– WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio announced on a Canadian radio station this morning that WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart will be appearing on tonight’s RAW. Del Rio teased that he’ll be getting physically involved with Bret Hart, who has not been publicly advertised to appear. To follow up on this news, Bret Hart is indeed backstage at RAW and will be appearing on tonight. (Source: PWInsider)
– WWE Diva Maryse posted the following update on Twitter over the weekend regarding her recovery from surgery:
“I met with my surgeon today and she said everything is perfect.”
“There’s a little bit of fluid inside by the incision and where the repairs are done, but it’s totally normal apparently. The scar healed really good and there is no infection. So the surgery was a total success.”
Maryse underwent surgery on August 25th to correct an abdominal hernia and is expected to miss several more weeks of action.
— Following last night’s SmackDown live event in Moncton, New Brunswick, Randy Orton, Sin Cara, Mark Henry, Christian, Sheamus, Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett were told to head to tonight’s Raw SuperShow in Ottawa, Ontario.
— Shawn Michaels is asking fans on Twitter to “Like” the Activision Hunts page on Facebook and say in a post they were sent by him. One person will win a chance to hunt with the WWE Hall of Famer this week in New York City as he promotes Activision’s Dangerous Hunts video game.
— The death of midget wrestling star Little Tokyo (Shigeri Akabane) will be mentioned in this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated. He died last Tuesday of a heart attack in St. Joseph, Missouri at the age of 71.
Wrestling legend Mick Foley was recently interviewed by Josh Stewart of AsTheWorldTurnsLeft.com spoke about his Here are some highlights of what Foley said about:
Whether TNA Is Really Profitable:
“I was never close enough to know anything more than you guys in the media would know. I do think they had a really profitable year in 2009, and then I heard they may have overspent. But Bob Carter said something very prophetic to Dusty Rhodes when I asked Dusty about the status of the company. He said, ‘Until I close the doors, it’s not a loss, it’s an investment.’ So, I’m glad they’re around, I really wish them the very best, it was a very good place for me to go for a few years. I didn’t see eye-to-eye with them on a lot of things, but I certainly enjoyed most of my time there.”
His Main Complaint With TNA:
“My main criticism of theirs is one that I had all along and that I expressed freely with the company, that they tried to pack too many things in every show. And at the end of the show it’s really hard for fans to see anything as really important.”
When He’ll Be Working With WWE Again:
“I’m almost sure that we’ll be working in some respect fairly soon. It’s a really good company with a really large infrastructure that offers ways for guys like me to help out that aren’t related to helping out on the TV shows.”
What His Role In WWE Will Be:
“There could be several roles. I have to do some thinking about how involved I want to get, how many days away I want to spend and whether I want my involvement to be completely off-screen. But I’m excited about working with WWE in the near future.”
There’s much more to the interview, including video from one of Mick Foley’s recent stand-up comedy routines, which you can check out at AsTheWorldTurnsLeft.com.
— The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that last Tuesday’s SmackDown taping at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio drew 3,200 fans, with only 1,600 paid. An official for the venue says the report is incorrect as the event drew a paid attendance of 3,889.
Following the event’s poor advance, WWE only sold tickets facing the camera so the Huntington Center would appear full on television. Almost all of the camera side was tarped off, along with a large part of the upper bowl, including all of the seats in the end zone.
— “THQ Tank”, the Global Community Manager for THQ’s WWE video game line, stated today on Twitter that there are fourteen playable characters in WWE ’12 that have yet to be announced, including six Divas.
He wrote, “Someone asked on our boards, I will happily confirm/clarify, 6 of the remaining 14 mystery spots on our roster left are @WWE Divas.”
Divas announced thus far for the upcoming game are Beth Phoenix, Eve, Kelly Kelly, Layla, Maryse, Michelle McCool and Natalya.
— Gunner lashed out at the Internet wrestling community on Twitter following last night’s No Surrender pay-per-view, writing, “Amazing job from all Impact talent tonite! No Surrender was a success! SUCK IT DIRT SHEETS AND FAT COMPUTER MARKS AT HOME.”
He responded to criticism over his remarks this afternoon, writing, “So apparently the message boards are calling me an “egomaniac”! Ahhhh u guys are silly!! FAT COMPUTER MARKS…oooppss I did it again.”
The ten-year veteran continued, “Good thing the so called message boards don’t really mean crap to me! My true fans are the ones who know we all bust our tails to entertain u all.”
He then added, “We need to get FATCOMPUTERMARKS trending!”
— Former X Division Champion Homicide was backstage visiting former colleagues last night at No Surrender. He parted ways with TNA in August 2010 after requesting his release from the organization.
WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is undergoing emergency neck surgery after a recent MRI revealed that he’s been wrestling with a broken neck. Hot Rod is going under the knife today and wrote the following on Twitter regarding the situation.
Keep Piper in your thoughts – he clearly has a good attitude about the situation and says the thing he’s scared of most is ugly nurses at the hospital.
“Well Tweets. In 5 hours I’m being taken on a hard battle. I’ll be 10 days in hospital, Doctors told me. So I figure give me a day!
Been asked Why? I don’t really want to say, I was being stupied, things got out of hand!
I’ll try to explain. At he time I was doing Fantasy Factory And WWE Access, I BROKE MY NECK! But I didn’t know it! I knew I was Hurt, I [am] hurt all the time. I just thought the neck injury will go away. But after couple months my neck is hurting worse. No sleep from pain. So I go to best Doctors in Country. When Doc saw the MRI’s he went into the 911 attitude fast. So now at 10 am. there cutting me open!
So just for the record, I beat, The Miz, Terry Funk, and 2 others guys with a brokrn neck!! All the Raws and WM where I broke it!
Some say I’m crazy! Doctors are telling me that there could be problems! Ya, if they give me ugly nurses!
There going to shave my hair, slash neck open, and take a chisel and hammer to my neck bones. That’s in 5 hrs.Waiting 4 God to send Locusts
There’s a bright side of geeting neck cut off. You get to wear bumless house coats. Great jello….help me out here!
Hospital update: Found out there asigning someone to my room 24/7..I getting pissed and called. They said hospital staff requested it! SUX’S
GOT TO GO AND GET CUT NOW! THERE USING ALL THE SMARTS THEY HAVE AT UCLA. I SAY, BRING IT ON!! CUT DEEP!! I’M NOT AFRAID ONE BIT!!!””
It’s been rumored for weeks that former WWE diva Stacy Keibler has been romantically linked to Hollywood megastar George Clooney – and the duo made their first public appearances together this past weekend in Toronto, Onario, Canada.
According to Yahoo! News and Us Weekly magazine, Keibler and Clooney attended Fox Searchlight and Vanity Fair’s Toronto Film Festival party and then later the Grey Goose Soho House party.
According to a source at US Weekly, Stacy Keibler looked very comfortable alongside Clooney and handled herself well in the spotlight.
“One of the reoccurring themes of the night was that Stacy had her own conversations going on and that she wasn’t following Clooney around like a puppy dog,” a source told Us Weekly.
“They were comfortable and affectionate and seemed socially poised as a couple,” a witness tells Us. “The two clearly work not only as a pair, but also independently. [Stacy] really stood on her own. George was not overprotective and didn’t have to look after her.”
“She was confident in her own space,” adds the witness. “She would come over to [George] and rub his back, then separate from him again… I’ve never seen him more comfortable.”
For more on Stacy Keibler and George Clooney’s romantic relationship, hit up our Stacy Keibler News Page.
CM Punk spoke with The Toronto Sun over the weekend to promote tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow from Ottowa. Here are some highlights about what Punk said about:
What People Think Of Him:
“There are some people who think CM Punk would have been a mid-carder in the Attitude Era. They have this predetermined assessment of me. I don’t know if it’s jealousy. I don’t have six-pack abs and I can’t benchpress 400 pounds. I can’t believe I have to step over people to get their attention. They have an antiquated way of seeing things. I’m trying to save this business.”
His Microphone Work:
“When I talk, my design is to piss somebody off. I’m not just saying, ‘you’re bald,’ or ‘you’re ugly.’ Doing this is ingrained in my DNA. It’s 100% mine, all me. Half of the stuff I know off the top of my head, the other half I come up with when I’m out there. The best stuff is always the kneejerk reaction. It helps when you get somebody great to work with. I don’t know if it’s something you can teach. (As a kid) I didn’t walk around with a pretend plastic microphone, but I was never afraid of talking back. I used to get the crap beat out of me. But people would tire out from punching me in the face before I would stop talking back.”
What’s left for him to do WWE?
“I’m running out of goals. No. 1 with a bullet would be main eventing Wrestlemania. Winning a Royal Rumble would be a feather in my cap. And I’ve never won the U.S. title, so look out Dolph Ziggler.”
Warning: The following contains a SPOILER for tonight’s episode of WWE RAW:
Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from Ottowa, Canada. On Monday morning, WWE champion Alberto Del Rio appeared on a local radio station to promote the show.
Del Rio was asked if he will be wrestling tonight – and he responded that he will be doing a segment tonight with WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart and it “may come to fisticuffs”.
As reported over the weekend, Bret Hart and Trish Stratus are being advertised for Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings. Bret has not been officially announced for RAW – so it appears Del Rio spilled the beans on this one.
Following Sunday’s No Surrender pay-per-view, TNA will tape the next three episodes of Impact Wrestling tonight, Tuesday night and Wednesday night from Orlando, Florida.
The following is a preview for Thursday’s Impact, featuring Sting vs. Ric Flair:
– Wrestling icons collide this Thursday on IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV as the maniacal Sting battles his longtime nemesis “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! If Sting wins, he gets to face Hulk Hogan at Bound For Glory – but if Flair wins, Sting has to retire!
– It’s the aftermath of Sunday’s “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View event! Bobby Roode won the BFG Series and is headed to Bound For Glory for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against Kurt Angle! Both Roode and Angle will appear on IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV – the road to TNA’s biggest title match of the year begins this Thursday!
– Plus, what’s next for ‘The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy after his emotional return? Who will welcome him back – and who still has issues to settle? Don’t miss it this Thursday!
– Also appearing: AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Bully Ray, Abyss, Mickie James, Velvet Sky, the X Division Superstars and many more!
— Melina is returning to her roots as she has been announced for Wrestling All Star Pros’ upcoming tour of Mexico. The multi-time champion is of Mexican descent.
Other former WWE talent scheduled for the tour taking place Nov. 4-20 include Vladimir Kozlov, Chris Masters, Tommy Dreamer, Carlito, The Boogeyman, Super Crazy, Eugene, Trevor Murdoch, Jillian Hall, Serena, Mr. Aguila and referee Marty Elias.
— Sheamus reportedly signed a new contract with WWE earlier this year.
— Michelle McCool, who retired last April at Extreme Rules, teased on Twitter that she will once again become “Flawless.”
McCool wrote Sunday, “Enough laziness…after 4 mos “off,” tomorrow I will once again become….. FLAWLESS!!! Not that I lost it – (@ExcuseMeWWE inspires me!)”
Diva-Dirt.com wrote to McCool and told her not to play with their emotions. She responded, “whatsoever would you be talking about?!? I’d nevvvvver play with yalls emotions…REAL TALK!!!”
— Eden Stiles handled ring announcing duties for this week’s SmackDown live events in Canada.
This week, we remember the tragedy of ten years ago and the lives that were lost. But we also make good use of the freedoms given to us and absolutely tear WWE and TNA to shreds, each for very different reasons. Raw was an embarrassing show to watch last Monday and their main storyline, which I defended on the last show, has gone to hell and a handbasket. We’ll also discuss Rock wrestling at Survivor Series, WWE’s new network and Linda McMahon running for Senate in 2012. On the TNA front, Kurt Angle was arrested for his third DUI while under contract and the company has done nothing to punish him. Jeff Hardy made his return to Impact on the same day he was sentenced to jail time on drug charges. I will make the case on why Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy should all be FIRED from TNA and name the one legend who deserves to stay. Nothing is held back this week, so if you’re easily offended, don’t listen to this show.
Rosa Mendes, who has not appeared on WWE programming since SummerSlam, posted several messages on Twitter Saturday and Sunday disparaging the ‘Rookie Divas’ of WWE, specifically A.J.
She wrote Saturday: “But what one thing I don’t miss is looking at rookies that call themselves divas when they can’t get a hold of some proactive to clear their awful skin up, and start dressing like actual Divas instead of shopping at consignment stores in the kid section. You want to be a Diva? Look like one AJ. You look like a cashier that works at my local grocery store. Why you are on the roster boggles my mind!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to get back in the ring and actually have a worthy opponent!”
She added Sunday: “Awwwww u guys are mad @ me. You love AJ because she looks ordinary just like you. Divas are not suppose to look ordinary.”
“This is what you call a Diva! Rookieeees???? Pleeeeeeeease. Hahaha.”
“If i’m making people upset, I don’t really care. I’m sick of seeing the Divas division ruined by these rookies. Sexy, smart, powerful!”
“Stay in FCW and stop shopping at Target chicas!”
“One rookie looks 12 with a crater face, one looks like she is 40 and the other one looks like she needs to go on Jenny Craig. You know who you are! Lol”
“All I have to say is. Have respect, look the part and pleeeeeeeeaaaase stay in FCW as long as you can.”
“One more thing, I have someone that can make you guys gear, because your gear looks like SH**t.”
Responding to a post from Diva-Dirt.com, Mendes reasoned her outburst with the following: “something happened, if you knew you would understand. Don’t stop loving me:) Rosa Mendes doesn’t go on a rant for no reason.”
Last week WWE star William Regal made headlines when it was reported that he wants to become the first British World Heavyweight champion in WWE history prior to retiring.
Regarding his retirement, William Regal wrote the following on Twitter:
“Let me make this very clear.I have not once said that I’m going to retire.I’ve said I don’t know how long I have left.Big difference.
“Having had a decent brake from in ring I am feeling ready to go for a while.But the fact is that’s down to two things.One is how long my body holds out and two is if people want me to wrestle.”
– Despite rumors that Bill Goldberg would be facing former WWE Champion Dave Batista upon returning to the ring in October, Goldberg has shot down those rumors on Twitter.
It is unknown at this time who Goldberg will be facing when he returns to the ring in Africa, but we do know that the shows are set to kick off in early October and end by October 12th.
For more on Bill Goldberg’s return to the ring, check out the SEScoops Bill Goldberg News Page.
WWE posted the following statement on Twitter regarding the sell-out, noting that fans should keep trying the Ticketmaster website because new tickets will be made available in the coming weeks:
“In less than 90 minutes, the WWE Universe sold out this year’s Survivor Series. The 25th anniversary of the event, being held at New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden, will feature an appearance from John Cena’s WrestleMania XXVIII opponent, The Rock. Fifteen years after making his electrifying WWE debut at Survivor Series, The People’s Champion returns to MSG for the first time in eight years!”
The Rock also commented on his Twitter:
“Get ready: @WWE – Survivor Series sold out in 30 min! I promise to ELECTRIFY MSG like never before. #TeamBringIt”
WWE Survivor Series takes place on Sunday, November 20th. The staff of SEScoops.com (webmaster Mike, the Solomonster & Noah Mark) will be there to witness The Rock’s return to MSG in person. Will you be there? We’ve got a thread going right now on the SEScoops Facebook Page for fans who are going to Survivor Series – click here to join the conversation.
TNA No Surrender PPV Results September 11, 2011, Report by Marc Middleton
TNA’s 2011 No Surrender pay-per-view kicks off with the entire roster on the stage inside the Impact Zone. Jesse Neal is dressed in his sailor uniform. American flags are everywhere and everyone participates in a moment of silence to remember the victims of 9/11. Rosita, who’s father was killed on 9/11, is shown. America The Beautiful is played as everyone looks on to the flags. The crowd chants USA after it’s over. We go to the promo video for tonight’s pay-per-view, focusing on the Bound For Glory Series finals and the main events.
– And we’re live again from the Impact Zone in Orlando as the pyro goes off and Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to No Surrender. They go over tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match and the final four of the Bound For Glory Series.
#1 Contender’s Match: Jesse Sorensen vs. Kid Kash
We go to the ring and out first comes Kid Kash for tonight’s opener. Out next comes his opponent Jesse Sorensen. The winner of this match will be the #1 contender to the TNA X Division Title.
Kash stalls to start the match but they lock up and Kash goes behind Sorensen. Sorensen switches it around but Kash takes him to the mat. They trade holds. Kash fights out of a hold but gets tossed across the ring. Kash goes for a pin attempt but it’s broken. Lots of quick back and forth action to start the match. They break and the crowd applauds. Kash taunts Sorensen and wants to do a test of strength. Kash kicks Sorensen in the gut and unloads. Sorensen fires back with right hands and a big arm drag. Sorensen with an armbar now.
They go to the corner and Kash breaks free, talking trash to Sorensen. Sorensen puts him back in the corner but misses when charging. Kash drop toe holds him into the turnbuckle and turns things around. Kash with a big kick and a 2 count. Kash suplexes Sorensen and drops him hard on his face for another pin attempt. Kash works Sorensen over on the ropes now with big forearms to the head. Kash with a big chop in the corner. Kash taunts Sorensen some more and smacks him around. Kash with another big kick in the corner. Sorensen fights back with chops and drops Kash with a high knee. Sorensen with a dropkick and a 2 count.
Sorensen goes for a move but Kash reverses it. Sorensen blocks a Russian leg sweep and hits a huge neckbreaker for another 2 count. Sorensen goes to the top and connects with a crossbody for 2. Sorensen with more right hands. Kash fights him off and scoop slams him. Kash drops a knee and works the crowd. Kash with another kick to the gut and knees. Sorensen goes down after a hard knee. Kash argues with the referee and pushes him. Brian Hebner pushes him back. Kash goes back to Sorensen and drops him on his head. Kash goes to the top and botches a springboard moonsault for a 2 count. Kash with another knee and a big chop on the ropes. Sorensen counters and hits a big inverted DDT for the pin and the win.
Winner and New X Division #1 Contender: Jesse Sorensen
– We go backstage with Hulk Hogan and World Champion Kurt Angle. JB asks Angle his reaction to finding out about tonight’s title match just a few days ago. Angle says Hogan is supposed to protect him, that’s why he joined Immortal. Angle says he wasn’t ready for Sting and Mr. Anderson at the same time. Hogan says he brought Angle in to be the heartbeat of Immortal. Hogan says he looks at this match as food for Angle. Angle walks off and Hogan suggests he gets ready.
Bound For Glory Series Final: Bully Ray vs. James Storm
We go to the ring and out first comes Bully Ray for the next match. James Storm is out next. The only way Storm can win this match is by getting a submission victory over Ray, according to JB.
They get ready to go at it but Ray goes to the ropes and the referee stops Storm. Ray stalls some more and goes out to the apron. Ray drops down to the floor and walks around the ring. He grabs a fan sign and tears it up. Ray gets back in the ring and is ready to fight now. Or so it appeared. Ray goes back to the ropes as the crowd boo’s and tells him he sucks. Ray yells to the referee to keep Storm back. Storm charges again but Ray goes out to the floor again and the crowd is all over him.
Ray goes to get back in the ring but stops, walking back around the ring. Storm chases him around the ring and back into it. Ray retreats back to the floor. A “pussy Ray” chant breaks out. Ray gets back in the ring and they finally lock up… nope, Ray goes back to the ropes. This time he comes right back and knocks Storm down. Ray takes Storm to the corner and beats him down now. Ray whips Storm to the other corner and kicks him in the chest. Ray takes his time with right hands and shots to Storm’s lower back. Storm gets whipped to the other corner but ducks a big forearm shot. Storm turns it around and applies a submission hold. Ray makes it to the ropes and breaks it. Ray rolls out to the floor for safety. Ray comes back in and stalls some more, frustrating Storm.
They lock up and Storm goes to work on Ray’s hurt arm. Storm takes Ray down and applies an armbreaker, trying to make Ray submit. Ray turns it into a 2 count but Storm goes back to the submission. Ray breaks it and goes back out to the floor. Storm brings the fight outside and slams Ray’s arm into the steps. Ray takes Storm’s leg out and he falls off the apron. Ray rolls Storm back in the ring and stops to take a sip of Storm’s beer. Ray grabs a steel chair and brings it in the ring. The referee takes it and sets it outside of the ring. Ray spits beer in Storm’s face as the referee isn’t looking. Ray with a series of headbutts to the sternum in the corner and a big chop to send Storm down.
Ray continues the assault and taunts Storm. Ray goes for the Bubba Bomb but Storm blocks it and applies another armbreaker in the middle of the ring. Ray gets his foot to the ropes and breaks the hold. Storm applies the Scorpion and pulls Ray back as he tries to reach the ropes. Ray finally makes it and breaks the submission. Storm starts kicking Ray’s arm and slams him down by it. Storm with an armbar now. Ray rolls Storm up for 2. Storm comes back with right hands. Ray dumps Storm to the apron. Storm kicks Ray in the head and takes a sip of his own beer now. Storm goes to spit it at Ray but hits the referee. The referee can’t see as Storm applies another armbreaker. Ray taps out and the bell rings. The referee’s decision is Bully Ray by DQ since Storm spit the beer on him.
Winner by DQ: Bully Ray
– SoCal Val meets Ray on the ramp and congratulates him on advancing. Ray tells her to shut up and get out of his face, calling her a stupid bitch. Ray asks the fans if they believe him now. He tells us his name over and over and says he’s from Hells Kitchen and the next World Heavyweight mother friggin’ Champion. Ray drops the mic and heads to the back. Ray is now leading the Series with 52 points. Storm is at #5, right under Rob Van Dam.
– We get a promo video for tonight’s Knockouts Title Match and a Tale of the Tape from Mike Tenay.
TNA Knockouts Title Match: Winter vs. Mickie James
We go to the ring and out first comes Winter with Angelina Love at her side. TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd. Mickie is dressed in Wonder Woman gear tonight.
Mickie goes to the corner to pose before the bell but Winter attacks her from behind. Mickie kicks her off and ends up on the floor, where she brawls with Angelina Love. Winter comes from behind again. Mickie counters a whip on the floor and whips Winter into the steel steps and then the fan barrier. Mickie brings it back in the ring but Winter rakes her eyes. Winter with a forearm shot, a kick and a face slam to the mat. Winter takes Mickie to the corner and works her over some more. Mickie fights right back and takes Winter down with a head scissors from the corner. Angelina grabs Mickie’s foot but gets kicked back to the floor. Winter attacks from behind again and Mickie goes down.
Winter with a nice suplex and a 2 count. Micke starts to make a comeback but Winter knocks her down with a clothesline. Winter drops Mickie again and has words with Earl Hebner. Winter takes Mickie to the ropes and chokes her with a knee to the back. Hebner is distracted again, allowing Angelina to get cheap shots in. Another 2 count for Winter. Winter taunts Mickie now. Winter with a backbreaker. She bends Mickie’s back over her knee. Mickie fights free but Winter scoops her up. Winter with another backbreaker over her knee. Winter with a submission now, until Mickie reaches the ropes and breaks it. Mickie with a jackknife cover out of nowhere for 2. Mickie connects with a neckbreaker. Winter gets up first and they trade shots in the middle of the ring.
Mickie comes off the ropes with clotheslines, getting pumped up. Mickie drops Winter on her face and jumps to her feet. Angelina distracts her but she superkicks Winter back down for a 2 count. Winter misses a big roundhouse kick and Mickie applies a single leg crab. Winter reaches the ropes and breaks the hold. Winter slides Angelina the Knockouts Title belt. Mickie ducks the shot from Winter. Winter struggles with Hebner over the belt. Mickie rolls her up for a close 2 count. Winter rams Mickie back in the corner and hits her with thrusts to the gut and then kicks. Mickie with a kick to the face. Mickie goes for the tornado DDT but Angelina pulls Winter out to safety. Mickie leaps from the apron onto Winter with a Thesz press. Mickie chases Angelina off up the ramp now.
Mickie makes it back int he ring but Angelina runs back down and holds her. Winter goes to spit something in Mickie’s face but she ducks and it hits Angelina in the face. Hebner has his attention focused on Angelina as Winter spits more red stuff, this time hitting Mickie in the face. Winter covers for the win and the Knockouts Title, again.
Winner and New TNA Knockouts Champion: Winter
– After the match, Winter rushes to ringside and checks on Angelina Love as trainers help her to the back. Trainers tend to Mickie in the ring.
– We cut backstage to Jeremy Borash and Gunner. JB points out that Robert Roode and Gunner have to win by submission tonight to tie Bully Ray in the series. Gunner says whatever he has to do tonight to Roode, he will be going to Bound For Glory and main eventing. Ray walks up and tells Gunner not to submit or give up tonight. He doesn’t care if Roode breaks his leg or neck – don’t give up. Ray says the last thing Gunner wants is to face him in the finals. Ray tells Gunner to get lost and he walks off. Ray tells JB that bullying is his business and business is good.
TNA Tag Team Title Match: Brother Devon and The Pope vs. Mexican America
We go tot he ring and out comes the team of The Pope and Brother Devon. The TNA Tag Team Champions Mexican America, Hernandez and Anarquia. They’re accompanied by Rosita and Sarita.
Anarquia starts things off with Devon, who gets a USA chant going. They lock up and go at it. Devon works on the arm and then goes to a headlock. Devon with a big shoulder block and more work on the arm. The Pope is tagged in to continue the assault on Anarquia. Pope with offense and another quick tag to Devon. Anarquia tags in Hernandez. Devon blocks Hernandez and takes him off his feet with a big shoulder. Pope comes back in for some double teaming. Pope works on Hernandez’s arm now and tags Devon right back in. They double team Hernandez and Devon gets a 2 count. Hernandez fights Devon off and makes a tag. Devon unloads on Anarquia when he comes in and tags Pope again for another double team move.
Rosita argues with the referee as Pope gets a 2 count on Anarquia. Pope goes to the apron ad kisses Rosita. She slaps him and he holds her above the floor by her hair. Anarquia runs into Devon, sending Rosita to the floor. Pope goes back to work on Anarquia and tags in Devon for yet another double team move. Pope stops it to knock Hernandez off the apron. Sarita gets involved and slaps Devon while he’s on the turnbuckle. Hernandez with a big splash on Devon before knocking Pope off the apron. Hernandez tags out again. Anarquia with a big shoulder off the ropes for a 2 count on Devon. Hernandez and Anarquia hit two splashes on Devon in the corner and another double team move. Hernandez with a 2 count.
Hernandez with a bearhug on Devon now. Devon fights out but Hernandez shoulders him to the floor as he’s running. Hernandez charges but Devon spears him. Anarquia comes in again but right as Pope does. Pope with a series of clothesline and more offense. Hernandez is dropkicked off the apron. Pope continues the offense and connects with a big crossbody from the top as Hernandez breaks the pin. Anarquia suplexes Pope and then Hernandez leaps off the top with the big hit. Devon runs in and stops another pin. The champs collide. Pope and Deovn hit a double clothesline on Hernandez. Sarita and Rosita get involved in the ring. Pope catches Rosita off the top rope and spanks her rear. Pope tries to suplex Anarquia in off the apron but Anarquia falls on top of him. Rosita holds Devon’s foot down and they get the win.
Winners: Mexican America
– Mr. Anderson is backstage with Jeremy Borash. JB asks about he and Anderson being friends. Anderson says they don’t like each other but they have a common bond – they hate Immortal.
Samoa Joe vs. Matt Morgan
Samoa Joe comes out for the next match followed by his opponent Matt Morgan. They lock up and go at it back and forth. Joe unloads with big chops in the corner. Joe turns it around in the corner and responds with his own big chops and right hands. Morgan with a series of back elbows now. Morgan with a running knee to the face while Joe is down in the corner. Morgan continues the offense as the crowd chants his name. Morgan hits a huge leg drop while Joe is laid on the apron. Morgan rams Joe back into the apron and more right hands. Joe comes back with chops and slams Morgan’s head into the apron. Joe rolls back in the ring and suicide dives out onto Morgan and the floor.
They make their way back in the ring and Joe keeps control in the corner. Morgan ends up on the top and hits a big crossbody for 2. Morgan charges again but Joe rolls out to the floor. Joe drops Morgan’s arm over the top rope after raking his eyes. Joe with a running knee to the face and more stomps. A “Sloppy Joe” chant breaks out. Joe stomps some more and chokes Morgan on the ropes. Morgan finally makes a comeback with right hands but Joe drops him again and leg drops for a 2 count. Joe goes for a submission on Morgan’s hurt arm now. Lots more back and forth. Joe with a big kick to the head but Morgan comes right back with a spinning clothesline.
Morgan drops Joe with more right hands. 2 count for Morgan. Morgan grabs Joe for a choke but Joe puts his thumb in his eyes. Joe connects with a belly-to-belly suplex for a 2 count. Joe goes for the rear naked choke but Morgan tries to block it. Morgan rams Joe back into the corner. Joe goes back to the submission and locks it in, bringing Morgan to the mat. Morgan gets his foot to the ropes but Joe takes a second to break the hold. Joe backs Earl Hebner in the corner. Joe charges Morgan but gets hit with a Carbon Footprint. Morgan covers Joe for the win.
Winner: Matt Morgan
– Jeremy Borash is backstage with Robert Roode and James Storm. Roode talks about fighting back from injury and addresses Gunner, saying it’s his time and his dream. Roode says he will make Gunner tap out tonight and then whip Bully Ray’s fat ass. Tonight, they will find out that it pays to be Roode. Storm says he hoped it was him vs. Roode in the final. Storm tells Roode to get Gunner tonight and then beat Ray’s fat ass. Storm gets the fans to chant “Bobby” for Roode. Storm says everyone believes in Roode and he deserves this.
Bound For Glory Series Final Match: Robert Roode vs. Gunner
We go to the ring and out first comes Gunner. Robert Roode is out next to a chant from the crowd. They lock up and Roode takes Gunner to the mat. Back and forth action to start until they end up on the floor brawling. Roode uses the ring post on Gunner’s arm. Roode finally brings it back int he ring and kicks Gunner in the head. More stomps from Roode as he focuses on Gunner’s hurt shoulder. Gunner counters and drops Roode with a DDT.
Gunner turns things around and knocks Roode into the corner. Roode with an elbow shot but Gunner drops him with a forearm shot. Gunner chokes Roode and then uses the ropes to choke him again. Gunner slingshots Roode’s neck under the bottom rope. Gunner with a spinning neckbreaker and more offense on Roode’s neck. Gunner locks a head scissors on Roode now, still focusing on the neck. Roode turns it around and goes for an armbar but can’t get it locked. Roode goes to work on the arm some more but Gunner drops him with a clothesline. Gunner with another neckbreaker. Gunner goes for a Full Nelson now and locks it, taking Roode to the mat.
Roode fights to his feet and rams Gunner back into the corner but can’t break the hold. The hold is finally broken and they trade right hands in the middle of the ring. Roode kicks Gunner and takes him back down with an armbar. Gunner charges with a knee but Roode ducks it and connects with a spinebuster. More back and forth. Roode drops down with another armbar but Gunner makes it to the ropes. Gunner kicks Roode back in the corner and charges but Roode kicks him back. Gunner comes right back with a running knee and Roode goes down. Gunner goes for another Full Nelson but his arm is hurting. Roode counters again and applies yet another armbar. Roode pulls Gunner back and stops him from getting the ropes. Gunner finally taps out to give Roode the win.
Winner: Bobby Roode
– After the match, Roode celebrates when Eric Bischoff comes out to congratulate him. Bischoff tells the crowd to give it up for Roode. Bischoff has some bad news for Roode and calls him a dumbass for the interview he did earlier. Bischoff says they will have a winner in the Bound For Glory Series tonight and says it’s Ray vs. Roode, un-advertised.
– JB is backstage with Austin Aries. Aries tells Borash to shhh because time for talk is over. Aries says all Brien Kendrick’s philosophical rants are meaningless. All of his own sarcastic comments are also meaningless. It’s time for Total Nonstop Aries, he says. Aries says Kendrick is a world class athlete and will bring his A game tonight. Aries says that won’t be good enough because tonight, he’s bringing his A-double game. Aries says everyone will see tonight why he’s the greatest man alive and he will become the first & the last X Division Champion.
TNA X Division Title Match: Austin Aries vs. Brian Kendrick
After a video package, we go to the ring and out comes the challenger Austin Aries. Out next comes the TNA X Division Champion Brian Kendrick and he’s as odd as ever. The bell rings and we get dueling chants from the crowd. They lock up and Aries takes Kendrick down. Kendrick breaks and goes to the apron for a second before coming back in. Kendrick goes behind now and takes Aries to one knee by his arm. Aries counters but Kendrick blocks it and goes for an armbar. Aries makes it to the ropes and breaks the hold. Aries goes to the floor to regroup now.
They go to lock up again but Aries with a knee to the gut. Aries takes Kendrick down again with a running shoulder and then two big arm drags. Kendrick counters and applies a head scissors. Aries fights his way out of it and dropkicks Kendrick in the face. Kendrick comes back now with arm drags and a drop toe hold. Aries goes back to the apron to regroup. Kendrick comes over but Aries shoulder blocks him and rolls him up. Kendrick blocks the pin and kicks Aries in the face. Aries blocks Sliced Bread and goes back to the floor. Kendrick goes for a baseball slide but Aries moves. Kendrick works Aries over on the floor and whips him into the fan barrier. Kendrick with a boot to the throat now before bringing it back in the ring. Aries rolls right back out and Kendrick throws him back into the barrier.
Aries blocks Sliced Bread on the floor and shoves Kendrick into the ring post. Aries hits a Russian leg sweep, sending the back of Kendrick’s head into the post. Aries brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. Aries with more offense and a big slingshot over the top, chopping Kendrick in the back. Another 2 count for Aries. Aries puts Kendrick on the ropes and hits him with big chops. Aries with a big back elbow and an elbow drop for another 2 count. Aries puts a knee in Kendrick’s back now and continues to keep in control. Aries with another submission hold. They get to their feet and trade shots. Aries stops Kendrick again and drops him. Aries goes for his swinging elbow drop but Kendrick rolls out of the way. Kendrick comes back with a jawbreaker. Aries avoids an enziguri and tosses Kendrick into the corner and the ring post. Aries waits for Kendrick to get up. Aries charges with a dropkick but Kendrick throws a kick and they collide. Kendrick with a forearm and a dropkick. Kendrick with another kick. Aries ends upside down on the ropes. Kendrick dropkicks him to the floor and then suicide dives out, knocking Aries down.
Kendrick brings it back in the ring and connects with a missile dropkick for a 2 count. Aries backs Kendrick off but Kendrick connects with a tornado DDT for 2. Kendrick goes for Sliced Bread but Aries stops it in the counter. Kendrick ends up tossed out to the floor and he lands hard. Aries dives through the ropes but Kendrick moves and Aries smacks his face on the fan barrier. The crowd chants “holy shit” as the referee counts. They make it back in the ring at the 9 count. Kendrick with right hands. Aries fires back and they trade staggering shots. Kendrick charges but Aries side steps and throws him to the floor. Aries corkscrews over the top rope but barely lands on Kendrick and hits the floor hard. Aries brings it back in the ring but stays on the apron. Aries hops over the top and hits a quick back elbow to the face. Aries with another close 2 count. Aries goes for a move but Kendrick rolls him up for 2. Kendrick with a back slide for another 2 count. Another roll up from Kendrick for 2. Aries connects with a spinning forearm shot and Kendrick goes down. Aries hits a draping DDT, bouncing Kendrick off the top but only gets 2. Aries goes to the top for a 450 but rolls through as Kendrick moves. Kendrick with a double underhook suplex for a 2 count. Kendrick goes for Sliced Bread in the corner but can’t hit it because the referee is in the way. Aries drops Kendrick on his head with a brainbuster for the win and the title.
Winner and New TNA X Division Champion: Austin Aries
– We go backstage with JB and Bully Ray. Ray says he didn’t think he would have to wrestle twice tonight but when you want something done right, you do it yourself. Ray says tonight isn’t about his tag team success, it’s about one more match that he has to win to get the opportunity to wrestle for the World Title. Ray says he can’t be beat and can’t be stopped. Ray points out Bound For Glory is in Philadelphia and his chances are pretty good against Roode. Ray says he’s coming for Roode’s hurt neck, then he’s going to piss off the wrestling world. Learn to love it because Bully Ray is the next World Heavyweight Champion, he says.
Bound For Glory Series Final Match: Bully Ray vs. Robert Roode
We go to the ring and out comes Bully Ray for the final match in the Bound For Glory Series. The winner of this one will get a World Heavyweight Title shot at Bound For Glory in October. Out next comes Bobby Roode to a nice reaction from the crowd. Roode is favoring his neck as he makes his way to the ring.
Ray meets Roode on the ramp and they come nose to nose. Ray runs his mouth in Roode’s face as Earl Hebner comes between them. Jeremy Borash is in the ring to do formal ring introductions. The bell rings and they come face to face in the middle of the ring. A “pussy Ray” chant breaks out. They have words as the crowd chants. They go to lock up and Ray goes for the ropes to stall, just like earlier. Ray calls for a test of strength but flees to the apron again. Roode tries to attack from behind but Ray drops to the floor as the crowd gives him hell.
Ray grabs a steel chair and sets it in the ring. He takes the hat off a large fan sitting at ringside. The man stands up, Ray sees how big he is and walks off. Ray gets back in the ring and they finally lock up. Roode takes Ray down first with an arm drag. Ray goes right out to the floor to stall some more. Ray comes in and they lock up again. Roode gets the upperhand and Ray shows frustration, going back to the corner. They lock up again as the crowd chants for Roode. Ray backs Roode in the corner and hits a big chop. It doesn’t phase Roode. Roode flips Ray off. Ray takes Roode back to the corner and hits another big chop. Roode comes right back out and slaps him, then shoves him back. Roode comes in with right hands but Ray stops him. Roode drops Ray with a clothesline and Ray goes back out to the floor.
Ray comes back in the ring again as the crowd chants Beer Money. They lock up again and Ray applies a headlock. Ray comes back with a big shoulder block, sending Roode to the mat. More back and forth. Roode applies a crossface. Ray turns it around and goes for a roll up but Roode escapes. Roode hits Ray with a big chop to the chest and right hands in the corner. Ray takes control of the match and beats Roode around for a minute. Ray taunts Roode in the corner and asks him if he’s going to fight. Ray continues hitting Roode with big chops to the chest. Roode gets fired up and tells Ray to bring it. Ray with more chops. Roode fires back with chops of his own now, and then forearm shots. Ray slaps Roode and tells him to fight. They go at it. Roode comes off the top with a blockbuster. Ray turns it around and hits a big sideslam for a 2 count. Ray goes for a Bubba Bomb and connects with it for 2.
They go back and forth and Roode is busted from his nose. Roode hits a big spinebuster and pins Ray for the win.
Winner and New #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Title: Robert Roode
– After the match, Roode goes to celebrate with the fans as Ray looks on from the ring. Roode is going to Bound For Glory in the main event.
– Taz and Tenay talk about tonight’s main event before sending us backstage to Jeremy Borash. Borash talks about 9/11 and introduces Rosita. Her father was on the 103rd floor of the North Tower on 9/11 and passed away in the attacks. Rosita says it never gets easier because everyday she’s waking up without her dad and an empty space at the dinner table. She talks about how her dad, an amateur wrestler, was an inspiration from the beginning. Rosita talks about becoming a wrestler for her dad. She says every time she goes to the ring, she prays to him and asks him to be with her. Rosita says she is thankful to have her TNA family because it’s been a hard day watching the ceremonies and remembering. She thanks the fans for their e-mails, tweets and everything else.
– We go to a promo video for tonight’s World Heavyweight Title Match.
World Heavyweight Title Match: Sting vs. Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle
Out first for tonight’s main event is Mr. Anderson. Anderson stops on the ramp and asks where all his assholes are at. Sting is out next followed by the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle. JB is in the ring again for formal introductions.
The bell rings and Angle goes to the floor to stall. He comes back up and here we go. Sting attacks Angle in the corner and Anderson joins in on the beatdown. Anderson whips Angle hard into the corner and clotheslines him. Sting comes right in with a Stinger splash and Angle goes down. Anderson and Sting continue the double team, stomping away. Sting holds Angle while Anderson works him over. Anderson holds Angle now while Sting kicks him in the gut. Sting clotheslines Angle over the top and to the floor. Anderson and Sting look on from the ring as Angle lays on the floor. They turn their attention to each other now and lock up. Anderson with a side headlock and a shoulder block. Sting catches Anderson with a big hip toss and applies a headlock.
Sting works Anderson over in the corner with right hands and whips him across the ring. Anderson turns it around in the corner and drops Sting with right hands. Anderson scoop slams Sting and covers him for a 2 count. Sting whips Anderson but Angle pulls him out of the ring and clotheslines him to the floor. Sting and Angle end up in the ring and Angle attacks. Sting counters and drops Angle with a right. Sting whips Angle hard into the corner and kicks his leg out from under him. Sting with an atomic drop and a 2 count. Sting whips Angle again into the corner and kicks his leg out. Slow paced match so far. Sting hits a suplex and covers for another 2 count. Angle gets up and rakes Sting’s face, then throws him to the floor. Anderson comes from behind and clotheslines Angle. Anderson drops an elbow drop and hits Angle with a forearm. Anderson kicks Angle down in the corner and chokes him with a boot.
Anderson whips Angle so hard into the corner he goes down and Anderson covers for a 2 count. Sting comes back in. Angle rakes Anderson’s eyes but Anderson drops him with a spinning neckbreaker for a 2 count as Sting breaks the pin. Sting takes Anderson to the corner and beats him down now. Anderson turns things around on Sting and kicks him in the face. Sting goes for a German suplex but Angle comes from behind and suplexes them both. Angle goes back to work on Sting now and snap suplexes him for 2. Angle with a chinlock and body scissors. Sting fights out with elbows and drops Angle with clotheslines. Sting hits a big splash in the corner and a DDT. 2 count for Sting on Angle as Anderson breaks the pin. Anderson misses a kick on Sting but comes right back with another kick to the head. 2 count for Anderson as Angle breaks the pin this time. Angle blocks the Mic Check and hits the trio of German suplexes.
Angle goes right to Sting and hits the 3 Germans on him also. 2 count for Angle on Sting. Angle goes right to Anderson for another 2 count. Angle sets Anderson on the top turnbuckle but Anderson fights him off. Angle runs right back up to the top and tosses Anderson down with a suplex. 2 count for Angle. Angle kicks Sting and goes for an Angle Slam. Sting slides out and tosses Angle over the top rope and to the floor. Sting goes for the Scorpion on Anderson and locks it after he struggles. Anderson makes it to the ropes but Sting pulls him back to the center of the ring. Angle comes in and clubs Sting in the back of the head. Angle hits the Angle Slam on Sting and covers for a close 2 count. Angle goes for a suplex on Anderson bt it’s blocked. Angle hits the Angle Slam on Anderson but can only get a 2 count, showing frustration. Angle puts the ankle lock on Sting but he won’t tap. Sting rolls through. Anderson catches Angle in a Mic Check and covers him for a very close 2 count. Anderson goes for the plunge on Sting but Sting counters with the Death Drop. 2 count for Sting. Angle pulls Sting out to the floor and shoves him back into the fan barrier. Hulk Hogan is waiting and sprays something in Sting’s eyes.
Sting comes in the ring but can’t see. Sting grabs the referee for the Death Drop but Angle hits a low blow, causing Sting to drop the referee. Angle gets the win and retains his World Heavyweight Title.
Winner: Kurt Angle
– After the match, Hulk Hogan comes in the ring to celebrate with Angle. Robert Roode vs. Kurt Angle is on for the Bound For Glory main event in October. No Surrender goes off the air with Hogan and Angle leaving the ring together.
The official website of the Air Canada Centre is advertising WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart and multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus for this Tuesday’s SmackDown taping at the venue.
Both Canadian stars are advertised for “special guest appearances.”
WWE announced Friday on SmackDown that former world champion Edge would appear on this week’s show, which emanates from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to the Air Canada Centre website, WWE will be paying tribute to the “Rated-R Superstar” with “Edge Appreciation Night.”
Also advertised for the event is a World Heavyweight Match between Randy Orton and Mark Henry. Overseeing the night’s action will be WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H.
— Last Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Toledo, Ohio was one of the worst attended WWE events in years as it drew 3,200 fans, with only 1,600 paid.
Following the event’s poor advance, WWE only sold tickets facing the camera so the Huntington Center would appear full on television. SLAM! Wrestling columnist Matt Bishop, who attended the event, described the venue’s appearance: “Tuesday’s tapings of WWE Smackdown, Superstars and NXT wasn’t notable because of what happened in the ring, but rather because of what was happening outside the ringside area. Or more appropriately, what wasn’t happening.
“Toledo’s second WWE show of 2011, this time at Huntington Center, was notable because of the lack of fans inside the facility, with almost all of the camera side tarped off, along with a large part of the upper bowl, including all of the seats in the end zone.”
— Tamina responded to her critics in her first message on Twitter.
“Thanks to my fans but to the haters and losers alike today is a special day in your miserable lives,” she wrote Saturday. “Today The Goddess Tamina has tweeteth.”
WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine no-showing Great North Wrestling’s Randy Savage tribute show on Sept. 3 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada has been turned into an angle.
Lanny Poffo, the brother of the late superstar wrestler, posted a video on YouTube challenged the 60-year-old to a mixed martial arts match on December 30 in Gatineau. The wrestler formerly known as The Genius says he will throw cash he received from his recent inheritance to bait Valentine into the fight. He also taunts Valentine by calling him a “mangina” and that he may be left in a body bag.
Valentine posted an explanation Friday on his Facebook account apologizing for no-showing the event and leaving a nasty voice message to Great North Wrestling promoter Devon Nicholson. Valentine says he no-showed the event because he received a phone call on the morning of the show that his mother-in-law had two days left to live, so he flew to Nashville to be by her side—she recovered. Nicholson said between Valentine’s flight from Tampa, hotel, pay and photos he printed up to sell, he was out $2,000. Valentine said he would return Nicholson the money when he arrived in Tampa.
“This was never the issue, so why he had to go off and try to hurt me at a time where we are having a tragedy in our family, I don’t know,” Valentine wrote of Nicholson releasing his angry voice message and saying he no-showed the event after he was paid.
He continues, “What tends to hurt me the most, is that I asked him to please tell the fans that I was sorry and that I was not going to be able to make it to the event. I purposely made sure that he would express that to the fans who came out to see me, and to celebrate the life of Randy Savage. Instead, he tells everyone that I pulled a “No show”. He didn’t give any reason for my absence, just told people I didn’t show up. This is not how I operate. However, when push comes to shove with family, family will always win out.”
— Maryse stated on her official website Saturday night that she has recovered from her abdominal hernia surgery on August 24.
“I met with my surgeon today and she said everything is perfect,” she wrote. “There’s a little bit of fluid inside by the incision and where the repairs were done, but its totally normal apparently. The scar healed really good and there is no infection. So the surgery was a total success. I’m sooooooo happy!!!”
The former WWE Divas Champion last competed on the July 25 episode of Raw. She was advertised to compete in the following week’s No. 1 Contender’s Diva Battle Royal, but bowed out after determining days earlier that she would undergoing surgery.
— Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson and actor turned SummerSlam headliner Tiny Lister (a/k/a Zeus) have agreed to appear on the first-ever reality series offering from the Reelz cable network, The Z Team.
The series will feature the pair teamed with Lorenzo Lamas and Rudy Reyes as a, “group, led by Lamas, contracted by law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens all across the country to confront real life and death situations on the streets of America. The Z Team, relying on years of experience fighting bad guys on the big screen, in the ring and in real life take on drug dealers, the mob and dirty politicians—no case is too much for them.”
— Rosa Mendes, who has not appeared on WWE programming since SummerSlam, posted her first message on Twitter since August 20 by ranting about fellow SmackDown Diva A.J. The three-year veteran doesn’t feel the Union City native “looks like a WWE Diva.”
She wrote, “But what one thing I don’t miss is looking at rookies that call themselves divas when they can’t get a hold of some proactive to clear their Awful skin up, and start dressing like actual Divas instead of shopping at consignment stores in the kid section. You want to be a Diva? Look like one AJ. You look like a cashier that works at my local grocery store.
“Why you are on the roster boggles my mind!!!!!!!!”
— The official WWE website has ranked Hulk Hogan turning his back on millions of Hulkamaniacs to join Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in forming one of the most infamous groups in history, the New World Order, as No. 1 in their “List This: Legends of the Fall.”
Click here for WWE.com’s recollection of the event.
— Former WWE talent Paul Heyman turns 46 years old today.
WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine offered an explanation on his Facebook page for no-showing Great North Wrestling’s Randy Savage tribute show on Sept. 3 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada after the organization paid $2,000 for his services.
Here is my Official Statement on my Canada Booking. I hope this clears things up.
I was booked for the Macho Man Memorial Show in Canada. That’s true. I told the promoter I was coming. That’s true. I received my deposit from the promoter. That’s true. Now let me clear some things up…
A few days before the scheduled booking, my mother-n-law had to go into the hospital for an emergency surgery. I sent my wife, Julie, to Nashville to be by her side. I stayed back in Tampa to continue with my weekend booking schedule. I called the promoter when I saw my flight itinerary. He had me on a 715 flight to Miami from Tampa, then Miami to Chicago, then Chicago to Ottawa, then a couple hour drive to the show, plus going thru customs when I land…which can take an hour for me to get thru.
When I saw this, I called the promoter and left the message that many of you heard. I asked for the remainder of the money if I was going to be jumping on THREE different airplanes to get to this event. And yes, I promised him I would be there. Now what you need to understand is this… My message to him was stern. I was angry. My wife was a bundle of nerves because she is seeing her mother suffer. I was not with her, and I now have a flight schedule that is beyond crazy. Last time I went there I didn’t need to go on THREE planes to get there. So, with all that being said, I was stressed out, and I do apologize to the fans who heard the voice mail that I left. The pressure got the best of me and I used language I shouldn’t have. We all make mistakes.
This is what then unfolded as the reason I did not show up… The promoter sent me the remainder of the money as I asked. I was going to his booking as I promised him…even though I was under a lot of pressure with what has been going on with my mother-n-law (something that the promoter knew about). The morning of the booking came, I was still going. I then got a call from my wife in Nashville that her mom was given 2 days to live. That did it for me. How can I, as a husband, NOT be with my wife and mother-n-law, and the rest of the family? What would you do? If you were a son or daughter of adult age, and had a vacation scheduled, but your Mom or Dad was given two days to live…would you still go away on your vacation, or put things in priority order, and be with your family?
As I write this to you, I am with the family in Nashville, filling my days with my wife and the rest of the family at my mother-n-law’s bedside. It’s been 2 days already and she is still with us, but I attribute that to the many fans and friends who have been praying for her. I have received numerous emails expressing your concern and support in my situation.
If the promoter is angry, and out to try and hurt my reputation, shame on him. I called him and apologized for not being able to come, and TOLD HIM I was not going to make it because of the news we got from the hospital the morning of the show… that her death was expected. I even went as far to tell him that I would return the money he sent…all of it, and I STILL stand by it. When I return to Tampa, I will be heading to my bank and mailing him the money. This was never the issue, so why he had to go off and try to hurt me at a time where we are having a tragedy in our family, I don’t know.
What tends to hurt me the most, is that I asked him to please tell the fans that I was sorry and that i was not going to be able to make it to the event. I purposely made sure that he would express that to the fans who came out to see me, and to celebrate the life of Randy Savage. Instead, he tells everyone that I pulled a “No show”. He didn’t give any reason for my absence, just told people I didn’t show up. This is not how I operate. However, when push comes to shove with family, family will always win out.
That is the truth. This is what happened. Yes, I did not like the flight itinerary, and I did ask him for the balance of my payoff, but that had nothing to do with me not being there. It was getting the news that my mother-n-law was about to die that caused me to decide not to go the day of. As stated earlier, my mother-n-law seems to be doing better, and I thank you all for praying. I believe that is the only reason why. For those that got offended, I do apologize, and I do hope to see you again one day soon. Thank you for your support throughout this time, and for being such dedicated fans and friends.
Sarita has resumed competing without a protective mask after announcing two months ago that she was stricken with facial paralysis.
The TNA Knockout competed sans mask at last Sunday’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event in Guadalajara, Mexico; she appeared the same physically as she did before the health scare.
TNA’s storyline explanation for the Mexican America star suddenly donning a protective mask on the July 14 episode of IMPACT Wrestling was that she had broken her orbital bone and jaw during a parking lot brawl with Miss Tessmacher and Tara.
Meanwhile, “Dr. Lucha” Steve Sims, who has extensively covered lucha libre for several years, and Figure Four Weekly editor Bryan Alvarez, both stated on recent episodes of the Figure Four Daily podcast that they were very skeptical over her claim of facial paralysis since she continued to wrestle in spite of her debilitating condition.
