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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Dixie & AJ’s Big Secret Revealed, Destination X Main Event, Impact

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– During Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, it was finally revealed why A.J. Styles and TNA President Dixie Carter have been sneaking around for months. They weren’t having an affair – they have been secretly working together to help a pregnant woman recovering from addition who has been waking up in hotel rooms with strangers.

http://youtu.be/QfDc1azzf2I

We heard some pretty wild theories of what the secret was – but did not hear the one about the promiscuous pregnant addict.

– The main event of next wek’s Impact Wrestling will feature TNA Tag Team champions AJ Styles and Kurt Angle defending against the former champions, Daniels & Kazarian.

– The main event of TNA Destination X will be TNA World Champion Bobby Roode vs. Austin Aries.

Aries forfeited the X Division title on Thursday’s Impact to earn the title shot.

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

Christian Talks About Retirement, Being IC Champion, Edge & More

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Christian recently spoke with Pantagraph about his career, being Intercontinental Champion and more. Here are some highlights of what

On having the Intercontinental Title eighteen years into his career: “It’s kind of cool to be Intercontinental Champion. It means a great deal…I used to make my own title belts out of cardboard and attach them to the back of my weightlifting belt, then hold it up in the mirror and practice my posing. My thought was that if you believe you’re a champion and work hard at it, you’ll finally get to that point.”

On wanting to be a wrestler as a kid: “I loved playing hockey growing up as a kid, but the first time I stepped into a ring, it seemed natural to me, like home. The first day of training, I was a kid thrown into the ring, and the minute I hit the ropes and the mat, it felt comfortable.”

On Edge’s retirement: “Yeah, I was the first person he called after he got the news (about the injury). It was one of those things where I had to listen and be there for him. I could tell he was upset about it once it sunk in. I told him that if was writing the end to his story, this was the perfect way to finish it off, just winning the WrestleMania (XXVII) world championship, the biggest show of the year. You can’t write a better ending than that.”

On how long he wants to keep going: “Having a long career with real lasting power has always been a goal,” he says. “So as long as I’m physically able to do what I do, I’ll keep doing it.”

Former WWE Star Backstage At Impact, Gutcheck Spoiler, More

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– Former WWE star Luke Gallows is backstage at tonight’s Impact Wrestling event in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to work a dark match.

– Tonight’s “Gutcheck” challenge will feature the competition’s first-ever female competitor; Taeler Hendrix of Ohio Valley Wrestling.

– 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.

– TNA Wrestling will premiere a music video from Montgomery Gentry during tonight’s Impact Wrestling. Velvet Sky appears in the video.

(source: PWInsider.com)

MAILBAG: Aliens Have Landed, What Match Do You Show Them?

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SEScoops Mailbag for June 21st

(please submit YOUR questions to [email protected])

Q: The return of Triple H at MSG in 2002, from his first quadriceps injury, is still considered by many is one of the biggest returns. The reaction he got was tremendous, and for a man who was a heel when he was injured, many say that kind of pop was amazing. Do you agree with this? Is that one of the best returns and crowd reactions in WWE/F? Where would you rank it? – Jeff T.

A: It definitely ranks way up there. You know you’ve gotten one hell of a reaction when your music has to loop twice. I still think Hulk Hogan’s return to Smackdown in early 2003 got a better reaction, but these things are subjective. The one thing that always bugs me is when HHH, in interviews, tries to convince us that he was really worried nobody would remember him when he walked through the curtain. That’s quite a stretch.

Q: If WWE ditched the whole Ryback robot cyborg deal and made him a powerhouse and used his real name, do you think he would end up rising to be a main eventer one day? – Kyle Gray

A: Why would WWE ditch the gimmick? Isn’t he already a powerhouse? He throws jobbers through the air and out of view on my TV screen. Using his real name won’t make a difference. If anything, I think we need more one-word gimmick names for pro wrestlers. It worked pretty well for guys like Undertaker, Kane, Vader, Sting and others. I also think someone on the roster needs to step up and challenge this man and refer to him as Ry-bread instead, kind of like how Chris Jericho used to refer to Howard Finkel as “Harold” and Michael Cole as “Mitchell”. Then have Ry-bread destroy that person. This came to me in a vision and must happen.

Q: Do you think by any chance Paul Heyman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year? – Ravonn from New York

A: No, I don’t see that happening next year. I know it’s in New York, but it’s too early to see them putting him in. He does deserve to be inducted for his work both as a performer and a promoter, but if he’s still an on-air representative of Brock Lesnar heading into WrestleMania, it would make absolutely no sense for Heyman to receive such an honor right now. Hell, he’s got two lawsuits pending against the company!

Randy Orton’s Return, AJ Meets With Marvel, New JBL Video

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– Despite having two Wellness Policy strikes against him, Randy Orton will be pushed back into a main event spot when he returns from his current suspension.

Orton has been very vocal about wanting to be a heel, but WWE continues to push him as a babyface because the feeling is that World Heavyweight champion Sheamus is not strong enough yet to carry SmackDown live events as the top good guy.

Orton is also frustrated over WWE banning his punt kick, which was done to prevent concussions.

– WWE Diva AJ Lee was at Marvel headquarters yesterday filming an interview with Lorraine Cink for Marvel’s The Watcher series.

– If elected this November, Linda McMahon would be one of the wealthiest United States Senators. According to financial disclosure reports, Linda and Vince McMahon were together worth between $90 million and $350 million. The McMahons are believed to be much closer to 350 than 90.

Vince & Linda recently took out a loan of between $5 million and $25 million from Morgan Stanley to build their investment profiles.

– Former WWE Champion JBL published the following video on Wednesday highlighting his Seven Summits adventure. JBL’s first challenge will be climbing Russia’s Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Scott Steiner Featured On WWE Site, Sunny Seeking WWE Job

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– “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner is the latest addition to WWE.com’s Alumni section (view his profile). WWE.com writes of Steiner: “Scott Steiner is not only an accomplished tag team competitor, but he is also one of the most physically impressive and imposing Superstars of all-time.”

Promoting the page via Twitter, website director Joey Styles acknowledged Steiner’s obscenity-laced Twitter page but would not link to it:

https://twitter.com/joeystyles/status/215828557614694400

– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch plans to relocate from New Jersey to her boyfriend’s residence in Connecticut and indicated via Facebook that would be interested in working at the sport entertainment organization’s Stamford-based television production studio. She wrote Thursday:

“Hmmm just had a thought…. I’ll be living in Connecticut soon… I think I’ll make a call and work in the studio….hmmmm.”

A fan then pleaded for one final WWE run, reasoning that she’s ‘hotter’ than Vickie Guerrero. The remark offended Sytch, who wrote back:

“Than Vickie?? Of all people you have to compare me to her???”

– Daniel Bryan is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

Opening Segment For Tonight’s Impact, Sarita Possibly Losing Hair

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– Tonight’s live Impact Wrestling broadcast will kick off with Austin Aries’ decision on whether to relinquish the X Division Championship for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Roode at Destination X. He will give his answer to Impact Wrestling General Manager Hulk Hogan.

– Sarita, who competes as Dark Angel for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico, appeared at a press conference Wednesday promoting an upcoming ten-women steel cage match she is competing in where the loser must shave her head or unmask.

She wrote on Facebook, “HUGE CMLL press conference…June 29 in Arena Mexico, 10 women in a cage with somebody losing her hair or mask! Granny Apache should be happy when I leave her bald…she’ll save a ton on hair dye trying to cover up her grey. Things will keep heating up this Friday night as we face each other in opposite corners in Arena Mexico.”

– Devon defends the TNA Television Championship against Robbie E on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion on Challenge.

Tensai Being Re-Packaged & Sakamoto To Wrestle, PPV Pre-Shows

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– WWE is currently in the process of re-packaging Tensai. After his recent attack on Sakamoto two weeks ago, their association is likely over.

Sakamoto is expected to start wrestling within the next few months. He’s been wrestling since 2003 and was trained by former WWE star Taka Michinoku at his Kaientai Dojo school in Japan.

– Today’s WWE Superstars Youtube show will feature the following matches:

* Ezekiel Jackson vs. Hunico
* Zack Ryder vs. Drew McIntyre
* Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks vs. Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel.

– The WWE No Way Out YouTube.com pre-show match featuring David Otunga vs. Brodus Clay peaked with 43,855 viewers. The previous month’s Over the Limit pre-show match with Kane vs. Zack Ryder peaked at 44,049 viewers.

– John Laurinaitis has been removed from the talent roster page on the WWE website.

* Backstage News On ORTON, MYSTERIO & JERICHO’s WWE Returns

Alberto Del Rio Concussion Update & Plans For Money In The Bank

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Following a recent concussion, Alberto Del Rio was pulled from his World Heavyweight title match against Sheamus at No Way Out just days before the show. A #1 contender’s match was held on the June 11th “go home” RAW and Dolph Ziggler went on to challenge Sheamus instead.

As it turns out, Del Rio was actually medically cleared to wrestle by No Way Out, but WWE had no way of knowing he’d be healthy in time. The talent roster is already stretched very thin with so many top names out of action (Orton, Mysterio, Jericho), but the company is taking concussions very seriously erred on the side of caution by replacing Del Rio with Ziggler.

The night after the pay-per-view, Del Rio wrestled Santino in a comedy match on RAW. The idea was to get Del Rio back in action without him having to face a stiff worker (like Sheamus) in his first match back after a concussion.

Del Rio will now likely get his World Heavyweight title shot against Sheamus at Money in the Bankon July 15th. Like last year, there will be two Money in the Bank ladder matches on the card.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Lesnar’s Return, New Storyline Dropped Already, 1,000th RAW

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– We reported earlier this week that WWE is advertising Brock Lesnar for the August 13th episode of Monday Night RAW, the week before SummerSlam.

WWE SummerSlam PPV Poster Featuring Brock Lesnar

According to WWE sources, Lesnar will be back on television before then to hype his match with Triple H at the pay-per-view – with some people expecting him to appear at the 1,000th RAW celebration on July 23rd.

– Speaking of the 1,000th RAW show, former WWE superstar Goldust (Dustin Rhodes) says he won’t be there.

– WWE announced on RAW last week that a legend would be competing on RAW each week. Vader was the first surprise legend and by all accounts, had a solid match with Heath Slater. On this week’s show, there was no returning legend in action, despite appearances from Mick Foley and Roddy Piper.

WWE has reportedly abandoned the storyline of a legend wrestling on RAW each week. Instead, a former General Manager will be brought in each week to host RAW and SmackDown. Mick Foley is this week’s host and Vickie Guerrero has been confirmed for next week.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Network Update, Former Diva Trying To Get Rehired

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– Ryback demanded, “Feed Me Three” after destroying two more wrestlers WWE No Way Out, but he “only” wrestled two men at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Baltimore, MD.

His latest victims are Maryland-based independent wrestlers Jared Walker and Frankie Valencia, better known locally as Blk Jeez and Brian Hardy.

– Former WWE ring announcer Lauren Mayhew was recently told by a fan on Twitter that she should return to WWE. Mayhew encouraged the fan to start a Twitter campaign to get her brought back. Since leaving the company back in 2009, she has been pursuing a career in music and acting. She’ll have a role on the upcoming season of the Showtime original series Dexter, which begins filming this week.

– WWE continues to hire more employees for the WWE Network. One of the top ongoing projects is converting old tapes to the digital format.

As reported earlier this week, WWE is currently considering a subscription-based “premium channel” model (similar to HBO, Showtime) for the WWE Network.

* Backstage News On ORTON, MYSTERIO & JERICHO’s WWE Returns

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

More Live Notes From Wednesday’s FCW Summer Slamarama

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– FCW held a live event last night (Wednesday) from Orlando, Florida. The main event saw new FCW Champion Bo Dallas retain his title against Seth Rollins, Antonio Cesaro and Kassius Ohno in a Fatal 4-Way match.

Dallas recently captured the FCW Heavyweight title at FCW’s 6/16 show from Crytal River, Florida. The title changed hands twice that night, with Seth Rollins dropping the belt to Rick Victor and Bo Dallas defeating Victor the same night to become champion.

Wrestling Diva Buggy Nova Appears At Wednesday’s FCW Show (Signed To WWE?)

– WWE superstar Mason Ryan (working as a heel) was also in action at last night’s FCW show, defeating CJ Parker.

– Injured superstar  Ted DiBiase appeared before the show and confirmed to fans that he will be returning to the ring soon.

*Spoiler* “WWE’s 50 Greatest Finishers” DVD Listing

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The official content listing has been released for WWE’s upcoming 50 Greatest Finishing Moves In History DVD set, courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com and Silvervision.

The title will be released on August 21st and can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com.

Warning: The following list contains *SPOILERS* for the DVD!!

Disc 1

50. JBL – Clothesline

49. Vader – Vader Bomb

48. Dusty Rhodes – Bionic Elbow

47. Million Dollar Man – Million Dollar Dream

46. Kerry Von Erich – Iron Claw

45. Ravishing Rick Rude – Rude Awakening

44. Lex Luger – Torture Rack

43. Dudley Boyz – 3-D

42. Bam Bam Bigelow – Moonsault

41. DDP – Diamond Cutter

40. Mankind – Mandible Claw / Socko

39. Honky Tonk Man – Shake Rattle and Roll

38. Yokozuna – Bonzai Drop

37. Flash Funk – 450 Splash

36. Sting – Scorpion Lock

35. Lita – Moonsault

Impact Preview: Open Fight Night & Gutcheck Challenge,

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http://youtu.be/P7Tynohu8ZY

The following is a preview for tonight’s live TNA Impact Wrestling show on SpikeTV (8/7c), courtesy of ImpactWrestling.com:

– The monthly “Open Fight Night” returns, involving the competitors in the Bound For Glory Series! All 12 Wresters in the BFG Series will be in action – 6 men make challenges, 6 men will be called out! Who will take the early advantage in the point standings? Tune in and find out!

– What will be X Division Champion Austin Aries’ decision about Hulk Hogan’s offer of a potential World Title shot?

– Also on the broadcast, TNA President Dixie Carter and AJ Styles vow to come clean about the recent allegations by Daniels and Kazarian

– Who attacked “The Icon” Sting as IMPACT went off the air this past week? Will more details emerge on Thursday night on SpikeTV? Plus – what will Sting have to say about what happened?

– In addition, the Knockouts Championship will be on the line on the LIVE IMPACT! Knockouts Executive Brooke Hogan will announce on the broadcast who Miss Tessmacher will defend the gold against that night!

– Plus, it’s also the return of the monthly “Gutcheck” – one newcomer will get the chance to prove themselves! Will they make the cut and join the TNA Wrestling roster?

– The road to the July 8 “Destination X” Pay-Per-View event continues, with more news on the big event!

Slammiversary PPV Buyrate, Chris Sabin ACL Tear Update & More

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– Early pay-per-view buyrate data is in for TNA Slammiversary 2012 and this year’s show appears to have been a major success. In what has to be seen as a strong sign of momentum for TNA, Slammiversary did around 14,000-15,000 buys, early double last year’s show (estimated 7,500 buys) and way up from the average TNA PPV, which usually sells around 7,000-10,000 buys.

– The TNA live event on June 16th in Houston, Texas drew 650 fans.

– Chris Sabin will need surgery to repair his tore his left ACL, which occurred during the Ultimate X match on last week’s Impact Wrestling. The procedure would keep him out of action for 6-9 months.

Sabin had just returned in March after being out of action for 11 months due to reconstructive surgery on his other knee.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Concern Over McMahon’s Mockery Of Ross, Garcia To Sing

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– There is concern among WWE officials that Vince McMahon’s mockery of Jim Ross’ affliction with Bell’s palsy in a backstage segment on the June 11 Raw SuperShow could cause backlash for the organization. The Creative Coalition, which formed a multi-platform, nationwide anti-bullying alliance with WWE, “be a STAR,” would appear hypocritical by conducting business with an organization that practices what they preach against.

McMahon’s mockery segment struck a nerve with former WCW announcer Mark Madden, who went on Twitter to blast the WWE chief.

– WWE, The Creative Coalition and the Brooklyn Cyclones will join forces for Anti-Bullying Night at MCU Park next Wednesday. David Otunga, Zack Ryder, Natalya and Lilian Garcia will be on hand to spread the message of the “be a STAR” anti-bullying campaign before the Cyclones game. In addition to the pre-game presentation, WWE Superstars and Divas will be signing autographs on the concourse and Lilian Garcia has been announced to sing the National Anthem.

During the game, fans will be asked to use their social media tools to spread an anti-bullying message and take the official “be a STAR” pledge by logging onto www.beastaralliance.org to put an end to bullying through proper channels and communication, while also creating a bully free-environment for everyone.

Additional details on the event are available here.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Signs Buggy Nova? – Appears At FCW Live Event

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California-based wrestler Buggy Nova has apparently signed a developmental contract with WWE as she made her Florida Championship Wrestling debut at Wednesday’s Summer Slamarama event in Orlando, Florida, according to multiple attendees.

Buggy, who possesses an “alternative” look, participated in a Diva swimsuit competition as well as a dancing contest. Byron Saxton emceed the competitions and announced her as Natalie—her real name.

Buggy was first evaluated by WWE officials at the January 16 Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California. She was invited to the following day’s SmackDown taping in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she wrestled AJ in a tryout match before company brass. She was evaluated the following month at a SmackDown taping in Fresno, California, where she once again faced AJ in a private match.

Buggy is 22-years-old and billed at 5’8″ and 135 pounds. Trained under the Ballard Brothers, she has been wrestling on the independent circuit since 2009.

Check out these pictures of FCW diva Buggy Nova:

[nggallery id=37]

Scotty Riggs Discusses WWE Not Acknowledging Chris Benoit

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Speaking to The Fight Club Chicago, former WCW and ECW star Scotty Riggs weighed in on the Chris Benoit double murder and suicide and why he believes that Vince McMahon feels Benoit is a blackeye to WWE.

“I still believe that what happened, the tragedy with Chris and Nancy and Daniel… I knew them well,” said Riggs. ” “[I] Used to eat dinner with Chris and he would get on his cell phone and he would be on the phone with Nancy and he would give me the phone and I’m like what and he goes, ‘Nancy wants to say hello to you. She loves you.’

“I had a great relationship with the family. So whatever happened in that period of time, I still don’t think it’s the Chris Benoit that all of us knew. It might have been that physical person, but the mental person… whatever was going on with him mentally, I just don’t think that was him.

“Verne Gagne a lot of people knew him from AWA and this wrestling historian, basically is in a retirement home. Killed a roommate, something of the sort. Never got the publicity because he wasn’t high profile at that time. But he had no recollection of it. Didn’t remember doing it and they basically gave him a free get go. Basically did the same thing, took another persons life. Whether it’s your family or whether its a person or anything of that sort. Scott Hall, he’s had his demons, found out what he did early before he started wrestling when he took a life, but how it affects you. You see how it’s affecting him, his demons and his life now.

“But with Chris, no one ever saw what was happening in his mind. You saw glimpses of things that maybe might make you question, but no red flags that would make you think he’d do that. So for people who really, really respect him as a wrestler… The fans will never forget Chris Benoit. Wrestlers who knew Chris Benoit as Chris and as a guy who was there as a friend will never forget him and so he’ll be remembered.

“I think WWE, Vince McMahon will never acknowledge him because of there quote, unquote family PG status right now. They just won’t do it. To them its a black eye. Vince, he’ll deny everything and he’ll just sweep it under the rug and only let the good be seen. He’ll get rid of the bad, pretend it didn’t exist. He does that with everything and everybody and always has. It’s unfortunate.”

Riggs also discussed Eric Bischoff, the New World Order, WWE and more in the interview. It is available here.

Chris Jericho Says Music Is His Number One Priority, Countdown

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Chris Jericho revealed in an interview with Fighting Spirit Magazine that Fozzy is his top priority since he’s done everything he can possibly do in professional wrestling.

“When I was a kid I had two dreams, I wanted to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band and I wanted to be a wrestler, and I’m very fortunate that I got to do both at the highest level. At this point in time, 100 percent of my focus is on the band, and the mass of momentum that we’ve got over the last couple of years from touring and playing, and the reputation we’ve earned. I wanted to make the most of it, and take Fozzy to the next level,” he says in the interview.

“I’ve done everything I could possibly do in wrestling. It’s been great, but now Fozzy is kind of growing to be at the level where I am in wrestling, and Fozzy is what I wanna do. Wrestling will always be there, and if I decide to go back, it’s great. But after all these years of hard work with the band, to get some of this momentum behind us is a very rare thing.”

Three days remain on Jericho’s thirty-day WWE suspension due to denigrating the Brazilian flag at a WWE live event in São Paulo on May 24; he is scheduled to return on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. He referenced the lyrics to a 3 Count song in his latest suspension countdown message on Twitter: “Get up on your feet Put your hands together Sing along with 3 Count We’ll party up forever…”

Vince McMahon Sets Size Requirement, John Laurinaitis Replaced

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– Vince McMahon issued a directive to WWE scouts recruiting athletes as prospective talent; they must meet a size requirement of 6’2″ and 240 pounds. The WWE chief is concerned that many of his top-tier talents are approximately 200 pounds, thus small by his standards. His remark to Daniel Bryan on last week’s episode of Raw Supershow where nobody would believe him to be a WWE Superstar if he was spotted in a grocery store was based on his frustration with his roster’s lack of sufficient size. McMahon believes many of his top stars are not reaching the masses because they don’t possess ‘the Superstar look.’

– WWE creative writer Michael Hayes has replaced John Laurinaitis as the matchmaker for live event shows.

– Rey Mysterio’s sixty-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program expires on Monday. WWE has yet to advertise Mysterio for any upcoming events.

– The late Earthquake is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. He died on June 7, 2006 at the age of 42 following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Evan Bourne Advertised For FCW Event, Canyon Ceman Update

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– At Wednesday’s Florida Championship Wrestling event at the Orlando Armory in Orlando, Florida, posters were placed advertising Evan Bourne for their next event at the venue on July 25. He is advertised for a meet and greet.

Bourne is recovering from a serious car accident in March, where he broke his foot in four places and dislocated it in five. He issued an update on his health last week via Twitter: “More xrays taken today! My bones look good in the right light. Physical therapy starts next week….finally!”

– Canyon Ceman, who serves as Senior Director of Talent Development for WWE, was offered advice on succeeding in his executive role by veterans of the professional wrestling industry. They have advised him to learn from their experience, the Wrestling Observer reports.

Ceman, a noted volleyball player and former volleyball executive, was hired in March to recruit talent for WWE. While some have questioned his ability to recruit talent since he comes from a non-wrestling background, top-tier organization officials are high on Ceman as they feel his sports management knowledge is superb.

– Dennis Haskins, who portrayed Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell, is advertised for Pro Wrestling Syndicate’s September 14 event taking place at the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey. He will appear as commissioner at the event, which will be broadcast online.

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