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Mickie James Talks About Being Frustrated With Her Current Role In TNA

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TNA Knockout Mickie James was interviewed by Chris Kelly (@H2HCrelly) on this weeks Running The Ropes (www.facebook.com/runningtheropes.radio) to promote her new music album “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” Below Mickie are a few highlights

On her frustrations regarding her lack of TV time over the past year:

“I know I’ve seemed a little bit frustrated as of late in some of my promos and stuff, but I honestly feel that for the past year I’ve probably been on less than 10 shows. I’ve barely done anything. It’s awesome to be able to come back and win the number one contendership and go for the title, but I’m sick and tired of feeling like I’m sitting at home and watching all these other people. I did get injured and I was sick, but I was already off TV when I got hurt.

“It’s so frustrating when you know that you’re one of the best in the world, and you’re sitting at home. I love going out there and making magic and telling a story, but I don’t love pretending that I’m okay sitting at home when I’m not. I’m just being real and being honest about it. It’s not me trying to be this awful person. I’m the one who has to look at myself in the mirror and if I’m not happy with what I’m doing or not doing, then I’m the one who has to face that. So that’s kind of where I’m at. I know people question that like ‘Oh are you turning heel?’ And I’m like ‘No, not really. I’m just being honest.”

On the forgotten state of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship:

“I don’t understand the logic behind that because in my opinion, besides the X Division Championship, the female tag team championship is the only thing we have that nobody else has. I think our ladies’ division is so unique and so different that it gives you something else to fight for. I don’t know why they’re sitting around ODB and EY’s waists, and they’re not even defending them and nobody else is getting a shot at them. There’s no storyline; there’s nothing wrapped around them. They just kind of won the belts and that was it. Then we forgot about them.

“I don’t think we have enough girls right now to even have a tag division, unfortunately. But there are enough girls in our circle that we can use. In my opinion, it would be awesome if there were more full-time contracted girls because not only would it give us more girls to work with in the title picture, but also in the tag division being able to pair up with the right people and kind of see who works together and who doesn’t, what’s going to make money and what’s not, what kind of gimmicks and characters like Jumping Bomb Angels and Glamour Girls – it all works.”

On her popularity compared to Velvet Sky:

“I was glad that Velvet was back; I thought it was awesome. But what was the point in bringing me back [in December] if you were just going to bring her back a week later and then I was going to sit at home? It didn’t make any sense to me unless it would have worked into some kind of storyline or something like that. It still could, you never know.

“Velvet started in TNA and that’s where she built her fan base. She’s got hardcore TNA fans, whereas I have hardcore Mickie James fans. I don’t mean to take anything away from her because she does have hardcore Velvet Sky fans, but I brought 80-90 percent of my fan base with me. I do have a larger audience, but she has a larger TNA loyal fan base.”

Sting Talks About The State Of TNA, Only 4 PPV’s Per Year & More

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Here are some highlights of what Sting said to Wrestle Talk TV’s during a recent interview:

Where TNA sits currently:“We’re in a good place.The companyhas definitely matured. We started with the fair grounds in Nashville, TN when I first came on. The idea was if I came, maybe others would follow. It’s happened and it’s been phenomenal. We’re in 120 countries now and the brand has grown. It’s a brand that’s very well known, especially here in this area [the UK] and very well received.”

Jeff Hardy’s turn around:“It’s phenomenal. Who wouldn’t want to see a story unfold like that? Jeff Hardy is so loved. He’s one of our marquee players here. To somebody have it all slip through their fingers is kind of sadto watch. We’ve seen it happen over and over and over again and not that many are able to get back on and get it right. I was one of them. I was one of them, I made those choices too, the wrong choices. Just about took me out. I had a few talks with Jeff, tried to get himback upon board. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him better, ever. He’s physically, mentally, spiritually [better]. He’s in a better place than he’s ever been in.”

What he thinks will come from TNA’s reduced amount of PPV’s:“It was brand new then [PPV’s back in his day]. We didn’t have thousands of TV stations. [now] You can watch anything and everything 24 hours a day, everybody’s doing PPV’s. It’s just too much. It’s just too much TV. So let’s just do fewer every year and make them extra extra special. Make them like Wembley was last year. I think it’s great and I think it’s going to be a big boost for our company.”

What younger guys on the TNA roster he think are the future:“Matt Morgan, Austin Aries, James Storm, Bobby Roode. All these guys are just guys that are coming up. Joe [Samoa Joe], I know Joe’s going to get back ontrackagain. He had the rug snatched out from underneath him, political stuff that happens in ourbusiness. He’ll come back again. Yeah, there’s a whole host of guys. How can a guy like Matt Morgan, who’s athletic as he is, and as strong as he is, and as smart as he is, not become a big star in ourbusiness? If he doesn’t it would have to be him, it lies on him.”

Update On Paul Bearer In The WWE HOF, Latest WWE Inbox Video

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– The UK’s The Sun newspaper has published an article “confirming” our earlier report about Paul Bearer being the first confirmed member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014.

– Here’s the latest edition of WWE Inbox is now online:

“WWE partners with Susan G. Komen to present a special Mother’s Day edition of “WWE Inbox.” Hear from World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler and his fellow Superstars as they talk about the most special women in their lives … their moms!”

WWE Declines To Be A Paid YouTube Channel, Most Ridiculous WCW Moments

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WWE.com has published an article looking at 20 of the most ridiculous moments in WCW history, including Ric Flair being sent to a mental hospital, Hulk Hogan seeing The Ultimate Warrior’s reflection in the mirror, Raven taking Kanyon shopping at Versace and more.

– Variety.com has published an article stating that WWE has turned down an offer from Google to convert it’s popular “WWE Fan Nation” Youtube channel into a paid subscription service. In just over a year since its launch, WWE’s Youtube channel has served 528 million views to date and has nearly 1.5 million subscribers.

John Morrison Talks To WWE.com About His Fitness Program, Life After WWE

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WWE.com recently interviewed former WWE Superstar John Morrison about his “Out Of Your Mind Fitness” program. The article jokes, “The WWE Universe might think WWE.com is out of its mind interviewing an ex-Superstar not seen since late 2011. They’re right.” Here are some highlights of what Morrison said about:

His Fitness Program:

[“Out of Your Mind Fitness”] is a fully functional training regimen built to getanyonein the best shape of their life. Functional training is the bee’s knees these days. It’s all about time efficiency. Training your body to move … so you can have the highest quality of life possible.

Everyone needs to move — if you’re a pro athlete, a contortionist, a computer programmer or just somebody who wants to play with their kids. One of the benefits of functional training like this is that it utilizes movement across multiple muscle groups as opposed to old-school bodybuilding, which is about isolation. You don’t move with isolated muscle movements in real life.

Functional training is about integrating core and stabilization muscles, which are engaged while doing these exercises. The whole body is getting worked out as a unit.”

What He’s Been Doing Since Leaving WWE:

“Life is a pretty awesome ride. Since stepping off [the WWE] train, I’ve been writing some [film] shorts and a feature that I’m hoping to produce and star in. I just wrapped a movie called, ‘The Factory.’ I’ve also been training for stunt work, acting for some independent classics, and working out.”

TNA Impact Wrestling Changing Times Starting May 30th, Magnus Interview

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– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that Impact Wrestling is moving to a “new” time later this month:

ImpactWrestling.com has an exclusive interview up with Magnus talking about his starring role in the Mickie James music video “Somebody’s Gonna Pay.”

* Photos of Trish Stratus & Mickie James Shooting The “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” Music Video

Possible Match For The Undertaker At SummerSlam, Miz’s Return, Helms-WWE

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– WWE officials are interested in booking The Undertaker & Kane vs. The Shield at SummerSlam, however it will all depend on whether the Dead Man is willing to participate.

– The reason The Miz was not at Monday’s RAW is that he was finishing filming the WWE Studios movie The Christmas Bounty. He is scheduled to return at next week’s RAW from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

– Former WWE star Shane Helms was backstage visiting at Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings from Raleigh, North Carolina:

WWE Reportedly Interested In ROH Stars, No One Lives Premiere & More

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– Ring of Honor star Mike Bennett is said to be on WWE’s radar, however people in ROH don’t expect him to leave any time soon. There is also renewed speculation that WWE is interested in Mark and Jay Briscoe.

– To promote the limited theatrical release of the WWE Studios horror movie No One Lives, Brodus Clay will be hosting a Q&A this Friday night after a 7pm screening of the movie at the AMC Veterans 24 theater in Tampa, Florida. No One lives is being shown in 23 states.

– This week’s WWE Five-Star Match of the Week was chosen by Paul Heyman and he picked The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar from SummerSlam 2002. Heyman told WWE.com:

“First of all, I disagree with the designation that it’s The Rock vs. Brock. It is Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock. Brock deserves top billing. And he deserves top billing because he won the match. [Brock] did not win the match with outside interference. In fact, The Rock hit me with a Rock Bottom through a table. I was not an equation. Brock Lesnar defeated The Rock cleanly to become the Undisputed WWE Champion, and in doing so, he put his boot on the neck of The Attitude Era and anointed himself the new reigning monarch of the WWE Universe.”

 

Details On WWE’s Best Of Madison Square Garden DVD/Blu-Ray Set

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WWE’s The Best of Madison Square Garden will be released as a three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray August 27th, according to WWEDVDNews.

Among the DVD’s highlights will be WrestleManias 1 and 10, John Cena’s 2008 Royal Rumble victory and the career of Bruno Sammartino. Sammartino recently took part in an interview with WWE that will be featured on the Best of MSG project.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“For nearly 50 years, Madison Square Garden has been the home of WWE. From sell out crowds cheering on Bruno Sammartino’s incredible championship run to the birth of Hulkamania, the inaugural WrestleMania, a stunner heard round the world and several legendary moments in between, WWE presents the moments that have helped legitimize the moniker World’s Most Famous Arena.

This collection showcases over 20 of the greatest matches and moments at MSG spanning all generations of WWE. Along with interviews from several WWE legends and Superstars, fans will relive several of the key moments in history that shaped the WWE of today.”

Update On Antonio Cesaro’s Standing With WWE

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As noted earlier, WWE officials were very pleased with Antonio Cesaro’s match against Kofi Kingston on last week’s Main Event show. Cesaro is getting most of the credit for the match’s success, which is believed to be the reason he’s getting a match against Randy Orton on this week’s Main Event.

He was booked strong on RAW, making quick work of Zack Ryder and then cutting a post-match promo that was very similar to the promo he cut after defeating Yoshi Tatsu at last week’s NXT TV tapings.

Cesaro ripping out one of Kofi Kingston’s dreadlocks fulfilled his claim that, “You took something from me, now I’m going to take something from you.” After failing to reclaim the United States Championship, it appears he’s moving on and is being repositioned as an upper-midcard act that will eventually be a World Heavyweight title contender.

When WWE’s New Performance Center Is Opening, Batista Heading Overseas For 5 Months

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– Former WWE Superstar Batista Tweeted on Wednesday that he’s about to head overseas to the UK for five months to work:

– WWE COO Triple H has responded to UFC fighter Chael Sonnen saying that he wants to “buy” WWE. When asked by a fan on Twitter if there’s any legitimacy to the reports, Triple H said, “He can buy some stock.”

Triple H also noted on Twitter that the company’s new Performance Center in Orlando, Florida will open this July.

* PHOTOS of WWE’s New Training Facility

Neville Works SmackDown Dark Match, What Happened After Tuesday’s Tapings

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– After Tuesday night’s WWE TV Tapings from Raleigh, North Carolina concluded, Mark Henry came out for an in-ring interview with Josh Mathews. Henry said that he’s ready for a fight – which brought out the Big Show. The two monsters teamed up against Randy Orton and Sheamus. Our live correspondent noted that Orton got one of the loudest pops of the night for his apearance.

The match lasted around 5-10 minutes, with Orton and Sheamus hitting an RKO & Brogue Kick on Big Show and Henry, respectively, for the win.

– Prior to Tuesday night’s WWE TV tapings from Raleigh, North Carolina, NXT superstar Adrian Neville (formerly PAC) defeated Curt Hawkins in what was described as a very exciting match. The crowd was very into this one, with Neville hitting a standing Shooting Star Press before finishing Hawkins off with his top rope corkscrew Shooting Star Press.

In case you haven’t seen Neville’s finisher before – behold:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dVgdLp3mU0Y

WWE SmackDown Preview For Friday

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The following matches are scheduled for Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

– Chris Jericho vs. Ryback.

– WWE Tag Team Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose.

– WWE United States Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes.

– Big E. Langston vs. Jack Swagger.

– Big Show vs. Tensai.

Also appearing on the show are World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler, Teddy Long, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Randy Orton and Mark Henry.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

News On Sin Cara & Rosa Mendes’ Returns, Main Event Preview

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– Tonight’s episode of WWE Main Event will feature

* Randy Orton vs. Antonio Cesaro.

* Justin Gabriel & The Usos vs. 3MB.

– Sin Cara tweeted that he’s been medically cleared to return to the ring and will be back on WWE television next week.

– Rosa Mendes, who was sent home from WWE’s recent European tour due to her ‘unprofessional’ conduct, also noted on Twitter that she’s getting ready to return, but did not give a specific timeframe.

WWE RAW Ratings: Lowest Viewership Of The Year

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Monday’s episode of WWE RAW scored a 2.9 rating and averaged 3,916,000 viewers, down from last week’s 3.07 rating with 4,285,000 viewers. Raw ranked #2 on cable for the night behind the NBA Playoffs on TNT.

Here’s the hourly viewership:

  • Hour 1: 3.97 million
  • Hour 2: 3.87 million
  • Hour 3: 3.91 million

Overall, this was the least-watched RAW of 2013.

DISCUSSION: The WWE Universe is clearly sending the company a message that the current television product is not keeping them engaged. Comment below and tell us what you would change about WWE – and how low you think RAW’s ratings have to go in order for big changes to be made.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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* Ryback in The Highlight Reel led to Teddy Long announcing Chris Jericho vs. Ryback later on.

* WWE United States champion Kofi Kingston pinned Cody Rhodes with Trouble in Paradise.

* Big E. Langston vs. Jack Swagger ends up in a non contest when Alberto Del Rio (doing announcing) and World champ Dolph Ziggler get involved as do ladders. It ended with Del Rio standing tall.

* The Shield’s Dean Ambrose beat WWE Tag Team champ Daniel Bryan by DQ. The Shield interfered and Kane got involved. Finally, Kofi Kingston hit the scene but the referee saw him nail Ambrose causing the DQ. This looked to set up a six man at the PPV.

* They showed Mark Henry attempting to break a world record in strength by pulling an 18 wheeler truck.

*  Big Show KO’d Tensai like nothing. He went after Brodus Clay after but Randy Orton hit the scene and scored with the RKO.

* Chris Jericho beat Ryback by DQ after Ryback put him through a table at ringside and slammed him into the ringpost.

*Spoilers* WWE Main Event Tapings Results

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The following matches were taped on Tuesday night from Raleigh, North Carolina for this week’s episode of WWE Main Event:

* Randy Orton defeated Antonio Cesaro.

*Justin Gabriel & The Usos defeated 3MB.

Ziggler Tops ESPN’s WWE Power Rankings, Evan Bourne Returning

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– The talk backstage at RAW is that Evan Bourne will be back in action soon, according to PWInsider.com.

– ESPN.com has updated their weekly WWE Power Rankings, with World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler once again claiming the top spot. Here’s this week’s Top 10:

1. Dolph Ziggler
2. Mark Henry
3. The Shield
4. Ryback
5. Triple H
6. Antonio Cesaro
7. Jack Swagger
8. Sheamus
9. Randy Orton
10. John Cena

The ESPN article gave a RAW a good review and said that Extreme Rules is “shaping up to be one of the most anticipated pay-per-views of the year.”

* The Latest On THE SHIELD Adding A Fourth Member

WWE Signs Two Talents To Developmental Deals

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– Northeast independent wrestler Smith James announced on Twitter that he’s been signed to a WWE developmental deal:

https://twitter.com/biggamejames12/status/331846389535498240

https://twitter.com/biggamejames12/status/331846661422858240

https://twitter.com/biggamejames12/status/331847618638520320

https://twitter.com/biggamejames12/status/331848395721416704

https://twitter.com/biggamejames12/status/331848669584318465

James was trained by former ECW World Champion & TNA announcer Taz at his finishing school on Long Island. Taz tweeted the following congratulatory message to James:

https://twitter.com/officialtaz/status/331849852319305728

Referee Matt Bennett, who has worked for Jersey All Pro Wrestling, has also been signed to a WWE deal and reported to developmental this week.

* The Latest On THE SHIELD Adding A Fourth Member

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Mickie James’ New Country Album “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” Released

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Mickie James has released her second country music album, titled “Everybody’s Gonna Pay.” The album can be purchased now at Amazon.comir?t=se0e6 20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CAGERX8 for only $8.99.

Here is the track listing:

1. “Somebody’s Gonna Pay”
2. “Best Damn Night”
3. “Whatever Turns You On”
4. “A Good Time”
5. “Long Way Down”
6. “If I Can’t Be Me”
7. “Goin’ Fast”
8. “I’m Gone Song”
9. “80 Proof”
10. “Hurts Don’t It”
11. “I Just Wanna Do My Thing”
12. “Hardcore Country” (Bonus Track)

Last October, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus joined Mickie James for the filming of the “Somebody’s Gonna Pay.” TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett was also on the set for the video shoot.

Photos of Mickie James & Trish Status Shooting The “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” Music Video

Video: DDP Inducts Jake Roberts Into The Cauliflower Alley Club

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Diamond Dallas Page inducts Jake “The Snake” Roberts into the prestigious Cauliflower Alley Club, followed by Jakes inspirational speech.

RAW Social Media Score & Backstage Fallout Video, Big Names On Steve Austin’s Podcast

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– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin announced that some big names will be appearing on his podcast soon:

– Monday’s WWE RAW had a Trendrr.tv social media score of only 195,239, down 4% from last week and the lowest score of the year. RAW ranked #4 on cable for the night, behind the two NBA Playoff games and “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” on VH1.

– Here’s the latest installment of WWE Backstage Fallout:

Forget “Fandangoing”! Watch as R-Truth teaches Tons of Funk some new moves in the Raw edition of “Backstage Fallout.”

Bella Twins Taunt AJ Lee, Photo Of Sheamus’ Back After RAW, Kelly Kelly On TMZ Live

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– The Bella Twins tweeted about abandoning AJ Lee in their Divas tag match on RAW last night:

– Sheamus tweeted the following about the beat down Mark Henry gave him on RAW:

https://twitter.com/WWESheamus/status/331613492522143744

– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly appeared on TMZ Live to discuss Miley Cyrus on the Maxim Hot 100 yesterday:

The Rock Missing More Apperances, Punk Attends Cubs Game, Flair-NASCAR

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– WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair will be announcing the drivers at Saturday’s Bojangles Southern 500 NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway.

– The Rock was scheduled to be in London this week to promote “Fast & Furious 6” but has not been cleared by his doctors to fly overseas.

– CM Punk continues to attend professional sports events during his time off from WWE and was spotted at Monday night’s Chicago Cubs baseball game against the Texas Rangers. Punk tweeted this photo from the game:

Jericho vs. Fandango Dance-Off Next Week, Summer Rae’s Status, Jericho-RCL

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– As seen on last night’s RAW, Fandango came out with a different dancer other than NXT Diva Summer Rae. Despite not being used, Summer Rae was backstage at the show and noted on Twitter that she’ll be at tonight’s SmackDown tapings.

– Next week on RAW, Chris Jericho will have a dance-off with Fandango.

– SyFy sent out a survey this week asking fans about a potential second season of Chris Jericho’s Robot Combat League show. The survey asked fans their opinion on Jericho’s job as host and asked if there should be special appearances by wrestlers and MMA fighters.