “Everyone at TNA is thrilled at this exciting venture with SONY SIX that will open up new horizons across all of India. The Indian Sub-continent is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated wrestling fans on the planet – and they now have more than 500 hours of the very best in professional wrestling to enjoy. SONY SIX is the perfect partner for us, thanks to their impressive and diverse range of sporting events, and we can’t wait to debut.”

With Mixed Martial Arts and now wrestling introduced into the bouquet of international sports content, SONY SIX will truly broadcast the best of both worlds by providing the finest action packed holistic entertainment programs for the audiences.

TNA Wrestling is a privately held sports entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in events, products, numerous TV properties, merchandise and music, as well as, the management and promotion of professional wrestlers.

TNA produces numerous weekly TV programs, monthly PPV events and more than 100 live shows a year. The product is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is broadcast in more than 120 countries. The events see the company’s biggest stars perform for the sport’s most passionate audiences. Annual mainstays like March’s “Lockdown,” June’s “Slammiversary” and October’s “Bound for Glory” anchor the lineup, but each show delivers the best TNA has to offer.

Sony SIX, India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel is owned and operated by MSM India. The company is well known to exclusively broadcast some of the world’s largest as well as renowned international sporting properties like The Pepsi IPL, UEFA EURO 2016, Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2016, Qualifiers for 2014 & 2018 FIFA World Cup, Scottish Professional Football League, The NBA and The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since its inception, the channel has successfully managed to target the youth of India through a mix of sports and entertainment.

Backstage News On Major Roster Cuts Still To Come In TNA! **CLICK HERE**

Curtis Axel Kept Off SummerSlam?, Big Show’s RAW Return, SSlam Handicap Match

Matt Boone
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-As of this writing, there are no concrete plans for WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel as far as a match at the upcoming WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. It is possible that Axel will be added to the SummerSlam pay-per-view pre-show, as the company has recently been putting title matches on the “PPV kickoff” specials.

-Despite the fact that he has not yet been officially cleared to return to in-ring action, WWE Superstar The Big Show is expected to be ready to return to the ring in time to follow-through on SummerSlam booking plans. Current plans feature a two-on-three handicap match between all three members of The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) and the big-man duo of The Big Show and Mark Henry.

Additionally, Big Show is expected to return at the WWE RAW show on August 5th to shoot the angle for the aforementioned pay-per-view match.

Backstage News On Major Last-Minute Changes Made To WWE SummerSlam

[Credit: WrestlingObserver Newsletter]

Vince McMahon Comments On WWE’s 2nd Quarter Financial Results

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WWE released its 2013 second quarter financial results earlier this morning. Here are some of the key points:

  • Revenues totaled $152.3 million, up from $141.6 million last year in the same quarter
  • Operating income totaled $8.8 million (down from $19.6 million last year)

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon commented on the financial results in a press release:

“In the second quarter, we continued to make investments in both staffing and talent to support our long-term growth objectives. These initiatives, including the recent opening of a world-class performance training facility, and the highest grossing WrestleMania in our Company’s history, demonstrate our commitment to develop our talent, build our brands, and provide a solid foundation for future growth”

 

 “We continue to believe that these investments will enhance our ability to create new programs and to distribute all of our content in a way that optimizes its value, through the renewal of key television contracts and the potential launch of a WWE network.”

* Big Update On WWE Scouting TNA Talent, WWE In Talks With Huge Celebrity For WrestleMania

Video: Randy Orton’s Attacker Explains His Actions

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Jozi, aka “The Wrestling Machine” took his passion a little bit too far during the WWE South Africa tour in Cape Town, 30 July 2013.

Wrestling matches might be staged, but WWE superstar Randy Orton was in for a big surprise when a fan tried to take him on in the ring. Orton had just won a live WWE match in Cape Town’s Grand West Arena against Big E Langston and was still celebrating his victory when a fan snuck past security, jumped into the ring and hit Orton from behind.

YOUMAGAZINETV caught up with the fan afterwards. Watch the video and hear what he has to say to Orton.

 

Special Edition Of RAW In The Works, WWE Studios Teasing Big News & More

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– The @WWEStudios Twitter account is teasing a big announcement coming in the next few weeks.

– WWE officials have been talking about doing a special edition of WWE RAW later this year which would feature a SmackDown-themed Hour 1, a Main Event-themed Hour 2 and RAW as Hour 3. Each hour would have it’s own look (ring apron, stage lighting) and announcers.

– Here’s the latest JBL & Cole World Tour video from Austin, Texas:

E! Reality Stars At SummerSlam? Foley & Wife Purchase Store, Alundra Blaze

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– Former WWE Women’s Champion Alundra Blaze (known as Madusa in WCW) has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com.

– WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley and his wife Collette recently bought the Design Consign Fashion store in Smithtown, New York.

– Former TNA referee Rudy Charles is now using the name Dan Engler as a referee in WWE NXT.

– WWE officials are trying to work out a deal with E! that would see some of their other reality TV show celebrities to make appearances at SummerSlam.

* News On A SHIELD vs. WAYTT FAMILY Feud, Top WWE Star In Hot Water With Management

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Ricardo Rodriguez’s Return To WWE, Recent WWE Attendance Figures & More

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– Today’s wrestling birthday sinclude Yoshi Tatsu (36), Aces & Eights member Devon (41), WWE referee Mike Chioda (47) and former WCW star Prince Iaukea (49).

– Here are some recent WWE attendance figures, courtesy of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter

* July 26th in Melbourne, Australia drew 13,500 for $1.2 million
* July 26th in Atlanta, Georgia drew 5,500 fans for $200,000
* July 27th in Sydney drew 14,000 fans for $1.2 million
* July 27th in Macon, Georgia drew 3,000 fans for $100,000
* July 28th in Brisbane drew 8,300 fans for $675,000
* July 29th in Adelaide drew 6,500 fans for $550,000
* July 30th in Perth drew 9,500 fans for $750,000

– Ricardo Rodriguez is currently scheduled to return from his Wellness suspension on the Monday, August 12th edition of RAW.

* News On A SHIELD vs. WAYTT FAMILY Feud, Top WWE Star In Hot Water With Management

Final PPV Buyrates For WrestleMania 29, Extreme Rules & Payback

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WWE reported their Second Quarter 2013 financial results prior to the market opening this morning. Here are updated pay-per-view buyrates for the quarter:

* WrestleMania 29 – 1,039,000 buys

* Extreme Rules – 231,000 buys

* WWE Payback – 186,000 buys

* VIDEO: CM Punk SINGS “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” At Tuesday Night’s CUBS Game

IMPACT Preview: “#August1Warning” Reveal, Confirmed Matches

Matt Boone
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TNA returns to Spike TV tonight for a new episode of Impact Wrestling. Additionally, TNA will tape next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling tonight in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The following is a rundown of what fans can expect on tonight’s show.

-TNA World Champion Chris Sabin vs. Mannik in a non-title match. Originally, this was slated to serve as the main event of the evening.

-New main event features Austin Aries vs. AJ Styles in a Bound For Glory Series match. Other BFG Series matches tonight include: Bobby Roode vs. Hernandez and Joseph Park vs. Jay Bradley.

-The “#August1Warning” TNA mystery-man will finally reveal himself.

-Latest from the Main Event Mafia vs. Aces & 8’s feud. This week, the Mafia will apparently make Aces & 8’s an “offer they can’t refuse.”

-Latest hype and build-up to the Sabin vs. Bully Ray TNA World Title rematch at “Hardcore Justice” on August 15th.

TNA Mystery-Man 100% CONFIRMED (REAL *Spoiler*) + More HUGE TNA Roster Cuts!

Jim Ross Q&A: Randy Orton’s Fan Attack A Work? Kurt Angle In WWE Again & More

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WWE Hall of FamerJim Ross has updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com once again. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Was the fan attacking Randy Orton in South Africa a “work” ?

“It was an overzealous fan who was sent to jail as best that I know.”

Will Kurt Angle ever return to WWE?

“Kurt Angle returning to WWE is largely up to Kurt Angle. I have no idea what his future plans are but his in ring days lessen each day. He’s a warriot but everyone has an expiration date when it comes to in ring work.”

Will Christian will get another run as World Champion:

“Christian is a valued resource within WWE. He’s been doing very well on TV as of late. His future is excellent but to get into specifics that I don’t know would not be honest or fair.”

Randy Orton Update, American Badass In WWE 2K14, Goldberg-WWE 2K14

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– Despite being attacked by a fan at last night’s WWE live event from Cape Town, South Africa, a WWE spokesperson has confirmed that Orton is not injured and will perform at tonight’s show.

– Bill Goldberg hinted that he might be involved in the new WWE 2K14 video game. In response to a fan that said he wants Goldberg in the game, the former WWE superstar replied:

– 2K Sports will be releasing a special “Undertaker” edition of the new WWE 2K14 video game, which will include both his current character and the “American Badass” character from the Attitude Era.

Here’s a photo of the special edition of the game (click to enlarge):

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Fan Who Attacked Randy Orton Speaks Out: His Identity Revealed, WWE Responds

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The WWE fan who attacked Randy Orton in the ring at Tuesday night’s WWE Live Event from Cape Town, South Africa is 20-year-old pro wrestler Tshepo Sekhabi, known in the ring as “Jozi the Wrestling Machine.”

In an interview with South African news website ENCA.com, Sekhabi claims he quit his job in order to attend the event. The attack was premeditated – and he ended up with a black eye and a swollen face as a result of Randy Orton kicking him in the face as he was being pulled from the ring by security.

VIDEO of the fan ATTACKING Randy Orton & Orton Kicking Him In The Face

As for why he decided to jump the security gate, hit the ring and low blow Randy Orton, he told ENCA:

“I just don’t like Randy Orton, this was an opportunity for me so I got up there and made a name for myself.”

Contrary to previous reports, Sekhabi was not “formally” arrested but was given a five year ban from the casino resort where the WWE event was being held.

WWE was contacted about whether Randy Orton would apologize for kicking the fan in the face. They issued a statement, saying:

“Randy Orton was the victim in this incident and suffered an injured groin.”

Vince McMahon Believes He Taught Daniel Bryan ‘How To Be A Star’

Daniel Pena
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Though Vince McMahon’s television character is portrayed as having a strong distaste for Daniel Bryan, in reality, the WWE Chairman and CEO thinks quite highly of the wrestler once known as the “American Dragon.”

In response to a rumor on the F4WOnline.com message board concerning McMahon’s relationship with Bryan, Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer revealed how the organization head perceives the wrestling standout. According to Meltzer, McMahon legitimately believes he taught Bryan “how to be a star.”

“Vince believes he took a guy who was very good technically but had no personality and taught him how to be a star,” wrote Meltzer. “If anything, he believes he was more right than anyone on him.”

Photos: JBL Reaches The Summit Of The French Alps

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As part of his Seven Summits mountain climbing expedition, WWE announcer JBL reached the top of the French Alps this week. Here’s a photo gallery from the climb – followed by some Tout videos by JBL:

D’Lo Brown Says He Would Return To WWE, Weighs In On Recent TNA Roster Cuts & More

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D’Lo Brown appeared on VOC Nation, where he addressed his recent departure from TNA Wrestling, whether a return is possible, WWE, continuing to wrestle, and more.

On TNA’s financial problems and roster cuts: “Looking at things at 30,000 feet, I think that they’re going through some growing pains right now. They’re restructuring and trying to fortify their product. Taking the show on the road was a big financial burden. I think it’s part of the natural growing process of the company; (the roster cuts) were like pruning a tree.”

On whether TNA went on the road too soon: “Ready or not they had to go. It was time to move on. The crowds were becoming stale; they weren’t adding to the product, they were taking away from it.”

On whether his release was a surprise: “This was completely out of the blue. We just solidified a deal that Friday, and things changed over the weekend. It caught me completely by surprise.”

On a possible comeback to TNA: “The door is always open to return; we parted amicably. I felt like I did a really good job there and I received a lot of praise from the upper echelon. I’m open to a reconciliation.”

On whether he would entertain an offer from the WWE as a trainer: “Jobs don’t grow on trees, and those jobs are based on a need basis. If that opportunity ever arises, I’ll be ready for it, but in the meantime, I’ll do the things that I can do and have control over.”

On whether he will take wrestling bookings on the independent circuit: “Absolutely. I think that the match I had with Kurt Angle and then the next week with Joseph Park got the wrestling juices flowing again in me. I thought I was going to feel like hell and I actually felt good. I’m back in the gym killing it trying to get back into wrestling shape. I’ll be taking wrestling bookings and I’ll be out there having fun.”

To listen to the interview, click here.

CM Punk Talks About Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton & Paul Heyman

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As previously reported, WWE Superstar CM Punk was at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Tuesday night for the Cubs’ double header against the Milwaukee Brewers. Punk sang “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch and spoke to Chicago’s Sports Talk Live about a number of wrestling-related topics. Here’s what CM Punk said about the following WWE personalities:

Daniel Bryan:“Second best wrestler in the world.”

John Cena:“Company man.”

Brock Lesnar:“Challenging.”

Randy Orton:“Money in the bank.”

CM Punk:“I’d probably say a bunch of self deprecating negative stuff, he’s got a double chin, he’s kinda fat, he talks to much, his face is all scarred up.”

Paul Heyman:“Paul Heyman’s a bad egg. I’d like to see Paul Heyman try to run the bases.”

To see video of the interview, visit  CSNChicago.com.

Madison Rayne Comments On TNA Departure, Dixie Carter, More

Matt Boone
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Former TNA Knockout Madison Rayne recently discussed her departure from TNA Impact Wrestling in a new blog posted online on Wednesday afternoon.

“Let me first reiterate, I was not released from my contract on bad terms, with any ill feelings, or with the slightest bit of regret for giving everything I had to Impact Wrestling for 4 1/2 years!” she began. “I’ve had what seems like an endless number of tweets lately telling me that I need to go wrestle elsewhere, and people cannot believe I got fired because I was pregnant.”

Rayne continued, “Y’all, as much as I appreciate the support and the fact that people were affected enough by my release to generate some sort of emotion, please don’t stress over it. I’m surely not. As cliche as it may sound, if I am meant to be back in a wrestling ring on television, God will put me back there. And I have this overwhelming feeling that He will, but for right now I’m so excited and so looking forward to being a mommy and bringing the next generation of Queen Bee into the world.”

Check out the full blog online at MamaRayne.Wordpress.com.

Madison Rayne To WWE?, Total Divas *SPOILERS* + MORE! [GO >>]

Memphis Wrestling Announcer Corey Maclin Dies In Auto Accident At Age 43

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Longtime Memphis pro wrestling announcer and promoter, Corey Maclin, died in an auto accident that took place at 11pm E.T. on Tuesday night in Panola County, Mississippi.

Maclin worked alongside the legendary Lance Russell for a long period of time, and even co-promoted events with WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler in the local Memphis area.

Maclin was 43 years of age, and married with six children at the time of his passing.

Fourth “#August1Warning” Video From TNA’s Mystery-Man Released

Matt Boone
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The official TNA Impact Wrestling YouTube channel has released a fourth “#August1Warning” video.

The video is accompanied by the following description:

“TNA offices received a fourth video early Wednesday morning from the person behind #August1Warning ahead of tomorrow’s IMPACT on SpikeTV!”

Check out the video below:

*SPOILER* – TNA’s #August1Warning Mystery-Man Possibly REVEALED!

Eric Bischoff Comments On #August1Warning, What’s Next For Bruce Prichard & More

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– TNA Executive Eric Bischoff tweeted the following about the ongoing #August1Warning social media campaign:

https://twitter.com/ebischoff/status/362515017532321794

Watch All 3 #August1Warning Videos Here

– Former TNA Senior VP of Programming and Talent Relations Bruce Prichard revealed on Twitter that he is working on a book:

– Here is the latest Spin Cycle video, featuring TNA Knockouts champion Mickie James:

http://youtu.be/5hjFMCPI6MQ

CM Punk Sings At Chicago Cubs Game (Video)

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CM Punk was at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Tuesday night for the Chicago Cubs’ double header against the Milwaukee Brewers. Punk sang during the 7th inning stretch.

WWE Releasing Earnings Results Tomorrow, McIntyre’s Travel Issues, Mideon Update

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– WWE will release their latest quarterly earnings report tomorrow (Thursday). The report should include finalized financial results for WrestleMania 29 and an update on the WWE Network.

– WWE’s international tour continues, with the “RAW” crew finishing it’s tour of Australia and heading to Shanghai, China for a live event on Friday. The other crew continues its tour of South Africa today with a second show in Cape Town.

– 3MB member Drew McIntyre tweeted the following about why he’s not wrestling on WWE’s ongoing international tour:

https://twitter.com/thedrewmcintyre/status/362609575985295362

– This month’s “Where Are They Now?” feature at WWE.com spotlights former superstar Dennis Knight, best known as Mideon. The article states:

Since leaving WWE in 2000, Knight has become a wizard in the kitchen, operating his own catering company and planning to throw his name in the hat for an upcoming season of the hit reality series “Food Network Star.”

Ryback Getting Fed Up With Goldberg Chants, Santino Marella’s Return, Main Event

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– Ryback continues to get taunted with “Goldberg” chants at WWE’s ongoing International tour. At yesterday’s show, Ryback cut a promo before his match against John Cena – telling the crowd he’s sick of the chants. Of course – this led to the audience screaming Goldberg’s name at him.

VIDEO: RYBACK FLIPS OUT On Fans For Chanting “GOLDBERG”

Ryback promised to beat Cena for the WWE Championship and then “take a big Goldberg” all over the city.

– The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of WWE Main Event:

  • R-Truth vs. Wade Barrett
  • Darren Young and Titus O’Neil vs. The Usos
  • Mark Henry vs. Drew McIntyre

– Santino Marella tweeted the following about his upcoming WWE return:

Jim Ross Blog: McMahons & Daniel Bryan, Wyatt Family, Ryback

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this installment, JR wrote about Monday’s RAW and the premiere of Total Divas. Here are some highlights:

McMahon Family & Daniel Bryan: The end game for the McMahon Family conflict interests me especially considering that #1 contender for the WWE Title @WWEDanielBryan is in the middle of it. Where is this matter heading? I’m happy that I have no idea. If Daniel Bryan were to win the WWE Title at Summer Slam, how would that affect the ‘family’ dynamic? Hmmm”

Ryback: “Ryback had a good night even in a losing effort in the Tables Match vs. @JohnCena. Ryback seems to really enjoy his antagonist role and it fits him better and better each week. Being a great, wrestling villain is a skill that isn’t easily or quickly acquired. If Ryback had came along in the 70’s or 80’s, some promoter likely would have made him a ‘Russian’ or another non American to capitalize on a Nationalism story.”

The Wyatt Family: “I’d be remiss without noting that The Wyatt Family had a solid night on RAW and that their vignettes introducing them to the WWE Universe were more golden than many perceive. They had an identity before they ever showed up in person on RAW. Reminds me of how Bill Watts established the Rock ‘n Roll Express in the Mid South Territory using music videos before Morton and Gibson physically arrived in the 80’s.”

As always, you can buy JR’s amazing line of BBQ products from WWEShop.com.

Crazed Fan Arrested For Attacking Randy Orton In The Ring At WWE Event In Cape Town, South Africa

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As reported earlier earlier, Randy Orton was attacked by a crazed fan after his match against Big E Langston at WWE’s live event from Cape Town, South Africa, as Randy Orton.

New Video Of The Fan Attacking Randy Orton

TMZ.com has picked up the story and reports that the fan has been arrested.

WWE released a statement on the matter:

“Tonight Randy Orton was violently attacked from behind by a South African fan, who is currently being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton’s injuries are unknown at this time.”

The fan leveled Orton in the groin with a “low blow” as he was standing on a turnbuckle, causing him to fall to the canvas. Orton retaliated against the fan as he was being dragged out of the ring by arena personnel by kicking him in the head.

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