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Matt Hardy Talks WWE Return, CM Punk & Sheamus’ WWE Contracts & More

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– Matt Hardy was asked on Twitter what he would do differently if he had the chance to return to WWE. He replied:

– Former WWE Diva Trish Stratus will be releasing a new yoga DVD for men in October titled, “Stratusphere Yoga for Men.” The project was filmed earlier this year and is scheduled for an October release.

– When WWE announced the new animated Scooby Doo movie that is coming out in 2014, two superstars not included on the list of voice actors were CM Punk and Sheamus. PWInsider.com speculates that this could be a sign that Punk and Sheamus are not currently under contract through when the movie is set to be released.

WWE & TNA Scouting The Same Wrestler, NXT Star Finishing Up His PhD & More

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– WWE developmental wrestler Xavier Woods (formerly Consequences Creed in TNA) tweeted this week that he’s in the final stages of becoming a PhD and will soon be “Doctor Woods.” He’s currently working on his 20-page final paper and will soon have his Masters on Educational Psychology

– Actor Kris Kristofferson, father of developmental wrestler Garrett Dylan (Jody Kristofferson), attending Thursday night’s NXT show from Tampa, Florida.

– It was reported earlier this week that TNA had signed X Division talent Mason Andrews (also known as Scorpio Sky) to a contract. Andrews then denied those reports. F4wonline.com reports that Andrews has been offered a TNA deal, but he is also attending next week’s big post-SummerSlam WWE tryout camp in Los Angeles and will see how that goes before signing anything with TNA.

Lesnar DVD Content Listing, SummerSlam Sticker Giveaway, Kaitlyn & “The Day”

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– WWE Diva Kaitlyn interviewed the cast of the WWE Studios movie “The Day,” which hits theaters on August 29th. The interview will be on WWE.com soon.

Crazy Picture Of Kaitlyn Dressed As … The ULTIMATE WARRIOR?!

WWEDVDNews.com has published the official content listing for the WWE’s upcoming “Brock Lesnar: Here Comes The Pain” collector’s edition DVD/Blu-Ray set, which will be released in October.

GetGlue.com, a social network for people can “check in” to TV shows and movies they watch, is running a promotion this week where fans who check in to WWE programming this week can win a SummerSlam sticker.

Full Details Of WWE’s Official WWE ’13 Roster Reveal This Weekend

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THQ sent out the following on Friday morning:

Find out which of your favorite WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends and “Attitude Era” luminaries will be featured in WWE ’13!

We’ve seen all your Tweets, Facebook posts, forum threads, skywriting, carrier pigeons, smoke signals and rented blimps, and we know exactly what you want: WWE ’13 roster information. Well, thankfully, you won’t have to wait much longer, as the largest roster in WWE Games history will be revealed this Saturday, August 18 at WWE SummerSlam Axxess. Even if you can’t join us for all the fun in Los Angeles, you can still watch everything go down live via streams at both IGN.com and WWE.com.

Screenshots & Video Trailer For WWE ’13

The action kicks off at 1:30 p.m. PDT in the NOKIA Plaza at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles with the WWE ’13 Roster Reveal Pre-Show, presented by IGN. The event will feature IGN’s own Richard George, as well as two members of the WWE Games development team: Creative Director Cory Ledesma and Senior Game Designer Bryan Williams. Together, they’ll go over all the news and announcements to date on the October 30 release and will even give fans a sneak peek at some of SummerSlam’s biggest match-ups, as seen through the lens of WWE ’13.

Then, at 2:00 p.m. PDT, it’s the main event you’ve all been waiting for: The WWE ’13 Live Roster Reveal, presented by IGN. Whether you’re at the Main Event Stage at SummerSlam Axxess or streaming the event like at home, you’ll watch WWE Hall of Famers Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, WWE ’13 cover Superstar CM Punk and WWE ring announcer Lillian Garcia as they reveal the largest roster in WWE Games history (talent appearances subject to change). Your hosts – as well as some special guests – will give round-by-round commentary and analysis on all of your favorite WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends and “Attitude Era” luminaries.

So, whether you’re planning on joining us in Los Angeles or would prefer to watch along from home, make sure you tune in at 1:30 p.m. PDT this Saturday, August 18. For all the latest updates and details from SummerSlam weekend, make sure to follow @WWEGames on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

* SCREENSHOTS & Official Video Trailer for WWE ’13

WWE Network Update, WWE Doing Community Service Work Today

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– Following last night’s SummerSlam kickoff party in Beverly Hills, WWE talent will be taking part in various community service activities today, with wrestlers visiting hospitals in the Los Angeles area and anti-bullying rallies taking place at schools.

Mark Henry and Alberto Del Rio will be visiting Watts, a part of South Los Angeles known to be a violence-prone and impoverished area.

As part of WWE’s community service work this week in Los Angeles, Sheamus, Hornswoggle, Eve Torres and Alicia Fox visited the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA on Thursday afternoon and handed out Mattel toys to the kids.

– WWE recently sent out a memo to fans asking for ideas for Classics On Demand in 2013. Since WWE won’t be launching the WWE Network until after Classics on Demand concludes, that’s another sign the Network won’t be launching this year.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

Pictures & Video From WWE’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party

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The following are live notes from Thursday night’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party from Beverly Hills, California:

– The event was co-sponsored by WWE and the Be A Star Alliance.

– WWE Diva Natalya was interviewing celebrities and WWE Superstars and Divas on the Red Carpet.

– Jersey shore’s Paulie D was the D.J. for the party.

– Among the celebrities in attendance were Ryan Lochte (Olympic Gold Medalist), Marlon Wayans (actor), Maria Menounos (TV personality), Piers Morgan (TV host), former WWE Diva Maryse, Heidi Mueller (actress), David Arquette (actor, former WCW Champion), Kat De Luna (actress), Ciara Price (model), and the cast of Eve Torres’ NBC show “Stars Earn Stripes” (Terry Crews, Talon Smith, Grady Powell and Dale Comstock).

– WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia posted the following video of herself, WWE diva Layla and DJ Paulie D from the party:

Check out these pictures from the event:

[nggallery id=54]

The Miz Hypes The Marine 3, Ryan Lochte At WWE SummerSlam Party (Picture)

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– The Miz spoke to the Los Angeles Times this week and revealed that his movie, “The Marine 3: Homefront” will hit theaters in Spring 2013, around WrestleMania 29. The Miz hyped

“I think it will be an absolute incredible movie and I can’t wait for its release. It is about a Marine who just got home from a tour and one of his sisters gets kidnapped by terrorists. He then has to go in and save them. I think I play the best Marine of all of them but, of course, that’s just my opinion.”

– Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte appeared at the WWE and B.A. STAR’s Summerslam Kick-off Party in Los Angeles on Thursday night. RAW Social Media Ambassador Pauly D. (“Jersey Shore”) was the D.J. of the party. Check out this picture of Ryan Lochte at WWE’s SummerSlam party:

Update On NXT Diva’s Release, Regal Appearing At Mick Foley’s Comedy Show

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– WWE wrestler and William Regal will be appearing at Mick Foley’s live comedy show in Los Angeles on Sunday night after SummerSlam. Regal tweeted Thursday night that he’ll participate in a Q&A session at the event, which takes place from the Hollywood Improv. Other WWE personalities, including Jim Ross, will be in attendance.

– Earlier this week, the developmental diva Caylee Turner’s profile page was removed from the FCW/NXT website, leading to speculation that she had been released. PWInsider.com is now confirming that Turner, real name Christina Crawford, was indeed let go from WWE this week.

Turner is the younger sister of WWE Diva Alicia Fox and was the reigning FCW Divas champion. She was signed to a developmental deal back in June 2010 and appeared on the latest season of Tough Enough on the USA Network.

* Pictures of BATISTA Training For His Upcoming MMA Debut

Details On CM Punk Headed To WWE NXT Next Week

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Thanks to Devin Cutting for sending this in:

Event: WWE/NXT Live Event
Date: August 23, 2012 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Full Sail Live

WWE Champion CM Punk (direct from his SummerSlam Triple Threat Match) will be at the next WWE/NXT event at Full Sail Live, along with the WWE Divas and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross calling all of the action. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30. WWE and Full Sail University will be videotaping this event. During the event, a selection of local area specialty food trucks will be on site, so come hungry. Food truck service begins at 5 p.m.

Tickets:
Free to students, 2 tickets maximum, with Full Sail I.D. (limited supply)
$5.00 for Full Sail staff with Full Sail I.D.
$10.00 for General Admission tickets

Tickets are available (on a first come, first serve basis) at the Full Sail Live Box Office during these times:
Monday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 23 from 4 p.m. until Show Start at 6:30 p.m.

Impact Preview For Next Week: Hogan Returns, Open Fight Night

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The following is TNA’s official preview for next week’s live Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:

– It’s the return of the monthly Open Fight Night on Thursday’s broadcast, featuring the huge return of “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan as he vows to help Sting and other TNA superstars battle The Aces and 8s!

– As part of Open Fight Night, Sting challenged The Aces & 8s to fight them this Thursday! Can Sting, Hogan, and others finally stop the path of destruction that the gang has unleashed in TNA Wrestling? Will we finally find out their identities? What will happen when Sting and Hogan unite against them on Thursday? Don’t miss the huge confrontation on SpikeTV!

– Also on Thursday’s broadcast, it’s the return of the TNA Gut Check, as one wrestler gets the opportunity of a lifetime to earn a contract with TNA Wrestling! Can they prove they have what it takes to join the roster?

– Plus, the “Bound For Glory Series” continues on IMPACT! The annual competition is reaching a fever pitch as the final countdown is on – who will earn a shot at the World Title at Bound For Glory? Who will call who out? The series continues Thursday on SpikeTV!

– All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7c, including news on the upcoming “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View event!

Rey Mysterio Interview: Life On The Road, His Masks, Bullying (Video)

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Rey Mysterio was interviewed by FOX affiliate KTBC-TV out of Austin, Texas this week to promote Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.

During the interview, Mysterio discusses WWE’s recent tour of Asia, wrestling since he was 14 years old, keeping up his intensity and desire to wrestle over the years and much more.

Mysterio revealed that he currently owns around 500 wrestling masks. Mysterio and the interviewer talk about growing up watching WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras as kids and the strong Hispanic community in Austin, Texas.

Mysterio also talked about signing autographs for fans and WWE’s anti-bullying campaign.

Here is video from the appearance:

Eric Bischoff’s “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago” Show Picked Up By TruTV

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It was announced this week that the TruTV cable network has picked up “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago,” the latest series from TNA executive Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey’s production company.

Here is the official synopsis of the show, courtesy of TVBytheNumbers.com:

Hardcore Pawn: Chicago takes viewers behind the scenes at “the baddest pawn shop in Chicago.” One of the city’s largest and oldest establishments in the pawn and gold-buying business, Royal Pawn Shop is owned by Randy and Wayne Cohen, two brothers who d on’t always see eye to eye, except when it comes to finding the best deals for the business. These over-the-top siblings will wheel and deal with just about anyone, from a sweet kindergarten teacher to an intimidating mob boss.

The show will debut on TruTV later this year.

Hogan Returns To Impact Next Week, New Knockouts Champion, Former WWE Diva Debuts In TNA (Video)

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– Hulk Hogan will return to Impact Wrestling next Thursday night. Hogan will appear in the opening segment of the show, as TNA’s top babyfaces will call out the rouge Aces & Eights group for a potential fight.

– Miss Tessmacher regained the TNA Knockouts championship on Impact, defeating Madison Rayne four days after dropping the title to her at Hardcore Justice.

– Former WWE diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) made her TNA debut as the special guest referee for the TNA Knockouts title match. After Earl Hebner used some questionable officiating to help Rayne win the title on Sunday night, Taryn Terrell officiated the title change on Thurday night. Here is video from her TNA debut:

CM Punk Says AW’s Firing Was Justified (Video)

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TMZ caught up with WWE Champion CM Punk this week and asked him what he thinks about WWE firing “Abraham Johnson.” Punk laughed and corrected the camera guy, telling him that it was Abraham Washington that was fired (oops).

Punk said he doesn’t like seeing anybody getting fired, but rape jokes aren’t funny and understands why WWE let him go.

Tensai Compares Today’s WWE Locker Room To His Previous Run

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WWE superstar Tensai is interviewed in the september issue of WWE Magazine and spoke about how today’s WWE locker room is different from his previous run with the company (1999-2004):

“I don’t know if they’re tougher, because when I was years ago, there were a lot of men on the roster. When I came back, there were a lot of young faces, a lot of kids. The talent that walks in the locker room is amazing now, but in terms of toughness…well, this is a tough business.”

“The current roster is a bunch of tough guys, and I give them a lot of credit. It’s a man’s game. I hit people hard and they hit me back harder. Let’s just say I’ve had a couple of fights.”

WWE Party In LA Tonight, Morrison Doing Comedy This Wekeend In LA & More

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– WWE will be holding a private party in LA tonight to kick off SummerSlam Axxess. WWE diva Kelly Kelly noted on Twitter that she’ll be attending.

– Ken Shamrock has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Shamrock is expected to be a playable character in the upcoming WWE ’13 video game.

Josh Tariff sent along the following:

Saturday, August 18th at IO West (6366 Hollywood Blvd), John Morrison will be appearing in another edition of the show ‘Cut That Promo’ hosted by ‘Professional Wrestling’s Voice of Choice’ Christian Rosenberg. This is a comedy show where John will share some stories about being on the road with WWE as well as improvisors trying to show Christian and John that they have what it takes to be known as the ‘superstar of tomorrow’. The show will take place on Saturday at 11:30 and tickets are $5. You can preorder tickets at West.IoImprov.com.

WWE Developmental Wrestler Posts Cry For Help Before Getting Released

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It would appear that WWE has parted ways with developmental wrestler DT Porter as he is no longer listed on the roster page of FCWWrestling.info. He rarely appeared on Florida Championship Wrestling cards after joining the developmental promotion last year.

In May, Porter, whose real name is Brian McGhee, posted a message on Facebook crying for help due to alleged mistreatment from camp officials. He then claimed that his account was hacked. The “help” statement read:

“Guys, I don’t know how much longer I can handle this. Every day is a constant struggle to keep my sanity. I love wrestling and it’s all I ever wanted to do. Already going crazy since I’ve been for like ten months now, but it gets worse. Every day a trainer goes out of his way to rib or disrespect me in front of the boys because I’ve been out so long. I can’t clear myself. I wanna wrestle more than anything, but I don’t even know who I am anymore. It’s so fucking hard. I just feel it just building inside of me and I don’t know how much longer I can contain it. I have daydreams of just fucking everyone up on some real shit. I’m not a kid. I’m a fucking man. But what do you do when the people in charge of helping you get to the main roster are the ones making your life the hardest. I’ve been drinking almost every day. It’s to the point to where I keep Vodka and Gin in my trunk. Help me!”

He later deleted the Facebook message and claimed he was hacked.

Gail Kim Talks About Retirement, Leaving WWE, Working Heel

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TNA Knockout Gail Kim recently spoke to SpencerDailyReporter.com to promote this weekend’s TNA house show tour in Iowa. says she’s been “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year. Here are some highlights of what Gail Kim said about:

Retirement: “I would love to leave wrestling at some point on a good note. Everybody wants to go out on top. Most of all, whatever I do next, I want to be passionate about. Because I’ve had wrestling so long, I know how happy you can be doing what you love. I’m looking forward to a future with my husband and what it holds.”

Recent Pictures of Gail Kim & Her Celebrity Chef Husband

Working As Heel: “I’m looking forward to being the heel. I change my wrestling moves. When I’m a heel, I’m more technical and use submissions. When I’m a baby-face, I’m more of a high flyer.”

She also talked about “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year and how hard it was WWE “sitting back and watch everybody in the ring doing what I love to do.”

Regal Teasing Ambrose’s Debut, Japanese Promotions Want To Work With WWE & More

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– During last week’s WWE live events tour of Asia, Japanese wrestling promoters approached John Laurinaitis about their local promotions serving as a Japanese WWE developmental system. The idea is that WWE would send wrestlers to Japan to work a full-time schedule and sign local Japanese wrestlers to appear on WWE television.

– Another note from WWE’s live events in Japan last week, some fans were unhappy that WWE did not deliver on all the matches that were advertised. In particular, Japanese fans were really loooking forward to the advertised Daniel Bryan vs. Rey Mysterio match, which never took place. While live event cards are always “subject to change,” Japanese wrestling fans are apparently not used to companies changing advertised lineups.

– WWE NXT is holding a show tonight at the Tampa Arena in Tampa, Florida. 8 Matches are scheduled for the show, which starts at 7pm.

– William Regal is teasing that developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose’s WWE debut could be imminent. When asked by a fan on Twitter who Ambrose is, Regal replied:

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Big Johnny’s Return To TV, JR Attending Foley Comedy Show, Austin, Punk & JR At THQ

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– As previously reported, WWE is currently working on ways to bring John Laurinaitis back to television as a regular on-air character. Aside from possibly serving as a manager to Jack Swagger, another idea being discussed is for Laurinaitis to return to a position of authority, such as an “Executive Vice President”

– Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he and his wife are planning on attending Mick Foley’s comedy show on Sunday night in Los Angeles (after SummerSlam) at the LA Improv.

– Steve Austin is doing radio appearances this morning to promote his CMT show Redneck Island and will be taking part in a THQ video game shoot later today.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Paul Heyman Rants: Returning To WWE, Lesnar’s WWE Contract, Working With CM Punk

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Paul Heyman posted the following rant on Twitter on Thursday afternoon, setting the record straight on his status with WWE, Brock Lesnar’s contract situation, rumors of him working with WWE Champion CM Punk & more:

“It is amazing how many rumors are flying around. I don’t like to address rumors. It lends credibility to them, and the moment you answer ONE rumor,you immediately call attention to the other rumors (no matter how ridiculous they are) by NOT responding!

We’re going to clear up some issues. Set the record straight. Get some people “on point,” and stir some things up!

Brock’s theory of “let them speculate” seems to be a damn smart one, and I certainly see the merits of that position.

HOWEVER (aha! There is a “but” involved here)… Just to address two items that so many people seem to be giving credence to.

@CMPunk and I have NOT pitched the idea of being aligned to anyone. If we did, you wouldn’t know about it. Did anyone know I was coming back on May 7th as Brock’s representative? NO ONE KNEW! So if @CMPunk and I have … or had .. or will have a plan … I assure you, it would have / will play out in front of your very eyes. @CMPunk doesn’t need an advocate. Nor a spokesman. Nor a representative. That’s not his character. Brock’s character totally different.

The other rumor to address … Whether @WWE is interested in extending my deal, Brock’s deal, etc. Not one single person has hit the nail on Brock’s deal with @WWE … and that’s the way Brock likes it! … and since NO ONE knows what my deal is, it would be impossible for anyone to state with certainty what my situation IS … or ISN’T! And, just for the record, I’m not discussing it.

Here’s my reasoning for it … When I left @WWE in 2006, I thought I was done. Gone. Never to return. I loved working with Brock on his book. Building #Looking4Larry with @MStuart777 has been a total blast! The @HeymanHustle website and digital program has been the cornerstone of our agency, and we love doing it.

This whole deal has been a surprise. A surprise for you. A surprise for my kids. A surprise for the WWE Universe. A surprise for ME, too. Enjoy the ride. Watch it unfold. See what happens. For the first time in forever, we have people GUESSING what comes next. If for no other reason but THAT, there’s nothing 2 discuss. You know there’s a heavily-promoted match this Sunday at @WWE #SummerSlam.

You’ve seen @ShawnMichaels, Stephanie McMahon, all our CHILDREN be a part of this main event. Now it comes down to Brock Lesnar vs HHH. If we’ve sold you on buying the ppv, I bet you get your money’s worth on this match alone. If we haven’t sold you on the ppv yet, then thank you for your time, and I hope something else has captured your attention or imagination.

Brock and I are “all-in” for this Sunday. And just based on what his future holds, HHH is “all-in,” too. This is a match everyone wants you to remember.

So … I’m not addressing any more rumors. I’m not confirming. I’m not denying. I’m focused on this Sunday … … and I’m looking forward to watching Brock and HHH live up to, and indeed EXCEED everyone’s expectations.

Is this hype? Yes. But it’s Hype routed in TRUTH. Is this a rant? A diatribe? A long-winded TwitSpeech? Absolutely! Hope you liked it.”

How Did TNA Wrestling Discover Claire Lynch?, Eric Bischoff Praises Linda McMahon

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– As reported earlier this week, the woman portraying Claire Lynch—purportedly pregnant with AJ Styles’ child—on Impact Wrestling is Julia Reilly, an Orlando, Florida-based actress and model. She is 36-years-old and has 15 years of acting experience. TNA Wrestling held an audition a few months ago for the role and she was chosen because she resides in Orlando, where Impact is taped, which saves them money on airfare.

Reilly also works at Universal Studios Orlando—where Impact is taped—as Olive Oyl by the theme park’s “Popeye” ride. It is something Reilly has tried to conceal—she did not list it in her resume, which she deleted last week after her identity was revealed online.

– TNA Wrestling producer Eric Bischoff congratulated former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon on her triumph in the Connecticut GOP Senate primary on Tuesday.

He wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to Linda McMahon on her nomination. Smart, strong, experienced. Ct. voters are fortunate to have a legitimate leader.”

Bischoff had also tweeted on last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, writing, “It was a solid show that reached its goal. Looking forward to producing a “big moment” ep soon. Pacing.”

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Looks At Mick Foley’s Comedy Career, Ken Shamrock Profiled By WWE, Kelly Kelly

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– Mick Foley hits the stage of a Long Island comedy club in the latest edition of “Outside The Ring.” The Hardcore Legend talks about nearly quitting the endeavor after hitting some initial snags but he eventually found his niche.

– WWE.com has added “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock to its Alumni page. His ties to mixed martial arts and the UFC are acknowledged in his bio.

– Kelly Kelly, who has sporadically appeared for WWE in recent weeks, noted on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Los Angeles, California.

Picture Of The Rock & Gina Carano Filming Fast 6

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Check out this picture of The Rock tweeted on Thursday of himself with MMA fighter Gina Carano on the set of their new movie, Fast 6.

“Beast & the Beauty”.. Me & my FAST 6 partner in ass kickins (and fun) @ginacarano #BadAssChick”