Home Blog Page 3113

Triple H’s In-Ring Return, Update On Sin Cara Being Replaced

11

– The September issue of WWE Magazine is teasing that the company’s new COO Triple H will be returning to the ring at Night of Champions:

“Triple H has not contested a match in a WWE ring since he nearly ended The Undertaker’s winning streak at WrestleMania XXVII. So what better time for The Game to jump-start his 2011 season than at Night Of Champions this September? After all, he currently holds the WWE record with 13 World Championships and 23 total title reigns during his career. Other than the recently retired Edge, no other Superstar has ever worn that much gold around his waist. A title opportunity at NOC would bring The King of Kings one-step closer to becoming the greatest champion in WWE history.”

– Also in the new WWE Magazine, it’s reported that Rey Mysterio will be debuting a new hooded mask soon – one that was designed by the winner of WWE Kids magazine’s annual “Design Rey’s Mask” contest.

– As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, there has been strong consideration in WWE about not bringing Sin Cara back to television once his 30-day suspension due to a Wellness Policy violation is up. WWE is promoting Sin Cara’s return to television on Friday’s episode of SmackDown, which tapes Tuesday night – which is prior to the date when his suspension will be lifted. News broke over the weekend that WWE is going to pull a “Doink The Clown” on us – as the character of Sin Cara might be portrayed by another person other than Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde (formerly Mistico).

At this time, WWE developmental talent Hunico is the most likely candidate to wrestle as Sin Cara when the character returns to television this week at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping. According to a source in WWE, a few other developmental stars have been considered for the Sin Cara character while Luis Alvirde serves out the remainder of his suspension.

 

Pictures & VIDEO Of Cena & Miz At The Teen Choice Awards

12

Several WWE personalities appeared at the Teen Choice Awards last night from Los Angeles, California. WWE Champion John Cena and The Miz presented an award to the show Glee, along with fellow presenter Maggie Q.

WWE diva Maryse was shown in the crowd and appeared on the red carpet earlier in the night.

The Rock was also in the house as Fast Five won an award for best action movie. The Rock was also up for Best Action Star, but lost to Johnny Depp.

Check out these pictures and a video clip of John Cena and The Miz at the Teen Choice Awards:

Updated BFG Series Standings, Title Changes At Hardcore Justice

13

– Kurt Angle defeated Sting in the main event of Sunday’s TNA HardCORE Justice pay-per-view to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The finish came when Angle hit Sting with a steel chair after stopping Hulk Hogan from using it on him. This marks Angle’s 5th TNA World Title reign.

– Also at HardCORE Justice, Winter became the new TNA Knockouts Champion by defeating Mickie James, after interference from Angelina Love and a red mist that Winter spit in Mickie’s face.

– Here are the updated Bound For Glory Series standings:

* Crimson – 43 points
* James Storm – 33 points
* Brother Devon – 30 points
* Gunner – 28 points
* Robert Roode – 28 points
* Bully Ray – 28 points
* Rob Van Dam – 25 points
* AJ Styles – 21 points
* The Pope – 17 points
* Scott Steiner – 14 points
* Samoa Joe – negative 10 points
* Matt Morgan – 25 points, out of action with an injury

Chris Jericho Talks About A Possible Return To WWE

12

Former WWE star Chris Jericho was interviewed over the weekend by Canada’s FortMcMurrayToday.com to promote his metal band Fozzy’s appearance at the at the InterPlay music festival, which took place on Saturday at Keyano College.

Of course, Jericho was asked about his future in the world of pro wrestling, which he said:

“I have no plans for it right now. Like I said, I didn’t leave wrestling for any bad reasons, it’s just that I had a lot of other stuff that was going on in my life that I’ve been wanting to work on, and Fozzy is one of the main reasons for that. I know sometimes that pisses wrestling fans off, but I don’t care. I do what I do to make myself happy. I’ve done wrestling for 20 years and I’ve been in Fozzy for 12. Fozzy is in the same place now after 12 years, that I was as a performer after 12. Just really on the verge of becoming something bigger. So I’d be crazy to not to devote as much time to the band as I can and take it as far as we can go. Wrestling is always there, it’s not going anywhere. Will I come back? I don’t know. But I have no plans of it right now.”

Jericho also noted that Fozzy will be recording a new album in December of this year and early 2011 – which is currently slated for a May 2012 release.

(Audio) Daniel Bryan’s New Theme, Melina Still On The Road

17

– Former WWE diva Melina was released from the company on Friday – but was still on the road with boyfriend John Morrison for this weekend’s live events. She tweeted @RealMelina:

“I’m driving w/ @TheRealMorrison on a WWE house show loop. I’m doing fine but i gotta admit I’m going to miss driving these loops with him.”

– Injured WWE Diva Layla started working out again this past weekend for the first time since suffering a torn ACL and MCL back in May, according to f4wonline.com.

– SmackDown’s Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan debuted a new theme song on last week’s show. The theme song is “Freefall” by the band Two Steps From Hell – which is the theme song that was used for last year’s Night of Champions pay-per-view. Here’s audio of “Freefall” –

TNA Hardcore Justice Pay-Per-View Results

44

TNA HardCORE Justice 2011 PPV Results
Sunday, August 7th, 2011 from Orlando
Recap Courtesy of PWInsider.com

X Division Title Match: Brian Kendrick vs Alex Shelley vs Austin Aries

Brian Kendrick has new entrance music reminiscent of his old ROH music, and is wearing Neidhart pants. I love it! Aries cheapshots both men but gets laid out by Shelley and Kendrick and is clotheslined to the floor. Shelley and Kendrick cautiously circle one another before going to a mat wrestling sequence. Shelley with a modified crucifix for 2, and takes a glance down at Aries on the floor to make sure he doesn’t try anything untoward. Wristlock exchange leads to Shelley picking the ankle of Kendrick and going for a Texas Cloverleaf, but Aries runs in and Shelley drops the hold to chop him back out to the floor. Aries gets back on the apron, so Shelley pops him in the face and puts him back out to the floor again. Aries tries to come in yet again, and winds up on the receiving end of an inverted atomic drop/leg lariat combo from Kendrick and Shelley, and then Shelley rolls Kendrick up for 2. Shelley goes for a vertical suplex on Kendrick, but Aries slips in and saves Kendrick and rakes the back of Shelley. This, for some reason, leads to Shelley getting angry at Kendrick and going to a forearm exchange. Kendrick drills Shelley out to the floor but Aries blindsides Kendrick with a clothesline and puts the boots to him, then baseball slides Shelley off the apron and covers Kendrick for 2. Aries with a figure four stump puller on Kendrick, then drops the hold to knock Shelley off the apron yet again and then awkwardly backdrop Kendrick to the floor, with Kendrick appearing to catch his leg on the apron on the way down. Shelley sunset flips his way back in, but Aries hits an STO and then goes for the pendulum elbow, but stops to knock Kendrick off the apron and then dump Shelley through the ropes right on top of Kendrick. Aries is getting a big reaction from the crowd as he hits a heat seeking missile through the ropes, then rolls Shelley back in and hits a twisting splash over the ropes for 2. Aries goes for a Lionsault, but Shelley gets the knees up and Kendrick hits a leg lariat to the jaw of Aries. Shelley hooks Kendrick in a Crippler Crossface, but Kendrick makes the ropes, so Shelley nails him with the sole butt and goes for Sliced Bread #2, Kendrick shoves him off but Shelley hits a leg whip through the ropes and goes up top. Aries nails him and pulls him down to the apron, but Shelley superkicks Aries off the apron and goes back to the top where Kendrick nails him and follows him up. Shelley shoves Kendrick off and hits a top rope splash, then traps Kendrick in an inverted figure four. Aries comes in and rakes his boot across the eyes of Shelley to break the hold, then rams both men to opposite corners and hits a running bulldog on Shelley before locking him in the Last Chancery. Kendrick breaks the hold, so Aries hits him with the shinbreaker/suplex combo and then goes for the IED, but Kendrick gets the boot up and hits a running boot on Aries for 2. Kendrick tries Sliced Bread #2, Aries blocks and tries a top rope suplex, but Shelley nails him and gets Aries on his shoulders, Kendrick tried Sliced Bread #2 but lost his balance, so Aries hits the shinbreaker/suplex combo on Shelley, dropkicks Kendrick to the floor, then hits Shelley with the IED and brainbuster for 2. Kendrick suddenly runs in and hits Sliced Bread #2 on Aries on top of Shelley and then pins Shelley for the win.

Winner: Brian Kendrick

Solid opener, I’m a little surprised to see Kendrick retain, but glad to see him hold onto the title.

Tenay and Taz discuss tonight’s main event between Sting and Kurt Angle, then we go to the back where Jeremy Borash is with Tara and Miss Tessmacher, who say that it’s become personal because of the way Sarita and Rosita jumped them in the parking lot. Tessmacher disfigured Sarita becuase she did what she had to do in the parking lot, and Tara says no matter what, they’re leaving the ring with the title.

Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: Tara & Miss Tessmacher vs Sarita & Rosita

Referee Earl Hebner kicks both Hernandez and Anarquia out of ringside, so it’s just the four girls. Rosita gets right in Tara’s face, so Tara just pops her into the corner and unloads with a big right hand. Rosita tags right out to Sarita, who comes off the ropes and gets elevated into a backdrop. Tessmacher comes in and gets popped into the air, but comes down with an armdrag and then gets a top wristlock on Rosita and takes her to the corner so Tara can come in and overpower Rosita. Rosita comes out of the corner with a flying headscissors, but charges Tara in the corner and eats her boot. Rosita Tullys Tara to the floor and then distracts the referee while Sarita hits a rolling senton off the apron and rolls her back in the ring so Rosita can cover for 2. Tara tags out and Tessmacher comes in with a back suplex and a running dropkick for 2. Sarita tags in, and Tessmacher gets a knee to the midsection and covers for 2, but Rosita nails her from the outside and Sarita drops her on her face. Sarita gleefully tosses Tessmacher around with hiplocks and hair tosses as Taz references Candy Devine of all people, and then Sarita slingshots Rosita off the ropes and onto Tessmacher for 2. Sarita, who is neither Mexican nor American, gets rolled up for 2, then Tessmacher tags out to Tara, who comes in and cleans house on both girls. Rosita tries to interfere, but Tessmacher nails her and Tara wipes Sarita out with a clothesline, but Sarita gets a double chicken wing and drops Tara right on her shoulder in a really nasty spot. Rosita neutralizes Tessmacher on the floor as Sarita covers Tara for 2, then Sarita tosses Tara across the ring in brutal fashion, but Tara wipes both Mexican Americans out with a double clothesline. Tara tries the Widow’s Peak but Rosita reverses to a rollup and holds Sarita’s hands from the outside, but Tessmacher nails Sarita and Tara kicks out at 2. Tara press slams Rosita, and Rosita tries to make the hot tag, but now Tessmacher yanks Sarita off the apron, dropping her on her face on the apron, and Tara hits the Widow’s Peak on Rosita for the win.

Winners: Tara & Miss Tessmacher

We go to the back where Jeremy Borash is with the Pope, and Pope says that he’s been trying to talk to Devon and his kids and is trying to tweet to everybody that he’s trying to do it right tonight. He doesn’t know what Devon’s problem is because all Pope wants to do is the right thing, and he knows it’s going to be intense because this is a Bound For Glory Series match, but Pope’s going to go out there and do the right thing tonight.

We look at the Bound For Glory Series board, and Crimson is still in first place with RVD in second and Devon in fourth with the chance to move into a tie for first if he can catch a submission on Pope tonight.

Matt Morgan comes out to do commentary on the next match, then we’re off the the ring for…

Bound For Glory Series: The Pope vs Devon

The bell rings, but before they make contact, Pope gets a microphone and tells Devon that he respects him and he gave Devon seven points a few weeks ago for a reason, because his relationship with Devon, his kids, and their mother means a lot to him. If it means that much to Devon, he’ll prove that this means more than beating each other’s brains out. Pope lays down, but Devon tells him he’s going to get his seven points, but he’s going to tkae it out of Pope’s ass and to get up and give the fans what they came to see.

Pope gets to his feet, and we have a match on our hands. Pope has an “Okay, you asked for it!” look on his face as he comes at Devon, but Devon gets a shoulderblock and then a clothesline, and Pope tries to pull Devon on top of him to give him the win, but Devon pulls himself off Pope and smacks him in the face, asking what’s wrong with him. Devon wiht an armwringer, Pope reverses to a wristlock of his own and chain wrestles around Devon and catches him with a flying forearm. Pope with an armbar on Devon and rams a knee to the gut and then comes off the ropes with a forearm to the back and an elbowdrop. Devon comes back with a hiptoss and an armdrag, then a flying back elbow for 2. Devon with a big bodyslam and a diving headbutt off the ropes for 2, Pope rolls to the apron but Devon rams him off to the floor and then goes to the floor after him, he tries a charge but Pope moves and Devon hits the ringpost. Pope grabs his chain and goes to hit Devon with it, but Devon’s kids talk him out of dropping the chain, and Devon nails him out of nowhere and rolls him back inside and covers for 2. Devon gets a powerslam for 2, but charges Pope in the corner and Pope gets a hard boot up, then an inverted atomic drop and flying shoulderblock for 2. Pope is absolutely destroying Devon with elbows and a reverse chop, then hits the diving straddle through the ropes, and goes up top and hits a flying bodypress on Devon for 2. Devon comes off the ropes with a flying shoulderblock, but he misses another charge and Pope nails him and goes for the DDE, but stops short and lets Devon spear him and cover for 2. Devon goes for a chokeslam, but Pope slips out the back and rolls Devon up for 3.

Winner: The Pope

Pope extends his hand to Devon after the match, but Devon just blows him off and walks away. Devon sees his sons on the outside, and comes back in to shake Pope’s hand and then leaves. Pope moves into 8th place with 17 points now.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with another participant in the Bound For Glory Series, as RVD has the opportunity to be the first man to beat Crimson and take first place in the Series. Jerry Lynn comes in and says that he got in the ring with RVD last month, but wants to be in RVD’s corner tonight. I smell screwjob!

We see a video package recapping the Winter & Angelina vs Mickie James feud leading into tonight’s title match.

Knockouts Title Match: Mickie James vs Winter

Winter tries to sneak a rollup right off the bell, but only gets 1. Micke responds with a legwhip and tries to tie Winter into a modified Indian Deathlock, but Winter manages to escape. Winter tries a rollup, but Mickie blocks and get a sliding sunset flip for 2. Mickie with some hard right hands, but Angelina distracts from the floor and allows Winter to get a knee to the ribs. Mickie dropkicks Winter’s knees out from under her and then hits a diving dropkick to the face and Winter tumbles out to the floor. Mickie holds the ropes and invites Winter back in, but Winter refuses so Mickie goes out after her and gets distracted by Angelina, allowing Winter to ram her into the ringpost and dump her into the crowd. Mickie slowly picks herself up and goes back over the rail to ringside, and Angelina Love comes running in with a punt to the midsection. Winter with a double chickenwing, but Mickie escapes and gets a jackknife rollup for 2. Winter rolls out of the hold and chokes Mickie, then gets a side backbreaker and holds Mickie, draping her over her knee. Mickie escapes with kneestrikes to the skull of Winter, but Winter stomps her back down in the corner and chokes her with her boot. Mickie comes back with a flying headscissors out of the corner and a series of clotheslines, followed by a flapjack and a Thesz Press off the top. Angelina sneaks in behind the referee’s back and hits a weird neckbreaker over the knees thing and Winter covers Mickie for 2. Winter tries a spinning slam but Mickie slips out and gets an O’Connor roll for 2. Mickie comes out fo the corner with a tornado DDT, but Winter rolls out to the floor, and Angelina tries to come back in and go after Mickie again, but Mickie gives her a neckbreaker and then goes after Winter, rolling her back in the ring, but Winter spews some kind of mist in Mickie’s face and covers her for the win.

Winner and NEW Knockouts Champion: Winter

And so Winter and finally finished her centuries-old quest to regain the affections of Angelina Love and win the Knockouts Title.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with Brian Kendrick, who is cut off mid-promo by Austin Aries, who says that tonight was a handicap match with Kendrick and Shelley double teaming him, but he didn’t beat him. Kendrick says he won the match, but Aries says Kendrick never beat him and can’t call himself a real champion until he beats him.

Bound For Glory Series: Crimson vs Rob Van Dam

Van Dam has Jerry Lynn in his corner at ringside. Crimson immediately powers RVD to the corner, RVD tries to dodge around him, but Crimson lays him out with a clothesline for 2. Crimson with a big bodyslam for 2, but RVD whips Crimson to the corner and follows in with a running spinkic and then Rolling Thunder. Crimson with a three quarter nelson with kneestrikes and then a rolling neckbreaker for 2. RVD fires back with some straight punches, but Crimson hits a T-bone suplex for 2. RVD rolls out to the floor and Crimson goes out after him, but RVD floors him with a spinning kick to the jaw out of nowhere. RVD goes back inside and plays to the crowd, but Crimson grabs his ankle and drags him back to the outside and lays him out with a clothesline, then rolls RVD back inside and covers for 2. Crimson continues beating RVD down and whips him hard into the corner and RVD just collapses to the mat and Crimson covers for another 2. Crimson with another three quarter nelson into a snapmare and an elbowsmash to the top of the head gets 2. Crimson goes back to the three quarter nelson, but RVD lays him out with another boot to the face and then hits a split legged moonsault for 2. RVD goes up top and tries a thrust kick off the ropes, but Crimson ducks out of the way and hits a Falcon Arrow suplex for 2. Crimson prepares to finish RVD and sends him to the ropes, but RVD comes back with another thrust kick to the chest followed by a stepover leg lariat. RVD pops up top the top rope and hits the Five Star Frogsplash, but takes too long to cover Crimson and only gets 2. Jerry Lynn looks flabbergasted at ringside that the frogsplash didn’t put Crimson away, and Crimson drills into RVD with a spear for 2. Crimson ducks a spinkick and hits the Red Sky, but Jerry Lynn runs in and nails Crimson during the count, and the referee calls for the DQ.

Winner by DQ: Crimson

Crimson shoves Lynn off and even RVD gets in Lynn’s face and the two of them argue. Lynn says he was just trying to help, and RVD asks how that was supposed to help him and that’s why he doesn’t have people come out to the ring with him. Now because of the DQ loss, RVD loses 10 points and drops way down the rankings while Crimson stays in first place.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with Ken Anderson, who says there’s only room for one asshole in Immortal, and that’s him.

Abyss, Scott Steiner & Gunner vs AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Kazarian and Gunner start and do a feeling out process, then Kazarian takes Gunenr down to the mat and controls him, then hits a dropkick to the jaw for 2. Gunner tags out to Scott Steiner and he poses until Kazarian gets an awkward crucifix for 2. AJ tags in and puts the boots to Steiner, but Steiner powers him to the corner and unloads with the heavy artillery. AJ and Daniels with a Double Goozle and Daniels covers Steiner for 2. After all these years, Daniels is back in the ring with the guy who broke his leg with a steel pipe. Abyss tags in and unloads on Daniels, but Daniels evades his grip and unloads with palmstrikes and goes for a springboard leg lariat, loses his balance, and barely hits it. Pandemonium breaks loose as everyone winds up in the ring and Fortune comes out on top with fast paced offense, and Daniels hits a running clothesline to the back of Abyss’ head for 2. Abyss simply picks Daniels up and slams him to the mat and Daniels rolls out to the floor, but Steiner comes after him and rams him into the guardrail, then does it again because he’s such a nice guy. Immortal takes turns laying a beating on Daniels and then Steiner hits a belly to belly suplex for 2, but Daniels hits a leaping enziguiri to Abyss and makes the hot tag to Kazarian, who comes in and goes to work on Abyss, hitting a springboard back elbow and a springboard splash for 2. Kazarian dumps Gunner to the floor and gets a springboard tornado DDT that sends Abyss to the outside as well, and Kazarian wipes both of them out with a dive to the floor. Now all six men are brawling out on the floor and Kazarian rolls Abyss back in and climbs up to the apron, but Steiner drags him back down and rams him into the barricade. Gunner drags a table out from under the ring and sets it up, but Daniels comes over to make the save and go after Gunner. The referee is frantically trying to get this back under control as Abyss works Kazarian over in the corner, then Steiner tags in and lays Kazarian out with a clothesline, elbowdrop, and the Steiner pushups. Steiner distracts the referee while Gunner chokes Kazarian from the floor, then Gunner tags in and goes toe to toe with Kazarian and wipes him out with a running back elbow for 2. Abyss comes in with body shots to Kazarian, but Kazarian with a slingshot DDT lays Abyss out and he makes the hot tag to AJ, who comes in and cleans house on Immortal, hitting a hammerlock back suplex on Gunner, leaping clothesline in the corner on Abyss, and knocks Steiner off the apron. AJ with a springboard crossbody for 2 on Abyss, he tries the Styles Clash, Abyss blocks and goes for a chokeslam, and AJ reverses to a victory roll for 2. AJ with the Pelle Kick to Abyss for 2, then Kazarian and Gunner come in thering and go at it. Daniels hits an STO on Gunner and hits the BME, but Steiner comes in and lays him out with a Flatliner, AJ wipes him out with a hard kick, then AJ goes up top but Gunner shoves him off onto the top rope. Gunner sets the table up on the floor and gets AJ in a fireman’s carry on the apron, but Daniels jumps up on the apron and breaks it up, but Gunner drives into Daniels and they go through the table instead. Back in the ring, AJ hits a Pelle Kick on Abyss and covers for 3.

Winners: Fortune

Daniels is in a lot of pain on the floor, and AJ goes out to check on him. Daniels says he wasn’t going to let AJ go through that table, but meanwhile in the ring, Steiner and Gunner are chewing Abyss out over the loss.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with Bully Ray, who says that there may be only room in Immortal for one asshole, and he says that asshole is him. Everyone makes mistakes, his was carrying Devon around for 15 years, Borash’s parents made one when they had him, and Hogan and Bischoff made one when they allowed Anderson into Immortal, and he’s going to correct that when he beats Anderson down really bad right here and now, and the last face Anderson’s going to see is his.

Bully Ray vs Ken Anderson

Ray sneaks up behind Anderson during his entrance, but Anderson knew he was there and stopped mid intro and started beating Ray down to the ground, finishes his intro, then cracks Bully Ray in the face with his mic. Anderson continues beating Ray down to ringside and rams him into the barricade, then continues drilling him in the face with right hands and rams him into the barricade yet again before ramming him back first into the ring apron. Anderson takes his t-shirt off and chokes Bully Ray with it, then rolls Ray into the ring and the bell rings to finally officially start the match.

Anderson rams Ray into the corner hard and follows him in with a clothesline, then tries a second charge and Ray gets his boot up and then rips his head off with a clothesline for 2. Ray hangs Anderson up in the corner and rams headbutts into Anderson’s chest and then lays into him with a hard chop. He gets right in Anderson’s face and goes “You gonna fight me, asshole? You gonna fight me, asshole? Go ahead and hit me right in the face!” before getting a side suplex for 2. He yells at Anderson that he told Hogan and Bischoff they made a mistake by bringing him into Immortal, but Anderson fires back with right hands until Bubba whips him into the ropes and hits a back elbow for 2. Bubba pulls Anderson’s kneepad off and locks Anderson into a neck vice and then starts gouging at Anderson’s face, but Anderson bites Bubba’s hand until Bubba clubs him with a big forearm and then plants him with a big vertical suplex. Anderson is on his knees and starts firing right hands at Bubba, who just drills him back in the face and goes for the Bubba Bomb, but Anderson slips out and plants Bubba with a DDT.

Anderson starts firing back on Bubba, but Bubba no-sells until Anderson runs him over with a clothesline and a running back elbow. Anderson with a rolling neckbreaker for 2 and then sets for the Mic Check, Bubba blocks and tries a clothesline, but Anderson with a spinning enziguri I didn’t know he was capable of for 2. Bubba with a uranage for 2 and then a running splash in the corner, then Bubba tries coming off the second rope with a senton, but Anderson moves and Bubba hits hard. Anderson goes up top and hits a Swanton for 2, and Bubba catches him on impact and rolls him into a cradle for 2. Anderson comes off the second rope and Anderson catches him in a Bubba Cutter for 2. Bubba goes for the chain but Anderson ducks and picks Bubba up in a fireman’s carry, but loses him and they tumble the mat where Anderson covers for a weak 2. Anderson goes up top, but Bubba yells “screw you” at Anderson and heads up the aisle. Anderson goes after Bubba and dumps him back into the ring and grabs Bubba’s chain. Bubba begs off, then hits a low blow and rolls Anderson up for the win.

Winner: Bully Ray

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are backstage chewing out Abyss for losing, and Bully Ray comes into the back and annoys Hogan by interrupting his lecture to talk about how badly he just beat Anderson up. Hogan says he’s out of here, and tells Abyss they can’t home with him.

World Tag Team Title Match: Beer Money vs Mexican America

Earl Hebner, much like earlier tonight, preemptively kicks Sarita and Rosita out of ringside. Anarquia makes a grab at Roode from the apron right off the bell and Hernandez nails Roode, but Roode runs him over with a hard clothesline and then tags in Storm, who comes in with a facebuster on his knee and a neckbreaker for 2. Anarquia tags in and gets hiptossed, then Beer Money with a double back elbow and a pair of kneedrops for 2. Anarquia tries a wild swing and Roode ducks it and gets a Fujiwara armbar, but Hernandez ocmes in and breaks it up, so Beer Money do a wishbone split on Anarquia instead. Storm with a running clothesline on Anarquia, then Roode trips Anarquia from the floor and Storm boots him in the head to send him to the floor. Storm with another boot to the head to Hernandez, then clotheslines him to the floor and runs into Roode, who backdrops him over the top and onto Anarquia on the floor. Storm rolls Anarquia into the ring and covers for 2, then Roode tags in and goes at it with Anarquia until Hernandez nails him from the outside and then he comes in and both members of Mexican America wipe Roode out with a double shoulderblock. Hernandez just tosses Storm across the ring by the neck and covers for 2, then Anarquia comes in and hits a double underhook suplex for 2. Hernandez nails Roode with a Mongolian chop, but Roode catches him coming off the ropes with a spinebuster and finally makes the hot tag to Storm, who comes in and absolutely decimates Anarquia with clotheslines and a big backdrop. Storm with an Air Raid Facebuster for 2 on Anarquia, then Roode comes in and they hit a double vertical suplex on Hernandez. They do the BEER…MONEY! chant and Storm sets Anarquia on the top rope and hits a top rope Frankensteiner, followed by a top rope splash from Roode for 2. Hernandez nails Storm from the outside and Anarquia rolls him up for 2, but Storm dropkicks Hernandez to the floor and Roode shoves Anarquia off the top rope right into a superkick from Storm, who covers Anarquia and gets the win.

Winners: Beer Money

Great match thanks entirely to Beer Money, and absolutely the right outcome. Mexican America didn’t seem quite able to hang with the champions here. Storm grabs the US flag and holds it high to a great reaction from the crowd.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with Kurt Angle, and Angle says that he’s never really beaten Sting, and to be the best ever, he needs to do that. Angle simply says that he won’t lose.

It’s main event time!

Impact Wrestling World Title Match: Sting vs Kurt Angle

They tie up and Sting goes right to the arm with a wristlock, and Sting has purplish tights on tonight, making him almost look like some bizarre cross between the Joker and the Riddler. Angle takes Sting down with a side headlock, but Sting comes back with a hiptoss and an armdrag and bars the arm. Sting comes off the ropes and takes Angle down with a shoulderblock, but Angle comes back with an armdrag of his own and now he bars the arm with his knee grinding into the side of Sting’s face for good measure. Sting regains his feet and rams Angle to the corner and then kicks his knee out from under him, then does it again. Angle sends Sting to the ropes and nails him with a back elbow, but Sting backdrops Angle to the floor and goes after him, ramming him into the ring steps. Sting follows that by ramming Angle into the barricade, then sends Angle back into the ring, but Angle hoists Sting up coming in and dumps him in a Samoan Drop. Angle mounts Sting with a rear chinlock, Sting tries to escape but Angle catches him coming off the ropes with a knee to the gut and a front backbreaker for 2, then goes back to the chinlock. Angle rams Sting back and forth from corner to corner, but Sting comes out the last time and lays Angle out with a clothesline and a DDT for 2. Angle catches Sting out of nowhere and dumps him with an overhead release suplex for 2, then he tries the Angle Slam, but Sting slips out the back and hits the Scorpion Deathdrop for 2. Now Angle ducks a wild swing and hits the rolling German suplexes and gets 2. Angle goes up top to try for the moonsault, but misses just like EVERY OTHER TIME HE’S EVER TRIED THAT MOVE. Sting capitalizes by hitting Angle with his own Angle Slam for 2, then gets Angle in the Scorpion Deathlock, but Angle makes it to the ropes. Angle collapses into the corner and Sting hits the Stinger Splash, but misses a second attempt and Angle hits the Angle Slam for 2. Angle charges Sting in the corner, but Sting moves and Angle crashes into the ringpost, and Sting hooks Angle’s own anklelock and drags Kurt back out to the middle of the ring. Angle makes the ropes and then quickly hooks Sting in his own Scorpion Deathlock and, in a nice touch, holds his own ankle in pain since he had been in his own hold for so long. Sting makes it to the ropes, so Angle goes back to the rolling German suplexes, Sting fights his way out and goes for a slam, but Angle rolls through and gets Sting back in an anklelock, and Sting counters to a victory roll for 2. Angle goes for a kick and Sting catches it, and the referee gets sandwiched between Sting and the ropes so when Angle went for an enziguiri, Sting ducked and the referee gets wiped out. Sting takes Angle out with a clothesline and now both men are down, and Hogan comes in the ring with a chair and goes to hit Sting. Angle grabs the chair out of Hogan’s hands and chases him out to the floor, then hits Sting with the chair and hits the Angle Slam and covers for the win.

Winner and NEW World Champion: Kurt Angle

Hogan and Angle have a staredown that really doesn’t tell us much.

Daizee Haze Leaving Wrestling To Focus On Her Health

4

CHIKARA has announced that Daizee Haze will be taking an indefinite hiatus from professional wrestling to focus on her health and recovery. The promotion has released the following statement, which addresses her taking time off but cites a storyline injury as the reason:

Any discussion of Daizee Haze’s well-being should, first and foremost, reference the fact that she was not only struck over the head last Sunday with a chair after a hard match, but then after the main event, was manhandled by Claudio Castagnoli with perhaps the most brutal chokeslam of all time.

We’re disturbed to learn that Daizee Haze will be taking an indefinite hiatus to focus on her health and recovery, and we expect to have comments from her partner, Sara Del Rey, to publish this coming week on our website.

I’m sure all members of the CHIKARMY join us in wishing Daizee a full recovery and return to complete health.

Haze’s well-being has drawn great concern as she appeared alarmingly skinny at two recent independent wrestling events; her emaciated appearance at last Sunday’s Chikarasaurus Rex event in Philadelphia drew “eat a sandwich” chants from fans.

More Changes In WWE, Miz On Psych, Masters Booked

8

–  WWE has been making a number of changes internally with Triple H’s new talent recruiting division. Ty Bailey and Mark Carrano are now working directly with HHH and there is now a writer assigned specifically to work with HHH on development of new television characters and their introductions.

– The Miz will be appearing in an upcoming episode of the USA Network’s comedy series Psych. He missed Friday and Saturday’s live WWE events to film his scenes.

– Chris Masters’ first post-WWE booking will be for the World Stars of Wrestling’s tour of Portugal, which begins August 19th.

Cena Getting New Ring Gear, WWE Tryouts, Laurinaitis Video

20

– WWE champion John Cena is known for his jean-shorts ring attire – but according to Cena, the denim might soon be a thing of the past. A fan asked Cena on Twitter this week whether he ever gets bored of his jean shorts. Cena replied:

“yeah. Gonna change it up soon.”

– WWE is holding tryouts in California for new wrestlers by invitation only, according to PWInsider.com. Tryouts will be held over three days. Among those invited include the wrestlers WWE has used in segments in the past as extras.

– WWE recently interviewed Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, who talks about his career in the wrestling business as well as Triple H’s new role as the Chief Operating Officer of WWE. You can view that video here:

JR Blog: WWE Releases, Jeff Hardy-WWE, Cole’s Insults

14

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

WWE Releasing Talent This Week:  “I was surprised to see the list as I didn’t know it was coming. Fortunately that’s not my area of concern these days. I used to be the one who had to make those unpleasant telephone calls or conduct the meetings to release talent. Not a good facet of the job of being head of talent relations but it has to be done and likely should be done a few times each year. Giving released talents the opportunity to go elsewhere while they are still young and potentially productive is a good thing. No list of releases will ever make any one happy, nor should they, but it’s a necessary evil even if one’s favorite was included in the cuts. As I have said on Twitter, generally speaking when talents are released it is the best thing for all involved  after the initial shock/sting subsides.”

Jeff Hardy Returning To WWE One Day: “The internet guys can react as they usually do from afar on my ‘never say never’ retort but on this occasion I really don’t see it to be honest with you. Jeff had a wonderful run in WWE and it seems as if he peaked after leaving WWE. Jeff has the intangible ‘it’ factor but I don’t know how committed or motivated that he is to recapture the magic he once had. I’ll always be fans of Jeff and Matt Hardy. ”

Being Insulted On RAW: “Am I concerned over all the insults thrown my way on Raw? Hell, no. Been insulted by the very best in the world on a professional basis for years. It’s part of the presentation. Can it be overdone as in taking away from the building of talent? Yes. Announcer ‘banter’ should always have the talents in the ring in mind and the issues with which those talents are involved. I’ve worked with many color commentators over the year whose top priority seemed to be to promote themselves.”

Cena Responds To Rumors Of ‘Mania Match Being In Jeopardy

28

WWE Champion John Cena has responded to rumors of his scheduled match with The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII being in jeopardy. A fan asked Cena on Twitter, “Any truth to the rumours that a top WWE exec wants your match with The Rock removed from the WM 28 card?”

Cena denied the report, indicating that his dream match with The Rock will still take place as scheduled:

“none at all. That match needs to happen. If they kick us out we will fight.in parking lot.”

The rumor is attributed to the Wrestling Observer, as they reported last week that a high-ranking executive with great influence over Vince McMahon is lobbying for the match in Rock’s hometown of Miami, Florida to be canceled.

The executive is said to be concerned that WWE’s premiere star, Cena, will be heavily booed during the biggest show of the year.

What do you think – with the amount of hype WWE has already invested in Cena-Rock, could they get away with not delivering? COMMENT BELOW and tell us what you think.

Match Line-up For Tonight’s Hardcore Justice Pay-Per-View

5

TNA Wrestling will be holding the seventh annual Hardcore Justice pay-per-view event tonight at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Nine matches have been announced for the event, including five title matches.

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting (c) vs. Kurt Angle

World Tag Team Championship Match
Bobby Roode and James Storm (c) vs. Hernandez and Anarquia

X Division Championship Match
Brian Kendrick (c) Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley

Six Man Tag Team Match
AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian vs. Abyss, Gunner and Scott Steiner

Challenge Match
Mr. Anderson vs. Bully Ray

Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match
Ms. Tessmacher and Tara (c) vs. Sarita and Rosita

Women’s Knockout Championship Match
Mickie James (c) vs Winter (with Angelina Love)

Bound For Glory Series Match
Rob Van Dam vs Crimson

Bound For Glory Series Match
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs Devon

Melina Addresses WWE Departure In Heartfelt Podcast

24

Melina, who was released from her contract with WWE on Friday, addressed her departure from the organization in a heartfelt podcast, which you can listen to below, courtesy of official website, RealMelina.com:

The five-time champion thanks her fans for their tremendous support and promises that she’ll always be around. The following is a partial transcript of the address:

“Everybody’s been so wonderful, I… oh my goodness it’s overwhelming in a very good way. In a way where I feel so honored and so privileged and so lucky to be able to have people like you. And I consider you all my friends and my family because you have helped me through so much. We have been on a roller coaster ride together and through it all, you have been very supportive and inspiring and encouraging.

“You see me through my injuries, you’ve been around with me when people start rumors and just say the most awful stuff. I understand why people say the things they do, they’re only human. Through it all, I’ve become a stronger person and I like the person that I’ve become.

“I think everything happens for a reason and all of it happened just so then I can experience it and learn to overcome it. But like I said, you’ve seen me through all of that. And you’re going to see me get through this. And I am so thankful to have you guys say all the things that you’ve said. They’re so beautiful. That’s why I say I’m so lucky because you guys are such great people and the things that you’ve written are so encouraging and inspiring and I know that I repeat that a lot but it really is.

“You’re going to see me go through another chapter in my life and I know that it’s going be exciting and there’s going to be so much more. And you know me, I’m always up for adventures, always fighting to do something else and to overcome things. Expect a lot more in the future and expect a lot more from me. You guys will always find me here on RealMelina.com. Find me on Twitter at Realmelina. I will never change, I will not change for a second. I will still be the person you talked to online. I will still have live chats. I’ll probably end up doing more YouTube videos; it won’t be the Zack Long Island Story (laughs), but at least you’re going to see me.

“Everything that you get is always from the heart. So expect a lot more from me because I ain’t going anywhere.”

Pro Wrestling Illustrated Names The Top 500 Wrestlers Of 2011

69

The Miz, who held the WWE Championship for 160 days, has been named number one in Pro Wrestling Illustrated‘s “PWI 500? list for 2011.

The list, which is now in its 21st year, ranks the top 500 professional wrestlers in the world. The criteria for the list is as follows: “Our staff compiled this list using criteria that included win-loss record, championships won, quality of competition, major feuds, prominence within their individual promotion(s), and overall wrestling ability. The list only considers a wrestler’s accomplishments during the period spanning June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011.”

1. The Miz
2. Randy Orton
3. John Cena
4. Kane
5. Takashi Sugiura
6. Alberto Del Rio
7. Mr. Anderson
8. Rey Mysterio
9. Eddie Edwards
10. CM Punk
11. Rob Van Dam
12. Sheamus
13. Roderick Strong
14. Suwama
15. Daniel Bryan
16. Jeff Hardy
17. Dolph Ziggler
18. Kurt Angle
19. Wade Barrett
20. Jeff Jarrett
21. Sting
22. Hiroshi Tanahashi
23. Ultimo Dragon
24. AJ Styles
25. Davey Richards
26. Christopher Daniels
27. John Morrison
28. Dr. Wagner Jr.
29. Kofi Kingston
30. Bobby Roode
31. The Big Show
32. Matt Morgan
33. Christian
34. Kazarian
35. Cody Rhodes
36. Chris Hero
37. James Storm
38. Ricky Banderas
39. Jack Swagger
40. Bully Ray
41. Satoshi Kojima
42. Samoa Joe
43. Sin Cara
44. Claudio Castagnoli
45. Shinsuke Nakamura
46. El Generico
47. Alex Shelley
48. Chris Sabin
49. Adam Pearce
50. El Zorro
51. R-Truth
52. Drew McIntyre
53. Seth Rollins
54. Togi Makabe
55. Hernandez
56. D’Angelo Dinero
57. Mark Henry
58. Negro Casas
59. Gunner
60. Abyss
61. Justin Gabriel
62. Douglas Williams
63. Brother Devon
64. Go Shiozaki
65. Matt Hardy
66. Heath Slater
67. Robbie E
68. Ted DiBiase Jr.
69. Evan Bourne
70. Naomichi Marufuji
71. Shelton Benjamin
72. Tommy Dreamer
73. Prince Devitt
74. Jay Briscoe
75. Rob Terry
76. Austin Aries
77. Max Buck
78. Ezekiel Jackson
79. Charlie Haas
80. Jushin Liger
81. Mark Briscoe
82. Orlando Jordan
83. Jeremy Buck
84. Jesse Neal
85. Kenny Omega
86. Shingo Takagi
87. Carlito
88. Volador Jr.
89. Crimson
90. BXB Hulk
91. Shannon Moore
92. Vladimir Kozlov
93. Homicide
94. Colt Cabana
95. Yuji Nagata
96. Eric Young
97. David Otunga
98. Yamato
99. Tommaso Ciampa
100. Santino Marella
101. Kenny King
102. Dean Ambrose
103. The Sheik
104. Low Ki
105. The Great Khali
106. Alex Riley
107. Brian Kendrick
108. Jimmy Jacobs
109. Rhett Titus
110. Scott Steiner
111. Minoru Suzuki
112. La Parka
113. Tyson Kidd
114. Mike Bennett
115. Adam Cole
116. Johnny Curtis
117. Michael McGillicutty
118. Jay Lethal
119. Mason Ryan
120. Tyson Dux
121. MVP
122. Kevin Steen
123. Minoru Tanaka
124. David Hart Smith
125. Ryota Hama
126. Ultimo Guerrero
127. Hirooki Goto
128. Blue Demon, Jr.
129. Husky Harris
130. Giant Bernard
131. La Sombra
132. Michael Tarver
133. Chessman
134. Kaz Hayashi
135. Ryusuke Taguchi
136. Amazing Red
137. Yoshi Tatsu
138. Yoshihiro Takayama
139. Toru Yano
140. Zack Ryder
141. Delirious
142. Takuma Sano
143. Primo Colon
144. Karl Anderson
145. Wataru Inoue
146. L.A. Park
147. Averno
148. Kotaro Suzuki
149. Mohammed Yone
150. Hiram Tua
151. Joe Doering
152. Joe E. Legend
153. JTG
154. Kota Ibushi
155. Takeshi Morishima
156. Mephisto
157. Kono
158. Tayo Kea
159. Big Daddy Voodoo
160. Rhino
161. Steve Corino
162. Chavo Guerrero Jr.
163. Tyler Reks
164. Magnus
165. Chris Masters
166. Masato Tanaka
167. Anarquia
168. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
169. William Regal
170. Murphy
171. CIMA
172. Trent Barreta
173. KENTA
174. Heavy Metal
175. Curt Hawkins
176. Masakatsu Funaki
177. Paul London
178. Luke Gallows
179. Kensuke Sasaki
180. Ray Gonzalez
181. Akitoshi Saito
182. Atlantis
183. Yoshihiro Tajiri
184. Yuji Takahashi
185. Brodus Clay
186. Tetsuya Naito
187. Sami Callihan
188. PAC
189. Jimmy Uso
190. Jon Davis
191. Bo Rotundo
192. Jey Uso
193. Jun Akiyama
194. Bison Smith
195. Oliver John
196. Hector Garza
197. Masato Yoshino
198. Kory Chavis
199. Jack Evans
200. Arik Cannon
201. Perro Aguayo Jr.
202. Tim Storm
203. Electroshock
204. Taiji Ishimori
205. Darren Young
206. Richie Steamboat
207. Extreme Tiger
208. Xavier Woods
209. Masahiro Chono
210. Hartley Jackson
211. Brad Allen
212. Naruki Doi
213. Derrick Bateman
214. Johnny Vandal
215. Big E. Langston
216. Eric Escobar
217. Silver King
218. Chris Grey
219. Calvin Raines
220. Brodie Lee
221. Jerry Lawler
222. Tommy Taylor
223. Byron Saxton
224. Glamour Boy Shane
225. Peter Orlov
226. Drake Younger
227. Jado
228. Ultimo Gladiador
229. Michael Elgin
230. Raven
231. Matt Taven
232. Kyle O’Reilly
233. Necro Butcher
234. Chris Angel
235. Rasche Brown
236. Jon Rekon
237. Cibernetico
238. Keiji Muto
239. Sabu
240. Percy Watson
241. Keith Walker
242. Joe Lider
243. Gedo
244. Conor O’Brian
245. Metal Master
246. Martin Stone
247. Cody Hawk
248. Tim Donst
249. Titus O’Neil
250. Octagon
251. Vampiro
252. TJ Cannon
253. Dragon Rojo Jr.
254. Tiger Mask IV
255. Super Crazy
256. Jacob Novak
257. Blue Panther
258. Caylen Croft
259. Bruce Maxwell
260. Lucky Cannon
261. John McChesney
262. Ricky Reyes
263. Tokyo Monster Kahagas
264. Petey Williams
265. Akebono
266. Akuma
267. Cody Deaner
268. Johnny Gargano
269. Shawn Spears
270. Sterling James Keenan
271. Latino
272. Ryan Eagles
273. Mascara Dorado
274. Tozawa
275. Matt Cross
276. Derek Wylde
277. Damien Sandow
278. Joey Ryan
279. “Mr. 450” Hammett
280. Chuck Taylor
281. Jigsaw
282. Icarus
283. Ares
284. Ruckus
285. Jayson Cypress
286. Okada
287. Tito Colon
288. Eddie Kingston
289. Mike Quackenbush
290. Josh Daniels
291. Rocky Romero
292. Mason Beck
293. Sebastian Suave
294. Darin Corbin
295. Joey Mercury
296. Hunico
297. Robbie Heart
298. Rich Swann
299. Matt Riviera
300. Dragon Kid
301. Jason Bane
302. Dennis Rivera
303. Pepper Parks
304. Lance Bravado
305. Harlem Bravado
306. Dylan Kage
307. Kijimuna
308. Dan Lawrence
309. Matt Cage
310. Silas Young
311. Craig Classic
312. Shane Hollister
313. Brandon Locke
314. Sugar Dunkerton
315. Slyck Wagner Brown
316. Aden Chambers
317. Robert Anthony
318. Robbie McAllister
319. T.J. Perkins
320. Hallowicked
321. Cliff Compton
322. Don Paysan
323. Robbie Gilmore
324. Max Bauer
325. N8 Mattson
326. Brian Milonas
327. Mohamad Ali Vaez
328. Wes Brisco
329. Brandon Espinosa
330. Eli Cottonwood
331. Arick Andrews
332. Desean Bishop
333. Samuel Elias
334. Christopher Rockwell
335. J.D. Maverick
336. Jinder Mahal
337. Donny Marlow
338. Alexander Rusev
339. Ace Hawkins
340. Cole Callway
341. Jerome Hendrix
342. The Blue Meanie
343. Andy Ridge
344. C.J. Esparza
345. Mike Mondo
346. Ophidian
347. Diego Corleone
348. R.D. Evans
349. Amasis
350. Jake O’Reilly
351. Kirby Mack
352. Brett Gakiya
353. Steve Boz
354. Jake Crist
355. Tommy Treznik
356. DJ Hyde
357. Ryan Bisbal
358. TJ Mack
359. Paredyse
360. Vance Nevada
361. Shane Haste
362. Franky the Mobster
363. Lince Dorado
364. Dave Crist
365. Kyle Sebastian
366. Devon Moore
367. Asylum
368. Corey Hollis
369. Mike Sydal
370. Ryan Rush
371. Roman Leakee
372. Matt Burns
373. Russell Walker
374. Kevin Grace
375. Adam Revolver
376. Steven Walters
377. Sam Shields
378. Danny Havoc
379. Mike Rollins
380. Ted McNaler
381. Damien Slater
382. Jake Manning
383. Ryan McBride
384. Sinn Bodhi
385. Josh Alexander
386. Bloody Harker Dirge
387. RJ City
388. Alex Silva
389. Mega
390. Jonny Puma
391. Aaron Epic
392. Adam Windsor
393. Cobian
394. Chase Del Monte
395. Shiima Xion
396. Ricochet
397. Papadon
398. Josef Von Schmidt
399. Pat Buck
400. Dan Maff
401. Jason Static
402. Bazooka Joe
403. Bobby Shields
404. Grizzly Redwood
405. Breaker Morant
406. Scott Zenzen
407. Bobby Dempsey
408. Maifu
409. Kekoa the Flyin’ Hawaiian
410. Kid America
411. Mathieu St-Jacques
412. Saifu
413. Bryan Logan
414. Sylvan Grenier
415. Crazzy Steve
416. Eric Cooper
417. Brandon Aarons
418. Matt Logan
419. Pat Guennette
420. Whipdog Johnson
421. Damian Dragon
422. Jason Jones
423. Cheech
424. Elvis Pridemore
425. Rastakhan
426. Mr. Fantastic
427. Matt Saigon
428. Player Uno
429. MASADA
430. Sexxy Eddie
431. Benjamin Kimera
432. Stupified
433. Chris Wylde
434. Shaun Rickers
435. Jake Davis
436. Jimmy Cicero
437. Ernesto Osiris
438. Mike Posey
439. Gee Gee
440. Axl Rotten
441. Joe Gacy
442. C.W. Scott
443. Shorty Smalls
444. Noah Lott
445. Scott Wright
446. Mozart Fontaine
447. Cloudy
448. Jimmy Lee
449. Mike Dell
450. Tim Horner Jr
451. Vincent Vega
452. Leslie Leatherman
453. CUJO the Hellhound
454. Bill Collier
455. American Kickboxer II
456. Chrisifix
457. Scott Tytus
458. Outlaw J. R. James
459. Kevin Douglas
460. Tommy Mack
461. Rudy Switchblade
462. Steve Stasiak
463. Don Vega
464. Dennis Allen
465. Chris Cooper
466. Sabian
467. Vince Beach
468. Bodie Williams
469. Nick Fury
470. Brain Damage
471. Fred Flash
472. Biff Slater
473. A.J. Istria
474. Abraham Washington
475. Shockwave the Robot
476. Marc Mandrake
477. Martin Stanley Fuqua
478. Pee Wee
479. Damien Kass
480. Will Calrissian
481. Kwan Chang
482. AHTU
483. Ethan Page
484. Griffen
485. Barry Hardy
486. Jimmy the Hippy
487. Preston Maxwell
488. Scarry Garry
489. Brandon Bishop
490. Ryot
491. Joey Kings
492. Corey Blaze
493. Ash Walker
494. Justin Sane
495. Brandon Thurston
496. Milo Beasley
497. Peter B. Beautiful
498. Sinister Cross
499. Johnny Adams
500. Gino Martino

Note – Edge, who held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for nearly four months during the grading period, was not ranked due to retirement. Triple H and The Undertaker were on the disabled list throughout a major portion of the grading period.

John Cena Answers Fan Questions About The Rock

41

WWE Champion John Cena answered some fan questions on Twitter yesterday about his WrestleMania 28 opponent The Rock. Here are some highlights about what Cena said about:

Which Man Is Stronger:

“No shorting the Rock for all of his abilities …but I can say with confidence, I am stronger than him. That does not make me better, just stronger. So don’t go and take that out of context. He is much quicker and probally a better overall athlete, but strength belongs 2 me.”

The Rock Insulting John Cena’s Fans:

“I don’t get that part. He can call me anything and everything he wants…I just don’t get that part.”

Whether He Thinks The Rock Is Gay:

“That is the last one I will answer because of how ridiculous it is. My answer. Why should it matter? No take it as is. Why should a persons sexuality matter? He is a great entertainer. I will admit. I have made some mistakes in the past but I now realize that it shouldn’t matter what race creed color sexual preference age u are. If your good. You’re good. Trying to pick something like that as a persons flaw is about the most ignorant thing that can be done. Don’t be that person. Step your game up. So it IS what it IS. Gay or straight. To quote “Dwayne”, “it doesn’t matter!””

DH Smith Reveals Post-WWE Plans, TE Contestant Attends Show

13

— WWE announced Friday that they had come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith, who Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis once deemed a future WrestleMania main eventer. The third generation talent revealed that he is returning to Japan, where he competed prior to joining the sports entertainment promotion in 2006.

“Yup, Japan here I come! No more WWE, had a great time tho.” Smith wrote on his Facebook page.

His mother, Diana Smith, stated in April that David had plans to cross over to mixed martial arts.

Tough Enough contestant Martin Casaus, who was forced by injury to withdraw from the competition near its conclusion, was spotted buying a ticket to last night’s Raw live event at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah. Furthermore, an independent wrestling promotion he co-owns, UCW-Zero, was handing out fliers promoting upcoming events, including his return match from the ankle injury he suffered while competing on Tough Enough.

source: PWInsider.com

Kim Insists She Quit WWE, TNA Knockouts Lobby For Return

30

Gail Kim insisted Friday on her Twitter account that she quit WWE on Monday and was not released.

“I didn’t ask for a release. I QUIT,” she wrote to TNA Wrestling performer Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara). “Lol meaning I don’t want their money I’d rather be freeeeeeee haha.

She commented further, “I don’t know but I’ve been telling them since Monday I quit. So either they have control issues or they’re in denial.”

WWE, however, has yet to announce that she has been released from the organization. Regarding their lack of announcement, she wrote, “Future endeavor message? Ok here it is: I wish the WWE the best in their future endeavors!”

Varon is lobbying on Twitter for Kim to return to TNA Wrestling, where the Canadian grappler presided as the first Women’s Knockout Champion.

“Super excited to hear about Gail asking for her release. TNA TNA TNA!!!!!” she exclaimed. “Oops I mean Impact Wrestling! Impact Wrestling! Impact Wrestling!!!!”

Christy Hemme, who appears as a ring announcer for TNA, is also lobbying for Kim to return.

“What!??!? Come back to TNA then!!!” she wrote after learning of Kim’s departure from WWE. “Love seeing all the excitement for Gail Kim. My fav bad ass female wrestler makes life on her own terms!! Of course she does!!”

Kim says she is glad to leave WWE, calling it “the best thing ever.”

“Everyone sounds upset or sad or concerned..trust me it’s the best thing ever. Now my life can begin. All the negativity is gone and control over my life. No one can hold me down but me now!”

How Sin Cara Is Able To Return Early, Johnny Curtis To Debut

28

— WWE announced on Friday’s episode of SmackDown that Sin Cara returns to action on next week’s show, which would indicate that he is returning prior to serving the full length of his 30-day suspension for a violation of the organization’s Talent Wellness Program. To get around their self-imposed ruling, there is talk that developmental wrestler Hunico will portray Sin Cara at live events until the SmackDown Superstar’s suspension is levied on August 17—the day following a SmackDown taping in Bakersfield, California.

Sin Cara was written off television at Money in the Bank, as he was booked to sustain a storyline injury during SmackDown’s Money in the Bank Match. WWE claimed he suffered a posterior fractured rib and would be sidelined for at least four weeks.

A clip of Sheamus powerbombing the masked wrestler from the ring apron through a steel ladder aired last night to explain his absence.

NXT Season 4 contestant Johnny Curtis, who was to have made his in-ring debut on last night’s episode of SmackDown, instead appeared in a backstage vignette. He said, “the writing is on the wall.” A chalkboard was then shown indicating that his debut is set for next week.

source: F4WOnline.com

Clooney Reportedly Ditches Keibler Following Cryptic Tweet

21

Some tabloids are reporting that after Stacy Keibler cryptically wrote on Twitter how much fun she was having in Lake Como, Italy, a resort area George Clooney reigns over, the reclusive A-list actor told her to pack her bags and leave.

The former Miss Hancock has since returned to the United States as she was spotted Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport fresh off a flight.

Life & Style reported Wednesday that Clooney had begun dating the former WWE Diva after recently splitting from model Elisabetta Canali. His rep, however, told Yahoo’s The Famous blog that he had not heard of the alleged romance.

“George is finishing his movie and I haven’t had any way to reach him for the past several weeks,” Stan Rosenfield told The Baltimore Sun, noting that Clooney never talks about his personal life.

Another source added that his “fling is purely for fun.”

Match Announced For SummerSlam, Diva Debuts On SmackDown

10

— WWE.com has announced that Sheamus will battle Mark Henry at SummerSlam.

The synopsis reads: “Announced exclusively on WWE.com, Mark Henry and Sheamus will collide at SummerSlam in a rivalry that has quickly grown more intense than the summer sun itself. Will the fight of The Celtic Warrior be enough to defeat the meanest “Fella” in the land?”

— WWE developmental talent Aksana debuted on tonight’s episode of SmackDown in a backstage segment with Theodore Long.

Catsuit clad and with dark hair, the NXT Season 3 contestant tried to seduce the SmackDown General Manager into giving her his phone number. Long gave Aksana his card and wrote his personal number on the back. She said, “I can’t wait to do business with you.”

— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.

Matt Hardy Suspension Update, New TNA PPV Match

17

— ImpactWrestling.com has announced a TNA Knockouts Championship Match for Hardcore Justice. Miss Tessmacher and Tara will defend the straps against Sarita and Rosita, the previous title holders.

Sarita, who announced four weeks ago via Facebook that she had suffered facial paralysis, continued to wear a protective mask at this past weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events in Texas. Her condition, however, has improved in the meantime.

— Matt Hardy, who has been inactive from TNA Wrestling since May 30, posted a status update on Twitter:

“To all of the promoters that have contacted me about working for them, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve kinda got everything on hold for now. I would greatly appreciate your patience in me taking bookings for now, thanks!”

Company officials reportedly suspended Hardy in June due to continuously arriving late to events and posting online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser.

Impact Rating Takes A Hit, Amazing Red Removed From Roster

11

— The August 4, 2011 episode of Impact Wrestling scored a 1.14 cable rating, down from 1.20 the prior week and 1.26 on July 21.

Impact averaged 1,436,000 viewers over the course of two hours, down 22 percent from 1,794,000 on July 21.

It’s worth noting that the season premiere of Jersey Shore on MTV drew 8.8 million viewers.

— Amazing Red’s profile has been removed from ImpactWrestling.com’s roster page, thus confirming his departure from TNA Wrestling. The former X Division cited creative differences for his departure from the organization Thursday on Twitter.

Sangriento, a masked character Red portrayed, is still listed on the roster page.

source: PWInsider.com

Chris Masters Comments On His WWE Release

19

Chris “Masters” Mordetzky was one of the five (so far) WWE talents released earlier today, along with Melina, Gail Kim, Vladamir Kozlov and DH Smith.

Masters issued the following statement this afternoon on Twitter (@WWEMasterP):

“Obviously, I’m surprised by the move. But I’m optimistic. I’m going to move forward and see what lies ahead. I still love this business and I’m not going to give up because of this small set back. I want to explore and see what options I have for the future.”

Masters is already taking independent bookings and can be reached at [email protected].

Melina Comments On Her WWE Release

18

Melina wrote the following about her WWE release on Twitter today:

“Feel free to Tweet, write, call @WWE about how u feel about anything. You deserve to be heard regarding any matter. Strength in numbers. I love you all so dearly and reading all of your tweets. Seeing the trend… I know w/out a doubt, I’m a lucky woman! In the next few days you will see many updates on the matter, so keep checking www.RealMelina.com I will definitely Blog & Vlog about it. I’ve been through quite a bit of stuff in my life. I Overcame each time. I’ll never give up. Not now. I’ll Always fight & #StayStrong “

Melina also sent a Tweet to John Morrison in response to his heartfelt reaction to her release:

“@TheRealMorrison U just made me cry. I love you so much. I’m very proud of what u have accomplished & to have u as the love of my life.”

John Morrison Comments On Melina’s Departure From WWE

43

John Morrison issued the following statement via Twitter concerning Melina, his girlfriend, who was released this afternoon from her contract with WWE.

He wrote, “I’ve always believed that Melina is the most talented Diva ever employed by World Wrestling Entertainment. (not to mention the hottest!) Her face conveys emotion. Vince McMahon likes to say “Television is a feeling” and I agree with him. That’s what Sports Entertainment is all about. Melina’s presence on Television, aside from the obvious (she be sexy!) is raw emotion- joy, rage, surprise, disgust… her passion just pours out of her

“Melina’s presence on Monday Night Raw will be missed by the WWE universe… and especially by me.

“I think this is the end of a chapter in the book of @RealMelina – I met Melina on my audition for Tough Enough 3, I never forgot the smile, and hug she gave me when I made the show and she got cut and told to go home. I’ve stood next to her with Joey while MNM was yelled at; told we’d never make it, we were worthless. I’ve seen her come back from 2 career threatening injuries. She is one of a kind, and talented enough to do whatever she wants. I’m proud to be her man. I love her, and will support whatever she chooses to do next.

“#staystrong #thankyoumelina.”