– Alberto Del Rio appeared at this weekend’s SmackDown live events – but did not wrestle either night. Del Rio called out Sheamus and told the live crowds that he’s not ready to wrestle yet, but challenged the 2012 Royal Rumble winner to an arm wrestling contest – which Sheamus won. This led to a brawl between the two before Del Rio ran off, leaving Ricardo Rodriguez to take a Brogue Kick from Sheamus.
Del Rio is scheduled to return to WWE television tonight on RAW.
– WWE Superstar David Otunga was backstage at the Grammys last night with his fiancee Jennifer Hudson, who sang a moving tribute to Whitney Houston.
– An announcement on the WrestleMania 29 location is expected this week. New York Giants player Jake Ballard was asked on Twitter if he’s excited about WrestleMania coming to the MetLife Stadium next year. He replied, ” yes it’s going to be awesome!”
If these reports turn out to be true, Axxess and other WrestleMania-week events would be held in the New York City area.
It would also be a sign that WWE is breaking with the tradition of holding WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden every 10 years, as it’s unlikely New York City would get the event two years in a row.
— TNA Wrestling official Earl Hebner’s daughter Katie Hebner has plans to enter the squared circle. She announced on her Twitter account that she begun wrestling training in January and has her sights set on being a TNA Knockout.
She tweeted Gail Kim’s husband Robert Irvine when asked if she’s the referee’s daughter, “Yes im his daughter and a knockout in training :) dad said that you are truly a great guy!”
Hebner portrayed the role of Gail Kim’s sister in 2008.
— TNA Television Champion Robbie E has been announced to appear at Battle of the Belts for NWA Ring Warriors on March 29, 2012 at the Fort Lauderdale National Guard Armory, 400 State Road 84. His opponent has not been disclosed.
The event will also feature Jesse Neal and Christina Von Eerie (a/k/a Toxxin) versus Chasyn Rance and Santana Garrett in a mixed tag team match with WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch as the special guest referee. Event details are available here.
Don’t miss Thursday’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c – featuring the aftermath of the “Against All Odds” Pay-Per-View event! If you can’t watch it on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the Total Nonstop Action!
– At Sunday’s Pay-Per-View event, Bobby Roode beat the odds and retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Bully Ray. Now, the road begins to March’s “Victory Road” for the World Champ. The question is, what does GM “The Icon” Sting have to say about how Roode won on Sunday – and what does he has planned for Roode at Victory Road?
– On Sunday at “Against All Odds”, Gail Kim successfully defended the Knockouts Title against Tara! On Thursday’s IMPACT on SpikeTV, a new #1 Contender will be determined in a 10-Knockout Battle Royal! The winner of the Battle Royal will get the next shot at the Knockouts gold. The participants are: Sarita, Rosita, Brooke Tessmacher, Winter, Tara, ODB, Mickie James, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Angelina Love!
– Plus, what was the fallout from the Bischoff family feud at Against All Odds? Did Garett (with Hulk Hogan in his corner) overcome the assault from Gunner and his own father, Eric Bischoff? Tune in Thursday night!
All this and much more on Thursday’s broadcast as the road to the March “Victory Road” Pay-Per-View event begins!
The 2012 TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view opens up with a camera crew greeting Jeff Hardy as he arrived earlier today. Hardy just smiles and enters the building.
– We go to a promo video for tonight’s pay-per-view.
– We’re live from the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash are doing commentary tonight.
#1 Contender’s Match: Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen
Zema Ion makes his way out first followed by Jesse Sorensen with his football.
Sorensen decks Ion to start the match and they go at it. Back and forth action to start. Sorensen hits a bridging suplex for a 2 count. Ion ends up on the floor and fights his way in. Ion flips into the ring but lands on his back. Sorensen with several pin attempts. They end up on the floor and Sorensen gets hit with a bad moonsault and knees to the face. Sorensen looks to be legitimately injured as Ion goes back in the ring. The referee checks on Sorensen and throws up the X and calls for the bell.
Winner and New #1 Contender: Zema Ion
– After the match, everyone looks worried as trainers come out and check on Sorensen. Ion plays it off and heads to the back as the new #1 contender.
– Christy Hemme is backstage with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Roode talks about his opponents tonight and says he will be the better man and walk out World Champ tonight. Roode says Sting will finally know why he is the IT factor of pro wrestling and the most dominant champion ever.
– We go to the ring and out comes TNA Television Champion Robbie E. with Rob Terry. Robbie issues an open challenge and it’s answered by Shannon Moore.
TNA TV Title Match: Robbie E. vs. Shannon Moore
The bell rings and they go at it with Moore sending Robbie out to the floor with a dropkick. Robbie tells Terry to lead the way with the TV Title and they go to walk out. Moore comes up the ramp and attacks Robbie from behind, bringing the fight back to the ringside area. Moore brings it back in the ring and they go at it in the corner. Moore with an atomic drop and a spin kick for a 2 count.
Robbie sends Moore to the apron and eventually knocks him back into the fan barrier. Robbie comes back and keeps Moore grounded on the mat now. Moore fights out but runs into a kick in the corner. Robbie with a back elbow knocking Moore to the mat. Robbie goes to the second rope and comes down with an elbow for another 2 count. Moore makes another comeback and hits a bulldog for 2.
Moore hits a dropkick that sends Robbie to the floor. Moore moonsaults from the apron to Robbie on the floor and takes him out. Moore brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. And another 2 count, and another. Moore misses a moonsault and Robbie clotheslines him for a close 2 count. Robbie goes to the top but Moore knocks him off his feet. Moore climbs up top and brings Robbie to the mat with a hurricanrana for 2. They trade holds and Moore rolls up for 2. Rob Terry gets a big right hand in on Moore. Robbie catches Moore and hits his finisher for the win.
Winner: Robbie E.
TNA Knockouts Title Match: Tara vs. Gail Kim
After a promo video, Tara makes her way out first. Out next is TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim and her Knockouts Tag Team Champion partner Madison Rayne. The match starts with Tara on the offense. Tara tosses Gail around by her hair.
Gail turns things around with a neckbreaker on the apron. Gail comes in with a boot to the face and right hands. Gail slams Tara into the corner face first and splashes her with a clothesline. Gail with a missile dropkick from the top. Madison gets pissed at something, tells Gail to screw herself and walks off.
Gail continues and hits a crossbody for 2. Gail with a submission on Tara’s leg now. Gail with another submission but Tara manages to get to the ropes and break the hold. Gail takes Tara to the top and brings her back to the mat with a hurricanrana. Gail turns around to a powerslam from Tara. Tara fights back and clotheslines Gail. Tara with the big sideslam for a 2 count. They end up back on the top and Gail gets backdropped to the mat. Tara hits the moonsault from the top but appears to have injured her knee. Tara crawls over and covers but Gail kicks out at 2. Tara limps to her feet and goes for her finisher but Gail counters. Gail works on the injured leg then hits Eat Defeat for the win.
Winner: Gail Kim
– Christy Hemme is backstage with James Storm. Storm is ready to win the World Heavyweight Title and party.
TNA Tag Team Title Match: Magnus and Samoa Joe vs. Matt Morgan and Crimson
Out first comes the challengers Samoa Joe and Magnus followed by the TNA Tag Team Champions Matt Morgan and Crimson. Joe and Morgan start things off going back and forth. Joe backs Morgan in the corner and tags in Magnus. Morgan works on the arm and tags in Crimson. Crimson keeps in control of Magnus and hits a running knee for a pin attempt. Morgan comes back in and Crimson whips him into Magnus in the corner. Crimson suplexes Magnus and Morgan covers for 2.
Magnus turns it around on Crimson with the help of Joe and clotheslines him for a pin attempt. Joe gets tagged in and hits Crimson with a bunch of rights. Crimson fights back now but Joe runs over him with a forearm. Magnus comes back in and they double team Crimson for another 2 count. More tags and double teaming on Crimson. Magnus comes in but Crimson fights him off. Magnus stops the comeback with a back suplex and another 2 count. Joe comes in and works over Crimson. Joe hits a powerslam and another 2 count. More tags by the challengers. Morgan and Joe come in at the same time. Morgan cleans house and slams Magnus into Joe head first. Magnus leaps but Morgan catches him in mid-air and drops him with the big sideslam for 2 as Joe breaks the pin.
Crimson and Morgan double team Joe now. Magnus makes the sayve and takes out Crimson. The challengers double team Morgan in the corner now. Morgan shoves Joe into Magnus. Crimson comes in to help but accidentally spears Morgan. They send Crimson to the floor and hit the double team move on Morgan for the pinfall, the titles and the win.
Winner and New TNA Tag Team Champions: Samoa Joe and Magnus
– Christy Hemme is backstage with Bully Ray. He puts her down and says no matter what she does she won’t look good. He calls her a feeble woman and tells her to go away. Ray cuts a promo on tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match.
TNA X Division Title Match: Alex Shelley vs. Austin Aries
We go to the ring and out first comes Alex Shelley followed by the TNA X Division Champion Austin Aries. They trade holds to start and Aries goes to the corner to show off. Shelley attacks with chops and a knee to the gut. Shelley with kicks and a dropkick that sends Aries to the floor. Shelley leaps from the corner to the floor and takes Aries down again.
Shelley slingshots in and keeps control until Aries drops his neck over the top. Aries comes in with the ropes but Shelley puts his knees up. Shelley with a dropkick from the top now. Shelley clotheslines Aries to the floor. Aries goes under the ring and comes out from under the other side. Aries sends Shelley to the floor and suicide dives through the ropes, taking Shelley out. Aries brings it back in the ring and works Shelley over in the corners. Aries with a stomp on the face and an elbow to the back for 2.
Aries keeps control and calls for the swinging elbow drop but it’s countered. Aries hits Shelley with a rake to the eyes. Shelley with a kick to the head and chops. Shelley whips Aries hard into the corner and nails a big clothesline. Shelley continues the offense and hits a big knee to the back of the head, sending Aries out to the floor. Aries comes in from behind but Shelley dumps him over the top and back to the floor. Shelley runs the ropes and dives through the ropes, taking out Aries. More offense and another 2 count from Shelley.
The end comes when Aries hits knees to the head followed by the brainbuster. He turns that into Last Chancery and Shelley taps out for the win.
Winner: Austin Aries
– We get a promo video showing events leading up to tonight’s match between AJ Styles and Kazarian with Daniels’ involvement.
AJ Styles vs. Kazarian
We go to the ring and out first comes Kazarian with Daniels leading the way. Out next comes AJ Styles.
They lock up and have words. AJ rips off the Daniels t-shirt that Kazarian was wearing. They go to the mat and trade holds as Daniels looks on. The crowd chants Daniels sucks as AJ takes Kaz to the mat with a headlock.
A good solid match with lots of back and forth action and pin attempts. AJ hit the pele kick out of nowhere after several pin attempts by both men. AJ looked to springboard in the ring on Kaz but moonsaulted out onto Daniels and the floor. AJ came back in the ring but Kaz caught him with Fade to Black for the win.
Winner: Kazarian
– Christy Hemme is backstage with Eric Bischoff and Gunner. Bischoff talks about Hulk Hogan putting his nose in Bischoff’s family business. Bischoff says Hogan understands how dangerous this situation is and says Gunner is going to destroy Garett. Bischoff acts like he’s getting emotional. Gunner says he is going to finish what he started tonight. We go to a promo video for the match.
Gunner vs. Garett Bischoff
We go to the ring and out first comes Gunner with Eric Bischoff. Garett Bischoff is out next and he’s accompanied to the ring by Hulk Hogan.
The bell rings and they trade shoves and words. Garett takes Gunner down with arm drags and a dropkick. They lock up again and Gunner goes behind and gets the offense this time. Garett takes Gunner to the corner but Gunner turns it around. Garett goes to work on the arm now. More back and forth action as Hogan cheers Garett on. Garett keeps coming back until Eric grabs his leg. Hogan comes over and the ref gets between he and Eric. Gunner takes control in the ring now until Garett slides out of a slam. Garett with a backslide for 2. Garrett drops Gunner on his face and goes back to a submission.
The match goes on with more of the same. Gunner beats Garett down in front of Hogan and stomps on him. Garett tries to come back again but Gunner stops him and puts a knee to the back of his neck. Eric gets a cheap shot in on Garett while the referee is distracted. Hogan comes over and lays Eric out with a right. In the ring, Garett rolls Gunner up but he kicks out at 2. Gunner hits another neckbreaker and Hogan tells the referee to check on Garett’s neck. Gunner continues the assault on Garett’s neck as Hogan tells Earl Hebner to check Garett’s neck again. Garett blocks another neckbreaker and this brings Hogan to the apron with the white towel. Garett tells Hogan not to throw it in but turns around to a big DDT from Gunner for the win.
Winner: Gunner
– Christy Hemme is backstage with Sting. He says he’s the special enforcer for tonight’s main event so we get a clear cut winner. Sting says it’s showtime and walks off.
– We get a video package for tonight’s main event.
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm vs. Bobby Roode
We go to the ring ad out comes Sting, the special enforcer for tonight’s main event. Bully Ray is out first followed by James Storm, Jeff Hardy and then the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.
Hemme does formal ring introductions and introduces Sting first. Bully Ray cuts her off next and does her own introductions. Roode tells Ray that they can work together like old times. The bell rings and Ray goes to the floor, allowing Roode to get double teamed by Hardy and Storm. Storm with a big neckbreaker on Roode. They beat up Roode in the corner as Ray looks on from the floor.
Ray finally comes in the ring and clotheslines Hardy and Storm at the same time. Roode cheers Ray on. Ray grabs him with a big slam for a 2 count as Storm breaks the pin up. Ray knocks Hardy off the apron and goes at it with Storm. Storm fights off Roode and Ray. Storm hits the backstabber on Roode for 2. Storm and Roode work together now to double team suplex Ray. They do the Beer Money taunt but Roode decks Storm. They trade right hands in the ring but Storm hit sa forearm and Roode goes down. Storm with a big back drop on Roode. Hardy comes back in and takes out Roode for 2. Ray also comes back in and takes out Hardy with a big boot.
Ray drops a series of elbows on Hardy for a 2 count. Ray keeps the attack on Hardy going and hits him with chops in the corner. Storm and Roode come in. All four men go down after a Tower of Doom in the corner. Ray with a 2 count on Roode, then Hardy. Ray with a sideslam for 2 on Storm now. Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Ray. Hardy turns around to a fight with Roode. Roode slams Hardy on his face. Roode charges Hardy but Ray knocks him out of stride. Ray accidentally splashes the referee in the corner and he goes down. Ray hits the Bubba Bomb on Hardy but the referee is down. Sting tries to revive the referee. Hardy lays out Ray and gets the pin but the referee is still down. Roode spears Hardy as the referee comes to. Storm hits the knees to the face on Roode. Storm hits the Last Call superkick on Roode but Ray pulls the referee out of the ring. This brings Stung over. Storm splashes over the top rope but takes out the referee instead of Ray. In the ring, Roode hits a spinebuster on Ray but Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Roode. Hardy goes up top but misses the Swanton as Roode rolls out of the ring. Roode grabs the World Title belt and brings it in the ring. Sting sees him and grabs it. Roode and Sting have words. Roode shoves Sting and spits on him. Roode dares him to hit back. Sting swings the title belt but Roode ducks and Sting nails Hardy with it. Roode covers Hardy and tells Sting to make the count. Sting hesitates but counts the pin.
Winner: Bobby Roode
– After the match, Roode tells Sting to pick up the World Title belt and give it to him, then raise his hand. After relays, Against All Odds goes off the air with Roode walking to the back with the World Title as Sting and Hardy are in the ring.
To update our earlier report about Vince Russo being removed as the head booker of TNA Wrestling, Dave Lagana is not taking over Russo’s role. Lagana was at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view helping out with backstage segments.
Russo is not at the pay-per-view tonight and while many believe he is gone, nothing has been announced to the TNA crew yet.
Bruce Prichard remains the head of TNA creative. Russo and Matt Conway have been writing the scripts for Impact in recent month,s with those scripts going to Prichard for edits and then Eric Bischoff for his own feedback in production meetings at TV tapings or pay-per-views.
TNA star Jesse Sorensen was injured during his match with Zema Ion at Sunda’s TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view. TNAPresident Dixie Carter posted the following on her Twitter:
“Jesse Sorensen was injured in the opening match of tonight’s PPV. He is currently being transported to the hospital. I will keep you updated”
The injury took place when Ion hit Sorensen with an asai moonsault from the middle rope, hitting Sorensen in the face with his knees. A referee checked on Sorensen, who at first appeared to be alright. When he did not get up or move much shortly after the spot, the referee checked on him again and then threw up the “X” – indicating an injury. The match ended in a countout, with officials running to the ring to help Sorensen to the back.
Update: TNA president Dixie Carter has tweeted the following about Sorensen’s injury:
“Jesse has sustained a neck injury and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital Will keep you updated.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Legit Heat Between John Cena & The Rock: “Was I BS’ing or putting the hype machine in motion when I recently wrote that @TheRock and @JohnCena did not particularly like each other? Absolutely not. Let’s just say that the two stars have philosophical differences, to say the least. It’s the classic confrontation of a former offensive lineman (Cena) vs. a former defensive lineman (Rock) who will both bust a gut trying to one up the other at WM28 in a match that I expect to be stiffly physical.”
FCW Talent Ready To Be Called Up: “I’m working on my 2012 travel schedule now to begin returning regularly to FCW for the record but I do think that there are several talents who are in ring ready to be called up. Bottom line is that it matters not if there isn’t a viable roster spot for the new talent and a long term gameplan established for them. It would be like a NFL team drafting a college star and not having any idea as to what position the draftee was going to play.”
Will We Ever See Kurt Angle Or Sting In A WWE Ring? “Interesting question that only the talents themselves and WWE management can answer. Just a guess but I’d say not likely. Could I see both going into the WWE HOF? Without question. Could I see WWE doing a comprehensive DVD on both? Seems like a layup. Is it impossible that they ‘could’ have a final bout in WWE at a future Wrestlemania? Any thing is possible and WrestleMania is the only place to stage such an attraction in my view but that seems like a long shot. “
Vince Russo has reportedly been removed as the head writer of TNA Wrestling.
Former WWE creative team member Dave Lagana will be taking over some Russo’s duties at tonight’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. We are hearing conflicting reports as to whether Lagana will be taking over as the head of TNA creative or if he’s just helping out until a new creative structure is put in place – but Russo’s out.
Lagana tweeted the following messages on Sunday afternoon:
“And we are off and running.”
“The calm before the storm.”
Lagana signed with TNA back in October and most recently has been booking TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion.
— The official website of the BMO Harris Bank Center is advertising CM Punk as a special guest for the WWE SuperSmackDown Live special that will air on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 on Syfy.
Two bouts are advertised for the event as Daniel Bryan will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Big Show and Randy Orton will face Wade Barrett in a Street Fight Match.
— Metro Calgary has published an article on researchers with National Geographic’s Genographic Project approaching Bret Hart for a DNA sample. Links were found from as long ago as 60,000 years and in places such as India, Iran and several European countries.
“It pretty much goes back to the beginning of time,” Hart said. “It’s not something you can easily wrap your head around. It’s pretty fascinating stuff.”
— Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine have been announced for Legends of the Ring 14, which takes place Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey.
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided against appearing for TNA Wrestling at Monday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida, according to FOXSports.com.
Rosenhaus Sports president Robert Bailey, who represents Pierre-Paul, told FOXSports.com reporter Alex Marvez that the Giants star had not signed off on the deal and therefore will not appear for the wrestling group. Both TNA Wrestling and Spike TV believed a deal was finalized when the news was disclosed Saturday to the sports news website.
“He declined because he is exhausted,” Bailey said.
Pierre-Paul was scheduled to have an in-ring confrontation with Kurt Angle at the event.
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:
Thoughts on Curt Hennig nine years after his passing: “Thoughts on the late, Curt Hennig?” Obviously, he died too soon. I loved being around him. He was the life of the party and made everyone laugh. Loved his approach to life as in making every day fun and, granted, some days he had too much fun. I’ve never worked with anyone more ‘natural’ than Curt Hennig as he had ‘it’ early on and just got better until a bad back curtailed his magnificent career. I’ve been around very few, as in one hand, that could wrestle as well as Curt, hero or villain, talk/promo as well as he could, manage, AND broadcast at the level he did without little training or preparation. Only Bobby Heenan comes to mind. Taking Mr. Perfect’s total skill set into consideration, I’d confidently say that Curt Hennig was one of the top 5 all around talents ever in the business taking into consideration the aforementioned areas of expertise.
The chances of Kurt Angle or Sting appearing for WWE: ”Do I think that we will ever see Kurt Angle or Sting in a WWE ring?” Interesting question that only the talents themselves and WWE management can answer. Just a guess but I’d say not likely. Could I see both going into the WWE HOF? Without question. Could I see WWE doing a comprehensive DVD on both? Seems like a layup. Is it impossible that they ‘could’ have a final bout in WWE at a future Wrestlemania? Any thing is possible and WrestleMania is the only place to stage such an attraction in my view but that seems like a long shot.”
Shawn Michaels returning to television: “Why does it seem that HBK is coming back to WWE just in time for WrestleMania?” Easy…to sell PPVs. @ShawnMichaels is Mr Wrestlemania so why wouldn’t one have the WWE HOF’er involved at this time of the year? HBK has more than a vested interest in the seemingly pending HHH vs. Undertaker issue. Who better to address both men than Shawn Michaels? Plus, he adds star power to Raw and he’s still one of the biggest stars WWE to which has access. HBK is a natural born Show Stealer….remember that as time goes on. That’s all I’m gonna say on that topic for now but ‘stay tuned’ to Monday Night Raw.”
Ross also weighs in on the toughest wrestler ever, the best match ever, who’s ready to be promoted from Florida Championship Wrestling and more. His post is available here.
— Jeff Jarrett has been added back to the roster page on ImpactWrestling.com despite his dismissal from television in December.
At Final Resolution, Jarrett was defeated by Jeff Hardy in a Steel Cage Match. As per stipulation of the match, either Jeff or Karen Jarrett would be fired at Sting’s discretion on the following episode of Impact Wrestling. Sting decided to fire both Jarretts. Jeff was written off television to oversee Ring Ka King, a promotion based in India that is a subsidiary of TNA. Karen was written off television due to foot surgery.
— The official Twitter feed of Impact Wrestling has announced that tonight’s Against All Odds pay-per-view event will kick off with Jesse Sorensen taking on Zema Ion in an X Division #1 Contender’s Match.
— ODB appears for Remix Pro Wrestling on April 7 at Marietta Middle School Gym 242 Seventh St. Marietta, Ohio.
The eighth annual Against All Odds pay-per-view event will take place tonight at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. The following matches have been announced for the event.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm vs. Bully Ray
Challenge Match
Gunner (with Eric Bischoff) vs. Garett Bischoff (with Hulk Hogan)
Challenge Match
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs. Kazarian (with Christopher Daniels)
World Tag Team Championship Match
Matt Morgan & Crimson (c) vs. Samoa Joe and Magnus
X Division Championship Match
Austin Aries (c) vs. Alex Shelley
Women’s Knockout Championship Match
Gail Kim (c) vs. Tara
#1 Contender’s Match – X Division
Jesse Sorensen vs. Zema Ion
WWE’s Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon recently appeared on the “Heavy Muscle Radio” at RXMuscle.com. Stephanie spoke to Dave Palumbo about her marriage to WWE superstar Triple H.
— An official announcement concerning the venue for next year’s WrestleMania is expected to be made next Wednesday.
— In the second episode of Foreign Exchange with Santino Marella, the WWE Superstar goes in search for a Valentine’s Day date. See what lucky Diva will be chosen by the Milan Miracle. Justin Gabriel, Kaitlyn, Maxine, Natalya and Rosa Mendes appear.
– Episode 52 of Zack Ryder’s Z! True Long Island Story is now online. This week, Ryder (who is still selling Kane’s attack from RAW) defends himself and explains why he’s not a sellout. Plus, Ryder reveals why he was at Lucas Films studios a few weeks ago:
– The WWE YouTube channel’s latest “Backstage Fallout” video is also online, featuring post-SmackDown interviews with WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, Ted DiBiase and Hunico:
– TheDailyBeast.com has published an article on Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s strong connection to WWE. The article, titled “Rick Santorum, Family Values Candidate and Pro Wrestling Advocate?” examines Santorum’s role as a WWE lawyer back in the late 1980’s and his role helping WWE transition from “maybe it’s a sport?” to “sports entertainment.”
WWE’s formal acknowledgement that their product is “sports entertainment” has saved the company millions of dollars in taxes and state athletic commission fees. It also deregulated the pro wrestling industry and eliminated government oversight – which many have argued led to the proliferation of drug abuse among performers and premature deaths.
– The Rock was at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night for the Knicks vs. Lakers NBA basketball game. On the opening day of his new movie Journey 2, The Rock was shown on television sitting courtside with his girlfriend. You can see a picture of The Rock and his girlfriend at Friday night’s Knicks-Lakers game here.
– Here’s a first look at Mattel’s new “Apptivity” gaming technology, which allows for gamers to use Mattel toys to interact with Apple’s iPad in a whole new way. The WWE iPad game will be released in July:
– Monday’s RAW will feature a rare appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. In a sign that WWE really is going all-out to jumpstart the road to WrestleMania, HBK is now being advertised for the already-loaded March 12th RAW from Cleveland, Ohio.
The official website of Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena is advertising John Cena, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Triple H for 3/12.
– WWE has released an updated schedule for the relaunched YouTube channel:
Tuesdays – RAW “Backstage Fallout” & Dolph Ziggler’s “WWE Download”
Wednesdays – “WWE Inbox”
Thursdays – “Outside the Ring”
Fridays – Zack Ryder’s YouTube show & Smackdown “Backstage Fallout”
Saturdays – “Santino’s Foreign Exchange”
Sundays – “Are You Serious?” with Josh Mathews & Road Dogg
The “Superstar Toyz” show does not yet have a regular air date.
WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio appeared on San Francisco’s 95.7 radio station to promote his return to the ring this weekend against Sheamus. Here are some highlights of what Del Rio said about:
His Groin Injury: Del Rio said he “completely tore” his groin. He called it the worst injury a man can suffer and said they had to reattach a muscle from his leg to his hip. “Now I’m running, jumping, and ready to roll into the ring.”
Not Liking Other WWE Wrestlers: Del Rio said he doesn’t hang out with many wrestlers outside of the ring. “To be honest, I don’t like most of the guys,” Del Rio said with a laugh.
Legitimately Not Liking The Miz In Particular: Del Rio was asked which wrestlers don’t get along or that he doesn’t like. “The Miz,” Del Rio said. “I hate The Miz. This is not part of the show. I really dislike like that guy. I’ve tried to punch him in the face several times, not in the ring, I mean outside the ring. He’s like a little girl. He’s always running away from me … There’s a big difference between The Miz and I,” Del Rio said. “I’m a real athlete. He’s just a loud, stupid little kid. He’s one of those guys who was probably bullied when he was in school and that’s the reason now that he’s so loud and he wants to get attention from everybody.”
Del Rio also had some interesting comments about wrestling groupies. “They’re interesting,” he said. “That’s all I’m going to say .. There are some ladies who really enjoy wrestling and they enjoy wrestlers.”
— Following strong sales for the The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro DVD last year, WWE has plans to release another video set highlighting the best of World Championship Wrestling later this year.
Amazon.com is currently taking pre-orders for a WCW Clash of the Champions DVD from WWE on May 22, 2012. Run time is listed at 540 minutes.
Clash of the Champions were a series of professional wrestling television specials aired by WCW from 1988 to 1997. The specials were supercards intended to feature pay-per-view caliber matches, similar to the World Wrestling Federation’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
— Friday marks the nine year anniversary of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Shawn Michaels went on Twitter to remember the legendary wrestler he worked at length with.
“I’d like to honor the memory of Curt Hennig, unbelievably gifted, great teacher and one of the funniest, most joyful guys to be around. Mr.P!!” Michaels wrote.
At the suggestion of Hennig, Michaels adopted “The Heartbreak Kid” nickname upon turning heel in 1992.
Jeremiah Riggs, who appeared as a contestant on Tough Enough last year, believes he’s been blackballed from the professional wrestling industry after receiving no interest from WWE nor TNA Wrestling last year.
“I’ve been approached by a few wrestling promoters about coming in and doing some stuff. My manager even met with TNA several times but in the end politics won out. Am I blackballed in wrestling because of FCW? Probably, but it’s all good. I enjoyed wrestling but I’m not a wrestler. I’m a professional athlete,” he told www.hereisyourwinner.com in an interview.
In regards to FCW, a “notorious incident” with Dusty Rhodes and training staff led to WWE rejecting the Mississippi native.
“There were a lot of guys with the same look doing the same stuff trying to kiss ass and get ahead. That’s not me,” he says. “Some of the guys told me they thought it was great because I was myself and I didn’t sell out or kiss ass. I have nothing but respect for Dusty or Bill (DeMott), but I’m not a yes man. I will do whatever is asked of me and give it one hundred percent but I don’t do politics. What you see is what you get.”
Riggs now has his sights set on mixed martial arts. He will make his return to the cage on March 16, 2012 at Bellator 61 against the undefeated Trey Houston. To read his comments on the fight, click here.
— Syfy issued a press release Friday announcing that a WWE SuperSmackDown Live special will air on Tuesday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m.
“SuperSmackDown Live will feature WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas, including World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Big Show, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Alicia Fox,” the press release reads. “The special will encore in SmackDown’s regular time slot on Friday, February 24 at 8PM (ET/PT).”
— Natalya has posted her first blog on her newly launched website, NattieNeidhart.com. She recalls the Kids Wrestling Association, the first wrestling promotion she ever worked for.
“What kids grow up with a wresting ring their yard? Harts! Whenever there wasn’t snow, my grandfather Stu had a ring set up outside, facing his kitchen. It was the perfect place for the Hart grandkids to…wrestle!”
— NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood owner David Marquez announced Friday on Twitter that Shelly Martinez will act as the promotion’s event hostess.
He wrote, “Happy day! @NWAHollywood has come to terms with @funtimeshelly to act as Official Hostess of our events. Join us 2/12 & see what FUN is!”
Sunday’s show in Glendale, California will feature a “Come-As-You-Are No DQ Street Fight” pitting “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce and Colt Cabana against Tough Enough contestant “Big Nasty” Eric Watts and Cedric the Hitman. Event details are available at www.nwahollywood.com.
— The February 9 episode of Impact Wrestling scored a 1.05 cable rating, which marks as the program’s lowest number of the year. Last week’s show drew a 1.16.
Impact Wrestling averaged 1,500,000 viewers over the course of two hours, down from last week’s average of 1,610,000.
The main event featuring James Storm and Sting against Bobby Roode and Bully Ray garnered the show’s peak rating with a 1.12. It is the first time this year in which the main event drew the program’s highest rating.
— Mickie James will face Cheerleader Melissa and Malia Hosaka in a Triple Threat Match at a Traditional Championship Wrestling event taking place on Saturday, April 7 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Event details are available here.
— TNA has released the video that will kick off Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view event. In the main event, Bobby Roode will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Bully Ray.
Hulk Hogan made headlines last month when he told TMZ that he was getting ready to shave his mustache and his head prior to auditioning for some movie roles.
The Hulkster’s announcement sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy and prompted Dr. Aaron Perlut (Chairman of the American Mustache Institute — seriously) to plead with Hogan to keep his “lower nose foliage.”
Hogan complied – but now says he’d shave off the ‘stache, for a price. During an interview with BANG Showbiz: ”
“When I talked about it (shaving off the mustache) everyone went crazy. Loads of people began jumping on it and the next thing I knew people were like, ‘Oh my god he’s shaving his mustache off!’
“The next thing I know is I had one of my sports agents calling me saying, ‘Don’t shave it off!’ I’ve heard from Gillette, Right Guard. They said we may have a deal, so I said I’d wait for a while.”
When asked if he really would lose the mustache – which Hulk has rarely been seen without over the last 40 years – he added:
“If you pay me a couple million bucks, hell yeah I’d shave it off! It grows back.”
