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Backstage Reaction To Randy Orton’s Latest Suspension

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WWE announced on Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended from the company (once again) for 60 days after violating the Wellness Policy for a second time.

Recap Of Randy Orton’s Past Suspensions

No word yet on when Orton failed a Wellness test, but there are indications that a few people high up in WWE knew about the situation days before it was announced on the WWE website.

Following Chris Jericho’s recent suspension, the planned No Way Out match between Orton and Jericho had to be scrapped. With Jericho out of action for 30 days, it was then decided Orton would feud with Dolph Ziggler in the coming weeks. The WWE writing team did not know about Orton’s suspension until it was announced online – which explains why Orton was booked strong on RAW, laying out The Miz with an RKO.

Orton’s second violation of the Wellness Policy puts him and WWE in a bad spot. Despite his lack of push this year, WWE has built around Orton for years and he is still considered one of the top 3 stars in the company. Now that he’s one violation away from being automatically released (as per the Wellness Policy), WWE will likely be even more hesitant to invest significant resources in his character.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Dixie’s TNA HOF Announcement, Joey Ryan Blasts TNA & More

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– Dixie Carter’s announcement about the TNA Hall of Fame was a surprise to virtually everyone in the back. No word yet on who the first inductee will be, but Jeff Jarrett seems like a natural choice.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Indy wrestler Joey Ryan got a huge pop from the locker room when he stood up to Taz during the Gutcheck segment. People were shocked at how well Taz handled the confrontation, since he’s known to have somewhat of a temper. After Bruce Prichard voted ‘No’ and Al Snow voted ‘Yes,’ Taz was the deciding vote that led to Ryan not getting hired by TNA. Later in the broadcast, Taz acknowledged on commentary that Ryan has a great gimmick, but is not physically ready to be a TNA superstar.

Joey Ryan tweeted the following about getting rejected:

“What a joke. @IMPACTWRESTLING is pathetic. I’m not good enough for your company? C’mon @TNADixie really? You make me laugh! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Don’t bring me in just for your NO agenda. It’s not my fault that Flair went into business for himself so why am I being punished?! Pritchard, @TheRealAlSnow & @OfficialTaz know that a NO is ridiculous. They know I’m money. I dare Tazz to say something to my face now. Somebody tell Johnny Ace he can reach me at [email protected] – I know he’s not stupid enough to turn down money.”

(Sources: f4wonline.com, pwinsider.com)

Live Impact Considered A Success, Reaction To Brooke & More

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– TNA officials were very pleased with Thurday’s live Impact Wrestling show and morale amongst the wrestlers was said to be high. The live aspect of the broadcast added a lot of excitement to the show.

– Brooke Hogan got along well with everyone backstage. Her new role as the head of the Knockouts division was actually Dixie Carter’s idea, not something proposed by Hogan or Bischoff.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Jeff Jarrett was not backstage at Impact. Mickie James and Tara were involved in a backstage segment, but it was not used on television.

– ODB vs. Angelina Love was taped for Xplosion. Former WWE star Cliff “Domino” Compton worked the dark match before last night’s show, losing to Crimson.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

Paul Heyman Rants & Gives Advice To Today’s Young Wrestlers

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Paul Heyman went on an epic Twitter rant on Thursday night, talking about his amazing career in professional wrestling and what today’s young superstars must to do in order to become the next Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan or The Rock.

Chris Jericho Reacts To Paul Heyman’s Rant

Here is Paul’s rant in its entirety:

“I look at some of these [ECW] pics, and I realize how blessed I was in my career. Some guys have to wait forever for a lucky break. I managed @AustinIdolLive and Tommy Rich at the age of 21. Also The Orig Midnights, which I got to do on @ESPN. Got to book Windy City at 22 years old. Eddie Gilbert’s assistant booker at same age. Got to debut in WCW on TBS at 23 years old. So I was @JRsBBQ color commentator at 23 years old. NO ONE IS GIVEN THAT OPPORTUNITY IN TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT! I will admit, with all modesty, I #Hustled my ass off, and GOT MYSELF the opportunity with ambition, politics, and pure assertiveness.”

“Even “down periods” would give me the chance 2 work w/ people like Mean Mark. U know him as “The Undertaker”. At 26, I managed @SteveAustinBSR, Rick Rude,Arn,Eaton, Zbyszko … The Dangerous Alliance (didn’t forget @Madusa_Rocks). I’m working with these legends, these giants of the industry, these absolute top guys in my 20s. In today’s system, most super talented people spend a great portion of their 20’s just trying to make it onto the main roster. … and yes, that has to change. I got to take over the creative of #ECW a week after my 28th birthday. By the time I became @JRsBBQ commentator on @WWE #Raw in 2001, I was 35 years old. STILL a “kid”… … but I was already a veteran with decades in the business, and yet a 35 year old today would just be getting that chance. … and working with @JRsBBQ on #RAW allowed me to commentate Wmania 17 and @SteveAustinBSR vs @TheRock … By the time I worked with Brock Lesnar, which has become my best known managerial role, I was 36 years old … I look at some of these pics and videos #HustleTweeters send me, and I realize what an amazingly blessed career I’ve had …”

“I’ve had more lucky breaks, more open doors, more perfect-storm-timing-opportunities than anyone else I’ve known. These pics don’t just remind me of “accomplishments,” they remind me of what a lucky bastard I’ve been to be able to work with these magnificent people, and play these roles, under these various circumstances. I’ve hit the lottery so many times, it’s easy to just “expect” the next opportunity, or get a sense of entitlement. But I’ve never felt entitled. Always blessed. Privileged. Lucky as all Hell. And yet, I know how much hard work goes into it, and how you have to SCORE with your opportunities.”

“The next generation in this (or any other business) doesn’t just need to “Step Up,” they need to “Stand Up” and “Get Noticed!” Think it was easy for @CMpunk? Think it was easy for @WWEDanielBryan? They had to scratch and claw and fight for every inch of turf they could pry away from the previous generation, who made them fuckin’ earn it!!! It’s not about backstabbing. It’s not about kissing ass. It’s not about pulling a hot stunt and getting momentary publicity. It’s about creating your own opportunity (like @SteveAustinBSR did with “Stone Cold”) and working harder than every1 else looking for the big break, the next chance, the golden opportunity.”

“This isn’t a pep talk. It’s the lay of the land as I see it in today’s sports entertainment industry. I would have written a blog, but who knows if anyone will click on the link? And while this may be a “stream of consciousness” diatribe, it’s a message to those who may be getting frustrated, a message to those who may be wondering “will I ever get that chance? that break? that opportunity?” DON’T WAIT FOR IT TO COME TO YOU! RELY ON YOURSELF!!!”

“Do you think @SteveAustinBSR relied on anyone? Did HHH? Did @TheRock? Did Hulk Hogan? Did @CMpunk? With great humility, I ask you, did I? FUCK NO. If there was no opportunity, I created my own, pushed my way in manipulated the circumstances to beg, borrow, plead, blackmail, bribe, cajole, threaten, bullshit and/or manufacture. All I wanted was a mic in my hand and a time frame in which I had to deliver my message. I knew I would score. I’ve seen it in this business for ages. I saw @ShawnMichaels go from tag team wrestler to greatest all around in-ring performer ever. Think it was easy for him? I remember when Shawn and Marty were blackballed in the business, and could only work in Ala-fuckin-bama. Think it didn’t take @ShawnMichaels everything “and then some” to break out of The Rockers and get a chance as “HBK”?”

“AMBITION. ASSERTIVENESS … and the ABILITY TO BACK IT UP is what it takes to create the next generation of main eventers. The talent is there. The opportunity has never been more widespread. The need for new main eventers is readily apparent. “DOCILE” and “COMPLACENT” and “HUMBLE TO A FAULT” won’t cut it. While a dose of humility is always needed, that “main event confidence” is just as important. And it’s time for the next group of superstars to stake their claim and create their own generation for others to follow. Period. Excla-fuckin-mation point. The lecture is over. Pontification has ended. Hope I’ve been of help 2 ANYONE who follows this acct and maybe even to someone who doesn’t! We now return to our regularly scheduled nonsense, #HustleBootyTempTats, and shameless @HeymanHustle website links!”

The CM Punk Curse, Big Match At Final FCW TV Tapings

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– WWE Champion CM Punk thinks he might be cursed, because the last three men he wrestled at WrestleMania are currently suspended. Punk tweeted:

“My last three Wrestlemania opponents are currently suspended. I’m a curse!”

– WWE Studios and Lionsgate are moving forward with the reboot of 1993 horror movie The Leprechaun. Veteran writer Harris Wilkinson has been tapped to write the script, according to movie site Deadline.com.

– The final FCW television tapings on June 7th from the FCW Arena in Tampa will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Dean Ambrose and William Regal. Since their first encounter on November 6th, both men have been teasing a rematch, with Ambrose  using Regal’s moves (the Knee Trembler and Regal Stretch) in his matches.

Impact Post Show (Video), Tough Enough Star At Impact

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– As previously reported, former WWE superstar performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) was at Thursday’s live Impact.

We can confirm that former WWE Tough Enough contestant Martin Casaus was also backstage at the show. He wrote on Twitter:

“Ill be at @IMPACTWRESTLING tonight for thier first live impact show,” he wrote. “I’ve been hearing a lot about #gutcheck #toughenoughgutcheck @TNADixie… At universal studios for @IMPACTWRESTLING. Theres some big time wrestling fans here! Were a special bunch of people. Love it!”

– The following is TNA’s IMPACT WRESTLING post show.

“Directly following the live broadcast of IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike TV, Jeremy Borash hosted the Live Post Show. During the post show we found out how Christy Hemme managed to avoid wardrobe malfunctions… We also hear from Eric Young about how he is the greatest lumberjack to ever live, that and he is no longer cut off… We get words from Christopher Daniels and Kazarian about exposing AJ Styles and Dixie Carter who seem to have a close relationship with President Dixie Carter”

* BIG Shakeup In TNA: Talent Leaving & Former WWE Stars In Talks To Debut

WWE SmackDown Preview: Punk vs. Kane, Sin Cara’s Return

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*SPOILERS* for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

– WWE champion CM Punk vs. Kane

– World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler

– The return of Sin Cara

– Damien Sandow vs. Ezekiel Jackson

– Ryback will be in action

– Santino and Zack Ryder vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

– Cody Rhodes vs. Tyson Kidd

Also scheduled to appear are Big Show, John Laurinaitis, David Otunga, Daniel Bryan and AJ.

TNA Hall Of Fame Announced, Updated Card For Slamiversary

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Following Thursday’s live edition of Impact Wrestling, the following is the updated card for TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, June 10th from Arlington, Texas:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Sting

TNA World Tag Team Title Match
Kazarian & Daniels (c) vs. Kurt Angle & AJ Styles

Joseph Park vs. Bully Ray

Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries

Robbie E and Robbie T vs. Garett Bischoff & Devon

It was also announced on Impact that TNA is creating a Hall of Fame will induct the first member at Slammiversary.

TNA Impact Wrestling Results (5/31)

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This week’s live TNA Impact Wrestling opens up with the roster surrounding the ring as Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida.

Lumberjack Match: Sting vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring and out first comes the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Sting is out next to a big pop. The bell rings and they go right at it.

Sting takes control early on. Roode turns it around with chops in the corner but Sting wants more. Sting unloads again on Roode and goes for the Scorpion. Roode makes it to the ropes and breaks. Sting attacks him on the apron and sends him out to the Lumberjacks. They throw Roode back in and Sting misses a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode throws Sting out now and the heel Lumberjacks beat on him before throwing him back in. Sting fights his way back in.

Back and forth action until Roode takes control and keeps Sting grounded on the mat. Sting makes a comeback but misses another splash in the corner and hits a big boot. Roode throws Sting back to the heels and they work him over. Sting fights them off as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Roode is still in control of Sting, getting another 2 count. Sting makes another comeback and nails a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode rolls out of the ring and the Lumberjacks protect him as he regroups. Sting leaps over the top rope and takes everyone out. They come back in and Sting goes for the Scorpion. Roode blocks it and applies the crossface submission.

Roode breaks the hold but goes back to work on Sting. Sting blocks a suplex and drops Roode with the Death Drop. Sting goes for the Scorpion again and locks it in. Roode taps out for the win.

Winner: Sting

– After the match, Sting celebrates in the ring when Hulk Hogan’s music hits. Hogan comes out to the stage and gives props to Sting. Hogan announces Sting vs. Roode for the World Heavyweight Title as the main event of Slammiversary.

– Tenay and Taz hype Hogan’s announcement and tonight’s show. Daniels vs. AJ Styles is still to come plus Devon defending the TV Title against an opponent that the fans chose. Also still to come – Brooke Hogan’s official debut. We go to commercial.

– Back from the break and Madison Rayne is talking about how she and Brooke Hogan will get along just fine.

– We go to the ring where Bully Ray is. He’s here looking for Joseph Park, the brother of Abyss. We see Park in the crowd again. Ray runs down Park and wants to fight. He rips into his family and finally Abyss. This pisses Park off and he comes to the ring but security stops him. Ray tells them to let him come on. Park enters the ring and Ray wants to fight. Ray confesses he left Abyss for dead. Park grabs Ray by his neck and brings him to his knees. Ray says he will sue if he hits him. Park backs off and says he won’t stoop to Ray’s level. Ray calls him and Abyss a coward before leaving the ring. Park takes the mic and says let’s fight right now. Ray walks to the ring but doesn’t get in. He says they will fight at Slammiversary.

– Up next, Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we get a Crimson promo video.

TNA X Division Title Match: Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries

They come to the ring and go at it as soon as the bell hits, trading holds. Aries takes control and nails a big elbow for a pin attempt. Sabin comes back with a 2 count of his own. Aries dumps Sabin to the floor and dives through the ropes on him. They end up on the floor and go at it. Sabin with a suplex off the top rope for a close 2 count.

More back and forth action. Sabin slams Aries from a fireman’s carry but Aries counters and rolls him up for the win.

Winner: Austin Aries

– We see backstage video from earlier of Hulk Hogan and Taz talking about Gutcheck. Taz is now a judge. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we see footage from yesterday of Taz, Al Snow and Bruce Prichard looking at Joey Ryan’s Gutcheck tape. They talk about Ryan’s character and last week’s match against Austin Aries.

– Up next, Brooke Hogan. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and Jeremy Borash is backstage with Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. JB encourages us to keep voting online for Devon’s opponent.

– We go to the ring and out comes TNA President Dixie Carter.

Dixie talks about TNA turning 10 years old in a few days. Dixie is proud of the wrestlers and thanks the fans, saying TNA wouldn’t be here without them. Dixie says at Slammiversary, TNA will be announcing the very first inductee in the TNA Hall of Fame. Dixie then talks about the Knockouts division. She puts over Brooke Hogan and out she comes to a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Dixie welcomes Brooke and says she is excited about all the things she will do for TNA. Brooke thanks her for the opportunity. She thanks the fans for welcoming her with open arms. Brooke says she grew up in wrestling and loves it as much as Dixie. Brooke says she has some big yellow boots to fill but she’s taking this serious. Brooke thanks everyone again and hugs Dixie. That’s it.

– We see Kazarian and Daniels watching backstage. They can’t believe Dixie didn’t talk about the AJ Styles situation. They’ve got something planned for later. Still to come, Daniels vs. Styles.

– Up next, the TV Title match. Back to commercial.

TNA Television Title Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Devon

Back from the break and we get more Slammiversary hype. TNA Television Champion Devon comes out first as we wait to find out who his opponent is. Jeff Hardy was picked by fans and out he comes.

Lots of back and forth action with pin attempts to start. Devon takes control mid match until Hardy hits Twist of Fate. Hardy goes up top but Robbie E runs down and interferes with Robbie T. The Robbies attack both men and the match is thrown out due to interference. Devon fights back and takes both men out. Hardy joins in and they clear the ring.

– We get a video promo for James Storm.

– Up next, more from Gutcheck. Back to commercial.

– We get a video for the feud between AJ Styles, Kazarian and Daniels.

– JB is in the ring with Bruce Prichard, Al Snow and Taz – our Gutcheck judges. JB brings out Joey Ryan to the ring. Ryan says he is kind of a big deal and right now, he is trending worldwide on Twitter. JB goes to Prichard first. He talks about Ryan’s look and calls him a hell of a talent. Prichard says Ryan has been in the business for 12 years and his vote is no. Al Snow is up next. He says he doesn’t like Ryan or his attitude but he says he has potential and votes yes. Taz must vote yes for Ryan to get the contract. JB gives Ryan the chance to cut a promo and save himself. Ryan speaks and Taz is up next. Taz says if that was the promo to save his life and get a job, then he’s out of his mind. Ryan gets in Taz’s face and has words now. Taz gets angry and votes no. Taz tells Ryan to prove him wrong. Hit the road and come back when he’s ready. Ryan continues running his mouth but didn’t get the job.

– Back from the break and we see footage of Bobby Roode speaking to fans in London last week.

AJ Styles vs. Daniels

We go to the ring for tonight’s main event. Out first comes one-half of the TNA Tag Team Champions Daniels. AJ Styles is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd.

Back and forth action to start until AJ takes control. Daniels turns it around with a big right to the face. AJ ends up on the apron and Daniels knocks him off into the fan barrier. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and Daniels is in control of AJ. Daniels with a moonsault off the ropes for a 2 count. AJ finally takes Daniels down with a heel kick to the head. AJ unloads on Daniels and powerbombs him for a 2 count. AJ springboards in with a big forearm. Daniels blocks an inverted DDT. AJ connects with the pele kick. He goes for the Styles Clash but Kazarian gets on the apron. AJ hits him but Daniels rolls him up for 2. AJ hits the inverted DDT this time for the win.

Winner: AJ Styles

– After the match, Kazarian hits the ring and the tag team champions beat AJ down. Kurt Angle runs down and makes the save. Angle applies the ankle lock on Kazarian. Daniels runs back in and hits Angle with a low blow from behind. They double team Angle now. They use ties and cuff Angle to the bottom rope. AJ tries to make the save but they lay him out with a title belt. They hit Angle with the title belt also and lay him out. Daniels takes the mic. He has proof positive of the affair between Dixie Carter and AJ Styles. He plays a phone call of AJ calling Dixie and them making plans to get together and keep it from her husband. Dixie runs out and yells for the production people to turn it off. It sounds like she drops a F-bomb and they bleep it. Dixie yells that they are finished as Impact goes off the air.

Former WWE Star Backstage At Impact, Update On James Storm

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– Former WWE performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) is currently backstage for tonight’s live Impact Wrestling show in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to wrestle. It is unknown whether he will be competing during the broadcast or in a dark match.

– James Storm will provide an update on his career during tonight’s live Impact Wrestling episode. He tweeted Thursday, “My daughter & I saddled up the horses, walked them out of the barn, and seen an (Impact Wrestling) film crew coming down the drive. They want to get a update. Says it will air tonight on the LIVE show on (Spike TV). Be sure to watch.”

Storm has been off television since losing to Bobby Roode at last month’s LockDown pay-per-view event.

– Rosita, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since the April 17 episode, said on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s live show. Fellow Knockouts wrestlers Angelina Love, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, ODB and Velvet Sky have also said that they will be at the show.

Jillian Hall Addresses Recent Arrest and Unflattering Mug Shot

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Former WWE performer Jillian Hall has addressed her arrest last month for domestic assault in Orange County, Florida. After news of her run-in with the law on April 23 hit news outlets Tuesday, she wrote on Twitter:

“If you only knew…. Btw, smart marks, my name is Hall, not Fletcher..”

Jailbase.com published her mug shot stemming from the arrest, which featured the former WWE Diva sans make-up. In response to criticism of her unflattering appearance in the photograph, Hall wrote,

“Hmmm, so people r suppose to look good when they’ve been crying for hours? No one knows my story.. No one!!”

VIEW HERE: Jillian Hall’s Epic Mugshot Picture

Hall is also poking fun at the matter as she set her Twitter profile picture to an image of herself pretending to surrender to The Simpsons police character Chief Clancy Wiggum.

The one-time WWE Divas Champion acknowledged last week on the micro-blogging site that she had separated from her husband of two years, Mike Farole.

Morrison Addresses WWE Departure, Bagwell Looking To Return

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— John Morrison addressed his departure from WWE during an interview with Colt Cabana for The Art of Wrestling.

“I left on good terms,” he said of his parting of ways. Morrison added that management always told him that his inability to cut a strong promo held him back from achieving greater success; he admits it’s something he needs to improve on. He is now looking to reposition himself and is hopeful that he’ll be worth more upon his return to the organization.

Morrison also discussed his workout routine, parodying The Undertaker and Triple H in an online video, parkour, life outside of professional wrestling and more. The interview is available at WeLoveColt.com.

— Marcus “Buff” Bagwell is at home recovering after being involved in a serious car accident on April 23 while traveling near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. The former WCW Superstar is quickly healing from the life-threatening ordeal and is eyeing a return to the squared circle.

“Buff is doing much better!” a representative of Bagwell told Hollywood.com. “He is at home and ready to work again.”

Kurt Angle Reveals When He Will Retire, Update On Mickie James

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– Kurt Angle set a time frame for the end of his career on Wednesday, tweeting:

“I Will Not Wrestle Past 46 Yrs Old. I Love U All GOD Bless.”

Angle, who is 43 years old, turns 46 on December 9, 2014.

– Mickie James, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since April 19, will be on hand for tonight’s live show. She poked fun at her lack of television time in recent weeks after being asked on Twitter whether she will be on the show.

“I am! At least I’m going! *almost forgot I worked there* Haha!”

– ImpactWrestling.com has added Brooke Hogan to their roster page. She debuts on tonight’s live episode of Impact as the Executive in Charge of the Knockouts.

Live IMPACT Preview: New Start Time, Roode vs. Sting

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Another new era for TNA Wrestling begins tonight – as Impact Wrestling goes live and moves to a new start time – 8pm (Eastern). The following has been announced for tonight’s show:

– TNA champion Bobby Roode vs. Sting in a Lumberjack match

– The debut of Brooke Hogan as the new head of TNA’s Knockouts division

– TNA Television Champion Devon vs. an opponent chosen by the fans (either Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson or Robbie E)

– TNA President Dixie Carter will make a “Major Announcement”

Here’s a video preview for tonight’s show:

WWE Very Happy With Punk & Bryan, New WWE Talent & More

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– WWE officials have been so impressed with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan’s recent series of matches that there are plans to have Daniel Bryan travel with the RAW brand and continue wrestling Punk at live events. There is talk of Bryan and Punk wrestling submission matches.

– WWE has released new t-shirts for WWE Champion CM Punk (“I Dig Crazy Chicks”) and Sin Cara (“Follow the Faceless”). Punk’s crazy chicks shirt is from his recent backstage interaction with AJ, who recently tweeted that she digs guys who dig crazy chicks.

– Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler will be appearing together at the 2012 SportsRadio 610 Fan Fest on June 10th from 12-5pm at the University of Houston Athletics Alumni Center.

– WWE recently signed UK bodybuilder Steve Evans to a developmental deal. The 6-foot-6, 260 pound beast recently underwent WWE’s medical physicals and is expected to report to FCW soon.

Mark Henry Surgery Update, Gabriel Returns To Action & More

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– Mark Henry recently announced on Twitter that he was undergoing surgery and would retire if he could not return to action at 100%. There was a lot of speculation that Henry’s surgery was for his nagging groin injury, but it was actually his shoulder that was operated on. If his physical therapy and recovery go as planned, Henry is expected to be back in action this summer.

– Justin Gabriel returned from injury on last night’s episode of WWE NXT. He teamed with Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson to defeat JTG, Michael McGillicutty and Johnny Curtis. Gabriel used a leaping tornado DDT as his finisher and looked to be in great shape in his return match.

– WWE employee Joey Styles is now taking independent bookings for personal appearances through WrestlingMarx.com.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Update On Alex Shelley Leaving TNA & Interest From WWE

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Alex Shelley is gone from TNA after allowing his contract to expire without signing a new deal with the company. According to sources close to Shelley, he has heard from WWE officials – but reports of him signing a contract or even agreeing to terms are premature.

When he made the decision to become a free agent, WWE was not even on his radar. Shelley has been talking with New Japan Pro Wrestling for weeks and was close to signing with the promotion before he heard from WWE.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE ’13: Confirmed Roster – Including MIKE TYSON

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The following superstars and divas are confirmed for the upcoming WWE ’13 video game, in stores October 30th, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Several wrestlers are duplicated in both eras and will appear in the game as separate characters:

Modern Era: John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Undertaker, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Dainel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Rey Mysterio, Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston, The Miz, Jack Swagger, Santino, David Otunga, Kane, Kevin Nash, Christian, Mark Henry, Sin Cara, Epico, Primo, Hunico, Ted DiBiase, Great Khali, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Bella Twins, Kharma, Beth Phoenix, Alicia Fox.

Attitude Era: Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Edge & Christian, New Age Outlaws, Road Warriors, , X-Pac, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Mankind, Dude Love, Cactus Jack, Trish Stratus, Lita, Big Show, Kane, Davey Boy Smith, Vader, Mark Henry, Ken Shamrock, Godfather and Big Bossman.

WWE ’13 will also feature a special celebrity character – WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson. Tyson signing with THQ to appear in the video game appears to be a factor in Tyson’s induction into the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame. Tyson also recently did a rare interview for Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle site talking about UFC star Jon Jones’ DUI arrest and it’s believed that interview was set up by THQ.

WWE ’13 Screenshots:

[nggallery id=16]

The Rock Tied Up Before WM29, Recent WWE Sales Figures

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– With The Rock’s movie G.I. Joe: Retaliation now being released in March 2013 just 9 days before WrestleMania 29, it’s going to be extremely difficult for him to appear episodes of RAW leading up to the big show. The Rock is known for going all out promoting his movies, something that means a lot to Hollywood executives and the success of a movie’s opening box office numbers. Especially if the movie opens internationally around the same time, he’s going to be flying all over the world doing premiere events and media appearances.

New Pictures of The Rock Filming GI JOE: Retaliation

– WWE shipped 199,000 DVDs in April, down 11.6% from April 2011. The company’s top 5 selling DVDs, in order, are DVD sets from Steve Austin, The Rock and Randy Orton, Top 50 Oh My God Moments and the Bret Hart-Shawn Michaels Greatest Rivalries sit-down interview.

– The WWE website had 16.5 million unique viewers in April, up significantly from most months (due to WrestleMania 28), but down 1.2% from April 2011. WWE shop averaged 800 orders/day, up 9.1% from April 201.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

More On Cena Working SmackDowns, Orton’s Punt Banned

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– When RAW goes to 3-hours every week starting July 23rd, the show will not air live in Canada on The Score. The time slot will be 9pm-midnight, which is late for viewers on a weeknight. The show will replay on Tuesdays from 4-7pm.

– Randy Orton’s recent Tweet about WWE banning his punt to the skull due to concussion awareness is believed to be legit, with the company looking to prevent injuries as well as potential legal liability from concussions.

– As previously reported, John Cena will be appearing at most SmackDown tapings through July. Even at SmackDown shows when Cena is not used on television and only wrestles in a dark match main event, the feeling is that Cena helps the shows draw more fans. SmackDown attendance has been struggling for a long time, with the recent Baton Rouge tapings only drawing 2,500 fans.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newslteter)

Linda McMahon Responds To More Negative Attack Ads

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United States Senate candidate Linda McMahon has been under attack in recent weeks due to her ties to WWE, with two newspapers comparing the wrestling product to pornography. Democrat Susan Bysiewicz, a prospective candidate for the same office Linda is running for, gave a speech last Thursday saying, “I’ll be damned if I let someone who sells sex and violence and pornography for a living be our next United States Senator. We have to send the right woman to Washington.”

The McMahon campaign quickly responded with a great deal of evidence showing Bysiewicz not only strongly endorsed McMahon in the past, but also worked directly with WWE and its superstars. When Bysiewicz was Secretary of State, she worked with Linda on the Smackdown Your Vote campaign and even spoke at high schools with along with WWE superstars. Bysiewicz had previously endorsed McMahon when she was running for the Connecticut Board of Education.

Moving forward, McMahon’s campaign strategy is to reach out to female voters, holding daily women-only meetings across the state.

Check out these recent pictures of the McMahon family at a recent campaign event for Linda:

[nggallery id=13]

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan Slams Scott Hall, Bearer-Alumni & More

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– WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appeared on The Fight Club Chicago (listen here) to promote his autobiography, “Hacksaw, The Jim Duggan Story.” In the book, Duggan weighed in on former colleague Scott Hall.

“A lot of people feel sorry for Scott Hall. I don’t feel sorry for Scott Hall at all,” Duggan wrote. “I mean, Scott made his own bed, now he has to lie in it. The guy has had more opportunities. I wish I had an opportunity to make the money Scott Hall has had in this profession. For him to flush it down the toilet, hey good riddance.”

– WWE.com has added Paul Bearer to their Alumni section: “When the WWE Universe last saw Paul Bearer, he was chilling out in an industrial freezer. Now, the former manager of Undertaker and Kane is being thawed out as the latest addition to WWE.com’s Alumni section.”

— WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch has been announced to appear at this Saturday’s Pro Wrestling Syndicate event taking place at Rahway Rec Center 275 East Milton Ave. Rahway, New Jersey. (Event Information)

Details On Randy Orton’s Past WWE Suspensions

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WWE announced Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program. Though it is his third suspension by the organization, it is only his second suspension to be classified as a Talent Wellness Program infraction.

Orton was first suspended by the organization on April 3, 2006—for 60 days—for “unprofessional conduct,” which did not count as a Wellness Program violation. He smoked marijuana backstage at the March 28, 2006 SmackDown taping, which company employee Bruce Prichard discovered and reported to management. Orton addressed the matter during an interview published in the September 2006 issue of WWE Magazine.

When asked why he “always acting like such an ass,” Orton stated, “My problems came to a head when I decided to smoke a joint and someone smelled it and stooged me off. You know who you are, so if you’re reading this, thanks. But I also had a few outbursts of anger on the road. I get loud and verbally abusive. But I’ve nipped that part of me in the bud. I attended an anger management clinic in Atlanta. It cost 15 grand for a four-week stay. I had to live down there on the campus. The first week I was there, I was like, OK, I’ll do what I have to do to get out of here.” But then I started to realize, wow, I was wrong in a lot of these situations. I just got this reputation of being hard to work with, being a dick and everything in the book. But the truth is, I don’t flip out anymore.”

On August 30, 2007, WWE suspended eleven wrestlers (Booker T, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Edge, Funaki, Gregory Helms, John Morrison, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga and William Regal) based on information provided by the Albany, New York, District Attorney’s Office concerning contracted talent using online pharmaceutical outlet Signature Pharmacy to obtain performance-enhancing drugs and prescription drugs to clients who had not been examined by doctors. Both Sports Illustrated (article) and the Daily News of New York City (article) independently named Orton as a client of the Orlando based pharmacy, which Albany County and Florida law enforcement agencies raided in February 2007. Orton received somatropin, nandrolone, stanozolol between September 2004 and February 2007, which occurred after the “no drugs from online sources” rule was instituted in the Talent Wellness Program. However, he was the lone contracted performer not to be suspended by WWE. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported that WWE took no action against Orton because he had already been suspended in August 2006 (for failing a drug test for a steroid which he not have a prescription for), resulting in double jeopardy. The ruling appeared suspect since Orton continued to receive pharmaceuticals following the suspension. Dr. David L. Black, who administers the program, was asked about the matter on September 25, 2007 during an U.S. Congressional investigation into WWE’s business practices (document).

Brian Cohen, senior investigator and policy advisor for the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, asked Black, “There is another talent of Randy Orton who had be suspended in 2006, for not having—tested positive without a prescription, and he was mentioned in this article as well, and subsequently went to headline two pay-per-view events, but in the past month. I just wonder if that kind of—I know the policy would be suspended for 60 days; correct? Does that undermine your efforts when you see this happening, when you see a guy who has been in an article last week and then headlines these events?”

Black replied, “Oh, sure I would agree that that’s not good.”

WWE attorney Jerry S. McDevitt stated in a December 2010 letter to Concussion Inc author Irvin Muchnick that no action was taken against Orton because he was not on any Signature Pharmacy client list provided to WWE by the Albany, New York District Attorney’s Office. WWE, however, did not threaten Sports Illustrated nor the Daily News with legal action regarding the claim.

RAW Rating Dips Below 3.0, Top Trainer Gone From FCW

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– Ratings are in for Monday’s RAW – and they’re not pretty. RAW drew a 2.7 rating with 3,915,000 viewers. The show did hours of 2.73 and 2.71.

– Dr. Tom Prichard was let go from WWE developmental today after working as a top trainer at Florida Championship Wrestling since it launched it 2007.

Back in ’07, Prichard took over the job of Bill DeMott, who was in charge of WWE’s previous developmental territory, Deep South Wrestling. Demott will be taking over Prichard’s duties at FCW.

The news of Prichard’s departure comes while WWE is in the process of revamping its developmental system, streamling it with NXT and relocating to Full Sail University.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Breaking News – Randy Orton Suspended For 60 Days

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WWE has announced that Randy Orton has been suspended for 60 days effective Wednesday for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program.

Randy Orton suspended for 60 days

STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Randy Orton for 60 days effective today for his second violation of the company’s policy.