U.S. President Barrack Obama appeared at a fundraiser for Linda McMahon’s opponent Richard Blumenthal on Thursday, speaking out against the former WWE CEO and saying she’s not fit for the United States Senate. Obama calls the decision to vote for Blumenthal a “no brainer.”
“This is the kind of leader you want representing you, somebody you know,†Obama said of Blumenthal. “Somebody who doesn’t just show up and try to get a victory by writing a big check and flooding the airwaves with negative ads.â€
“I understand [Linda McMahon] has promised a ‘smackdown,'” Obama continued. “That is what she said. And, look, there’s no doubt, I can see how somebody who’s been in professional wrestling would think that they’re right at home in the United States Senate — if they were watching some of the behavior that’s been going on.
“But the truth is — and Dick understands this — public service is not a game. At this moment, we are facing challenges we haven’t seen since the Great Depression. And facing serious challenges requires serious leaders -– leaders who are willing to take on the status quo; leaders who are willing to take on special interests; leaders who are willing to fight for our people and our future. And Dick Blumenthal is that leader. And that’s why I need all of you to make him your next United States senator, That’s the choice in this election.”
Earlier this week, McMahon was asked about President Obama’s performance in office thus far, and said, “I think President Obama, in my view, has fallen far short of what the expectation was when he became President. We are further in debt, our deficit has grown, unemployment has grown. From a leadership perspective, I think he has fallen short.”
Here is video of President Obama campaigning against Linda McMahon:
— TMZ.com confirmed an earlier report of former WWE performer Sean Waltman being arrested Sunday at Newark Liberty International Airport on a drug possession charge.
The story notes that Waltman showed up at the airport after appearing at a fan convention the day before and claimed that he didn’t have an ID because he was robbed at a party. When police searched him due to his lack of ID, they found a rolled marijuana cigarette.
He was released Sunday night.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus will be taking part in an autograph signing tour dubbed ‘The Stratusphere Tour’ in October at various locations on the East Coast.
“Since I retired in 2006, I have been so tied up with projects and opening my business that I haven’t had the opportunity to do many autograph signings – not to mention the fact that the majority of my stuff has been in Canada!” said Stratus, “I jumped at the chance to not only tour the East Coast but to work with Sam again, who always puts on a top notch event. Who knows, this could be the start of a stratusfying world tour!”
For the list of dates and more details, click here.
— Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler will guest star on an episode of Blue Mountain State. The second season of the program premieres next month on Spike TV.
– In a move that many are calling long overdue, WWE has officially added the drug carisoprodol (also known as “Soma”) to its Wellness Policy’s list of banned substances. The change has not yet been made on WWE’ss corporate website, but we’re told the talent has been informed of the change.
Soma is a powerful and addictive muscle relaxer that has been used as a recreational drug among pro wrestlers for decades. The drug had previously been allowed if it was prescribed by a doctor, but the new ammendment prohibits WWE talent from taking Somas even if it’s prescribed by a doctor.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross wrote the following about WWE banning the use of Soma among its performers:
“I think that it’s a great idea. Too many wrestlers took/take Somas recreationally much like wrestlers used to smoke weed in the 70’s. Prescription pill abuse is a huge enemy of all wrestlers who abuse them. Pain medicine, Somas, ambien, and xanax are an evil mixture especially when mixed with alcohol and taken in excess.”
– Steve Austin will be appearing at the closing night awards event at the 16th Annual Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival on September 19th at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Austin will be presenting Eric Roberts with a Career Achievement in Acting award.
– Tuesday, November 2nd will be a big night for Linda McMahon as it is election night and she’s trying to become Senator of Connecticut. It just so happens that WWE is taping SmackDown that night in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, f4wonline.com
— MVP has replaced Matt Hardy as being advertised for an appearance at the Dallas State Fair on Saturday, October 2.
— Inaugural and reigning Wrestlicious Champion Glory (a/k/a Christie Ricci) posted the following message on her Facebook account after watching prospective WWE Diva AJ’s match on Tuesday’s episode of NXT:
“I just saw a match on NXT. Obviously these girls are not trained! This girl, “AJ” went from a total dead sell to getting up, flipping her hair and beating the crap out of a dude! BRILLIANT! I have a good idea, WWE! Why don’t you get Orton to sh*t in a bag, then through it in the ring… at least that would be interesting and more realistic. And just think.. next year this girl will be PWI’s top wrestler!!!”
— The latest “Shootin’ Straight with Joey Styles” NXT chat can be read here.
Ring of Honor is pleased to announce that the World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) with Shane Hagadorn and “The American Wolf†Davey Richards have signed to complete at both upcoming Midwest events on Friday, October 15th in Dayton, OH and Saturday October 16th in Chicago Ridge, IL.
We can also report that Colt Cabana and Kevin Steen will be apart of these shows along with the previously announced “Notorious 187? Homicide, “Fallen Angel†Christopher Daniels, The All Night Express (Kenny King and Rhett Titus), Kyle O’Reilly, and Adam Cole.
Tickets for both events are now on sale here. We’ll have more big names to announce next week at ROHWrestling.com.
– Hulk Hogan has stated that he wants to be the next “Billy Mays” TV infomercial pitchman, but could you see Hogan as the next Judge Judy?
Hogan has been pitching a TV show called “Hogan’s Court†where he would preside over disputes between siblings. The show producers are planning to shoot 26 half-hour episodes. The show will be geared towards 8-12 year olds.
– As we reported a few days ago, Team 3D’s TNA contracts have expired, but the team has agreed to work TNA’s live events tour of the Northeast United States later this month. It’s expected both Brother Ray and Brother Devon will sign new deals with the company and will then feud with each other.
– Scott Hall was reportedly released from a psychiatric hospital yesterday afternoon.
– TNA’s new tag team London Brawling (Brutus Magnus and Desmond) has been put on hold, with no word yet on when (or if) they will return. Wolfe was at the iMPACT tapings this past week but was not used and there’s not a lot of talk going around as to why he’s not being used. Magnus was not brought in for the tapings and has been at home in the UK.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, f4wonline.com
WWE unifying its tag team championships several weeks ago was the company’s first step in giving the tag division another big push. There are plans to build up the new tag titles and introduce several new tag teams to both the RAW and SmackDown rosters so the defending champs have legitimate challengers.
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre are a new (possibly temporary) team on SmackDown that will face The Hart Dynasty in a non-title match Friday night on SmackDown. No word yet on whether the Hart Dynasty will defend the gold at Night of Champions, but they very well could add a tag title match by Sunday.
An idea that’s been discussed is to do a Survivor Series in November with tag teams from both brands. The match wouldn’t necessarily be a RAW vs. SmackDown match but a heels vs. faces match.
— Former WWE performer Sean Waltman was arrested and charged with drug possession on Sunday at the Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, reports the Wrestling Globe Newsletter. Airport officials processed him before eventually releasing him without bail.
— The Fassbender Funeral Home in Marquette, Michigan is holding a funeral service today for former WWE performer Mike Shaw (a/k/a Bastion Booger), who died Saturday at his home in Skandia at the age of 53. A cause of death was not given by the funeral home. (Article link)
— Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie was being followed by a film crew at Saturday’s Wrestling Reunion event in Rahway, New Jersey, reports pwinsider.com. It is said that she plans to pitch a reality show to the TLC cable network.
— MVP had some choice words for NXT when asked what he thought of announcer Michael Cole quitting the program.
“NXT is awful,” MVP wrote on Twitter. “I’ll be glad when it ALL over!”
Later, a fan suggested that one of the Rookie Diva contestants could be ‘the next Lita’.
“What an incredible INSULT to Lita!” MVP sniped. “Lita is an ALL TIME great! These chicks? Lita? Not in this lifetime!”
— Paul London has since deleted the video he posted earlier this week on YouTube demeaning Matt Hardy. He also called his former colleague ‘a mess’ during an interview Monday night.
According to PWInsider.com, there’s been underlying heat between the two since a love triangle with Ashley Massaro when all three were working for WWE years ago.
— Ousted NXT Rookie Diva Aloisia, who announced the news of her release from WWE last night during an interview with Diva-Dirt.com, also disputed online rumors that she previously worked as an escort.
“Look, I’ve never in my life worked for an escort service, but it’s pointless to go on and on and on addressing all these ridiculous charges,” she said. “Every time I single talk about it, the story seems to get bigger and bigger and then people criticize me for trying to attract attention. So I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.”
She also discussed the current NXT season, the Rookie Diva who replaced her, and whether she’d be interested in returning to WWE.
— The following matches were taped for tonight’s edition of WWE Superstars on WGN America:
* MVP vs. Luke Gallows
* Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jey and Jimmy Uso
* The Great Khali vs. Primo
— WWE United States Champion The Miz will be appearing at Slackers CDs and Games in St. Charles, Missouri this Saturday from 4 to 6:00 p.m.
— Ousted NXT Rookie Diva Aloisia confirmed her departure from World Wrestling Entertainment during an interview Wednesday night with Diva-Dirt.com.
She will be accepting independent bookings shortly.
— Matt Hardy responded to multiple questions on Twitter concerning former WWE talent Paul London, who made some negative remarks regarding him during an interview this week.
“You know the deal, you know me. When someone becomes obsessed with jealously it’s sad,” Hardy wrote.
“I kinda feel sorry for the guy, he’s a mess.”
“He’s not important or significant enough to me to even dignify his absurd, delusional comments.”
Hardy also said he has an autobiography in the works and that he plans on posting videos on YouTube more frequently.
— The official WWE website has added Bushwhackers Luke and Butch to its Alumni section.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Matt Hardy’s Issues: “I have no idea of what is actually going on regarding Matt Hardy and his relationship with WWE. What I read on line does concern me and, obviously, I hope the best for all involved at the end of the day. Interesting days could lie a head.”
Jericho As WWE’s MVP: “Chris Jericho had a helluva night on Raw and is one of the WWE’s true MVP’s.  His promo and interaction with the ‘GM’ was money. Jericho takes a back seat to no one in WWE as it relates to all around skills. We often forget he’s a 20 year vet. Not many of them around that are still as productive as the Fozzy front man.”
Miz vs. Daniel Bryan On Sunday: “Miz vs. Daniel Bryan for the United States Title Sunday in Chicago on PPV might steal the show. I hope that they have time to tell a compelling story. Think of how significant an opportunity this is for Bryan….a one on one bout for a title at a major PPV. I’m looking forward to the US Title bout as much as any match at Night of Champions.”
WWE’s Young Roster: “WWE is building a viable, young talent roster and some might even say that WWE is in somewhat of a transition period. The best days for most of their young guys lies ahead and the next 18-24 months should be most interesting. I’m already thinking who might headline the top bouts at WM28.”
– Congratulations to the new Ring of Honor World Champion Roderick Strong who defeated Tyler Black in a great main event at “Glory by Honor IXâ€. Roderick has worked very hard throughout his years at Ring of Honor and it all paid off on Saturday as his name can now be added to the elite list of ROH World Champions. Roderick has had an added focus since joining up with Truth Martini. Many critics said it was a bad idea for Strong to align himself with the man of Truth but Martini did as he said and led Roderick to his first ever World Championship. See the replay of this historic event courtesy of GoFightLive.TV right here: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=733.
– It was announced that Davey Richards will get his ROH World Title shot on December 18th, 2010 at “Final Battle 2010†live on iPPV. After recent rumors of possible retirement after 2010, Davey recently said that he’s not going anywhere because this is what he is meant to do. He is not leaving and his sights are clearly set on winning the ROH World Championship. Take a look at the interview that aired during “Glory by Honor IXâ€:
– Christopher Daniels had a very impressive weekend as he continues to establish that he is one of the best in the world and a top contender for the Ring of Honor World Championship. Daniels went to a 30 minute draw with Tyler Black on Friday night in Plymouth, MA and then defeated Austin Aries at “Glory by Honor IX†with the Angels Wings off the top rope. After his match on Friday Daniels claimed that after “Glory by Honor†he wanted to be the first in line for a Championship match. With the impressive amount of wins over the last few months it is inevitable that Daniels will receive a Championship match sometime soon.
– Homicide made his surprise return to Ring of Honor last Saturday at “Glory by Honor IXâ€. After the iPPV went off the air, Homicide claimed he would fight everyone in his way to get the title from new champion Roderick Strong at “Final Battle 2010†in December. ROH officials have said that they are happy to see the return of Homicide however he is not entitled to a championship match and he will have to work his way up the ranks to earn a shot at the most prestigious championship in wrestling today. Homicide will start his climb on Friday night October 15th in Dayton, OH and he will also compete on Saturday night October 16th when ROH returns to Chicago Ridge, IL. Tickets for both of these events are available right here: https://www.rohwrestling.com/store.php?sec=cat&cat=30.
– Ring of Honor is pleased to announce the participation of current ROH World Champion Roderick Strong and current ROH World TV Champion Eddie Edwards in the Pro Wrestling NOAH 4th annual NTV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team League. This tournament will be held during the upcoming Autumn Navigation 2010 tour taking place from 10/15 – 10/30. These two wrestlers will unite for the annual tournament and look to bring the title of being 2010 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League Champions back to the USA. “We know that our World and Television Champions will represent us well in the tournament†said ROH President Cary Silken. Ring of Honor congratulates both men and they are on a mission to become the first gaijins to win the prestigious tournament.
– The Kings of Wrestling versus Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin was possibly the best tag team match of the year. Both teams brought the house down in New York City as they battled to see who was the greatest tag team in the world, and although it was The King’s who came out on top, Haas and Benjamin definitely earned the respect of the ROH faithful. We here at ROH would love to have Haas & Benjamin back and we are sure they both have more to prove.
– Kyle O’Reilly put up an outstanding effort against 2-time ROH World Champion Austin Aries on Friday night in Plymouth, MA. O’Reilly showed enough fortitude that he was able to kick out of Aries’ Brainbuster, which is a move that has put away many of the greatest wrestlers to compete in an ROH ring. O’Reilly has been signed to a contract with Ring of Honor and is in a similar situation as fellow newcomer Adam Cole. Both men are young, talented athletes who are looking to prove they can hang with the best and show that they are the future of Ring of Honor. Cole and O’Reilly will both be in action on Friday night October 15th in Dayton, OH and on Saturday night October 16th in Chicago Ridge, IL. ROH officials are excited to see what the future has in store for O’Reilly and Cole.
– El Generico was unmasked by his nemesis Kevin Steen Saturday at “Glory by Honor IX†after a horrific double chain match which saw Colt Cabana put away Steve Corino with the Billy Goat’s Curse. After the hard fought victory, Steen ripped off Generico’s mask and Cabana quickly covered his head taking him to the back. Steen then proceeded to do exactly what he predicted as he put the mask of Generico symbolizing his head onto a chair and wrote “Mr. Wrestling†in blood on the chair recreating the picture on his official T-Shirt. What will result from this revolting act of disrespect?
– Check out the latest edition of the ROH Video Wire following our debut in Plymouth, MA and the historic “Glory by Honor IX†event. Check out the thoughts of Christopher Daniels as he looks to the ROH World Title, Homicide and his return to ROH, Roderick Strong after finally capturing the ROH World Title, and more:
– As announced Monday, (https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/the-pretty-boy-pitbull-makes-it-official/) “The Pretty Boy Pitbull†Kenny King has signed on the dotted line with Ring of Honor, and will continue to compete alongside Rhett Titus for some time to come. Following his victory over Jay Briscoe in NYC, King looks to maintain that momentum as The All Night Express competes on our October events in Dayton, OH and Chicago Ridge, IL.
– Spots are filling up quickly for the ROH Tryout/Training Seminar taking place on Sunday October 3rd at the ROH Training Academy. Check out this article (https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/ring-of-honor-announces-training-seminartryout-camp/) for all the details, and if you’re serious, be sure to get your spot reserved before it’s too late.
– ROH & HDNet are excited to announce that “ROH on HDNet†will make its debut in several new Comcast markets as HDNet premieres on September 30th in our home market of Philadelphia, Detroit, and several more! Check your local listing for the specific channels, and check out “ROH on HDNet†every Monday night at 8pm & 11pm!
– Speaking of HDNet, Ring of Honor returns to Philadelphia for the final time in 2010 on Friday, October 1st and Saturday, October 2nd for back-to-back days of TV Tapings. The following wrestlers have signed to appear: New ROH World Champion Roderick Strong with Truth Martini and The House of Truth, World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) with Shane Hagadorn, Colt Cabana, Steve Corino, Christopher Daniels (10/1 only), The Dark City Fight Club, and Mike Bennett. We’ll have additional names to announce soon.
– There are several new DVD releases which are now in stock and available for immediate shipping at ROHWrestling.com. “Salvation†from 7/24/10 in Chicago features Tyler Black defending the World Title against Kevin Steen; The Kings of Wrestling vs. GenerationMe; Amazing Kong vs. Sara Del Rey; plus four Opening Round Matches in Tag Wars 2010. “ROH on HDNet Vol. 3†includes KENTA vs. Chris Hero; Austin Aries vs. Bryan Danielson for the World Title; Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe; a six man tag with KENTA, Bryan Danielson, & Roderick Strong vs. The American Wolves & Chris Hero; plus MUCH more. “Shimmer Vol. 32†includes Cheerleader Melissa vs. Ayako Hamada; Mercedes Martinez vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto; Ayumi Kurihara vs. Daizee Haze; Misaki Ohata vs. Sara Del Rey; plus more. To order these titles or any other our other recent releases please click here: https://www.rohwrestling.com/store.php?sec=new_releases.
– The Buy 3, Get 2 Free Sale on all Ring of Honor DVD’s is currently ongoing until tomorrow (Thursday) morning at ROHWrestling.com. Read the complete details on how you can get your free DVD’s here: https://www.rohwrestling.com/store.php?sec=new_releases.
– Matt Hardy posted the following on Twitter today:
“I hope everyone is doing great today, all is good on my end. Things are happening in a way that will make me happy. Be well my friends! :)”
– MVP wrote today on Twitter he will be getting new entrance music soon, but did not announce when it will debut.
– Richie Steamboat, son of WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat, will challenge Florida Championship Wrestling champion Mason Ryan for the title tonight. The match will take place at the FCW show in Orlando and will be a lumberjack match.
– We’ve gotten several emails about John Morrison’s warm-up exercise segment from RAW. For those who missed it, Morrison was shown running around backstage jumping on, over and under various objects in a controlled, fluid way. This style of workout is commonly known as “parkour” or “freerunning.” According to WWE sources, Morrison does in fact practice this activity in his regular training routine.
For those who missed it, you can check it out here:
We have a FREE TICKET contest in this edition of the DGUSA.tv Weekly Update, plus lots more news:
– DGUSA is holding a free ticket contest for the Sept. 25th Chicago and Sept. 26th Milwaukee events featuring the final matches with Bryan Danielson, who is now making news in WWE as Daniel Bryan. Two pairs of Chicago tickets and one pair of Milwaukee tickets will be given away this Saturday. To enter the contest just send an email to [email protected] with “Ticket Giveaway” in the subject. Please include what show you can attend. Please only enter if you can attend the event. Only one entry per email and per person. If you submit multiple emails or entries you will be disqualified. Deadline is this Saturday at noon EST. If you win, you will be notified by this Saturday night.
– We have the updated lineups for Chicago and Milwaukee next weekend below. You can save money on tickets until TONIGHT with the DGUSA.tv Weekly Specials. Make sure to read the lineups below for new matches on both shows.
-We have three www.DGUSA.tv Weekly Specials. They expire TONIGHT, act fast to get:
-Free shipping on orders $40 or over in the United States.
-Free shipping on orders $60 or over outside of the United States.
(note: shipping will initially be charged, but it will be refunded shortly after you order)
-“Bring A Friend” GA 3-Packs for Chicago for just $50.
-2nd Row Golden Circle 2 Packs at $10 savings for Milwaukee.
-Jimmy Jacobs released part 2 of his much talked about, eye opening video series. The third and final part will be released tomorrow at this link. You can watch part 2 here:
-The “Uprising” double DVD set is now up for pre-order in the DGUSA.tv Store or by calling 267-519-9744. This is the entire May 8th Toronto event plus a loaded bonus disc with Austin Aries vs. Susumu Yokosuka and Shingo & YAMATO vs. Mochizuki & Nakajima.
-There is a new “Fearless” premium shirt. This is blood red, with silver foil on an all over print. Check the flash on the main page of DGUSA.tv to see this stylish, Affliction like shirt.
-Akira Tozawa was added to the Oct. 29th live iPPV in Fall River, MA and cable PPV taping on Oct. 30th in Rahway, NJ. Tickets for both events are now on sale.
-The www.DGUSA.tv Media section now has some new, free desktop wallpapers. Go check ’em out.
-We’ll have more matches for Chicago in tomorrow’s DGUSA.tv News Alerts.
-Here are the updated lineups for next weekend with new matches for both cards:
Dragon Gate USA
“Untouchable 2010” PPV Taping
September 25th, 2010
Meet & Greet and Bonus Card at 6:00pm
8:00pm Belltime
The Congress Theater
2135 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Tickets now available in the DGUSA.tv Store or by calling 267-519-9744.
Ring of Honor owner Cary Silkin was a guest on the Low Blow Radio Show this week, which you can listen to by clicking here. Here are some highlights of what Silkin said about:
Rumors of ROH being in Financial Trouble: “All these things amount to are strictly rumors. We have been doing business as usual. We have and will continue to runs shows as usual. We just hooked up a TV deal in France, we’re on TV in Italy, we’re on HDNet here in the states and will be doing so in five new markets. We just got the highest IPPV buyrates we’ve ever had, etc. Those are just rumors.”
Last Weekend’s Glory By Honor Internet PPV: “It exceeded out expectations. We were really happy with how it turned out and I’m sure everyone in attendance and watching at home got more than their money’s worth.”
Tyler Black Leaving For WWE: “Well it a double edged sword. I’m very happy for him but I would have liked to have seen him stay with ROH for at least another year or so or as long as he would have wanted to stay with us. If you look in the past guys have left to big companies such as C.M. Punk, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Nigel, and other guys for that matter but that’s just the way it is. We’ll miss Tyler but all I can say now is…good luck Tyler.”
Other topics include: Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas in ROH, Delerious taking over as head booker and the future of the company.
TNA WRESTLING AND HULK HOGAN SET THE STAGE FOR ‘BOUND FOR GLORY 2010’ WITH A SPECIAL LIVE NIGHT OF TNA PROGRAMS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 ON SPIKE TV
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling will celebrate “Bound For Glory 2010,†the biggest pay-per-view event in TNA Wrestling’s history, with a three hour “TNA Thursday†LIVE special on Spike TV, Thursday, October 7 (9:00pm-12:00am ET/PT).
TNA’s flagship program “TNA iMPACT!†will feature a $100,000 Battle Royal Gauntlet main event, set by TNA President Dixie Carter, featuring every TNA Superstar competing at “Bound For Glory 2010â€. Over 20 of the top TNA Superstars including Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson, “The Charismatic Enigma†Jeff Hardy, “The Phenomenal†AJ Styles, Hardcore Legend Mick Foley, “The Icon†Sting, and many more. The winner of the battle royal gauntlet will net a $100,000 purse.
“’Bound For Glory 2010’ is TNA’s biggest event of the year, and to celebrate we’ve brought every single TNA Superstar competing at the pay-per-view to this live special event on Spike TV,†Carter said. “This will be an unforgettable night of action, surprises and some change for TNA.â€
In addition, TNA’s innovative one-hour docu-style series, “TNA ReACTIONâ€, will also be broadcast LIVE for the first time in that show’s history. As the drama and excitement builds for “Bound For Glory 2010,†TNA’s revolutionary documentary shooting style will follow the superstars of TNA throughout “iMPACT!†and immediately after,
The “Bound For Glory†pay-per-view extravaganza will be held LIVE at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10.10.10) starting at 8 p.m. ET and airing worldwide exclusively on pay-per-view. For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.com
Since its founding in 2002, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has become the world’s fastest-growing professional wrestling company, currently airing in over 120 countries worldwide.
In light of World Wrestling Entertainment’s confirmation to Newsday that Matt Hardy was pulled from two recent live events, the SmackDown Superstar issued the following statement this evening on his Twitter account:
“Here’s a quick hello to all my people & a reassurance to everyone that I’m fine, healthy, & in good spirits. Thx for all of your support.
“When the time is right, I’ll put everything out there as far as what “really” went down. I know I have to protect me & my brand, & I will.
“I appreciate my fans so much that I’ll always be honest with them, & the whole story certainly isn’t out there now.
“I appreciate all of the things the WWE has done 4 me in the past, they have been gracious to me-but now, it’s decision time for me. Thx all.”
Monday’s edition of WWE RAW drew a 3.0 cable rating off hours of 2.98 and 3.03. The show, which was dubbed the “season premiere” and featured a “roulette theme, averaged 4,350,000 viewers. This is the same number as last week’s Labor Day holiday episode and is not a great sign of momentum heading into Sunday’s Night of Champions PPV. Bycomparison, the NFL Monday Night Football doubleheader did a 10.9 broadcast rating with the first game doing a 10.87 and the second game doing a 8.82.
– The latest on Chris Jericho is that a lot of people within WWE are still unsure what he’s going to do when his contract expires this month. Apparently Jericho isn’t talking to anyone about his plans, that goes from wrestlers to people in the office. (Source: f4wonline.com)
– Canadian cable channel The Score will continue to air WWE NXT after SyFy drops the series. NXT is listed on The Score’s schedule for both October 6th & 13th. The schedule for the remainder of October has yet to be revealed.
-Â The Miz has been nominated for “Baddest baddie” award at 2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in Australia. The event will be held on October 8th in Sydney.
The Connecticut Post is reporting WWE is being audited by officials from the state of Connecticut for classifying its wrestlers and other staff production talent as independent contractors.
WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman blamed the increased scrutiny on Linda McMahon’s run for United States Senate in an email to the publication, stating:
“Up until this election, WWE has not been fined nor investigated in the past for independent contractor classification. However, curiously the state of Connecticut is currently conducting an audit of WWE’s classification of independent contractors. WWE constantly reviews its internal practices and procedures to comply with ever-changing employee laws.”
Several years ago, former WWE wrestlers Mike Sanders, Raven and the now deceased Kanyon filed a lawsuit against WWE arguing their independent contractor classification from their WWE contracts. The lawsuit was dismissed.
Wrestlers being classified as independent contractors instead of employees has been a hot button topic within the industry for years, with WWE saving truckloads of money every year by not having to pay for the various benefits that comes from being an employee.
— According to the official website of the Hillsborough County Sheriff, former WWE performer Jim Neidhart remains incarcerated as he has yet to make $138,5000 bail on the charges filed against him Labor Day weekend in Tampa, Florida.
The father of WWE performer Natalya was found in possession of 55.6 grams of Oxycontin and 17.4 grams of methadone at a Tampa area gas station on Sept. 5. He was charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, two counts of trafficking illegal drugs, one count of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, and one count of third degree grand theft for property stolen between $300 and $5,000.
— On Twitter, a fan suggested to former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James that she and former WWE performer Batista would “make a cute couple.” The fan added, “he’s a good guy. don’t judge anyone cause no one knows what’s going to happen in the future.” James said in response that she would rather run head first into a brick wall.
“I think I’d much rather run head 1st in2 a brick wall… Without judgment… Lmao!” she tweeted.
Regarding the former WWE Diva’s source of contention with “The Animal,” it was reported shortly after her departure from WWE earlier this year that she had a few backstage “run-ins” with him during her final few months in the company. Things become so heated that he reportedly threatened to quit the organization if she wasn’t terminated. The Undertaker attempted to defuse the situation by calming him down.
Additionally, former WWE performer Brian Kendrick noted during a recent shoot interview with Highspots.com that years ago, Batista printed out nude photos of Mickie and plastered them on the locker room walls after he became agitated with her.
Matt Hardy is not backstage at today’s SmackDown television taping in Detroit, Michigan. He was sent home by World Wrestling Entertainment officials after an incident backstage during Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Minehead, England.
Regarding the possibility of WWE cutting ties with Hardy altogether, our WWE source says Hardy is on” very thin ice.”
It is said that Hardy’s saving grace from termination was WWE’s fear of a Hardy Boys revival in rival promotion TNA Wrestling, but after Saturday’s backstage incident weekend and subsequent video blog, the feeling is that they don’t care much about keeping him under their auspices anymore.
Despite Hardy’s claim that he wasn’t taken off the road, a company spokesman confirmed the story to Newsday today.
To follow up on the “Was he or wasn’t he” reports that Matt Hardy was “sent home” from WWE’s latest European tour, WWE has confirmed to Newsday.com that Hardy WAS in fact sent home from two recent live events.
After news broke that Hardy’s behavior and mental state were alarming WWE officials to the point where he was not allowed to perform on scheduled shows, Hardy posted yet another cooky video online saying he was fine. Hardy argued that he was recording the video from his hotel room in Great Britain – so how could he have been ‘sent home’ from the tour?
In any event, WWE has now confirmed that Hardy was sent home, without elaborating as to why.
Here’s the video Matt Hardy posted over the weekend:
Still Surreal .. HBK & Bret Make Peace After 12 Long Years
WWE’s Hart Dynasty – David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd, and Natalya – appeared on Monday’s Right After Wrestling radio show. Among the topics discussed was Bret Hart’s return to WWE on January 4th and his in-ring reconciliation with longtime rival Shawn Michaels.
“You could feel the weight being lifted off of them after that night,” Natalya said. “To have that kind of history, over a decade of holding onto that, it was a great release for both off them.
“Before Bret had come to WWE, Shawn Michaels had helped mentor a lot of the younger talent, Triple H as well, so we saw a completely different side of these guys than Bret had remembered during the time of the Montreal Screwjob.”
Other topics included more on Bret’s return to WWE, the pride Natalya takes in Trish Stratus naming her the current Diva she’d most like to work with, backstage ribs and thoughts on the WWE tag division.
To listen to the full interview, visit Radio.TheScore.com.
