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E! Happy With Total Divas, Former NFL Star To WWE?, Constantino Controversy

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-According to reports, E! executives sent the WWE Total Divas a congratulatory bottle of champagne due to the success of last Sunday’s premiere episode of the new reality show.

-As reported earlier this year, WWE has shown interest in former NFL player Quinn Ojinnaka. According to a new article on AtlantaFalcons.com, the former offensive lineman is aggressively pursuing a job with the leading sports entertainment conglomerate now that he is officially retired from his professional football career.

Ojinnaka has worked under the ring name “Moose” in roughly 40 independent pro wrestling matches, and has even had some official tryouts with WWE.

-Las Vegas Review-Journal has a new article up regarding some controversy surrounding former WWE Superstar Rico Constantino. Apparently Constantino was fired a few months ago from his job as a Taxicab Authority Law Enforcement Officer after footage surfaced of him performing a pro wrestling match while he was on “light duty” restrictions due to an alleged work-related injury.

The former WWE Superstar suffered a serious knee injury while playing beach volleyball, and had to go on “light duty” in August 2012 as a result. The footage that got him in trouble was from a Future Stars Of Wrestling event in Las Vegas.

Constantino has since won back his job with full pay and benefits.

For more information on this story, visit ReviewJournal.com.

24WRESTLING.COM: Total Divas *SPOILERS* + Future Wyatt Family Plans REVEALED! […]

[Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

WWE 2K14 “Phenom Edition” To Feature The Undertaker (Press Release)

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The Undertaker will be featured in the rare “Phenom Edition” of “WWE 2K14,” the forthcoming release in WWE’s flagship video game franchise. The following press release was issued touting the product.

Screenshots: Undertaker’s “American Badass” Character In WWE 2K14

The Deadman Cometh: WWE 2K14 “Phenom Edition” to Feature Iconic WWE Superstar Undertaker

Collector’s Offering Set to Deliver Exclusive in-Game Content, Collectible Autographed Item, Video Content and Unique Packaging

NEW YORK, Aug 01, 2013 – 2K today announced that enigmatic WWE Superstar Undertaker will be featured through the “Phenom Edition” of WWE 2K14, the forthcoming release in the WWE flagship video game franchise. Available for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, while supplies last, the WWE 2K14 “Phenom Edition” is scheduled to include the following items:

– Exclusive tin coffin box;

– Exclusive collectible art card personally autographed by Undertaker;

– Exclusive Undertaker playable character: “American Badass”;

– Exclusive Undertaker-themed controller skin;

– “WWE Undertaker – The Streak”: Disc #1 (on Blu-Ray/DVD);

– Access to WWE 2K14 global pre-order offer: Ultimate Warrior playable character;

– Copy of WWE 2K14 video game.

“The Deadman. The Lord of Darkness. The American Badass. The Phenom. In every aspect of his career, Undertaker has commanded the admiration and respect of WWE fans and newcomers alike for more than two decades,” said Chris Snyder, Senior Director of Marketing at 2K. “His unequivocal legacy will be fully realized in the WWE 2K14 ‘Phenom Edition’ and is a must-have item for any collector.”

With captivating ring entrances and looming, omnipresent appeal, Undertaker is WWE’s longest-tenured current Superstar and holder of several WWE titles throughout his storied 20-year career. He is best known for his unrivaled winning streak at WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest event of the year, where he boasts a 21-0 record. Whether he took on Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior early in his career, aligned in tag team competition with his brother Kane, delivered career-defining matches against WWE Superstar Triple H and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels or squared off against his most recent WrestleMania opponent CM Punk, Undertaker is responsible for some of WWE’s most prolific and memorable moments.

Become Immortal – 2K’s lineup of premier sports simulation titles expands with the Company’s upcoming release in the renowned WWE video game franchise, WWE 2K14. Developed by Yukes for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, WWE 2K14 is positioned to be the most electrifying, authentic and comprehensive WWE video game experience to date. WWE 2K14 is not yet rated by the ESRB. Fans who pre-order WWE 2K14 will receive Ultimate Warrior at no extra cost on launch day on October 29, 2013, in North America and November 1, 2013, internationally.

The Rock Discusses Playing With GI Joe Figures, WWE Stars Talk Tables On This Week’s “Inbox”

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– Promoting the release of GI Joe: Retaliation on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, former WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson spoke to Metro.co.uk about how important GI Joe was to him growing up as a young child.

“I played with my GI Joe and Star Wars action figures every day. They mingled. I was always creating scenarios with them, so, looking back, they were very important,” said Johnson. The cool, emotional connectivity to all that, with me coming full circle by starring in this movie, is a very cool thing.”

Johnson also discussed his relationship with Bruce Willis, his co-star in GI Joe: Retaliation.

“That guy is something else. I’ve been buddies with Bruce for a while. He’s iconic. He’s been one of the world’s biggest movie stars for a long time, so us together, guns in our hands, saving the world as GI Joes, was cool,” said Johnson.

The interview, which features video of Johnson being interviewed, can be accessed here.

– On this week’s episode of WWE Inbox, Wade Barrett, Fandango, and other WWE stars explain how it feels like to crash through a table. WWE stars also reveal their clothing style when they are not performing at a WWE event.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KysykSCfHR8[/youtube]

Highlights From WWE’s Q2 2013 Investor Conference Call

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WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and members of WWE management hosted their quarterly conference call this morning. Here are some highlights:

* George Barrios introduced Vince McMahon to kick off the conference call.

* Vince touted WrestleMania 29 being the highest grossing WrestleMania to date.

* Vince talked about getting into the reality show business. “We think we do it well and we think we have something under our belt to prove we do it well,” he said regarding Total Divas.

* Vince indicated that they hope to do more in the reality television genre.

* Vince said they are a safe environment to be associated with.

* Vince talked about Kmart and other business partners.

* In regards to their app and other social media, Vince said they are teaching the television audience how to watch television all over again.

* Vince talked about the WWE Performance Center. He praised the talent they have in the developmental system.

* Barrios ran through the financial report presentation. He talked about the television rights fees improvement.

* The Fan Axxess event added 2.3 million to the live events revenue.

* Barrios mentioned that revenue for ‘The Call’ won’t be available until later in the year. They expect to see a profit of $5.9 million off of a $1 million investment.

* Barrios said the cash flow was down due to an $11 million increase in management compensation.

* Barrios mentioned that their market research is favorable for the WWE Network. Over the next 18 months, they expect to renegotiate their largest television rights fees in the U.S., UK, and India.

* They opened up the phone lines for questions.

* The first caller asked for an update regarding the WWE Network and their approach. Vince said all options are open to them.

* Rising ticket prices was brought up and they were asked whether they are driving fans away. Barrios said the increases come at the premium seating level, whereas the lowest ticket prices have remained the same.

* A caller asked Vince to talk about what he’s learned regarding the film industry over the last few years. Vince mentioned that they’ve tried a lot of models and they feel they have the right model now. Vince said the division is making money for them now and broadens the WWE brand.

* The caller said it feels better to have the WWE talent in secondary roles. Vince said that talent can be the stars of straight to DVD. Vince said he hopes that the talent has strong supporting roles in the theatrical releases while they learn how to become the stars.

-The caller noted the “ridiculous” programming fees that are being paid for low level sporting events and questioned how WWE couldn’t double what they get from USA Network for Raw. Vince said the caller answered his own question and feels they are poised

* The next caller asked a question about Rock’s pay for WrestleMania 29, but they said they didn’t want to get into who was paid what.

* Vince mentioned that they get closer with the network each quarter.

* Barrios said that when you factor in everything, including Fan Axxess, WrestleMania profits were down roughly $1 million.

* Another caller asked about the cost of the WWE Performance Center and the talent costs. Barrios said the spending happened predominantly in the first half of the year. He estimated between 50 and 100 developmental talents.

* Vince said he would allow a caller to put a hammerlock on him if they don’t deliver in their negotiations for improved television programming fees. This concluded the conference call.

TNA Misses #August1Warning/YouTube Goal, Scary New Jack Incident, Benoit Film

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-TNA Impact Wrestling recently promised to reveal a “clue” as to who the “#August1Warning” mystery-man was upon reaching 250,000 views on the initial video released on their official YouTube channel. As of 12:00pm E.T. on Thursday, the first “#August1Warning” video on TNA’s YouTube channel has reached 219,083 views. Whether or not TNA planned on releasing a new video everyday leading up to Impact Wrestling tonight on Spike TV when they first launched the online angle is unknown. One would assume the company changed plans as the online angle picked up momentum, as it would be unrealistic to expect to reach 250,000 views on a video with three additional follow-up videos being released, devaluing the significance of the original.

-ECW original New Jack had a scare when he passed out at a club recently in Atlantic City while drinking alcohol. His blood pressure was said to be alarmingly high. As a result, New Jack ended up in a local emergency room. New Jack claimed he had stopped taking his required medication, which is a bad idea he claims he won’t be repeating.

-According to the latest reports, the Chris Benoit “Crossface” biopic is expected to begin filming in 2014. Producers of the movie are currently speaking with actors regarding specific roles, however official casting won’t be in the serious stages for another couple of months.

Backstage News On #August1Warning/Tito Ortiz + Major TNA Roster Cuts Coming Soon

[Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

TNA Impact Wrestling Announces New International TV Deal With SONY SIX

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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

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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

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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’

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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

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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

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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