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Sting Breaks Twitter Silence With Cryptic Message, Chris Sabin Reacts To Title Victory, D’Lo Brown

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– Posting his first Twitter message since March 28 (and second of 2013), Sting posted this cryptic statement hours before his scheduled appearance on Impact Wrestling tonight: “Sunday I was left to fight alone… Message received!”

This is in reference to his loss to Bully Ray this past Sunday in a No Holds Barred Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Slammiversary, where no TNA wrestler attempted to combat substantial interference from Aces and Eights. Per match stipulation, Sting will never be allowed to have another shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

– This past Sunday at Slammiversary, Chris Sabin reigned supreme in the Ultimate X Match to once again become the X Division Champion. Following the bout, Hulk Hogan informed Sabin that like last year, the X Division Champion will receive a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship in the future. In this newly released video, Sabin reacting to his good fortune. (Watch)

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Aces and Eights henchman D’Lo Brown will be appearing at this Saturday’s Legends of the Ring convention taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey (click here for event information).

Sting Talks About Jumping to WWE & Facing Undertaker At WrestleMania

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During a recent interview with the VOC Nation Radio Network to promote his appearance at this weekend’s “Legends of the Ring” convention in Monroe, NJ, TNA star Sting spoke about the possibility of jumping to WWE and wrestling The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30:

“It’s no secret. I’ve always wanted to wrestle Undertaker; I’ve said that for years. And who would not want to work WrestleMania?”

Sting had talks with WWE two years ago about joining the company, but a deal never materialized:

“I do an annual contract every year and the rumors start right around January. The year that they did the (black and white) vignettes (in 2011), I had nothing to do with it and I had no conversations with the WWE at that time. Shortly afterward there were conversations (with WWE) just by happenstance but nothing official.”

Even though a moe to WWE seems unlikely after all these years, he did say that it felt as if his TNA Hall of Fame induction last year was TNA’s way of “putting me out to pasture,” despite TNA president Dixie Carter saying that is “absolutely not” the case.

When asked about which TNA stars he’d like to work with, he listed Magnus, James Storm and Samoa Joe.

* WWE Already Negotiating With 2 LEGENDS For Main Event Matches at WRESTLEMANIA 30

Dolph Ziggler’s In-Ring Return Announced, Bray Wyatt’s Plans For WM30

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WWE.com has a new feature up looking at photos of WWE Divas from Instagram.

– Dolph Ziggler’s first match since returning to action from a concussion back on May 7th has been announce. The World Heavyweight champion will defend against Alberto Del Rio this Saturday at the WWE Live Event from Johnson City, Tennessee. As noted earlier this week, he’ll also be on Monday’s RAW.

– WWE newcomer Bray Wyatt has yet to wrestle a single match on WWE television, but he’s already got plans for next year’s WrestleMania 30 pay-per-view. He tweeted on Thursday:

https://twitter.com/WWEBrayWyatt/status/342712809399914498

* Storyline Plans For CM PUNK’s Return, When The WYATT FAMILY Will Debut & More

MVP Says He Will Be Returning To Television Later This Year, Offers Thoughts On WWE Fans

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On this week’s episode of MLW Radio, MVP, who is currently not affiliated with any wrestling organization, revealed his intention to return to American television later this year.

In response to whether he would be joining TNA Wrestling as their hyped free agent signing (before it was announced as mixed martial artist Quinton “Rampage” Jackson), he said:

“I have to deny it. It’s not me, but I will be back on US TV later this year. I promise. Not saying anything more than that.”

Following his departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling in February, the 37-year-old revealed on Twitter that he was working on a television program with Lionsgate TV that has no connection to professional wrestling. He then stated:

“I’ll release more details soon. But right now I’m not affiliated with ANY company. And for the record my show has NOTHING to do with wrestling. I’m excited about it. The people at Lionsgate TV have been awesome!”

In his interview with MLW Radio, the internationally acclaimed wrestler encouraged WWE Universe members to broaden their wrestling scope and check out other organizations.

“There are some people, that to them, wrestling is WWE. In the same way that to some people, any cola is a Coke. There is amazing wrestling going on all around the world outside of WWE. You’ve got AAA in Mexico and CMLL. In Japan you have the company I was just working for, the legendary New Japan Pro Wrestling, the historically significant All Japan and Pro Wrestling NOAH. These people are fans of WWE and it’s a beautiful thing, but to me it’s a travesty,” he said.

MVP also discussed Vince McMahon’s positive and negative qualities, the psyche of working for WWE, Kenta Kobashi’s recent retirement, and more. To listen to the interview, click here.

More On The Rewrites At RAW, Steamboat Having Back Surgery & More

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– As noted earlier this week, Vince McMahon ordered for the script of Monday Night RAW to be rewritten, just hours before the show. According to a source who was backstage, the script was actually being re-written while RAW was already on the air.

– WWE developmental wrestler Richie Steamboat will be undergoing back surgery with Dr. Joseph Maroon in Pittsburgh soon. The surgery will keep him out of the ring for several months and there is some concern that the procedure could spell the end of his career.

– WWE will be holding another tryout camp featuring upto 15 amateur wrestlers that were recently scouted by Gerald Brisco. WWE has also been scouting Olympic athletes near Colorado Springs, CO.

* Storyline Plans For CM PUNK’s Return, When The WYATT FAMILY Will Debut & More

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The Miz Talks About Cesaro, The Shield & Bray Wyatt, NXT Stars Getting Called Up, Maryse

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WWE Superstar The Miz recently spoke with The Miami Herald to promote WWE’s upcoming live event from Sunrise, Florida. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

New Talent Getting Brought Up From NXT:

“I love having new talent come up. It’s great, and I think WWE is doing a great job bringing in new characters and new entertainment to the WWE Universe out there and new characters for me to play with out there. I mean now we have a guy that dances called Fandango and during one of my matches I’m wrestling, what does he do? He starts his music and starts dancing during my match. I’m sorry, but I’m the center of attention when I’m in the ring. Not Fandango. It’s been incredible to have all these new characters. It just makes it so much more fun.”

Antonio Cesaro, The Shield and Bray Wyatt:

“Antonio Cesaro is one of the toughest opponents I’ve had to face, and he was just a rookie at that time [when I worked with him. Imagine when he is a seasoned vet. He just keeps getting better and better and better. Then you have the Shield. The Shield hasn’t lost yet, whether it’s in a singles match or tag matches. They’re dominant. You look at this Bray Wyatt, definitely freaky and weird and interesting. I can’t wait for this guy to debut just to see what he [and the rest of the family] is all about. There is tons of up-and-coming talent, for me to pick a superstar to be the next Rock or the next [John] Cena, time will tell.”

The World Heavyweight Title:

“One of the things I haven’t had is the world heavyweight championship. So I think I need to go after that and grab that world heavyweight championship for once.”

His Fiance, Maryse:

“I have my dream girl. I finally found the one I’ve been looking for. It has been absolutely fantastic, but obviously with being on the road so much, it causes headaches because we want to see each other. So sometimes I bring her on the road with me, but she understands, and it’s great she understands with me being on the road and with me being with WWE. She knows I’m setting ourselves up for the life that we want.”

Photo of the ENGAGEMENT RING The Miz Gave Maryse

Ryder Addresses Rumors, WWE Signs Student Of Harley Race, Diva Concussion?

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– In response to online rumors that Zack Ryder is growing his hair out in preparation for a heel turn, the Long Island native tweeted:

– WWE has signed Missouri independent wrestler Ryan Drago to a developmental deal. He confirmed the signing at a June 1st Metro Pro Wrestling event in Kansas City. Drago was originally trained by WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race and will be among the talents reporting to WWE’s new Performance Center early next month.

– There is some speculation that WWE Diva Tamina Snuka might have suffered a concussion during a match against Natalya that was taped for this week’s episode of Superstars on Monday night prior to RAW.

Batista Talks About Returning To Wrestling, TNA, Titus O’Neil

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Batista tweeted the following on Wednesday, talking about a possible return to pro wrestling:

“Sup Tweeple?!! Longer day than expected. Guardians is going to be insane! I’m about to pass out but fuck it! Q n A 4 5! GO!! And I apologize in advance for not being able to answer everyone.. And I’ll use my E.S.P. and go and answer the question I’m asked everyday all GD day… I don’t know when or if I will ever go back to wrestle!! I would love to but there’s a ton of other factors that I would have to weigh in. Shit like..how much will I be fined if I bleed? And who would I work with? And will I have the freedom to other things that I want to accomplish in life? Ya Know?!! ..but I do mss it. And I miss the fans alot. Even the dipshits who boo me and make up BS about me and smear it all over the iternet. Anyway..5 , GO!!!!”

Batista then replied to a fan about why he won’t consider going to TNA:

“BS my friend! Said it before and I’ll say it again, I bleed WWE! Wouldn’t want 2 be anywhere else. And I’ve had plenty offers”

Batista also commented on WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, who stated in a recent interview that Batista is the reason he became a pro wrestler:

“I did’t make him…I just encouraged him. I love that dude and he deserves huge success! #hardworker”

* Recent Pictures of BATISTA Looking Absolutely JACKED

Plans For John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan On PPV, Kaitlyn’s Secret Admirer

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– WWE Diva Kaitlyn’s secret admirer will be at Monday’s RAW to reveal himself. While the admirer’s identity is not confirmed, there was talk a few weeks ago of Mark Henry being the mystery man sending her gifts and text messages.

– WWE officials are planning for Daniel Bryan to challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship in the main event of this year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. The match will be a babyface vs. babyface match. Current plans call for it to be a babyface vs. babyface match.

WWE Money in the Bank 2013 takes place on July 14th from Philadelphia, PA.

* Pictures of THE ROCK & His Gorgeous Girlfriend, LAUREN HASHIAN

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Places Spotlight On Deceased Wrestler, Longtime Texas Wrestler Passes Away, Raw Slam of the Week

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– In recent years, WWE has generally shied away from spotlighting wrestlers who succumbed to drug related causes as to not attract negative media attention. That is not the case today as the official website of WWE has added Test, who passed away on March 13, 2009 at the age of 33 as a result of an overdose of oxycodone, to its Alumni section. WWE says of the six-time title holder, “He’s best remembered as the Superstar who nearly married Stephanie McMahon before Triple H ruined their plans, but there was much more to Test than one disastrous night at the altar. A deceptively agile big man who could knock off opponents with a boot to the face or a top rope elbow drop, Test claimed pinfall victories over major competitors like Edge, The Undertaker and The Rock while collecting multiple singles and tag titles.”

Test’s death is not acknowledged on the page, with his final stint in WWE for the relaunched ECW brand in 2006 and 2007 branded as an “exclamatory ending to Test’s career and lasting proof that he was something far more than just a jilted groom.” To view his profile, click here.

– Ray Evans, who competed for various independent promotions in the Dallas, Texas area in the late-1980s and into 1990s, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 49 following a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday in Hubbard, Texas. (RIP: Ray Evans)

– Team Hell No’s battle with The Shield last week on Raw is spotlighted in this week’s “WWE Raw Slam of the Week.” (Watch)

The Rock’s 2013 Movies Gross Close To A Billion Dollars, The Hero Premieres Tonight

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Entertainment Weekly has an article up looking at the staggering success of The Rock’s first four movie releases of 2013.

According to the article, The Rock’s movies, Snitch, G.I. Joe: Retalation, Pain & Gain and Fast 6 have combined to gross nearly a billion dollars worldwide ($937 million).

The Rock addressed the report on Twitter, writing,

Tonight, The Rock returns to television with the series premiere of his new reality competiton show, The Hero, on TNT. This morning, he tweeted the following preview for tonight:

* Pictures of THE ROCK & His Gorgeous Girlfriend, LAUREN HASHIAN

Bret Hart Answers Fan Questions On “WWE Inbox”, The Many Faces Of AJ Lee, Ric Flair In Los Angeles

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– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart is solely featured on this week’s edition of WWE Inbox as “The Hitman” answers such questions as his favorite WrestleMania match and the origins of the Sharpshooter.

– The official website of WWE has published a photo gallery entitled “The many faces of AJ Lee.” WWE explains, “Just one of AJ Lee’s faces is worth a thousand words. Take an in-depth look at the Divas division’s emotional chameleon with this exclusive photo gallery of AJ’s many, many revealing facial expressions.”

– WWE Hall of Fame Ric Flair has been announced to appear at the Hollywood Show taking place July 13 at The Westin Los Angeles Airport (located 5400 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90045).

Randy Orton Interview: A John Cena Story, Daniel Bryan, His Current Role In WWE & More

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WWE superstar Randy Orton recently appeared on the Busted Open Satellite Radio show hosted by Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman, which you can check out on Sirius 92, XM 208 and on the Sports Zone app. Below are some interview highlights:

Daniel Bryan’s presence in WWE:

“Yeah he can do some stuff, can’t he? When he blows that come back, as we say, he gets the people going. You know, he’s got a little, he goes crazy with the Ultimate Warrior thing, it’s like he is always morphing into like Bryan Hogan, instead of Bryan Daniel-or Daniel Bryan, or whatever his name is now. I remember, one time my dad, like I just had a match and I came home and I’m talking about how Bryan Danielson, you know hit me in the back of the head with a title, and I feel like I got a concussion. And my dad the next day was like, ‘you know I was really worried about you cause you kept calling him Bryan Danielson.’ And I’m like, well that was his name, that’s how we know him, I call him that. The WWE likes to change things up, don’t they?”

A John Cena story:

“I tagged with him, last week or the week before, on a Raw Supershow, or a live event Supershow, both rosters were there. And we’re out there in the ring. And it’s me, Cena, and somebody. Maybe Kofi or Sheamus, against Big Show, Mark Henry, and somebody else, I forget. And Cena says, ‘Can you do a dropkick tonight?’ And I go, uhh, yeah. Can you? And he goes; and we’re in the ring! Like, we’re about to—the bells about to ring. And he’s starting, and he goes, ‘Alright, I’m gonna tag you in in a second. Let’s do a double drop kick.’ Now I’m thinking in my head, ‘This motherf-cker don’t need to be doing no dropkicks.’ That’s what I’m thinking. So he tags me in, ducks a punch from Show, Show turns around. Before I can even step through the ropes, Cena is up in the air dropkicking Show. And I’m like, looking at him, I thought you said a double dropkick? So, next time he calls anything, I’m gonna think twice. Because I ended up jumping up in the air, while Shows already on the ground, and just landing on my head. So it was a double dropkick where he (Cena) went and I then I slip- Oh-Oh-I tried to get—nope. So everyone in the back, I come back and they were like, (clapping) ‘Great dropkick.’ I watched it back, and it looks like I just jumped up in the air as high as I can and then land. Nothing happened; I just jumped up and fell. It was brutal. Thank you, John Cena.”

Cena’s Five Moves of Doom:

“No. Hold on. I only got about four moves. So don’t throw stones, now. But yeah. He shouldn’t be doing dropkicks. Nah, I tell him all the time actually. But, dammit. He tries.”

On his babyface character:

“Yeah. It’s always fun when the crowd reacts like that. And you know what? We will be in some country over in Europe sometimes, and they’re not like that at all. But you gotta just, each crowd is different. And you gotta know that. You can do the same exact thing, or have the same finish in one town, that’s over huge. And the next town, it’s like a fart in church.

The more over I can get as a babyface, when I turn, the bigger the heel I’ll be. So if they wanna keep me a babyface, I’ll just keep doing my thing. And keep my five or six or four, whatever it is, moves. Keep them crisp and see what happens. But right now, being the good guy, it’s cool. Because they’re digging it.”

On his current spot in WWE:

“It could be frustrating, but I just don’t let it be. There was a time in my career where I would let it get me frustrated, but now it’s like I get paid well to do what I love. They tell me to do this, they tell me to jump, I’ll jump. And I’m gonna jump as high as I can because I know that all my fans out there, all those 2.5 million people that follow me on Twitter, they want to see me give a hundred and ten percent. So I’m gonna do what WWE tells me to do out there, I’m gonna work with who they want me to work with. I’ll give my suggestions when I feel they might be used wisely but I’m just gonna give it my all. And that’s kind of the unspoken motto backstage. Just give it a hundred and ten percent. And our guys do.”

Is being a multi-generational star a blessing and a curse:

“Yes and no. I think it might depend on who your old man was too? Mine is a hall of famer. So is Cody’s, so is Ted’s, so is Curtis’s. I wanna say Michael McGillicutty, but that’s blasphemy, that’s awful. Yeah I’m happy for him by the way; he got the Curtis Axel moniker, in respect of his father, and his grandfather, Larry the Axe. That’s cool. So I’m happy for him, that was a long time coming. But yeah, I don’t think Curtis Axel, his father being Mr. Perfect, hurts him. I think it helps him. Immediately, you know who he is. Even if you don’t know who he is, you know where he came from. And you know you loved where he came from. You remember his dad if you are any kind of wrestling fan. So you’re gonna wanna be interested in what this kid has to offer. Whether or not he is able to provide the entertainment factor is another story. That’s up to him.”

How does the current class of WWE superstars compare to his class of new talent:

“I could say yes, I could say yes it is. The class that I was in with Lesnar and those guys, there’s no Lesnars or Batistas walking around there right now. Big E, he’s a strong dude. Ryback’s a strong dude. But if you put Batista next to those guys, he was 6’6, 320 lbs. Those guys are pushing 6’1-6’2. But Batista was wide. He was a big old dude. Those guys could beat him in a bench press contest but I’d rather look like Dave. If I was gonna intimidate somebody? Give me the Batista build, any day.”

John Cena & Daniel Bryan On Total Divas, Colter Teasing Swagger For RAW

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– WWE Superstar Jack Swagger has been off television for several weeks now and is not advertised for a WWE show until the end of the month – but it appears Zeb Colter is teasing an appearance from Swagger on RAW. Colter tweeted this week:

Swagger is currently out of action with a hand injury and probably will not be medically cleared to wrestle until the end of August, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

– WWE Divas the Bella Twins appeared on last night’s edition of “The Crossover” on NBCSports to promote the upcoming Total Divas reality show on the E! Network. During the interview, the Bellas revealed that their respective relationships with John Cena and Daniel Bryan will in fact be portrayed on the show. Here’s the video:

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview: Rampage Jackson Debuts

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The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:

– New TNA Wrestling superstar RAMPAGE JACKSON will be LIVE on IMPACT on Thursday night! What plans does Rampage have in TNA? Don’t miss the TNA debut of the MMA superstar!

– After a wild and chaotic No Holds Barred main event, Bully Ray is STILL the World Heavyweight Champion – meaning Sting cannot challenge for the title! What will Bully Ray have to say about his win on Thursday? How will Sting react to the major loss? Despite the Aces and Eights taking several hits at Slammiversary, their leader retained the championship AND the power in TNA!

– Chris Sabin capped off his amazing comeback at Slammiversary, winning The Ultimate X Match to once again become the X Division Champion! After the win, Hulk Hogan told Sabin that like last year, the X Division Champion will get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at the upcoming Destination X event! Austin Aries made history last year – will Sabin follow the same path? Tune into IMPACT to see the new X Division Champion!

– “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy made his return on Sunday at “Slammiversary”, teaming with Magnus and Samoa Joe to beat The Aces and Eights in a six-man war! What’s next for Hardy as he rejoins TNA in the war against The Aces? Tune in and find out!

– Six Man Tag Team Match: World Tag Team Champions James Storm and Gunner and X Division Champion Chris Sabin vs. Bobby Roode, Austin Aries and Kenny King

– Also at Slammiversary, it was announced that Kurt Angle is the 2013 inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame! Tune into IMPACT to see the multi-time World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and soon-to-be Hall of Famer!

– With “Bound For Glory” coming in October, the annual “Bound For Glory Series” is set to begin! Which superstar will win the summer competition to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at TNA’s biggest event of the year in October? Tune into IMPACT for the latest!

– In addition on Thursday, get updates from all the major bouts at Slammiversary including the World Tag Team Championship Elimination Match, the Last Knockout Standing between Gail Kim and Taryn Terrell, and the Television Champion match between Devon and…Abyss?! Don’t miss IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday at 9/8c on SpikeTV!

TNA Promotes Jeff Hardy As “The Artist”, Eric Bischoff Praises Taryn Terrell, Shark Boy Returns

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– Sunday at Slammiversary, Jeff Hardy made his return to the squared circle as he teamed with Magnus and Samoa Joe to beat The Aces and Eights in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. Hardy is scheduled to appear on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling, which TNA Wrestling is promoting by highlighting his artistic side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4yxOkOBoFc

– Following Taryn Terrell’s dynamic performance in a Last Knockout Standing Match this past Sunday at Slammiversary, TNA Wrestling executive producer Eric Bischoff offered a ringing endorsement for the New Orleans native.

He wrote on Twitter on Wednesday evening, “Fan of Taryn Terrell. One of the best acquisitions to the talent roster in the last year. Heart, passion, charisma, skills and commitment.”

– In Shark Boy’s return match for TNA Wrestling, he lost to Robbie E on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion on Challenge in the United Kingdom.

Backstage News On Triple H/Curtis Axel Storyline, How Vince McMahon Will Combat The NBA Playoffs

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– According to this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Triple H’s ongoing angle with Curtis Axel was originally scheduled to climax at SummerSlam. However, with recent Raw episodes indicating it will lead to a match between both individuals at this month’s Payback pay-per-view event, the storyline was promoted ahead of schedule due to WWE’s decision to combat potentially low ratings at all costs. This decision, however, was not fruitful as Monday’s Raw was the lowest-rated episode of the year going head-to-head with TNT’s presentation of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.

– In an effort to combat ratings competition from the NBA Playoffs, Vince McMahon wants WWE’s live event booking staff to schedule Raw events in “hot” wrestling cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago and New York City for Mondays when late round Game Sixes and Sevens may take place. He believes if Raw viewers witness a hot crowd in the opening segment at 8:00 p.m., they will be less likely to tune out once the game starts.

– Drew McIntyre turns 28-years-old on Thursday.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

“Macho Man” Randy Savage’s Former Valet Issues A Cry For Help Through Facebook

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You can add George Stephanie Bellars Frankenstein, who famously appeared in World Championship Wrestling as the valet of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, to the lengthy list of former wrestling stars to struggle after the spotlight has faded. This past Monday night, the former Gorgeous George issued a cry for a help on her personal Facebook page.

“Mylige.sucks if i cant get a car and drive to find.a.job this week i am going to end it i cant take it anymore my life.has.too manyproblems i am nothing but a burdon on people i wish God would get.me.out of here,” she wrote.

Frankenstein, however, received a positive boost the following day. She noted, “There is a angel that heard me tomorrow.got a.job interview i am sooo happy i am crying.”

In the meantime, Frankenstein is selling autographed WCW trading cards and specialized fetish photos through her Facebook account to financially get by.

According to this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Frankenstein worked as a touring stripper following a brief stint in Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2000. She continued to make sporadic wrestling-related appearances in the ensuing years, which included a brief stint in TNA Wrestling in 2004.

George “The Animal” Steele Says He Contemplated Suicide, Talks Bruno Sammartino In The WWE HOF

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WWF Hall of Famer and actor “George ‘The Animal’ Steele” joined Kayfabe Wrestling Radio Tuesday night for a nearly 30 minute interview where he discussed his new autobiography and how he came to the decision to do one, his struggles with dyslexia and how he ‘conquered’ it, his time at Michigan State, his opinion on Bruno Sammartino being inducted into the Hall of Fame, if there should be a brick and mortar Hall of Fame building and what he might like for his exhibit, what it was like wrestling someone like Andre the Giant, being an agent during the infamous Andre/Ultimate Warrior match, battling Crohn’s disease and possibly considering suicide, who he personally think were some of his greatest rivals, what was harder: being a high school coach or being a WWE road agent in the 80’s or 90’s and much more. Highlights from the interview are as follows.

His upcoming autobiography and how he came to that decision: “I’ll tell you exactly what happened; I wanted to write the book about 17 years ago, but it just wasn’t right or ready yet. There was a lot more to add to the story and I didn’t realize that; I think God was in control and just held me back, held me back and then I saw so many other books being written and I felt like the market was really flooded. So, it was too late. And then, when some other things started to happen here late, I thought ‘Hey, the door’s open’, so that’s kind of how it happened.”

His opinion on long-time rival Bruno Sammartino going into the WWE Hall of Fame: “Well, as soon as Bruno had agreed to go into the Hall, I had a ton of magazines and people calling me and asking me what my thought was. First of all, I respect, 100 percent, his decision; I respected his decision when he decided not to go in and when he chose to go in, I respect that also. I don’t know what was going on in the WWE at that time, you know, with the mindset. I know they were reaching out big time; I don’t know if it was reaching from Bruno or from the fans or from the Hall itself, sometimes that how thing work in the wrestling business. So, you know, to me it just doesn’t matter; it doesn’t matter. The fans who wanted Bruno in are very happy with it, the WWE I think needed him in to make it a real Hall of Fame, and so therefore, since I’m in the Hall of Fame, I’m glad it’s real, finally.”

What it was like wrestling someone like Andre the Giant: “He could take a slam, believe me; he could help you do it. He called “slam” with me and I reached in like I was going to slam him and he was ready to try and go; I dropped down to my knees and sold my back and he looked down and kind of laughed and he said “You get it.”

Battling Crohn’s Disease and at one time, considering suicide: “Well, it attacks you anywhere from your liver down to anus; your total digestive system. You’re totally out of control, constant diarrhea and whatever else goes along with it. On the morning I was ready to bow out, I had pain in every possible joint in my body; even my cheeks and my face was hurting. I was in totally pain and I thought, if I’m going to be like this for the rest of my life, I just don’t need it. So, I went out ready to do the thing; at the last minute I had sleeping pills and had the car all set up and was ready to go; just drifting off to sleep, I was listening to country music and I hit the steering wheel and said “Bullcrap! I’m tougher than this!” And I’m not sure if that’s me again or I think it was God reaching out giving me another shot. But, it was pretty close.”

For more information on Wild Talk Radio, visit WildTalkRadio.com. To listen to this episode, click here.

Randy Orton Interview – John Cena’s Promos, His WWE Standing, Daniel Bryan, His Family & More

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Randy Orton appeared as a guest on the latest edition of Busted Open Radio, hosted by Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca (Busted Open Radio airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sirius 94 and XM 208), where he addressed a number of topics. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

On teaming with Team Hell No and on Daniel Bryan’s presence right now in the WWE: “Yeah he can do some stuff, can’t he? When he blows that comeback, as we say, he gets the people going. You know, he’s got a little, he goes crazy with the Ultimate Warrior thing, it’s like he is always morphing into like Bryan Hogan, instead of Bryan Daniel-or Daniel Bryan, or whatever his name is now. I remember, one time my dad, like I just had a match and I came home and I’m talking about how Bryan Danielson, you know hit me in the back of the head with a title, and I feel like I got a concussion. And my dad the next day was like, “you know I was really worried about you cause you kept calling him Bryan Danielson.” And I’m like, well that was his name, that’s how we know him, I call him that. The WWE likes to change things up, don’t they?”

On how gimmicks or catchphrases happen, do they just catch on randomly or planned: “It’s one of those things where they’re trying, there is a creative team and you know I’m my own brand so I’m always thinking. A lot of the time, things like that come out of nowhere. Like you just stumble on to something. Hasn’t really happened with me, but you’ll see it happen. I’m not the stick guy. I can’t go out there like John Cena and cut a babyface promo that makes you want to kill yourself five minutes in, as good as he can. You know what I mean? No offense, John. Obviously he’s very successful so, I don’t know what I am talking about.”

Randy tells a funny John Cena story: “I tagged with him, last week or the week before, on a Raw Supershow, or a live event Supershow, both rosters were there. And we’re out there in the ring. And it’s me, Cena, and somebody. Maybe Kofi or Sheamus, against Big Show, Mark Henry, and somebody else, I forget. And Cena says, “Can you do a dropkick tonight?” And I go, uhh, yeah. Can you? And he goes; and we’re in the ring! Like, we’re about to—the bells about to ring. And he’s starting, and he goes, “Alright, I’m gonna tag you in in a second. Let’s do a double drop kick.” Now I’m thinking in my head, “This motherf**cker don’t need to be doing no dropkicks.” That’s what I’m thinking. So he tags me in, ducks a punch from Show, Show turns around. Before I can even step through the ropes, Cena is up in the air dropkicking Show. And I’m like, looking at him, I thought you said a double dropkick? So, next time he calls anything, I’m gonna think twice. Because I ended up jumping up in the air, while Shows already on the ground, and just landing on my head. So it was a double dropkick where he (Cena) went and I then I slip- Oh-Oh-I tried to get—nope. So everyone in the back, I come back and they were like, (clapping) “Great dropkick.” I watched it back, and it looks like I just jumped up in the air as high as I can and then land. Nothing happened; I just jumped up and fell. It was brutal. Thank you, John Cena.”

On John Cena’s Five Moves of Doom: “No. Hold on. I only got about four moves. So don’t throw stones, now. But yeah. He shouldn’t be doing dropkicks. Nah, I tell him all the time actually. But, dammit. He tries.”

On since coming back he seems to be enjoying himself more in the babyface position: “Yeah. It’s always fun when the crowd reacts like that. And you know what? We will be in some country over in Europe sometimes, and they’re not like that at all. But you gotta just, each crowd is different. And you gotta know that. You can do the same exact thing, or have the same finish in one town, that’s over huge. And the next town, it’s like a fart in church.”

On the crowd at Raw the night after Wrestlemania 29: “Oh Yeah! I had to just—I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to be part of the wave. I thought; should I do the wave with them? Like what—cause they obviously were crapping all over us. Not on purpose. But they weren’t like. We were in the ring, beating the crap out of each other, and they were doing the wave. So it was like, it’s the European, it’s the whole multicultural fan base from all over the world that had been at Wrestlemania, and stayed there the weekend, and got tickets to Raw. So you got a lot of different kinds of people out there. And that European crowd, they do that. They’re loud, they’re singing, they’re drunk, they’re fighting, they’re brawling. That soccer crowd over there? The football crowd? And that’s what it was. That’s what they were doing. And I knew that, you know. Cause we wrestle in Europe all the time. But yeah, it was definitely—I had to just kind of sit back and what is going on?”

On if the Wrestlemania crowds are consistent: “You know, you can’t. Anything can happen. Anything can happen. It just depends. Like the first year that Rock hosted Wrestlemania, not when he worked Cena, but when he hosted Wrestlemania? It’s almost like it didn’t have the appeal when it happened. You never know what you are going to get. You never know if—these three hour Raws? That’s a lot of wrestling. And they’ve already been there for an hour, they got there early, got their t-shirt, got their concession, sat down, watched the dark match. You know that’s a lot of wrestling. Our fans, they’re die-hard fans. And they’ll sit there through it, man. And they’ll sit through the stuff they might not want to see, to see their guy. But you can guaran-damn-tee the WWE Universe is there for us. And that’s cool. And before as a heel, I never really cared about the fans. But now as a babyface, I see more than ever how important they are.”

On how he feels on being a heel vs. a babyface: “Well the more over I can get as a babyface, when I turn, the bigger the heel I’ll be. So if they wanna keep me a babyface, I’ll just keep doing my thing. And keep my five or six or four, whatever it is, moves. Keep them crisp and see what happens. But right now, being the good guy, it’s cool. Because they’re digging it.”

On being in an odd spot, all over placement wise, is it frustrating: “It could be frustrating, but I just don’t let it be. There was a time in my career where I would let it get me frustrated, but now it’s like I get paid well to do what I love. They tell me to do this, they tell me to jump, I’ll jump. And I’m gonna jump as high as I can because I know that all my fans out there, all those 2.5 million people that follow me on Twitter, they want to see me give a hundred and ten percent. So I’m gonna do what WWE tells me to do out there, I’m gonna work with who they want me to work with. I’ll give my suggestions when I feel they might be used wisely but I’m just gonna give it my all. And that’s kind of the unspoken motto backstage. Just give it a hundred and ten percent. And our guys do.”

On being not the typical babyface: “Maybe? I think the face thing works for me because I tried the best I could when I was turning to keep some of those heel characteristics. And I think I did. But then there was a point where they were really big on me smiling when I came out to the ring. I swear, I shit you not. I’m sitting there, and my music plays, and then I hear someone calling my name. And I look over, it’s Vince. And he takes his headset off and he stands up and he goes “SMILE!” And I’m like, okay. I’m thinking in my head, a year ago, a little nine-year-old girl in the front row, if I gave her the right kind of look or expression and walked towards her. Still 20 feet away from her, but if she was ring side, I could get her to cry, or get behind her mom. They were scared of me. I had like this Undertaker type, weird aura. They didn’t know what I was. They knew I was capable of doing anything. They didn’t know what they were going to get from me. I’m kicking people in the head. I’m kissing Stephanie McMahon and nailing Triple H with the sledgehammer. It was a good time.”

On Triple H/ McMahon family feud, Wrestlemania match being underrated: “The buildup was great. The match suffered because Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker kicked out of each other’s finishers for twenty minutes before we went out there. They should have been last. They really should have. If we would’ve been earlier on that card, I think it would have been better for us. But I think, like I was saying, those fans, god love them, but that’s a lot of wrestling. And they’ve already been winded by watching these big match ups with Shawn Michaels kicking out of tombstone piledrivers and Undertaker kicking out of superkicks. And then, what a finish. And now they’re like, well we’ve seen our main event. And now when me and Triple H go out there, and we’re not doing five RKO’s or five pedigrees and kicking out of them. It’s not the same.”

On how having a family has changed him in his career: “Big time. The responsibility factor. Really getting married, settling down, and having a kid; that was the biggest thing for me. I realized, this little girl that came into my life, that I created with my wife, and how special is that? I wanted a little girl so bad too. The whole daddy’s little girl thing was intriguing to me. And I got that relationship with her now. So it’s really been cool, but it’s taken me back and I realize my decisions affect her. So you gotta think before you act.”

On being a multi-generation star, is it a blessing or a curse: “Yes and no. I think it might depend on who your old man was too? Mine is a hall of famer. So is Cody’s, so is Ted’s, so is Curtis’s. I wanna say Michael McGillicutty, but that’s blasphemy, that’s awful. Yeah I’m happy for him by the way; he got the Curtis Axel moniker, in respect of his father, and his grandfather, Larry the Axe. That’s cool. So I’m happy for him, that was a long time coming. But yeah, I don’t think Curtis Axel, his father being Mr. Perfect, hurts him. I think it helps him. Immediately, you know who he is. Even if you don’t know who he is, you know where he came from. And you know you loved where he came from. You remember his dad if you are any kind of wrestling fan. So you’re gonna wanna be interested in what this kid has to offer. Whether or not he is able to provide the entertainment factor is another story. That’s up to him.”

On if the next “class” of WWE superstars along the same caliber of his 2001-2002 class: “I could say yes, I could say yes it is. The class that I was in with Lesnar and those guys, there’s no Lesnars or Batistas walking around there right now. Big E, he’s a strong dude. Ryback’s a strong dude. But if you put Batista next to those guys, he was 6’6, 320 lbs. Those guys are pushing 6’1-6’2. But Batista was wide. He was a big old dude. Those guys could beat him in a bench press contest but I’d rather look like Dave. If I was gonna intimidate somebody? Give me the Batista build, any day.”

Four Talents Removed From TNA Roster Page, Taryn Terrell Reacts To Last Knockout Standing Match

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– Three wrestlers and one announcer have been removed from the official TNA Wrestling website’s roster page: Alex Silva, Douglas Williams, Jesse Sorensen, and Todd Keneley.

It was reported earlier this week that Keneley was removed from the lead announce position, reverting the announce team to Mike Tenay and Taz. Keneley addressed reports of his dismissal from the organization in a Twitter post on Tuesday: “Thank you so much for all of the support and compliments on my work. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. Really making my day!”

Williams was sparingly used after being shifted to a trainer position in developmental promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling last year. Silva was sparingly used as well after becoming the inaugural Gut Check winner last year. He had been sidelined in recent months due to a concussion.

Sorensen continues to work for TNA Wrestling in the production department.

– The official YouTube account of TNA Wrestling has released this Inside IMPACT video of Taryn Terrell reacting to her Last Knockout Standing Match against Gail Kim at Slammiversary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmNL5K-6PJs

(source: PWInsider.com)

Six-Man Tag Team Match Announced For Impact, Watch Video Preview For The Show, Joseph Park

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– According to ImpactWrestling.com, a Six Man Tag Team Match will take place tomorrow night on Impact Wrestling as World Tag Team Champions James Storm and Gunner and X Division Champion Chris Sabin square off against Bobby Roode, Austin Aries and Kenny King.

– The official YouTube account of TNA Wrestling has released the following video previewing Thursday’s post-Slammiversary episode of Impact Wrestling from Duluth, Georgia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXIHWmbFfus

– Joseph Park participated in a media blitz Wednesday promoting this Saturday’s live event at the U.S.C.A Convocation Center in Aiken, Carolina. (Photos)

WWE Announces Live Event Return To China This Summer (Press Release)

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WWE announced Wednesday that they will be returning to China this summer for a live event. The official press release reads:

WWE Returns to China

June 5, 2013, London – WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced that it will be returning to Shanghai, China on Friday, August 2, 2013 at the Oriental Sports Center. Tickets are available via www.Ticket2010.com.

Fans attending WWE LIVE® will be able to see all their favorite Superstars and Divas in action including WWE Champion John Cena®, Ryback™, Kane®, Daniel Bryan™, Kofi Kingston™, Natalya™ and many more*.

“We are extremely delighted to be back in Shanghai and offer the ‘WWE LIVE’ experience to Chinese fans for the first time,” said Sweesin Wu, WWE’s Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific. “We look forward to showcasing our unique brand of family-friendly entertainment that only WWE can deliver.”

WWE opened an office in Shanghai in 2007 and took part in Expo 2010 Shanghai at the Mercedes Benz Arena giving fans a first look at the WWE live event experience. Last August WWE debuted WWE SmackDown® at the Oriental Sports Center.

*Lineup subject to change, see www.wwe.cn or http://weibo.com/u/2479110454 for details.

Brock Lesnar Update, Top Wrestlers To Never Compete In WWE & More

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– Curtis Axel’s theme song “Perfection” is now available for download on iTunes.

WWE.com has compiled a list of the Top 10 wrestlers to never compete in WWE, including the Midnight Express, Abdullah the Butcher, Nikita Koloff, Magnum T.A., New Jack and of course, Sting. Here’s what the article said about Sting:

“There is no doubt that if Sting had ever decided to ply his trade for Mr. McMahon, the results would have been phenomenal. Because of his immense success throughout the industry, The Stinger would have been a great fit for the pageantry and spectacle of WWE. Of course, the one Superstar that the WWE Universe would clamor to see Sting face would be The Undertaker. Perhaps if there was one person who could have upended The Deadman’s WrestleMania Streak, it would be Sting himself. “

– With WWE Payback less than 2 weeks away, f4wonline.com reports that original plans called for Brock Lesnar to have his 3rd and final match with Triple H on the show. However, due to The Rock’s injury and CM Punk taking time off after WrestleMania, the decision was made to jump right into that match at Extreme Rules. There has been renewed talk of Lesnar feuding with CM Punk later this year.

* When The WYATT FAMILY Will Debut & Plans for CM PUNK & BROCK LESNAR

New Members Of The Wyatt Family, Redneck Island Returns, Rosa’s Return

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– Season 3 of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Redneck Island will premiere tonight at 9:30pm EST on CMT, immediately following the Country Music Awards. Episode 2 airs on CMT this Saturday night at 9pm EST.

– WWE Diva Rosa Mendes will be returning to the road for WWE next month. After being sent home from WWE’s post-WrestleMania 29 European tour due to conduct issues, she is currently advertised for a personal appearance with Mark Henry at Fry’s Electronics in Austin, Texas on July 22nd at 11am.

– On the latest promo that aired for the Wyatt Family on this past Monday’s RAW [Watch Here], several new NXT stars were shown, including Garrett Dylan and Bayley. It’s unknown whether they were simply “extras” or if they will be joining Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper & Eric Rowan on the main roster.

* When The WYATT FAMILY Will Debut & Plans for CM PUNK & BROCK LESNAR