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Rock’s Status After WM28, Rumble Matches, Hall Update

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– Jim Ross was asked on Twitter this week whether The Rock will be done as an in-ring performer after WrestleMania 28. JR said it’s “absolutely” realistic that The Rock will be done after his match with John Cena.

– Matches booked but not yet announced for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view include: John Cena vs. Kane and a triple threat match between Daniel Bryan, Big Show and Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight title.

Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust was also discussed for the Rumble, but it’s still up in the air as to whether WWE will go through with this one.

– A new video on Scott Hall’s YouTube channel features a message about Hall’s status in rehab:

“Quick update on Scott Hall, he’s doing very well in rehab and will be evaluated for his release soon. WWE has been monitoring his stay so you may see him on another channel soon.”

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Latest On Royal Rumble Winner, Lesnar vs. Fedor Discussed

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– While this is most likely a long shot, Japan’s Inoki Genome Federation are trying to put together a pro wrestling match between Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko. Don’t hold your breath on this one.

– We’ve got an update on who is being discussed to win the Royal Rumble. While Randy Orton was considered the front runner to win the event in his home town of St. Louis, more recently, talk has shifted to Chris Jericho winning the Rumble.

Chris Jericho will likely be wrestling CM Punk for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 28. WWE creative recently proposed the idea of Jericho remaining silent until after he wins the Royal Rumble. Jericho would give his big victory speech on RAW the next night and issue his formal challenge to Punk.

– Google and Twitter have been at odds this week over a new Google feature where the search engine displays results from its own Google + social networking service above search results of Twitter.

Twitter reps have used search results for “@WWE” to show their concern for Google’s new feature.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Ric Flair’s Status For WWE’s Hall Of Fame Ceremony

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Ric Flair's 2008 HOF Induction

History will be made during WrestleMania weekend, as Ric Flair becomes the first wrestler to ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice. Flair, who was inducted by himself back in 2008, will join the Hall once again as a member of the Four Horsemen. With Flair currently under contract with TNA, the question is whether he will be able to attend WWE’s ceremony in person to accept his second ring.

Not only will Flair be the first time a wrestler is inducted twice, but it will also be the first time WWE has ever inducted somebody under contract to a rival promotion. Triple H reportedly called Ric Flair on prior to Monday’s RAW to inform him of the Horsemen induction.

Flair was at the TNA Impact tapings in Orlando when he got the call. TNA management was not aware of Flair’s induction prior to the news being announced on RAW. Most people within WWE are expecting Ric Flair to show up at the WWE Hall of Fame this year, regardless if TNA lets him or not.

Flair and Vince McMahon are said to be on good terms and the possibility of the Horsemen being inducted has likely been discussed between the two in previous conversations. The fact that Flair was featured in the video package on RAW as well as the press released that was issued this week has led some to believe WWE that Flair has already agreed to appear.

WWE wants Flair to be there and likely wants him to be involved in the Network when it launches.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Big Update On WrestleMania 29’s Location & Headliners

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With the announcement that Edge will be leading the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, some see that as a sign WrestleMania 29 will be headed to Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas – not Toronto, as previously rumored.

One scenario that was discussed would be for Edge and Trish Stratus being inducted in Toronto next year, but with Edge’s induction taking place this April, Texas could host WrestleMania 29. We’ll find out in just a few months, as WWE typically makes the announcement at WrestleMania.

If WrestleMania 29 does take place from Dallas, Texas, the stage appears to be set for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to make his in-ring return in front of his home town crowd.

A special appearance from Brock Lesnar and perhaps The Undertaker’s retirement would also go a long way helping WWE sell out the massive Cowboys Stadium.

Austin, Lesnar and The Undertaker’s final match could help WWE draw their biggest live crowd in company history, with Cowboys Stadium holding upto 100,000 fans for boxing events.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Tyson Appearing At Wrestling Convention, Orton On WWE Mag

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— Mike Tyson has been announced as a vendor guest for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California. The WrestleMania XIV celebrity will be doing photo-ops for $99. Autograph prices have yet to be announced.

— The Yakima Herald-Republic has published an article promoting this Friday’s Raw live event at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Washington. It is titled “It’s not fake, it’s scripted.”

T.J. Tranchell writes, “This is a good time to have the “wrestling’s fake” conversation. I don’t disagree with the idea; I disagree with the semantics. People get seriously injured. Owen Hart died. Let’s change the wording. Wrestling isn’t fake, it’s scripted. In general, the outcomes are predetermined. You don’t bet on professional wrestling the way you’d bet on a boxing match.”

— Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the February 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. The headline reads “THE VIPER TARGETS WRESTLEMANIA.” Also featured is Triple H’s guide to the Elimination Chamber and a poster featuring The Rock.

Title Match Announced For Impact, Sarita Returning To The Ring

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— ImpactWrestling has announced that Jeff Hardy will be getting another shot at Bobby Roode’s World Heavyweight Championship this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a rematch from Sunday’s Genesis pay-per-view.

In another Genesis rematch, “Cowboy” James Storm will square off against Kurt Angle in a match to determine the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.

Matt Morgan and Crimson are advertised to compete this Thursday against Rob Terry and Television Champion Robbie E.

— Sarita stated Wednesday on Facebook that she will be wrestling at this Friday’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event at Arena Mexico. The TNA Knockout has not competed since taking a scary fall during a two out of three falls tag team match at the same venue on November 22, 2011. She slipped on the top rope while attempting to dive and fell flat on her face onto the wooden floor. She was placed on a stretcher while the match continued and subsequently hospitalized.

Lex Luger Comments On WWE Excluding Him From Hall Of Fame

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Lex Luger appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Whether he was contacted by WWE about the Hall of Fame: “I heard from a buddy of mine this morning, I didn’t see it, that they were going to do something with the Hall of Fame and the Four Horsemen and it looked like they were going to plug Barry Windham in there. I know the original group was with Ole (Anderson). So I always thought it would have been Ric (Flair), Arn (Anderson), Tully (Blanchard), and Ole with JJ (Dillon) which was the original group. Barry Windham obviously is a wonderful choice. I know he has some health struggles. What an honor that would be and maybe a real boost to both Barry and his father who also has some health issues. I think that would be very cool at the Hall of Fame to see Barry get inducted.”

Barry Windham being picked for the Horsemen for the Hall of Fame and not him: “I think Barry Windham would be a splendid choice for getting inducted. What a great honor for him. I think it would be a great time in Barry’s life right now from what I hear, for him to receive that. I’m going to be down in South Beach for Wrestlemania. I wouldn’t miss it. I will be in the audience cheering on the guys who gets selected as the Four Horsemen. Im just thrilled that I was a part of it at all. I think Barry is a great pick.”

Whether he feels slighted: “I’ll be totally honest, I really don’t. My career in retrospect and you guys know the place I’m in, in my life right now and to be mentioned in the same breath with the famed Four Horsemen. To be a part of that in the time I was. I think Barry is a wonderful selection. I’ll be there to give him a standing ovation and cheer him on. I am happy I was ever a part of that group so I don’t feel slighted at all. They give careful thought I’m sure when they do this. I think Barry would be a great addition. If they are not going to go with Ole then Barry is a great choice. Guys it would really be a toss up after Ole, and WWE for whatever reason is very careful with their selection and give a lot of thought to it like I said. It really could be any of us and if Barry is the selection. I love Barry. He is a great talent and I am all for it, I really am.”

The Rock To Intro NFL Game, Batista Video, Cena-Fruity Pebbles

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– The Rock announced on Twitter that he is shooting a video package that will be used in the opening of Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers:

“Shooting the #ElectrifyingIntro for @NFLonFOX Packers/Giants this Sunday. #RoadToTheLombardi”

– ESPN.com has picked up the story of John Cena working with Post Cereals to appear on the box of Fruity Pebbles. Cena is quoted in the article, saying:

“It’s great when you can take a negative like the Rock’s comments and turn it into a chance to be a box of cereal. Only in the WWE can that happen.”

– Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the new Scorpion King 3 DVD co-starring former WWE star Batista:

Next HOF Inductee, DDP Says He Saved Jericho’s Career, WM29

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– Former WWF champion Yokozuna will be announced for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame class, according to a report on Wrestlezone.com. Yokozuna, who passed away back in 2000 at age 34, was related to WrestleMania main eventer The Rock.

– There continues to be a lot of talk about WWE holding WrestleMania 29 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

– Former WWE/WCW wrestler Diamond Dallas Page says his DDP Yoga program helped Chris Jericho get into the physical shape required for him to make a return to WWE.

DDP told Steven Muehlhausen of The Fight Club Chicago radio show this week:

“Jericho gave a testimony saying, ‘DDP Yoga changed my life,’ after one of our workouts. [Doctors] said Chris Jericho had a herniated L4 and he was done and he came back with my workout… He did not think he was going to be able to come back. Within two weeks, he was already feeling, ‘Wait a minute, I think I’m gonna be able to do this.'”

DDP says Jericho is now “completely pain free” and several other members of the WWE locker room (including Santino) want to try his yoga program. He also mentioned that he recently signed a WWE Legends contract.

 

WWE Touts Edge and The Four Horsemen Entering WWE HOF

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Edge® and the Four Horsemen to Enter WWE Hall of Fame

STAMFORD, Conn.– WWE® announced today that Edge and the Four Horsemen will be among the 2012 class of inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Saturday, March 31 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, the evening before WrestleMania® XXVIII.

Throughout his storied career, Edge, known as the “Rated-R Superstar™,” held every major title in WWE. He is a former WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, Tag Team Champion and King of the Ring®. His final match took place at last year’s WrestleMania in Atlanta, where he defeated Alberto Del Rio™ to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 71,000 fans. One week later, in an emotional speech on Monday Night Raw®, Edge was forced to retire due to a neck injury. Outside the ring, Edge is a New York Times bestselling author.

The Four Horsemen, consisting of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson™, Tully Blanchard™, Barry Windham™ and manager J.J. Dillon, were the most dominant group of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s, transcending the world of sports entertainment into all avenues of pop culture. This grouping was the first of its kind, paving the way for the likes of the NWO®, Evolution® and DX®. While the Four Horsemen would undergo many transformations over the years, none would ever be as paramount as Flair, Anderson, Blanchard, Windham and Dillon.

Additional inductees will be announced on WWE programming over the coming weeks.

Tickets for the 2012 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony go on sale this Saturday, January 14 at 10 AM ET and will be available through the AmericanAirlines Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or by calling Ticketmaster Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Clay Comments On His Debut, Vince Featured In Anti-Romney Ad

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– Brodus Clay was interviewed backstage after RAW after making his debut as the Funkasaurus. Clay says despite his fun-loving demeanor and sweet ass dance moves, rest assured – the WWE locker room should take him seriously and if you have any questions about that, ask [what’s left of] Curt Hawkins. The video can be seen at WWE.com.

– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is ironically featured in a new political ad attacking Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. McMahon, a staunch Republican, is featured in an ad by the Democratic National Committee mocking Mitt Romney’s gaffe from this week where he said he likes firing people. Not only are the McMahons both Republicans, but Linda publicly endorsed Mitt Romney for President and Vince McMahon donated $2,500 to Romney’s campaign back in November.

Footage of various television shows and movies are shown with people saying “You’re Fired” and Vince McMahon appears at the end, check it out here:

RAW’s Anniversary, Goldust-Cody Update, DH Smith On WWE

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– On this day back in 1993, WWE Monday Night RAW debuted on the USA Network. The one-hour show featured The Undertaker defeating Damien Demento in the main event.

– Mick Foley’s appearance on Celebrity Wife Swap will air on Tuesday, January 24th at 9pm EST on ABC.

– Bret Hart congratulated Edge on his WWE Hall of Fame induction and says he hopes to be there for the ceremony. The Hitman wrote:

“Congrats to the inductees so far to the WWE HOF, esp. Edge. He’ll always be one of my crew & I hope 2 be there 2 shake his hand that night”

– Goldust noted on Twitter yesterday that WWE is seriously considering a match between he and brother Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 28.

– Former WWE star David Hart Smith appeared on the Major League Wrestling podcast this week and had the following to say about his time with the company:

“We had a good title run with Tyson Kidd. I was kind of disheartened that more didn’t happen with my time in the company. I felt that i certainly had enough talent… It’s not exactly in my short-term plans to go back there. We’ll put the bookmark in this chapter read on and maybe go back to it sometime. It was definitely hot/cold with the company. When it was good it was good, and when it was bad it was like WWE isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

Roode Talks Hogan Burying Him, Jeff Hardy, Being Champion

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TNA World heavyweight champion Booby Roode was recently interviewed by the UK’s SportsVibe.co.uk and had this to say about the following subjects:

Becoming TNA World Champion: “My dream when I got into this business was to become World Champion and that I am. I’m at the pinnacle of my career and it’s a moment I’ve waited for and worked for, for a long time so I’m going to make the most of it, take advantage of this opportunity and hopefully the gold will be around my waist for a long time. I’m enjoying being the bad guy again and really like the way my character is being portrayed right now; I feel right at home with it. For the most part I well and truly enjoy being on this side of the fence.”

The State Of TNA’s Tag Team Division: “There are always changes in wrestling. At the time when James and I became a tag team we just kind of took off straight away and basically became an overnight success. At the time, Team 3D were still going strong and Motor City Machine Guns were a young team, but a really good team as well. All three teams were given a lot of television time and the people in the offices were taken aback. We really made them write for us – which gave us TV time – and the tag team division had more of a focus on it then. Things have changed a little bit now, but we still have an opportunity to have some great tag team matches here in TNA and when the time is right the focus will be put back on the tag team division.”

Hulk Hogan Saying He’s Not Ready to Be Champion:  “The comments that Hogan made didn’t bother me in the slightest. People in this industry say a lot of things and you learn to take it with a pinch of salt. Honestly, I think what Hogan said has worked in my favour, it gave the little extra fire I needed and look where I am now, I’m the face of TNA.“

Jeff Hardy’s Return To TNA: “It has been well documented that Jeff has come back to TNA and has turned his life around. His passion for wrestling and the business is back stronger than ever before and his matches over the past couple of months have proven that.  There are still going to be some doubters, but I think that now Jeff is back to being the old Jeff Hardy and where my character is at – and with the top prize in the company at stake – I think the story we are going to tell and the match we are going to have will be great.”

To read the full interview, including Bobby Roode’s favorite wrestlers when he was growing up, getting to work with Ric Flair and more, head over to SportsVibe.co.uk.

Zack Ryder “Injured,” Rection To Brodus Clay & Edge-HOF

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– Zack Ryder was “seriously injured” at the hands of Kane on RAW, according to a new storyline article on the WWE website.
Ryder is recovering from injuries and it’s unlikelyhe will be able to defend the United States Title on next week’s RAW.

Ryder will reportedly undergo “further evaluation” at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California before next week’s RAW.

– The backstage reaction to Brodus Clay’s debut was overall very positive. While many are taking a “wait and see” approach to how the character develops over the coming weeks,he got a lot of praise for pulling off the gimmick well and coming off as believable.

– Another moment that went over well at RAW was the announcement of Edge’s induction into the Hall of Fame. Edge is still very well liked in the WWE locker room and even though he will be the youngest person ever inducted, nobody was saying he doesn’t deserve it.

– WWE Tag Team champion Kofi Kingston noted that he was home for the first time on a Tuesday night in a long time so he and Evan Bourne won’t be in action together on this week’s SmackDown.

(Partial Source: pwinsider.com)

Ring Of Honor Clears Another New Television Market (Provience)

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UPDATE: Ring of Honor sent out an announcement today regarding another new market that will now be airing their weekly television show.

ROH fans in Providence, Rhode Island can check out ROH TV on  WLWC starting on Saturday February 4th at 10:00pm.

Here’s ROH’s announcement from Monday announcing 6 new markets:

RING OF HONOR WRESTLING CLEARS ADDITIONAL MARKETS

(January 9, 2012 – Baltimore, MD) Ring of Honor Wrestling is proud to announce the first additions of 2012 to it’s growing lineup of affiliate stations across the United States. ROH now airs on over 50 Sinclair Broadcast Group stations in 42 markets reaching a total of 25% of US households. As our station lineup continues to grow in 2012 we want to thank each and every ROH fan that views our weekly one-hour program on these great affiliates. We look to continue to provide some of the best and most exciting pro wrestling action anywhere.

Look for Ring of Honor on these stations:

Salt Lake City, Utah
KUTV (CBS) began airing Ring of Honor on January 7th, 2012 – Saturdays 1:30am
KMYU (MYTV) began airing Ring of Honor on January 7th, 2012 – Saturday 9pm

Austin, Texas
KEYE (CBS) began airing Ring of Honor on January 7th, 2012 – Saturdays 12:30am

West Palm Beach, FL
WTCN (MYTV) began airing Ring of Honor on January 7th, 2012 Saturday 8-9pm
WTVX (CW) began airing Ring of Honor on January 7th, 2012 – Saturdays 11pm-12M

Medford, Oregon
KTVL (CBS) will air Ring of Honor starting on January 16th, 2012 – Saturdays 11:30pm

Grand Rapids, Michigan
WWMT (CBS) will air Ring of Honor starting on March 3rd, 2012 – Saturdays 12:30am.
WWMT.2 (CW) will air Ring of Honor starting on March 3rd. 2012 – Saturdays 11pm.

Lansing, Michigan
WLAJ (ABC) will start airing Ring of Honor on March 3rd, 2012 – Saturdays at 11pm.
WLAJ (CW 100+) will start airing Ring of Honor on March 2nd, 2012 – Fridays at 2am

About Ring of Honor

RING OF HONOR WRESTLING is the absolute best pound-for-pound professional wrestling in the world today! Airing across the country on the Sinclair Broadcast Group family of television stations, ROH has been delivering the cutting edge of pro wrestling for ten years. ROH prides itself on cultivating innovative stars, such as Davey Richards, Jay & Mark Briscoe, Eddie Edwards, Kevin Steen, Charlie Haas, Shelton Benjamin, and Jay Lethal that are unlike any wrestlers you have experienced anywhere else! Watch as RING OF HONOR WRESTLING redefines your expectations of what professional wrestling could be starting Saturday nights on Sinclair Broadcast affiliates across the country, and every Monday at ROHWrestling.com!

For more information on RING OF HONOR WRESTLING, visit www.ROHWrestling.com.

WWE Releases Updated PPV Schedule For 2012

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WWE released the following list of 2012 pay-per-views. The second Otcober event Vengeance has been dropped and we are now back down to 12 shows.

  • January 29: Royal Rumble
  • February 19: Elimination Chamber
  • April 1: Wrestlemania
  • April 29: Extreme Rules
  • May 20: Over the Limit
  • June 17: Bragging Rights
  • July 15: Money In The Bank
  • August 19: Summerslam
  • September 23: Night of Champions
  • October 28: Hell in A Cell
  • November 18: Survivor Series
  • December 16: TLC

RAW Ratings Down From Last Week, Superstar Matches

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— Monday’s WWE RAW drew a 2.87 cable rating (4 million viewers), down from last week’s 3.1 cable rating (4.44 million viewers viewers).

Once again, the show lost viewership in the second hour. The hourly ratings were 2.96 in hour one and 2.77 in hour two, a loss of around 176,000 viewers.

The BCS Championship game on ESPN did a 16.22 cable rating (24.21 million viewers) – down 15% from last year’s BCS game. The game was a blowout, so it’s unlikely RAW’s second hour was affected by the competition.

— WWE taped the following matches Tuesday night from Loredo, TX for this week’s Superstars:

* Evan Bourne vs. Michael McGillicutty

* Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly

* Wade Barrett vs. Yoshi Tatsu

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Credit to WrestlingINC.com and Tano Rodriguez for the following spoiler results from Tuesday’s WWE Smackdown taping from Laredo, TX:

* Daniel Bryan comes out and cuts a promo. He’s interrupted by Mark Henry, who says he’s banned from ringside but stated that he’ll get a title match next week.

* Justin Gabriel defeated Heath Slater.

Cody Rhodes cut a promo.

* Cody Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson.

* Ted Dibiase defeated Drew McIntyre. Hunico did commentary during the match.

* Sheamus defeated Jinder Mahal.

* David Otunga defeated Santino Marella.

* Brodus Clay squashed Tyson Kidd.

* Tamina defeated Natalya.

* Wade Barrett cuts a promo. He will face Sheamus next week.

* The Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan w/ AJ. AJ took a bump from Show during the match and is stretchered out. The match is ruled a no contest.

Dark Match:

* Mark Henry called out the Big Show. Show laid out Henry with one punch and got the win.

Sky Comments On Rumor That TNA Thinks She’s Too Provocative

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Velvet Sky stated on Busted Open (which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.) that TNA Wrestling officials clarified to her an online rumor published on various wrestling websites last month indicating that they view her unfavorably: it’s untrue.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported in December that much of Karen Jarrett’s degrading on-air dialogue toward the wrestling starlet is based on how certain company officials legitimately perceive her. She immediately dismissed the rumor on Twitter, “LOL that RUMOR is so far from the truth. Don’t believe everything you read people…” She explains further on Busted Open.

“Honestly, I don’t know where that came from but I’ve spoken to the office. I get along with everyone great in TNA. As far as I know. If they have a problem with me then I don’t know, especially when it comes to the office. I’ve always been very respectful of the office and vice versa,” Sky says.

“I never had a problem with anyone in the office or in creative. That rumor is exactly what it is…a rumor. I don’t know where it started. The office talked to me about it and clarified it to me that it wasn’t true, and don’t believe it, it’s ridiculous. I didn’t believe it in the first place. When that rumor first started, I’m like where did that rumor come from? I get along with everybody. No one thinks that about me. No one thinks I’m too provocative.”

Randy Orton Update, Helms Undergoes Surgery, Calvin Raines

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— Randy Orton’s physical rehabilitation on his back appears to be going well, as the Orton family is headed on a vacation this week. Orton tweeted on Tuesday:

“Alanna’s passport just came so we are ready for our family vacation! Tomorrow we’re off to the Bahamas!!”

— Former WWE star Shane Helms underwent another surgery on this morning morning. Helms tweeted:

“Still groggy and can barely see the keyboard, but surgery was successful. On my way home now.”

Helms has undergone several surgeries since he was injured in a motorcycle accident on May 5, 2011 and noted on Twitter that he hopes today’s surgery is the final one. He stated in a recent interview with prowrestling.net that he plans to return to the ring later this year.

— As previously reported, FCW wrestler Calvin Raines made his WWE debut at Sunday’s SmackDown live event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Raines partnered with Drew McIntyre in a tag team match against Ezekiel Jackson and Trent Barreta. Some background information on Raines, he is a former student at Team 3D’s wrestling academy. He was actually released at one point for showing up late to FCW events and getting new tattoo work without first getting clearance from WWE.

Linda McMahon Accused Of Plagiarism

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United States Senate candidate Linda McMahon is being accused of plagiarizing an op-ed piece that she ran last week on a Connecticut news site.

In the piece, which can be read at CTNewsJunkie.com, McMahon writes the following about of TransCanada’s pipeline:

“Keystone XL stands ready to put some 13,000 Americans to work to construct the actual pipeline. These would be pipefitters, welders, mechanics, electricians, and heavy equipment operators, among others.”

Compare McMahon’s quote to the following text from the TransCanada website:

“TransCanada is poised to put 13,000 Americans to work to construct the pipeline — pipefitters, welders, mechanics, electricians, heavy equipment operators, among other jobs.”

McMahon also wrote:

“Another 7,000 manufacturing jobs would be created across the U.S. What’s more, thousands of additional spin-off jobs likely would be created by the increased demand for local goods and services along the pipeline route.”

Compare that with what’s on the TransCanada site:

“… in addition to 7,000 manufacturing jobs that would be created across the U.S. Additionally, local businesses along the pipeline route will benefit from the 118,000 spin-off jobs Keystone XL will create through increased business for local goods and service providers.”

McMahon’s office on Tuesday defended the language:

“These are factual statements widely used by advocates for the Pipeline,” said McMahon spokeswoman Erin Isaac via email to HuffingtonPost.com. “In researching the project and arguments both for and against it, the most compelling language revolves around job creation. These stats are repeated by respected industry experts and across multiple sources including TransCanada’s website, which we should have cited in our piece. Ultimately, this project represents thousands of jobs and it remains unacceptable that this administration would continue to put up roadblocks when millions of Americans are still looking for work.”

Kurt Angle Says 2011 Was A “Subpar” Year For TNA

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TNA star Kurt Angle appeared on the Busted Open radio show this weekand spoke about a number of topics, including 2011 being a “subpar” year for TNA, Samoa Joe’s lack of push, a major last-minute change that took place at Bound For Glory, who he sees as the next crop of TNA main eventers and more. Here are some highlights of what Kurt Angle told Busted Open about:

2011 A “Subpar” Year for TNA: “I think that 2011 was a subpar year, I think We did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. The most important thing I would say is the lack of communication within the writing and creative team. When you have a written show and you present that to everybody and then they start changing things and it becomes a watered down version of what the writer wanted in the first place. Now you don’t know which way to go. We do have a lot of chefs in the kitchen. I think that is the hardest part for our company because when Vince Russo is writing the show and you have Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff and a few other people and other TNA writers changing it up the last second which I don’t disagree with what Hogan says, I agree with him 100 percent.

“But we need to regroup earlier, maybe a week earlier and get it done, change it up, make sure we have the right changes so that we can keep going with the story the right way. So I think 2011 was a confusing year, so this is what we are going to capitalize on in 2012. We are not going to make the same mistakes. I think Hulk Hogan will get with to Vince Russo quicker, I think Eric Bischoff will get with Vince Russo quicker. We will get the show written, get it done a week earlier instead the day of the show, and changing it up. It was just very frustrating. Because I’m a little bit of part of everything in TNA and I watch what’s going on and sometimes I get a little frustrated when I see what Vince Russo is trying to do and I see what the outcome is.”

Last Minute Changes At Bound For Glory: “We literally had a change in 2011 at Bound For Glory right before the match in the main event. In other words, somebody was supposed to win and it got turned to me winning that night. It worked out for the better, I’m not going to lie to you. So the change was good, but literally we didn’t hear about it until that night and me and Bobby Roode was like What?! I’m winning?! I have a torn hamstring and I can’t even wrestle.”

Samoa Joe’s Lack Of Push: “We have not done Joe justice. Whether it had to do with an attitude problem an attitude change. In wrestling you have to play by the rule book. Joe was a little bit of a rebel. I think that might have hurt his cause. I believe Joe is rational. I think we can still make Joe a big star again. I think Joe is a full time main eventer. I think we need to do it now because if we don’t do it now it will never happen.”

TNA’s Next Main Eventers “AJ Styles was there for a while. And then we pulled him down which I didn’t agree with. Now we got AJ up there, Jeff Hardy is here, Robert Roode, James Storm. We’re starting to get to a point where these guys are going to start full time and Kurt Angle and Sting can dwindle off and retire. That’s what we need to happen and that’s what’s happening now and I’m glad because I don’t want to leave TNA and leave an open spot there. I cant wrestle forever. As a matter of fact I am already talking retirement. It’s about making guys and putting them in my spot and making sure they are secure there before I leave.”

Busted Open radio can be heard every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Hulk Hogan Rambles On Ultimate Warrior, Says He “Irrelevant”

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Hulk Hogan has decided to interject himself into the Kevin Nash vs. Ultimate Warrior e-feud and adamantly says that he’s on Team Nash. The Hulkster was asked late Monday night to give his thoughts on a proposed mixed martial arts duel between the two wrestling mega-stars and responded with a rambling post trashing the founding father of ring intensity.

“Kevin would destroy him ,the wattiors already got a million excuses, if you touch me or I need to train for a year now u can see tight through the ass clown and most people now get way he was a pain in the ass,couldn’t do business, and he sucked in the ring that about says it all, he’s irrelevant and totally out of gas except for the few remaining warrior twitter marks,” Hogan writes.

“Good luck with ur Great life Jim, I have said my last comment about this looser and his great life he’s living. gag me with a spoon. HH”

Days earlier, Hogan offered lighter comments when asked for his thoughts on the feud. He wrote of Warrior, “he’s so far gone and has wasted his life ,at this point praying for Jim is the best way to help him and his daughter. HH.”

Cena Honored To Be With Fruity Pebbles, Helms Having Surgery

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— WWE.com has published a press release on John Cena’s partnership with Post Fruity Pebbles, which includes a collectable cereal box and an instant-win promotion awarding a VIP meet-and-greet with the talent.

“It is truly an honor to team up with Post Fruity Pebbles. After all, who doesn’t dream of being on a cereal box one day?” said Cena. “I am proud that the partnership also spreads awareness about the life-changing wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and ‘be a STAR’s’ anti-bullying message of showing tolerance and respect.”

— Former WWE performer Shane Helms (a/k/a The Hurricane) stated on Twitter that he is undergoing foot surgery today. On May 5, 2011, Helms and his girlfriend were involved in a motorbike accident in North Carolina. Helms suffered a broken leg, ankle, jaw, and nose during the accident, as well as sustaining other fractures and receiving over 200 stitches, while his girlfriend sustained a broken neck.

Matches Taped For WWE Superstars, Tarver Training For MMA

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— Matches taped Monday night in Corpus Christi, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:

* Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly

* Evan Bourne vs. Michael McGillicutty

— Former WWE star Michael Tarver stated on Twitter that he has began training for a career in mixed martial arts.

— WWE will hold SmackDown live events at Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing, Michigan on March 10, 2012 and Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 11, 2012.

— Brodus Clay’s Raw SuperShow debut also marked as opponent Curt Hawkins’ first match on the program. The former WWE Tag Team Champion was drafted to Raw last April in the Supplemental Draft.

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