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Velvet Sky Reportedly Returning To TNA Wrestling, Kenny King Returning To Impact Tonight?, Impact Preview

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– According to PWInsider.com, TNA Wrestling has quietly re-signed Velvet Sky. Company president Dixie Carter had been trying in recent months to finalize her return after leaving the promotion in the summer. The former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is expected to return early next year.

– Kenny King mentioned on Twitter late Wednesday night that he was heading to Orlando, Florida—site of tonight’s live Impact Wrestling event. It remains to be seen whether he competes on the show, or like two weeks ago, wrestle in a match for international show TNA Xplosion.

King has not appeared on United States television since losing an X Division Championship Match to Zema Ion at Hardcore Justice in August.

– Tonight’s “Championship Thursday” edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV will feature Rob Van Dam defending the X Division Champion against an unannounced opponent, Mickie James facing Gail Kim, and AJ Styles teaming up with “Cowboy” James Storm to take on Christopher Daniels and Kazarian. Plus, TNA will reveal the location for Lockdown and it will be determined whether Wes Brisco earns a TNA contract after participating in “Gut Check” last week.

(source: PWInsider.com)

WWE Hall of Fame News: Still Hope For Warrior & Sammartino, Owen Hart, MSG

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With the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony taking place from Madison Square Garden in New York City, there has been talk of featuring inductees who have had special moments at the Garden – including Bob Backlund, Mick Foley and the Brooklyn Brawler. It’s also no secret that WWE has been pushing hard for strike a deal with the Ultimate Warrior and Bruno Sammartino.

Despite both men still considered “long shots” – WWE remains optimistic that they can reach a deal with either the Ultimate Warrior or Bruno Sammartino to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s class of 2013.

While Sammartino has been very against the idea for years, he’s softened his position in recent months, has spoken with Triple H about it and has told friends that he’d be willing to finally give in if the price was right.

Warrior’s situation is also tricky as a result of his various legal battles with WWE and Vince McMahon over the years. Relations between WWE and Warrior are the best they’ve been in a very long time, but there are trust issues and WWE does not want Warrior to back out or hold them up for more money once he’s been advertised to appear.

Owen Hart is another contender, but his widow Martha Hart wanting nothing to do with WWE could hold that up.

Raw To Remain A Three-Hour Show, Former WWE Diva Gets Engaged, Jerry Lawler/JBL/Mean Gene Celebrate Birthdays

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– Despite Comcast listing a rerun of NCIS: Los Angeles for this Monday night on the USA Network at 8:00 p.m., Raw will remain three hours in its regular time slot.

WWE officials confirmed to F4WOnline.com Wednesday night that Raw will remain a three-hour show airing from 8:00 to 11:05 p.m. The cause of this miscommunication is currently unknown.

– Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis announced on Twitter Wednesday night that she is engaged to be married to Ring of Honor wrestler Mike Bennett. She tweeted a photo of her engagement ring.

After parting ways with WWE in 2010, Kanellis largely kept away from the professional wrestling industry until meeting Bennett through Twitter last year. She regularly accompanies him to independent events as his valet and now holds the position of creative director of Crossfire Wrestling in Nashville, Tennessee.

– Today marks as the 63rd birthday of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler. Also sharing birthdays with “The King” are fellow WWE broadcaster John “Bradshaw” Layfield, who turns 46-years-old, and WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund, who turns 70.

Cody Rhodes Injury Update, Lesnar’s DVD Selling Well, Prichard

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– Brock Lesnar’s latest DVD set was the top selling sports DVD of last week.

– Tom Prichard is opening up a wrestling school in Knoxville, where he recently moved.

– Earlier this week, Cody Rhodes told WWE.com that he currently does not have a time table for his return. He probably will not need surgery, which is obviously a good thing. He’ll be checked out by doctors again in January, so he won’t be back before then.

* Backstage News On MORE NXT Stars Joining THE SHIELD

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Possible Finish For CM Punk vs. Ryback At TLC, Rumored TLC Tag Title Match

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– It hasn’t been announced yet, but the current plan for the tag team titles at next month’s TLC pay-per-view is for either a 3-way match featuring Team Hell No vs. Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. The Prime Time Players.

– As for the Tables, Ladders and Chairs match with CM Punk vs. Ryback WWE Championship match, it’s very unlikely that Ryback walks out with the belt.

As for how WWE can get away with Ryback losing to Punk for the third time in a row, one scenario would be for The Shield to interfere in the match, have Ryback get his revenge by powerbombing each of them through a table while Punk climbs a ladder and grabs the belt to win the match.

* WM29 Plans For RYBACK, BIG Angle Planned For THE SHIELD & Top Babyface Turning Heel

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Business Figures For October (Live Events, DVDs, Site Traffic, WWEShop)

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– Here are some other WWE business figures for the month of October:

* Average North America house show attendance was 4,762 (up from the 4,607 last year).

* DVD sales saw 165,000 units moved, down 38% from the year before.

* WWE.com had 11.5 million unique visitors (down 10% from the year before)

* WWEShop.com had 903 orders per day (up 27% from last year).

– Here are updated year-to-date WWE DVD sales figures, as of 10/31:

* WrestleMania 29: 230,000
* The Rock’s DVD: 150,000
* Undertaker’s DVD: 112,000
* CM Punk’s DVD: 105,000 (released in October)
* Royal Rumble 2012: 89,000

* New Details On WRESTLEMANIA 29 Plans For RYBACK, CM PUNK, UNDERTAKER & CENA

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Undertaker’s Rumored WM29 Opponent, RAW’s 20th Anniversary, Gaspard

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– Former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard just finished acting in his third film this year. He’s currently working on a graphic novel.

– As of this week, it appears the Undertaker will be working at WrestleMania 29. With his potential opponents limited to strong heels that can get a great match out of him, the current front runner is CM Punk.

– WWE RAW on January 14th, 2013 from Houston, Texas will be the 20th Anniversary episode of the show. WWE is expected to hype it as a historic night, but it won’t be as loaded of a show that RAW 1,000 was this past summer.

* WM29 Plans For RYBACK, BIG Angle Planned For THE SHIELD & Top Babyface Turning Heel

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA Turning Point Buyrate, King Mo Spike TV Special, Impact DVR Data

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– TNA Turning Point drew an estimated 11,000 pay-per-view buys, which is a little higher than the average show.

– Spike TV is working on a King Mo television special that will likely air before his Bellator MMA debut in January. The show will include Mo talking about his love for pro wrestling growing up, including the Four Horsemen.

– TNA Impact Wrestling is watched by about 10% of homes on tape delay, which is similar to what WWE RAW does.

* Major Swerve Coming With TNA’s ACES & EIGHTS Storyline

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Christopher Daniels Interview: His Curry Man Gimmick, His Rivalry With AJ Styles

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Christopher Daniels spoke with Kayfabe Wrestling Radio Tuesday Night in nearly 25 minute interview. Here are some highlights.

On his Curry Man character and if he was worried about it getting over in the US: “Well, first, allow me to clarify; it was never me as Curry Man, it was always a young man known as Kiyoshi. That’s always been a misconception that people have had. So, let’s put that to rest, right away. Second of all, bringing Curry Man to the US, I wasn’t … The reason I thought it wouldn’t get over was that most of the gags in the States was that everyone knew it was me. So I didn’t know if that was going to play in the States. And then, at the time I really wasn’t letting loose with it the way I was letting loose with it in TNA and so I think I put a little more comedy in it than I was going to do because when I was doing it in Japan; like I would do the dance, I would dance to the ring, I would do all the silly stuff but once the bell rang, I would really just wrestle because it was Michinoku Pro, it was New Japan. There wasn’t really a lot of comedy or a lot of ‘Ha Ha’ going on and so the thing that Curry Man did for me there was it made me stand out in terms of my presentation; but as far as the wrestling, they really wanted the wrestler under the hood. It didn’t really matter, you know, the look, but the stuff in the ring is what they wanted.

“Now, when TNA came around, or the idea came around to bring Curry Man to TNA, it needed to be more of a presentation and more of a character than just a guy going out and wrestling. So, I think that’s why I thought it wasn’t going to get over as well as it did and I’m glad I was wrong. I still, to this day, get people talking about Curry Man; for a character that hasn’t wrestled, technically, since 2008. So, it’s cool to think that that part of my career is still respected and enjoyed and it’s awesome.”

His thoughts on his upcoming ‘One Last Time’ match with AJ Styles at Final Resolution and their longstanding rivalry: “Well, my lord, if there’s any other rivalry that’s been going on as long as me and AJ, I’d like to know who it is. Honestly, we talk about it, half-jokingly, like ‘Holy Cow, we’re wrestling each other again?!’ But, it’s just a testament to, I guess, our chemistry and the fact that the fans, despite the fact we’ve been doing it pretty much non-stop for a year to a year and a half, we’re still finding ways to make it different, make it new for the fans; and that’s the challenge for us. I was actually talking to somebody and they told me that they figured out that AJ and I have wrestled 114 singles matches in our career, and that’s to date. At this point now, I’m sure that this weekend I have live events in North Dakota , and I’m almost 100% sure that will be 115, 116, and 117, you know? TNA is going to get as many as many times out of it as they can before the “last time”. But, I just think our challenge is to make it new; the matches that we had this year, I’ve been real happy with: The Last Man Standing at Destination X, the Tag team matches we had with me and Frankie versus him and Kurt, you know the Bound for Glory Series match that we had on television. And here’s a chance to sort of end this rivalry the place where it started and see where it goes. I think it’s going to be cool; I think the fans are going to be entertained and I’m interested to see where we go from here.”

Being part of the stars from the UPW (John Cena, Daneils, Kazarian, Samoa Joe), the training videos, and if he’s surprised at the level of success they all have obtained: “Well, I was never surprised talent wise, but, I mean, so many times especially in an objective business like this, where talent doesn’t necessarily equal success; I’m happy that we all have the opportunities and caught the breaks that we did. I mean, we could have easily fallen through the cracks, especially living out in Southern California, you know, where it’s sort of tough to break pas the independent level just because there’s so little actual big time independents going on out there and it’s hard to make your name on that level out here and break out to the point where people are flying you to the East Coast and flying you overseas. It’s a testament to guys like Frankie Kazarian and Joe and other guys on the West Coast; guys like Joey Ryan, who’s just recently come into TNA for the first time. You know, it’s a testament to their talent that they’ve broken through especially now when it’s so tough in independent wrestling to catch hold and catch fire. So, I wasn’t surprised by that, I was just happy the breaks we caught were good breaks.”

If he would ever want to be on Dancing with the Stars: “Oh sure, especially when I had that wacky mask back in the day. You know, I follow my good friend Velvet Sky on Twitter and I know that she was campaigning pretty hard to be on the current season or the last season and you know, if a hot chick like that can’t get on, what chance do I have? But, I have to be realistic and say if Velvet can’t make it, no one wants to see me in a leotard. For crying out loud, they can see that on Thursday nights. But I promise, if I get on Dancing with the Stars, I will keep the bell bottom tights!”

* Major Swerve Coming With TNA’s ACES & EIGHTS Storyline

Vince McMahon Laying Low At Television Events, WWE Merchandise Sales, Papa Shango

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– As previously reported, the atmosphere at Monday’s RAW was different without Vince McMahon there. While the mood was less stressful without “the boss” there changing things on the fly, the downside was that Vince’s leadership was missing and issues with the writing team and producers were not handled as efficiently by Triple H. One source called the night “more chaotic than usual” as a result.

Typically, Vince McMahon does not interact with the wrestlers much prior to RAW, since he’s busy working with the pruducers and running things from the Gorilla position. On Tuesdays for SmackDown, Vince has been giving Triple H more responsibilities as of late in an effort to groom him for when he’s the one running the show.

– WWE merchandise sales has been described as “haves” and “have nots.” A few talents are reportedly making “great money,” with all others not faring too well.

– During a recent interview, Charles Wright revealed that WWE had plans for him to return as grittier version of Papa Shango in 1997, but the idea was ultimately shelved due the introduction of another dark, supernatural character in Kane. In response to feedback on Twitter, Wright said Jerry Lawler assisted him with the character’s look and that he may post online a Polaroid photo that was taken then if he can find it.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newslettter)

Jim Ross Blog: The Shield’s RAW Promo, Barrett, Bryan & Kingston, HOF

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Possible WWE Hall of Fame Candidate: “Another 2013 HOF candidate for consideration….@RealKKBundy who was a major player in WWE in their breakout, national expansion years and was one of the best super heavyweights ever in the business. “King Kong Tonnage” as Ernie Ladd used to call Bundy, is hilarious to follow on Twitter.”

Barrett, Bryan & Kingston: “I’m encouraged by the on going development of such talents as @wadebarrett, @wwedanielbryan. @TrueKofi, among others. WWE is doing a nice job of continuing to build some new, foundation players for the future which, as I’ve often said, simply takes time. ”

The Shield “Enjoyed the Shield presentation Monday night on RAW. Not sure what I would have changed. I liked the succinct, cut to the chase interview and particularly liked the fact that it was pre-taped in a controlled environment.”

“@thedeanambrose, @wwerollins, and @romanreigns are have unique qualities that they bring to the dance as was somewhat illustrated Monday night. Bottom line is that they all ‘want it’ and seem to be willing to continue to work harder than many of their young peers in accomplishing their goals. They are not at a place where they can essentially take a ‘day off’ of preparation. I know these three to be aggressive, in ring talents and that trait alone will help them on their journey. All three are totally different personalities which is a positive but I love the fact that they are all young and are being provided an opportunity to push others already on the main roster aside on their way to main event status.”

* Backstage News On MORE NXT Stars Joining THE SHIELD

Raw Possibly Going Back To Two Hours This Monday, WWE Relaunches Divas Website, Vickie Guerrero Hacked

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– Coming off the heels of the third and final hour of Monday’s Raw broadcast suffering a fifteen percent drop in viewership, Comcast’s listing for Monday night programming on the USA Network (available at TVGuide.com) has a rerun of NCIS: Los Angeles (2009 episode “Deliverance”) airing during the 8:00 p.m. time slot with Raw listed as a two-hour-and-five-minute program beginning at 9:00 p.m.

The first hour of Monday’s show garnered 4,147,000 viewers, with hour two slightly dropping 4,126,000. The third hour, however, suffered its sharpest decline since the program was lengthened to three hours in July, dropping to 3,488,000 viewers. It marked as the fifteenth consecutive week and eighteenth week out of nineteen weeks where viewership dropped off during the third hour.

– WWE has relaunched its WWEDivas.com domain. WWE states, “Kelly, Trish, Lita, Stacy, Kaitlyn? They’re all right here on WWE.com’s all-new Divas page, featuring stunning galleries of Divas both past and present. It’s the go-to destination for the women of WWE, and it’s growing every day. So come on in and don’t be shy. We promise you won’t be disappointed.”

– Vickie Guerrero is the latest WWE star to be hacked on Twitter. She wrote Wednesday, “Hey guys….been away from account…I GOT HACKED!! Im glad to be back online.”

Ryback Match Discussed For WrestleMania 29, Ring of Honor Wrestler Meets With WWE Officials

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– WWE has contemplated building towards a Ryback vs. Big Show match at WrestleMania 29 on April 7, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is based on the idea of Ryback having a “WrestleMania moment” by hoisting Show onto his shoulders and marching around.

– Ring of Honor wrestler Mike Bennett met with WWE officials last week. Additional details have not been disclosed.

In August, “The Prodigy” remarked on whether he would be interested in joining the promotion if an offer came along: “Well, I’ll give you the political answer right now and say never-say-never. I’d be absolutely lying to you if I said I didn’t become a wrestler to be at WrestleMania and headline WrestleMania, which is what 99% of all guys want to do if they’re in wrestling. They want to make the big bucks and be on the main stage. But for me, right now, I’m 100% happy in Ring of Honor. I mean, I feel like I’m building a company. Its been around since 2002, its been building since then, but I feel now with the Sinclair network behind it we really are truly building a company. Is WWE ever an option? Like I said, I’d be lying if I said wouldn’t want to go there, but right now Ring of Honor is where I like to be.”

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Knockouts Match Announced For Tomorrow’s Live Impact, Kid Kash Looks Back At TNA’s Asylum Days, New Sting Hat

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– TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced Wednesday that Mickie James will face Gail Kim on tomorrow night’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast.

She wrote, “Just spoke w/Brooke (@MizzHogan). Knockouts match for tomorrows #ImpactLIVE on @SpikeTV is @MickieJames v @GailKimItsMe. 2 of the best ever!”

James is the No. 1 Contender to the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship held by Tara after winning a battle royal two weeks ago. The two will face off at Final Resolution on Dec. 9.

– On the latest edition of TNA Today, SoCal Val sits down with Kid Kash as he looks back at TNA’s initial days in the Asylum. He discusses the differences between the promotion today and then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttavF2uDL4k

– ShopTNA.com has released a new Sting hat.

Sarita Discusses Bodybuilding and Wrestling In Mexico, “Final Resolution” Video Preview

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– Tomorrow in Mexico, Sarita vies for her seventh consecutive victory in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre’s annual bodybuilding contest. Speaking to Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald, the internationally acclaimed wrestler discussed her training routine for the competition.

“I train throughout the year, but about 12 weeks out from the competition, I start to change my diet and increase the intensity of my workouts,” said Sarita, who is 5-6 and 120-pounds. “It’s a lot of chicken, eggs, fish, beef, vegetables, and some oatmeal and little fruit. I start to do more plyometrics, push-ups and jumping and do more high-intensity interval training. I also continue to train wrestling so that my body adjusts, and I’m able to remain agile and balanced in the ring as I’m dropping weight.”

While training for the competition, Sarita maintains her wrestling career, which also includes traveling, training and carrying food on every road trip. She looks at it as a challenge.

“Weeks before, everyone’s talking about their diets and comparing bodies. We are wrestlers, not bodybuilders, so it’s an interesting challenge trying to reach your body’s potential while dealing with traveling, wrestling, training and carrying food with you on every road trip. Everyone looks at the contest as a way to get into great shape and show dedication to our fans, to the sport and to CMLL,” said Sarita.

The full article is available here. She does not address her TNA Wrestling status in the interview.

– TNA Wrestling has released its promotional advertisement for Final Resolution, which takes place on Sunday, December 9 live on pay-per-view and online via TNAOnDemand.com. Jeff Hardy will defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Roode at the event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ZNBA0wJys

Viewership For Monday’s Raw Tanks During Third Hour, WWE Pays Tribute To Valets, Matt Hardy In Illinois

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– Monday’s Raw averaged 3,920,000 over the course of three hours, up from 3,835,000 for last week’s post-Survivor Series show. The first hour garnered 4,147,000 viewers, with hour two slightly dropping 4,126,000. The third hour, however, saw a sharp decline, dropping to 3,488,000 viewers.

The final rating is expected to be released later today. Last week’s show drew a 2.73.

– The official WWE website has published photos and an article looking back at ringside valets, such as Kimberly Page, Miss Elizabeth, Stacy Keibler, Sharmell, Beulah McGillicutty, Debra and Torrie Wilson, among others. WWE writes, “Some Superstars like to have a little company on their way to the ring, without the prodding of a manager. To add that extra flair, these grapplers went out and found the perfect combination of beauty and brains in ringside valets. Learn more about these lovely ladies, check out photos and watch them in action!”

– Matt Hardy appears for Dreamwave Wrestling this Saturday at LaSalle Knights of Columbus 209 Gooding St. LaSalle, Illinois.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Hardy Boys Reunion In WWE “Very Likely” Next Year

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2013 could see the WWE returns of one of the most innovative tag teams in history – the Hardy Boyz.

During an interview with Pass The Torch Radio to promote his appearance at WOH wrestling in Whitehall, New York, this Friday, Matt Hardy was asked about the possibility of a Hardy Boys reunion in WWE next year, with him being a free agent and Jeff’s contract with TNA Wrestling expiring in February. His response?

“Very likely!”

Hit up the comments below and tell us if you want to see Matt and Jeff back in WWE.

– This week on WWE Inbox, Superstars and Divas are asked which celebrity they would like to get in the ring with, whether they have ever purchased an item from SkyMall, and about favorite childhood possessions.

– “The British Bulldog” is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Early Creative Plans For WrestleMania 29 & The Royal Rumble, JBL’s New Show Debuts This Week

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– With WrestleMania 29 just 5 months away, creative planning for next year’s mega-show from the MetLife Stadium in the NY/NJ area is well underway.  It’s said that most of WWE’s plans for their top storylines are solid through the Royal Rumble, but the top matches for WrestleMania are still not locked in.

According to sources close to the writing team, several of the ideas pitched for this year’s top matches included controversial finishes.

– Smackdown announcer JBL shot the first episode of his new internet show “The JBL Show” on Tuesday. His first guests include John Cena, AJ Lee and Michael Cole. JBL tweeted the following behind-the-scenes picture from the first episode.

His tweet says the show premieres “next Friday” but it actually airs this coming Friday, December 1st. Michael Cole replied to JBL’s tweet below and said,  “hey goof the show airs this coming Friday!”

(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)

Del Rio Ready For John Cena On SmackDown, JR Apearing On HBK’s Hunting Show & More

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– Vince McMahon, The Miz, R-Truth, Eve Torres and Layla returned to the United States on Tuesday evening after visiting US troops stationed abroad in the Middle East.

Picture of Vince & The WWE Stars On A Navy Vessel In The Middle East

– Alberto Del Rio tweeted the following about his opponent on this Friday’s SmackDown, John Cena:

– Jim Ross will be the next WWE personality to make a guest appearance on Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures hunting show. He tweeted:

Jericho Video Interview, Rollins Tweets, Fozzy Performing In The UK Tonight

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– Shield member Seth Rollins tweeted the following message this week, his first tweet since debuting on WWE television:

– Chris Jericho’s metal band Fozzy will be performing tonight in Manchester, UK tonight. For more information, visit FozzyRock.com.

– Speaking of Jericho, he was recently interviewed by Wrestling Voice Radio:

During Fozzy’s European Tour in late 2012, frontman Chris Jericho sat down with Wrestling Voice Radio’s Duane Doogan to discuss a host of subjects from the band’s latest album, to touring, to his current WWE status and more.

Vickie Talks About Tamina, Fans Meet WWE Stars At Local Gym, WWE-Arkansas

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– WWE returns to Little Rock, Arkansas for a SmackDown taping at the Verizon Arena on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am at Ticketmaster and the arena box office.

– KATC.com has an article up looking at WWE fans who camped out at Red’s Fitness Center in Louisiana to meet WWE superstars training at the gym prior to to that night’s WWE RAW. One fan who got to the gym at 6am to see the WWE superstars doing their morning workouts said, “It’s a hobby. I love getting my wrestling autographs and I’ve been doing it for six years.”

– Vickie Guerrero tweeted that Tamina Snuka will be joining her at this weekend’s WWE live events and talked about surrounding herself with good company:

https://twitter.com/excusemewwe/status/273765715281063937

https://twitter.com/excusemewwe/status/273767129231269888

https://twitter.com/excusemewwe/status/273769844204253184

Antonio Cesaro Celebrates 100 Days As US Champion (Video), Backstage Chaos At WWE Tapings

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– There were some technical difficulties at Tuesday night’s WWE TV tapings, including the fire alarm and sprinklers going off and lights going out in the arena. The incident took place in between the WWE Main Event and WWE Saturday Morning Slam tapings, with Ricardo Rodriguez tweeting:

SmackDown announcer JBL tweeted this about what went down:

According to our correspondents who were at the show, the show was on hold for about 15 minutes while everything got sorted out.

– WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro posted the following video on Tout, celebrating 100 days as champion:

* Pictures of KELLY KELLY’s Totally New Look (Brunette)

TNA Inks Deal With MDI Entertainment To Release Impact Wrestling Lottery Tickets

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MDI Secures IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars and Experiential Prizes for Exciting New Instant Games

MDI Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation, has signed an agreement with TNA Entertainment, LLC, dba IMPACT WRESTLING, to offer lotteries branded instant games featuring some of the biggest names and most recognizable imagery in professional wrestling today.

The agreement makes the names and likenesses of more than a dozen wrestling superstars, as well as the logos, marks and artwork of IMPACT WRESTLING, available to lotteries worldwide.

Stars like Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Matt Morgan and Bobby Roode are included, and can be used on instant tickets and promotional materials, as well as in television and radio commercials. They also are available for personal appearances and public service announcements to promote the good causes lottery games support.

“We are extremely pleased to have secured this license, and to be able to give lotteries so many noteworthy options to promote games associated with it,” said Steve Saferin, President, Properties Group and Chief Creative Officer for Scientific Games.

“In addition to providing the biggest names in wrestling today, IMPACT WRESTLING is offering extraordinary marketing support and incredible prize opportunities. This gives lotteries a chance to reach and inspire wrestling fans – including the often elusive 18-34 age group – in very powerful ways.”

IMPACT WRESTLING President Dixie Carter stated, “Working with MDI provides a new marketing platform for IMPACT WRESTLING to connect with our fans through the state lottery programs. Our fans avidly invest in our superstars as they appear on SPIKE TV every Thursday and travel the country on the IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE WORLD TOUR.”

IMPACT WRESTLING will work with MDI and lotteries to create 2nd Chance prizes that can include merchandise and trips where winners will be treated to a live taping of the IMPACT WRESTLING television show, a backstage tour and a chance to meet wrestling talent. “IMPACT WRESTLING” is a weekly, two-hour show appearing during prime time on SPIKE TV.

A “Contract-for-a-Day” prize also can be created, in which the winner will be given the trip, plus an on-camera cameo role to be included in an IMPACT WRESTLING pay-per-view live show.

What Happened After SmackDown Tapings, Hawx Wrestles Dark Match & More

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– Independent wrestler Luke Hawx wrestled a dark match prior to Tuesday night’s WWE tapings from Bossier City, LA, losing to Santino Marella.

Hawx appeared on Monday’s RAW as one of the security guards that confronted Ryback at the beginning of the show and met with Paul Heyman backstage at the event.

– Longtime WWE employee Steve Lumbardi, best known as the Brooklyn Brawler, is now on Twitter at @brawlerreal.

– WWE Hall of Famer and NXT head trainer / authority figure Dusty Rhodes wrote on Twitter that he is celebrating 43 year in the wrestling business this week:

– The dark match main event that took place after Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings saw Sheamus defeat the Big Show by disqualification. The finish came after Big Show hit Sheamus with a steel chair. After the match, Sheamus leveled Show with the Brogue Kick.

Cody Rhodes Talks About His Injury & His Timeline For Returning

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WWE.com has a new interview up with injured superstar Cody Rhodes. Here are some highlights of what Rhodes said about:

The Extent of his Injury:”Well, honestly, the best way I’ve heard the injury described, is that I dodged a bullet. The trap tear is a grade two (on a scale of one to three), but I don’t need surgery — the tears will heal themselves over time with proper physical therapy. The separated shoulder is an old injury from amateur wrestling, and it’s basically the area that could have been considerably worse. I could have landed on my neck, but I turned just in time to land on my shoulder. The separated shoulder is where the most pain is and it’s the AC joint, but like I said, I dodged a bullet — no surgery.”

His Initial Reaction To The Injury: “I thought I broke my arm, and I was in a very bad position in the ring. You know, ring awareness is something I’ve always been fond of — having ring awareness, having mat awareness. Always knowing where I am at all times. Especially in a tag team situation, knowing if I’m on my side of the ring. I wasn’t. I was in enemy territory and Daniel Bryan had me wide open.”

“Actually, everything after Kane dropped me, I don’t remember. I remember hitting the mat one more time, and then I thought that I immediately tagged out, but watching back, there’s a whole period of a minute, a minute-and-a-half, where I faked out Daniel Bryan, who missed a headbutt and I just laid there. I didn’t know that — I thought I was much more cognizant than I was, but watching back I didn’t know that I was on the apron, I didn’t know that the doctor was tugging at my boots.”

When He Will Return To The Ring: “I am a quick healer and I can fight through pain, but I will not rush my return to the ring. There is no hard timeline for my return.”

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