Home Blog Page 2906

Sound Off 224: Impact Takes A Step Back With AWFUL Finale

4

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 224)

*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Solomonster talks about two very different anniversaries this week, plus gives thoughts on No Way Out, a suggestion for the MITB main event, the new NXT, Triple H the World’s Worst Executive, Michael Cole’s nasty habit, an AWFUL final segment on Impact and TNA misleading its audience with the latest Gut Check contestant.

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Friend The Solomonster on Facebook @ facebook.com/thesolomonster

Subscribe to The Solomonster on YouTube @ TheSolomonster

Creative Commons License
Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Big Show Responds To Haters, Lilian Does Charity Work, Punk DVD

15

– Today’s wrestling birthdays include WWE Divas Champion Layla (34) and Damien Demento (54).

– The WWE Shop website is selling new sunglasses for various WWE superstars.

– Lilian Garcia did some charity work over the weekend, appearing at the 10th Annual LOPen Charity Golf and Concert. She noted on Twitter over the weekend that the event raised over $100,000 for Ohio’s Akron Children Hospital, with WWE donating $14,000 for the cause:

– Big Show responded to his haters on Twitter on Monday morning:

RAW Preview: Jericho Returns, Vickie As GM, Triple H, Big Johnny

8

Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The following is advertised for tonight’s show:

– Chris Jericho returns to RAW after completing a 30 day suspension.

– Vickie Guerrero will be the Interim General Manager in charge of the show (and Friday’s SmackDown).

– Triple H, John Laurinaitis Kelly Kelly and R-Truth are scheduled to appear.

– Paul Heyman’s response to getting punched out by Triple H last week.

– The latest on AJ Lee’s relationship with Kane.

– The Primetime Players continue their quest for the WWE Tag Team Titles.

– Will Heath Slater offend another WWE Legend?

The advertised dark match main event is a handicap match featuring John Cena vs. Big Show and John Laurinaitis.

* Details On ORTON & MYSTERIO’s Returns, Plans For SummerSlam & More

Ryback Addresses Goldberg Comparisons; Benoit’s WWE Theme

32

– Ryback addressed comparisons to Bill Goldberg during an interview with the July 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. When asked what his look tells WWE Universe members, Ryback responded, “All the Rob Van Dam comparisons are fine with me because we actually have the same airbrush guy. I feel like I’m a colorful person in terms of my personality and what people are going to see over time. The plain black look just didn’t cut it for me. It worked for Austin, it worked for Goldberg, but I’m not Austin or Goldberg—I’m Ryback.”

He was also asked why people should care about him over anyone else: “I bring an intensity and excitement that nobody’s seen in a long time. When you watch a Ryback match, you’re going to be entertained one way or another, whether it lasts for two minutes or twenty minutes.

– The late Chris Benoit’s theme song is available for purchase via iTunes. “Whatever” was released under WWE’s 2002 compilation album Forceable Entry. The song is being sold by Sony, which was released under their label.

– Former WWE Superstars Hillbilly Jim, Jacques Rougeau, Hardcore Holly and Michael Tarver have been announced for Legends of the Ring 15, which takes place October 13 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.

Former Stars Remember Chris Benoit, Hart Looks Back At Stroke

12

– This weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide that occurred over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007. He murdered his wife and son before hanging himself. Two former WCW stars went on Twitter to remember their late friend.

Perry Saturn: “Another one of those horrible anniversaries. Chris was a great friend and I miss him.”

Scotty Riggs: “Many wrestling fans remember this weekends 5 yr anniversary in their own way, I chose to miss my friends Chris, Nancy & Daniel … All RIP.”

Blue Meanie, who worked with Benoit in ECW and WWE, stated, “Today I reflect on a the 5yr ann. of the most shocking days of my life w/the Chris Benoit double murder/suicide.”

– Ten years ago today, Bret Hart suffered a stroke after hitting his head in a bicycle accident. He briefly suffered paralysis on his left side, which required months of physical therapy. Hart has since recovered much of his mobility and is in good health, although he suffers from an emotional imbalance.

Hart addressed the anniversary on Twitter, writing, “10 years ago today at this very hour, death came calling and returned home empty handed. Thank you God for letting me continue my journey.”

– Today marks the anniversary of three more wrestling deaths: Shane Bauer, who was Chris Benoit’s early tag team partner Biff Wellington, was found dead five years ago today. Toni Adams passed away two years ago today at the age of 45, while midget wrestling star Cowboy Bradley passed away that same day at 75.

WWE Changes Names Of MITB Matches, New Beth Phoenix Photos

9

– WWE has changed the official names of the Money in the Bank Ladder Matches taking place at Money in the Bank on July 15.

In the past, the two annual matches were referred as Smackdown and Raw matches. WWE.com has Big Show listed as the first participant in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

While WWE has yet to announce whether a World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match will take place, F4WOnline.com reports that there are plans to hold it.

– WWE.com has published photos of Beth Phoenix from a photo shoot for WWE Magazine.

– Former WWE Superstars Demolition Ax and Bull Buchanan are advertised to appear at tonight’s NWA Action show in Stockbridge, Georgia. Ax will be inducted into their Hall of Fame while Buchanan will face Tyson Dean for the NWA Action Heavyweight Championship.

Benoit Double Murder and Suicide Anniversary, Dreamer’s Column

34

– This weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide that occurred over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007.

Chris Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, strangled his seven-year-old son, Daniel, and subsequently committed suicide by hanging. Autopsy results show Benoit first murdered his wife. She was bound at the feet and wrists and died of asphyxiation on the evening of June 22, 2007. The couple’s son, who also died of asphyxia, was apparently killed as he lay in bed on June 23, 2007. The following day, Benoit committed suicide by hanging himself with the pulley of a weight machine.

– Tommy Dreamer has published his latest column, where he proclaims “Life really is a lot like pro wrestling.”

“I say life is a lot like pro wrestling. It is scripted, but we can’t predict the outcome. In wrestling, you get knocked down a lot, but it is how you get up and keep on fighting that makes you the person you are,” he writes.

– Mick Foley announced via Twitter upcoming Stand-up comedy appearances: “7/12 in Ocala, FL 7/18+19 on Long Island, 7/20-22 in NJ, 7/25-28 in #Montreal realmickfoley.com.”

Latest “Are You Serious?” Episode, Cena-Fox Visit Walter Reed

7

– This week’s edition of Are You Serious? with Road Dogg and Josh Mathews features RoboCop appearing at WCW’s Capital Combat to rescue Sting. Also featured are clips of Ric Flair appearing at a mental hospital and Dean Douglas.

– Alicia Fox and John Cena visited wounded warriors and members of the U.S. Military at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland last week. Click here for photos.

– In Mexico, Raw SuperShow is now airing live on Channel 5. The program previously aired on a two-hour taped delay and was edited to ninety minutes.

– Scott Steiner is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

Rayne Wins Fitness Competition, Young Addresses Rumor, More

9

– Madison Rayne won an undisclosed fitness competition on Saturday. She tweeted, “Did my first fitness competition (bikini) tonight!!!!! First place in my class, and overall bikini winner!!!!”

She also posted a photo of herself.

– Eric Young addressed an online rumor Sunday that he quit TNA Wrestling.

“As far as rumor I have quit TNA totally not true they last minute changed impact schedual and all my Thursday’s where booked by animal planet show,” he tweeted. “TNA is upset I’m not there but can’t wait to have me back and I will be back soon!!!!”

– A TNA Impact Wrestling World Tour event is scheduled Thursday, September 6 at Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia. Tickets go on sale this Friday via comcasttix.com, charge by phone at (800) 298-4200 and at the box office.

Former TNA Knockout Announces Retirement, Sarita Speaks Out

2

– Betsy Ruth, who briefly appeared as Rosie Lottalove for TNA Wrestling in 2010, has announced her retirement from professional wrestling.

She stated last week via Twitter, “Been out of Twitter world 4ever. Had a lot going on. Medical probs have forced me to retire from wrestling :-( Thanks 4 all the support!”

Ruth noted that she would undergo ovary removal surgery.

Ruth, whose real name is MaryKate Duignan Glidewell, trained under Bully Ray and Devon at their Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling and Sports Entertainment in Kissimmee, Florida. She debuted in 2007 and would go on to compete for various independent promotions and in Japan.

– Sarita, who competes as Dark Angel in Mexico, discussed her career in an in-character interview with Kaiser Sports Mexico. She says she would like to bring in fellow TNA Knockout Rosita as her tag team partner after Lady Apache turned on her.

“A mí me encantaría, no sé si haya posibilidades de traer una extranjera, me daría más confianza de hablar hasta mi mismo idioma, Rosita ha sido muy buena conmigo y me gustaría que tuviera una oportunidad aquí,” she says.

Roddy Piper Recalls Ghostly Encounter With Dead WWE Wrestler

30

WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper recalled his ghostly encounter with a deceased WWE wrestler during the Biography Channel’s Saturday night airing of Celebrity Ghost Stories.

Roddy summarized his early days in the professional wrestling industry as a 22-year-old kid with no family. He met another 22-year-old kid, named Adrian Adonis, and they became best friends. He recalled angrily snapping at people, with led to Adrian calming him down and advising him to purchase a house. Adrian believed that a house purchase would give Piper the family life he desperately wanted. He did months later and found happiness.

Roddy, who faced Adrian before 93,173 spectators at WrestleMania III, lamented his death in a car accident. Adrian was killed on July 4, 1988 in Lewisporte, Newfoundland while riding in a minivan with fellow wrestlers William “Mike Kelly” Arko, Victor “Pat Kelly” Arko, and Dave “Wildman” McKigney. Adonis, McKigney, and Pat Kelly were killed when the driver, Mike Kelly, allegedly swerved in order to avoid hitting a moose and, blinded by the setting sun, inadvertedly drove into a lake. Mike Kelly survived, albeit with severe leg injuries.

Roddy said his daughter Ariel would later wake up in the middle of the night and scream because she saw a man in her bedroom. His son would see shadows and hear noises in an inexplicable manner.

One day when Roddy arrived home from a long road trip, his son Colt came running out of the residence screaming that there is a man inside. He storms inside, ready to confront the intruder when he notices that the logs from the fireplace had tumbled out and caught the carpet on fire. As he scrambled to extinguish the fire, he encountered the ghost of Adrian Adonis.

Adrian said “Hey Roddy” and then disappeared. Roddy stood still for a long time since he didn’t want to leave the room. He became emotional while recalling this moment.

Roddy believes Adrian is looking out for him and his family in the house that he was encouraged to purchase. He says Adrian is his brother and that he would have never believed in ghosts had it not been for that encounter.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Randy Orton Advertised For Japan Tour, Mickie On “Crazy Chicks”

21

– Randy Orton is advertised for WWE’s upcoming two-event tour of Tokyo, Japan. He will face Alberto Del Rio and Kane in a Triple Threat Match on August 9. The following night, he will team up with Santino Marella and Zack Ryder to take on Epico, Primo, and John Laurinaitis.

Also announced for the August 9 show is Sheamus vs. Big Show and John Laurinaitis in a Handicap match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Sheamus will defend his title the following night against Alberto Del Rio, Big Show and Kane in a Fatal 4-Way Match.

– TNA Knockout and former WWE Diva Mickie James was mentioned in WWE.com’s article highlighting the “Craziest Chicks” in the promotion’s history. James acknowledged her former employer’s article via Twitter, writing, “I was crazy b4 crazy was cool! Haha! ;^P.”

WWE NXT will continue to air in Australia in its regular Thursday 3:30 p.m. time slot.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Melina Announced For Upcoming Event, Former Diva Pregnant

8

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina has been announced to appear for World Wrestling Fan Xperience’s Champions Showcase Tour event on October 13, 2012 at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia (see Melina photo). Talent confirmed for the event thus far are Chris Masters, Daivari, Jillian Hall, Vladimir Kozlov, MVP, John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin Carlito and The Hurricane. Event information is available at www.wwfxperience.com.

– Former WWE talent Jackie Gayda-Haas (a/k/a Miss Jackie) is expecting her fourth child with husband Charlie Haas. She posted a photo on Facebook of her baby bump.

Haas previously gave birth in 2006, 2008 and 2010. The married couple have two daughters and one son.

Rock of Ages, which features Kevin Nash playing a bodyguard character for Tom Cruise’s character, debuted at No. 3 this weekend in Australia with a $1.35 million gross.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Scott Hall No-Shows “Outsiders” Reunion, Update On Buff Bagwell

12

– Scott Hall did not appear as advertised Saturday for an “Outsiders” reunion at the Frank & Son Collectible Show in City of Industry, California, according to multiple accounts on Twitter. He was to have reunited with Kevin Nash as well as former New World Order cohorts Buff Bagwell, Konnan and Scott Steiner for an autograph signing.

– Scott Riggs tweeted that Marcus “Buff” Bagwell is ‘doing phenomenal’ after his former tag team partner was involved in a serious car accident two months ago while traveling near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. The former WCW Superstar has plans to return to the squared circle soon.

– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch has been announced to appear for Fight The World Wrestling’s Summer of Synn event taking place Saturday, July 7 at Center Island Sports – 101 Union Ave # B Ronkonkoma, New York 11779. (Event Information)

– Jacques Rougeau was asked if his recently released autobiography would be translated from French to English as initially planned: “Not sure anymore, it costs a lot for me to do so.”

Jim Ross Addresses Bell’s Palsy Mockery, Michael Cole, John Cena

21

Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:

Michael Cole: “For those that keep asking, I am not a hater of @michaelcole but I, better than most, know how challenging his job is in today’s multi platform, serve many master’s, Monday Night Raw. ‘Hate’ is such a strong emotion especially for anything involving a TV show. Why not save our ‘Hate’ for things like cancer, children’s issues, starvation, etc? To dislike…fine. To HATE..not so good.”

His involvement with the “new” NXT: “I got tons of tweets this week from fans who enjoyed the new, NXT. I worked on all of the first four broadcasts and appear in the main event segments in the next round of four shows. Partnering with William Regal was an enjoyable experience as we tried to make the show about the talents by using objectivity and honesty and not being the “Battling Bickerson’s.” The job of every broadcaster in this genre is to enhance and better represent the talents in ways in which the viewer will emotionally invest and not roll their eyes in absurd disbelief.”

Mockery of his affliction with Bell’s palsy: “Amazing how some jerk-offs on Twitter are either making fun of me for having Bells palsy or blaming me for what appears regarding it on TV. If it doesn’t bother me at this point in time in my life then why should it bother others? I have long since stepped away from my issues with Bells and refuse to allow it to dictate any phase of my life to me. It will not define me. When I’m told to “grow a set” I’d suggest to those tools that I grew “a set” long ago specifically when I walked to the ring to broadcast a Wrestlemania main event with half my face hanging and I had to hold it up to speak to where I could be understood. I can only surmise that those making these cowardly remarks are younger, defiant males and if that assumption is true I am truly worried about the future with those individuals as potential leaders in our world. However, perhaps I shouldn’t be worried as people like this are rarely successful or viable contributors in any society. My life is too blessed to worry about what turds say on Twitter about me or what occurs on a satirical skit in an entertainment based, TV show. Lighten up, Francis!”

John Cena: “Congrats to @JohnCena for granting his 300th Make-A-Wish which is an amazing accomplishment. Not sure many realize how challenging it is to interact with terminally ill children but take it from me it’s sobering, memorable and life changing. I can remember every Make-A-Wish that I’ve done over the years and I’m no where close to 300. These are the bravest kids in the world. No matter if one likes Cena’s TV persona or not this isn’t about a TV show or a TV character but about life and death reality. John Cena should be saluted for his efforts.”

Ross also discusses the historic 1000th episode of Raw, Paul Heyman, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and more. His full entry is available here.

Cena Has Scheduled Rearranged, WWE Highlights Cruiserweights

18

– John Cena reached a milestone this week, granting his 300th wish with Make-A-Wish. The wrestling megastar met 7-year-old Jonathan Littman before Raw SuperShow, then surprised him by joining him live Wednesday on ABC’s Good Morning America. Yahoo Sports has published an article concerning his achievement and it is noted that he had his schedule rearranged to grant the wish.

Eric Adelson, author, writes, “Cena never says no. Even though his schedule is tougher than most stars – there are no home games and there’s no off-season – he unfailingly builds in time for Wish kids. WWE rep Kevin Hennessey even says Cena’s 300th wish was so important that his bosses rearranged his entire schedule for it.”

– The June 22 episode of WWE Vintage Collection featured matches involving cruiserweight wrestlers: Rey Mysterio, Spike Dudley and Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Chavo Guerrero, Jamie Noble and Akio (WWE SmackDown – July 8, 2004), Billy Kidman and Paul London vs. Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley (WWE SmackDown – July 8, 2004, 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Eddie Guerrero (ECW Three Way Dance – April 8, 1995), Juventud Guerrera vs. Chris Jericho (WCW SuperBrawl VIII). (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

– WWE Champion CM Punk is today’s featured star on WWE.com.

Matt Hardy Discusses WWE Holding Back Zack Ryder, 2005 Events

15

Matt Hardy appeared on Inside The Ropes on Thursday to promote Extreme Rising. Highlights are as follows:

Why he decided to go to Extreme Rising: “I heard about the first show they had. sometimes you hear about the ECW reunion shows and think it’s just been done to death. But these guys are trying to create something different by using some ECW original guys and using guys who can wrestle that sort of style, like myself, to create an alternative product, which can only be a good thing.”

Differences between today’s TLC matches and series featuring the Hardys, Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian: “Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart had the first ladder match but it wasn’t very publicized, but when we had the series with the Dudleyz and Edge & Christian, we thought one day there would be kids who would go on to do things bigger and better than we did but with the state of the WWE today it hasn’t happened and i don’t think it ever will happen.”

Thoughts on the Edge/Lita situation leading to his release from WWE in 2005: “I made mistakes during that time. I did try and handle everything and be as honest as possible. As hard as it was, it was a pretty exciting time with a guy coming back after being fired and with the power of the internet, they fought hard to get me back. Regardless if it was hard personally and emotionally working with Edge and Lita, it was great TV.”

Feelings on his push upon his return to WWE in 2005: “I definitely think the WWE could have done more with me. I was in such a mindset to take my career as far as I could and just go, go, go. But with the WWE, if it’s something they’ve not created then sometimes it doesn’t get as much love and attention as something that they came up with themselves. I think i was a victim of that in someways.”

Comparison with Zack Ryder: “It’s like Zack Ryder. I remember him coming and telling me about his ideas for the YouTube videos and you know he got himself over and I’m sure saved his job at one point. But because it wasn’t a WWE push, it seems like they’re holding back on him and i don’t think he is being pushed for as over as he is.”

Hardy also talks about his first WrestleMania, Mattitude, his final days in WWE, working for TNA Wrestling and more. Visit www.insidetheropes.podbean.com for the thirty-five minute interview.

Laurinaitis Still Wrestling, The Miz & Wade Barrett Movie Updates

26

– Despite being fired by Vince McMahon at No Way Out (and getting disposed of by John Cena on RAW), John Laurinaitis continues to work WWE live events.

The main event of this weekend’s RAW shows (Bethlehem, PA on Friday, Wheeling, WV on Saturday and Huntington, WV on Sunday) will be John Cena vs. Big Show and John Laurinaitis.

The storyline behind Laurinaitis still appearing at live events is that WWE’s Board of Directors are “making him fulfill his contract obligations.”

Fans attending these RAW-brand shows expecting to see WWE Champion CM Punk will be out of luck, because this weekend’s SmackDown shows (Springfield, IL & Bloomington, IL) will feature CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane and Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio as the top matches.

– After finishing up shooting scenes in Philadelphia, Wade Barrett is headed to New York this weekend to continue filming for WWE Studios’ Dead Man Down, due out in 2013.

Pictures Of Wade Barrett Filming Dead Man Down

– The Miz just completed his second week of shooting The Marine: Homefront and is expected to return to action next month.

Picture of The Miz Holding A Huge Gun For Marine: Homefront

Jericho Returning As A Babyface? Tyson-WWE ’13 News, NXT

42

– Fans who pre-order the upcoming WWE ’13 video game from GameStop will get Mike Tyson as a playable for free (via download).

GameStop ran a similar promotion last year where fans who bought the game at their store got The Rock as a free downloadable character.

First Screenshots of MIKE TYSON In WWE ’13

– Chris Jericho’s WWE suspension ends tomorrow and WWE is advertising that he’ll be at Monday’s RAW Supershow. With just one day to go until he’s cleared to wrestle again, Jericho continued his countdown on Twitter:

It’s expected that Chris Jericho will be working as a babyface when he returns to action. WWE showing footage of Jericho performing with Fozzy on RAW was the first step in portraying him in a more positive light.

– The theme song for the new season of WWE NXT is “Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria.

(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)

*Spoiler* First Participant Revealed MITB WWE Title Match

38

Warning: The following contains a *Spoiler* for Tonight’s SmackDown:

WWE’s third annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view will feature MITB matches for both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight title.

At the start of tonight’s WWE SmackDown show, the Big Show will announce that he is first participant for the RAW brand’s Money in the Bank match for the WWE Championship.

*SPOILERS* For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown (Direct Link)

While the line between the RAW and SmackDown rosters has been blurred more than ever this year, it’s expected that each show’s respective match will only feature participants that are officially on that brand’s show.

Money In The Bank PPV Poster Featuring Alberto Del Rio

WWE Money In The Bank 2012 takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2012 from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

What Happened After Impact, Former WWE Star Works Dark Match

20

– A TNA Wrestling live event is scheduled for September 7 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale June 29 at 10:00 a.m.

– Former TNA Knockout Chelsea was in attendance for last night’s Impact.

– Former WWE superstar Luke Gallows wrestled in a dark match prior to Impact. He wrestled as Isiah Cash and lost to Kazarian.

– After Impact went off the air, AJ Styles came back to the ring and continued to beat down Daniels and Kazarian. When Styles left, Daniels and Kazarian talked trash to the fans before heading to the back.

TNA NEWS: Flair Fired, Matt Morgan’s Future & Creative Plans Headed Into Bound For Glory

Jeff Hardy Talks Victory Road ’11 & What’s Left For Him In Wrestling

24

TNA Impact Wrestling star Jeff Hardy joined “Monday Night Mayhem” on Thursday (6/21). Hardy addressed a number of TNA related topics including his return to Buffalo on Friday, Impact Wrestling going live in the summer on Spike TV and more.

To listen to the entire show, click here (.MP3).

Here are some highlights of what Jeff Hardy said about:

On returning to Buffalo this Friday night for a TNA Wrestling live event: “We are doing so many fresh new things. We will rock the house this Friday night. The fan interaction is amazing. You would never experience this over there (WWE). It’s how I’ve been my whole career. The fans come first and I always take time to communicate with the fans. At our shows the fan interaction is so cool and so beyond anything else in pro wrestling. You get so close to your favorite stars.”

On returning to TNA following the “Victory Road 2011” PPV incident: “I honesty think and feel I’m at the top of my game. I’ve been through the hard times and dark times. Now being a father I’m so inspired with music, painting and wrestling. Once you see me that is a moment that you will never forget. I’m having the best matches in my life and wrestling the smartest ever. I’m in love with life again.”

Why he enjoys the TNA working schedule: “It’s huge for the quality of life. Every now and then, the human body needs that week off. At least at TNA when you have six or seven straight days off. Your body needs that. I’m extremely proud of TNA and we are doing a lot of shows that aren’t televised. We are working our asses off to get things done. For the quality of life, it is a huge difference to be in TNA.”

If he has anything left to accomplish in TNA or pro wrestling: “Nothing – there is nothing more I want to do. I’ve done everything I’ve dreamed up. It would be nice to become TNA Champion and end the selfish generation. Man, I can’t complain. I have a great life and have a beautiful family. I love TNA and what we are doing. If I never won the title again, I’m fine. I just want to keep my health and avoid any kind of surgeries.”

On Impact Wrestling going live in the summer on Spike TV: “It’s a huge step for TNA and Impact Wrestling. I couldn’t be more happier. I love the fact that if you make a mistake it will be witnessed by everyone who watches that night. I used to be on a show on Monday night that was live and was always excited about it as well. There is no editing involved. It’s a huge step and (we will) take it week by week.”

Other topics discussed:

* If he has any interest becoming part of the TNA or WWE Hall of Fame
* His honest thoughts on the Bound for Glory Series
* An update on “The Hardy Show” series
* Why he isn’t a fan of Facebook

Justin Roberts Talks 10 Years With WWE & Advice From Stephanie

25

The WWE’s website has an interview up with ring announcer Justin Roberts, who celebrated 10 years with WWE this past Monday.  Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Celebrating 10 Years With WWE:

“It’s really cool have accomplished 10 years of ring announcing with WWE. I was a wrestling fan who lived for WWE. I didn’t watch any other sports; WWE was all I wanted to watch.”

Advice He Received from Stephanie McMahon:

“When I started here, I had been listening to Howard Finkel. So when I previously announced at independent wrestling events, tough man contests, University of Arizona women’s softball games, basically anything I could announce … I was utilizing a bit of The Fink’s ‘cool announcer voice,’. I didn’t even realize that I was doing it.”

“One day, Stephanie McMahon came up to me and said not to go out there and be Howard, but to be me. I didn’t understand it at first, and then it hit me. I went back, watched some of my work, and thought, ‘That that isn’t my voice, that’s not how I sound.’ Once she said that to me, the light went on and I just became me. So every introduction that I do has its own flavor. I don’t go out and give the same introduction to everybody.”

Updated Rankings For TNA’s Bound For Glory Series

12

Following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, here are the updated standings for this year’s Bound For Glory Series (after two weeks):

(1) James Storm: 27 points [2-0-0]

(2) Kurt Angle: 10 points [1-1-0]

(3t) Mr. Anderson: 7 points [1-0-0]
(3t) Jeff Hardy: 7 points [1-1-0]
(3t) Magnus: 7 points [1-1-0]
(3t) The Pope: 7 points [1-1-0]

(7t) A.J. Styles: 0 points [0-2-0]
(7t) Rob Van Dam: 0 points [0-2-0]
(7t) Robbie E.: 0 points [0-2-0]
(7t) Daniels: 0 points [0-2-0]
(7t) Samoa Joe: 0 points [0-2-0]
(7t) Bully Ray: 0 points [0-2-0]

SmackDown Preview: Sheamus vs. Ziggler, Christian vs. Del Rio

5

WWE taped this week’s SmackDown on Tuesday night from Baltimore, Maryland.

*SPOILERS* For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

The following matches are scheduled for tonight:

– Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio.

– Daniel Bryan vs. Kane.

– Zack Ryder vs. Heath Slater.

– The Primetime Players vs. The Usos.

– World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler.