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DiBiase Interview: Virgil, His First Singles PPV Match & More

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RAW superstar Ted DiBiase spoke to IGN.com this week to hype Sunday’s WWE Over The Limit pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what DiBiase said about:

Working With Virgil on RAW: “That was really cool,” DiBiase said. “It was a big surprise and I don’t think anyone expected it. Me walking out there and then just turning around with a smile and there’s Virgil. The guy who used to pick me up from school. The guy I used to monkey around with and jump on. I guess he’s kind of gotten smaller in his older age, but I used to grab onto his arms –he had these huge pipes, you know, these 24-inch arms back in the day and he’d just lift me up off the ground. I’d make him do it all the time. I used to bug the crap out of that guy. And now he’s carrying around the belt, pulling the ropes down, opening doors and carrying my bags. It’s a great feeling.”

Sunday Being His First Singles PPV Match: “It feels really good. I had a good run with Cody Rhodes and I wish him all the best on Smackdown. We had a great tag team and I learned a lot and it was fine while it lasted, but it was time. It’s great to be on my own and forging my own career now. I’m excited.”

Living In His Father’s Shadow: “No, I’m not worried at all. My dad was who he was and I am who I am. This is just me being me. Life gives you lemons and you make lemonade. This is who I am. I’m a DiBiase. I didn’t ask for it, but this is who I’ll be. The biggest differences between me and my dad is, well, A: I think I’m more talented than he was and B; I’m definitely better looking than my dad was. And on top of that, I’m a movie star. He never made a movie so I’ve got one up on him already. So, I’m not worried because I think my actions will speak louder than words and I’ll start this Sunday, at Over the Limit, when I beat R-Truth.”

Mickie James Meets Dixie Carter, TNA Releases, Orlando Jordan

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– TNA President wrote on Twitter she attended Mickie James’ album release party last night in Nashville, TN and was invited by Mickie herself. Dixie wrote:

“Just left my first music showcase in a while. Wanna guess the artist? Mickie James. Thanks for the invite girl.”

– To follow up on the news that TNA is looking to slash their budget by releasing talent, TNA sources have confirmed that talent cuts are indeed on the way. There were rumors at the recent TV tapings that some of the top stars in TNA are open to taking less money than what’s in their contracts just to keep their spots on the roster. TNA wants to get rid of all bad contracts, mainly those that guarantee a talent money whether or not they are being used.

– There are several people within TNA who want Orlando Jordan’s controversial bi-sexual character to be removed from television.

Jerry Lawler Launches Promotion, Randy Savage Trends, More

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— WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler announced Thursday on his official website that he is launching a new wrestling promotion in his home city of Memphis. The inaugural taping of his new wrestling television show, Memphis Friends, was held Thursday evening at “The Vine.” The series will debut on Saturday, Jun. 5 at 11:00 a.m. on the Ion Network (channel 50) in the Memphis market. WWE will be providing footage for the series.

— News and photos of Randy Savage’s recent wedding provoked a tidal wave of internet searches pertaining to the former wrestling champion as he was one of the most searched for topics on Google.com on Thursday, according to Google Trends.

Savage recently married his long time girlfriend, Lynn — his second marriage. Images that have surfaced online show Savage looking significantly different than how wrestling fans remember him as he now sports a white beard and gray hair. His hairline has also greatly receded.

— In today’s wrestling birthdays, Chris Benoit would have turned 43 years old while Nancy “Woman” Benoit (née Toffoloni) would have turned 46.

Carter Watches James Perform, Abyss Receives Stitches, More

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— TNA president Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter account this evening that she attended Mickie James’ CD release party.

“Just left my first music showcase in a while. Wanna guess the artist? Mickie James. Thanks for the invite girl,” Carter wrote.

James held her release party, promoting Strangers & Angels, in Carter’s (and TNA’s) backyard of Nashville, Tennessee.

— Abyss received 17 stitches in his arm as a result of the attack by Desmond Wolfe that aired on tonight’s episode of iMPACT!.

— There has been talk of doing shoot interviews with talent that would be exclusively sold on ShopTNA.com. The video releases would also feature matches and other footage.

Rey Upset With His Pay, McCool Talks About Her Figure, More

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— Rey Mysterio is once again complaining about his pay, according to WWE sources. Though some feel he’s had legitimate gripes in the past, he’s developed a reputation within WWE for being overly paranoid over his pay. He feels he’s being short-changed compared to some of the other top performers in the company. (source: www.pwtorch.com)

— The following was issued: “And now ladies and gentleman, viewers to www.MichelleMcCool.Net of all ages we present to you *insert drum roll here* the exclusive second part to MichelleMcCool.Net’s 5th Anniversary Interview! In this half, we get a little more personal with Michelle as the questions and answers go “Beyond the Ropes.” Michelle talks about her experience at WrestleMania Axxess this year, what she thinks about support from the gay community, her body and what parts she has problems with most, who she’d like to have an on screen relationship with, which wrestling family is Flawless, her favorite and least favorite classes in school, who she enjoys doing WWE appearances with most, how she got involved with Krav Maga and much more! With questions that have never been asked before and answers never before revealed, you’ll definitely want to check out the conclusion to our two part exclusive 5th Anniversary interview with Michelle McCool!”

You can read the interview at www.MichelleMcCool.Net.

— On Twitter, Goldust commented on his brother, Cody Rhodes, being called a “legend.” He does not agree with the assessment.

“Someone said my bro was a legend. No he is far from it,” Goldust wrote. “He must pay his dues, and in time he will become a legend.”

Original Plans For McIntyre Angle, Change Of Plans For Rhodes

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— Plans as of early last week was that the Drew McIntyre firing angle would be held off until after Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view with Matt Hardy insisting Theodore Long rehire McIntyre so he could beat him up. It was also indicated that WWE would utilize Twitter with Hardy asking his fans to spread his message. (source: f4wonline.com)

— Goldust, Cody Rhodes and Dusty Rhodes were originally scheduled to team up for the first time together at a Florida Championship Wrestling live event on Jul. 9, but plans have changed. Instead, Goldust and Cody will team up together, with the WWE Hall of Famer accompanying his sons to the ring. All three will be taking part in a meet and greet before the show.

— Sunday’s Over The Limit live chat on WWEUniverse.com will be a “Divas Night” as the winner of the Divas Championship Match between champion Eve Torres and Maryse will appear during the session. Also scheduled to appear are former Women’s Champions Melina and Beth Phoenix. Click here for more information.

Awesome Kong Comments On TNA Signing ‘Monster’ Woman

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In an interview with Diva Dish, Awesome Kong commented on TNA Wrestling signing independent women’s wrestler Betsy Ruth to be the new monster of the Knockouts division.

On Betsy Ruth and comparisons between them, she says: “She [Betsy] is a lovely person, lovely girl. She has great skill. Just because we are of the same build and do some of the same moves… You could have that comparison with a lot of the girls who are thinner, smaller and blonde or brunette who are on TNA’s roster or any roster in wrestling. There aren’t that many of us full figured [female] wrestlers around so I guess that’s why people are quick to compare. I think she’s going to do a phenomenal job and I hope that the writers give her great support.”

Speaking on comparisons between Betsy and Kong perhaps setting Betsy up for failure, she says: “I hope she doesn’t. When people make comparisons, it does set people up for failure. Judge her for what she does. Hopefully they have her character, not as an imitation of Kong, but as what she’s been doing and what she’s been cultivating. And if I were ever to come back, then maybe we could have an awesome feud or a tag. We are two different entities and I’m pretty sure they’ll showcase her strengths and they’ll be different from mine.”

Update On Shawn Michaels, Exclusive Undertaker Figure, More

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— In an update on Shawn Michaels, he has told friends he’s enjoying retirement. He has yet to show any signs indicating he is yearning to return to the ring, or television for that matter. (source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

— Every year at San Diego Comic-Con International, toy manufacturers release collectibles available only to the extravaganza. This year, Mattel will release their first-ever WWE figure to a single event — a special version of Undertaker as he appeared at last year’s WrestleMania. Click here for more information on this limited edition action figure.

— Jim Ross — who is still employed to WWE — has posted a blog on the WWE Universe site asking fans to ponder questions regarding Daniel Bryan, Michael Cole, Bret Hart and more.

Another RAW Guest Host Revealed, NXT Rating, Big Show

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– Actor Mark Feuerstein, star of the USA Network original series Royal Pains, will guest host WWE RAW on June 14th from Charlotte, NC. Feuerstein co-stars in the upcoming WWE Studios movie Knucklehead with WWE’s Big Show.

– Speaking of Feuerstein and Big Show, Big Show will be guest starring in an upcoming episode of “Royal Pains,” which will be filming today in New York City. Big Show will play a character named  Donald “The Trashman” Green – a “7 Foot, 470 lb. Giant from a horror film.” The episode, titled “Keeping The Faith,” will also feature a cameo from Henry “The Fonz” Winkler. (Source: PWInsider.com)

– Tueday’s episode of WWE NXT on SyFy scored an 0.9 cable rating and averaged 1,253,000 viewers.

JR Blog: New RAW GM, His WWE Status, Daniel Bryan

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights of what JR said about:

Miami Wants WrestleMania: “Miami is among many cities being smart and working hard to romance WWE in hopes of hosting Wrestlemania 28 in 2012. The stadium in Miami is big time, I went to the OU-Miami college football game there last year, but how does one address tropical rain issues that might wreck havoc on WWE’s biggest event of the year? This is far, far from my call but if it were I’m sticking with a domed stadium. Sorry, South Florida.”

Read More: Miami’s Sports Commissioner Pushing For WrestleMania 2012

Daniel Bryan’s NXT Promo: “Amazing discussion virtually every where one looks on the net about the Daniel Bryan/Michael Cole dust up on NXT Tuesday night. Honesty, I feel that it helped both individual’s persona’s and will likely encourage fans to tune in again to see the follow up on the matter. I’m not so sure that I wouldn’t have something occur Sunday in Detroit at the PPV to add a little fuel to the fire and if not there on Monday Night Raw in Toledo for sure. The end result is to first create awareness for the wrestler and then to further develop Cole’s on air persona.”

New RAW GM: “Yes, Raw is going to name a new GM this Monday night and even though my name has been one of many under internet consideration I can assure you that I have no plans whatsoever to be in Toledo Monday but rather will be watching Raw, as usual, in my La-Z-Boy in my living room in Norman. I hear by nominate US Champion Bret Hart for the task. Or Chelsea Handler. Or Joey Styles. Or The Fink.”

JR’s WWE Status: “No…there is a misconception that I am ‘gone’ from WWE and that is not accurate. I am an employee in good standing, over 17 years, with the company and within a few days my new job description, etc will be established. At that point I can either commit and go kick ass in a new arena or I can say no thank you. I actually do have many interests within the biz that interest me other than announcing although that is my favorite thing to do professionally. Finding another Stone Cold or Rock is intriguing and challenging, for example. I am a major proponent of the developmental system within the business and feel it is the life blood for the long term future of wrestling. Even at 58, one finds it hard to leave ‘the nest’ especially if one helps build the nest.”

TNA To Release Knockouts?, Bound for Glory Update, Borash

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— As reported yesterday, TNA officials have advised company president Dixie Carter to release 15 to 20 names in an extensive cost-cutting measure. Carter is against cutting anyone since she doesn’t want talent who have been loyal to the organization be unemployed in these uncertain economic times. Nonetheless, it is expected that cuts will be made.

In regard to any Knockouts being cut, the majority of the company’s female performers are said to be safe for the time being. Though it should be noted that TNA came close to releasing one Knockout recently but was saved because there is a shortage on available female talent due to the injuries suffered by Angelina Love and Daffney, as well as the departure of Tara. TNA brought back Roxxi at this week’s television tapings to help fill the void.

— Jeremy Borash is getting less face time on iMPACT! these days due in part to the increased usage of the documentary style camera, which has been dubbed the “Hervey-Cam.” As a result of David Penzer’s departure from the organization this past, Borash now handles ring announcing duties, though it may only be temporary as they’re said to be searching for a replacement with past experience.

— There is talk of holding Bound for Glory in Texas this October, but nothing is official yet.

(source: pwtorch.com)

TNA iMPACT! Preview For Tonight: Angle Returns

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TNA is hyping the following for tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT on Spike:

– Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle returns to TNA.

– RVD will appear – what’s next for TNA champ after his title defense at Sacrifice?

– Hulk Hogan’s response to Sting’s attack on Jeff Jarrett.

– A “major update” on the TNA Contenders ranking system. Who will be RVD’s next challenger?

– Abyss’ plans for Desmond Wolfe and Chelsea after winning possession of Chelsea for 30 days.

– Fallout from Ric Flair and Jay Lethal’s brawl at Sacrific

– Fallout from Team 3D and Ink Inc. after what happened at Sacrifice.

Here’s the video preview:

*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Tonight

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Here are spoiler results for tonight’s TNA iMPACT, courtesy of Tim Capture and Wrestlingnewsworld.com:

* They’re doing a Make a Wish for a kid named Trent who wanted to compete in a ring. It’s Team 3D & Trent Dunn vs. Beer Money, Inc. Winner after a 3D through a table with Trent getting the pin, Team 3D & Trent Dunn.

* The show is starting with a segment in the ring about the top ten contenders.

* Eric Bischoff out w/ Ms. Tessmacher. He knows everybody has been waiting for the #1 contender to the championship. He, Hulk Hogan and Dixie Carter are the deciding committee and factor in win/losses, previous champions and fan votes.

10. Samoa Joe
9. Rob Terry
8. Desmond Wolfe
7. The Pope
6. Abyss
5. Mr. Anderson
4. Jeff Hardy
3. AJ Styles
2. Kurt Angle
1. Sting.

* Everybody but Angle came out on the stage as their name was announced. Sting will face RVD for the title at Slammiversary. Samoa Joe left during the names being called. Sting came to the ring and Bischoff congratulated him on wrestling RVD for the title but tonight he’ll show he deserved it by wrestling Jeff Hardy. Sting smashes the signs in the ring with his baseball bat then says if he, Hogan and Dixie want change so bad he should change how he walks and then smashes Bischoff’s leg with his bat. All the babyfaces go in for the save but Sting uses the bat to keep them all away. Hardy gets the bat and gets in Sting’s face. Hardy then throws away the bat and Sting gives Hardy a low blow. RVD comes out and distracts Sting while Hardy recovers and hits a reverse DDT. Hardy goes up for a Swanton but Sting gets away.

* Roxxi vs. Madison Rayne. Winner via cradle DDT stunner type move, Roxxi.

* Kurt Angle is back and comes to the ring for a promo. He’s noticed some changes since he started here four years ago. He was one of the elite and one of the best. But with guys like Hardy, RVD and Mr. Anderson around plus guys who elevated themselves like AJ Styles and even Jay Lethal he’s not one of the best anymore. He says he’d wrestle for free. It was never about the money, it was about competing and being a winner. He says he’ll be a winner forever. He’s at a crossroads now and has accomplished everything you can do. He’s going to start from scratch and take his name off the top 10 list and wrestle everybody on the list. He promises to have some of the best matches you’ll ever see and that’s real, damn real.

* Orlando Jordan is on the catwalk hooked up and ready to rappel down. Orlando Jordan (after being slowly lowered down) vs. Rob Terry. Terry is limping and his left leg is heavily bandaged. Hebner called for the bell while Jordan had Terry in a front ankle lock. I didn’t see Terry tap but Hebner gave the X sign. Jordan wouldn’t break the hold and all the referees rushed into help. Jordan broke the hold but attacked Terry again as he was being checked and put the ankle lock back on. He broke the hold again and left. No announcement of who won. Terry got helped to the back by security.

* Beer Money, Inc. vs Jay Lethal (as just Jay Lethal, no Black Machismo) & Rob Van Dam. Lethal and RVD win after a Lethal figure four leglock to Robert Roode. Ric Flair came out afterwards and attacked Lethal on the ramp. They fought to the back as RVD watched on. RVD went around slapping hands with fans and Sting came out of the crowd and hit him with a chair, beat him up and then left. Hardy came out afterwards to check on RVD. Hardy gets in the ring and says he makes his living walking to the beat of a different drum but no one really knows what’s going on in his head. He grew up watching Sting and now he’s in TNA with him. He dares for Sting to figure out what’s in his mind now and says he and his creatures of the night will take him to the furthest reaches of his imagination.

* Abyss comes out. He says Desmond Wolfe has something, or someone, he owes to him, so let’s do this. Chelsea is brought to the ring with security as Desmond Wolfe is furious and yelling at security. Abyss says it’s quite ironic because at Sacrifice he made Wolfe his bitch. Tonight he’s taking Desmond’s. Wolfe says what we have is a sense of false security. If he thinks Abyss is taking her he’s sorely mistaken and is taking her over his dead body. He takes out security and low blows Abyss. He takes a bottle out of Chelsea’s bag and breaks it. He uses the jagged bottle to cut Abyss up. Chelsea is upset and thinks it’s too much. Abyss uses the opportunity to black hole slam Desmond and put Chelsea on his shoulder so he can leave with her.

* It’s Earl Hebner’s birthday.

* Eric Young w/Scott Hall and Kevin Nash is out. Young gets on the mic and says he understands the boos. He’s got everything and you have nothing. He’s in the Band and you’re not. These are the only guys he respects. Nash is an ass kicker and gets booed for it. The only people who understand him are Young and Hall. The Band are here to stay and there’s nothing you can do about it.

* Eric Young w/Scott Hall & Kevin Nash vs. Shannon Moore w/Jesse Neal. Team 3D come out and Jesse Neal goes after them. Nash gets up on the apron and distracts the ref, giving Nash a chance to hit Moore with his tag belt. Young then hits a piledriver for the win. After the match, Neal slides into check on Moore but Bubba takes him out. He slaps Neal in the face and says he brought him into the business and can take him out. Devon stops him and says he’s overreacting. Brother Ray argues with him and says he’s not. They leave and argue the whole time.

* X Division Battle Royal: Homicide, Amazing Red, Generation Me, Brian Kendrick, Kazarian and the Motor City Machine Guns. Order of elimination: Amazing Red, Max Buck, Alex Shelley, Jeremy Buck, Chris Sabin, Homicide and Brian Kendrick. Winner: Kazarian

* Sting vs. Jeff Hardy. The ref got knocked out. During this Sting went for a Scorpion Death Drop but Mr. Anderson gave Sting one instead. Hardy made the cover and got the pin. Anderson tries to celebrate the win with Hardy but Hardy pushes him away and they argue. Anderson goes into his pose for the mic to come down but Sting hits him and Hardy with his bat and takes off.

Xplosion Match:

* Okada vs. Douglas Williams. Winner via Chaos Theory, Douglas Williams.

*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Results For June 10th

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Here are spoiler results for TNA iMPACT set to air on June 10th, courtesy of Tim Capture and Wrestlingnewsworld.com:

* Xplosion match: Max Buck vs. Chris Sabin. Winner via springboard tornado DDT, Chris Sabin

* For Impact, Brian Kendrick vs. Homicide. Douglas Williams comes out to do commentary. Winner via kick to the face, Brian Kendrick

* AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe, Kazarian and Beer Money come out. AJ says as you can see, Ric Flair is not with us. Due to his absence, he will take control of the situation. The situation being that they are in an eight man match thanks to Hogan and Bischoff. Problem is there’s five of them in the ring. Five doesn’t work, it’s always four. Solution is, Kazarian is out. Flair’s music hits but Jay Lethal comes out dressed and acting like Flair. He asks if he heard that AJ is in charge? He says AJ will never be the man because he, Ric Flair is the man. Right now you’re looking at god. Lethal goes on doing the Flair impersonation, drops the elbow on his jacket and all. He says AJ is right about one thing, there is definitely an eight man match tonight. He introduces his team: Abyss, Mr. Anderson and the fourth is Abyss because he counts twice. Lethal says we’re not doing this tonight, we’re doing this right now. Team Lethal rushes the ring but there’s too many for them until Hardy’s music hits and he makes the save. Team Lethal stares down Team AJ. Team AJ leaves as Lethal elbow drops his shirt.

* The Motor City Machine Guns come out to join commentary.

* Roxxi and Rosie Lottalove vs. The Beautiful People. Winner via Roxxi Driver on Lacey, Roxxi and Rosie Lottalove. After the match Madison Rayne attacks Roxxi. The Beautiful People beat up Roxxi and Rosie and leave.

* Bischoff is backstage with Miss Tessmacher and Matt Morgan. Morgan just wants to know who his tag team partner. Bischoff says you’re going to find out tonight.

* Hulk Hogan is waiting for him at the entrance ramp right now. Morgan’s music hits and he comes out to see who his partner in the tag title match is. He’s not happy he’s finding out right now. Hogan’s music hits. Hogan comes out and says Morgan is the biggest crybaby he knows. There’s a reason he’s out there by himself. He backstabs everybody. Hogan asks if viva la raza means anything? Hernandez comes out and rushes the ring. Hernandez is beating Morgan down. He chokes Morgan out with his shirt and leaves. The referee gives the X sign and security rush out with a stretcher. They hook Morgan into the stretcher and go to leave but The Band’s music hit. Security leaves Morgan in the ring. The bell rings and Eric Young gets the pin. Afterwards they stretcher Morgan out.

* A pissed off Jesse Neal comes to the ring with a concerned Shannon Moore behind him. Neal calls out Bubba and wants him to come out so he can talk to him to his face, man to man. Bubba comes out with a concerned Devon. Security and agents stay between them. Neal asks why if he has a problem he can’t settle it like a man has something to say. Shannon basically calls Bubba a douchebag. Devon says he’s going to give Shannon a pass on this one. This is between them and Neal because they trained Neal. Devon then tells Bubba to get his head on straight and leave the kid alone. Bubba takes the opportunity to cheap shot Neal. Security gets in between everybody and Team 3D leaves.

* Kurt Angle is out for a match. He says this Sunday at Slammiversary his first victim from the top ten will be tenth ranked wrestler Kazarian. In preparation he’s asked the greatest X Division wrestler there is to come out and throw everything he has at him.

* Kurt Angle vs. Amazing Red. Winner via Angle Slam, Kurt Angle.

* AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe & Beer Money, Inc. vs. Jay Lethal, Abyss w/Chelsea, Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy. Winner via Styles Clash on Jay Lethal, AJ Styles, Desmond Wolfe & Beer Money, Inc. After the match, AJ’s team all threw up the Four Horsemen sign.

* Backstage, RVD is looking for Sting but Sting finds him first and attacks him. Sting is wearing a championship belt with tape on it that says deception. They’re fighting all over the place and fought into the merchandise stand. They eventually end up in front of the crowd. They fight up the entrance into the ring. Looks like Sting stole the world belt at some point and that’s what he has on. Sting gets the advantage when he threw RVD into a chair set up in the corner. He beats him down with a chair and then says “You see this belt pal? It’s a deception. It’s yours till this Sunday.” RVD gets on the mic and asks if Sting thinks this is over? He was just pacing himself. Sting is at the entrance and is to leave but Hulk Hogan comes out and hits Sting and takes him to the ring. RVD and Hogan take turns hitting him. RVD whips Sting into a big boot from Hogan in the corner. RVD hits a 5 Star Frog Splash. Music hits, we go to commercial.

* Xpolosion match, for the TNA Knockouts Women’s Championship, Madison Rayne defeats Taylor Wilde.

Sound Off 110: Don’t Tell Kane, But We’re Celebrating May 19th!

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solomonster
Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 110)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 64 minutes

A rare weekday edition of the Sound Off celebrating MAY 19TH (!!!) with thoughts on a pretty good edition of Raw, Bret Hart and The Outsiders as champions in 2010, Michael Cole getting his ass handed to him on NXT, the future of Jim Ross and your questions!

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Update On Batista vs. Cena, More On Cena As WWE Champion

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source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Batista’s match with John Cena at Over The Limit was originally scheduled to be a “Loser Leaves WWE” match, but changed to an “I Quit” match in large part as a result of TNA holding the very same bout in Tara vs. Madison Rayne this past Sunday at Sacrifice. Company officials also felt that a “Loser Leaves WWE” match wouldn’t be good in case Batista decided to return sooner than expected.

Regarding Batista’s future with WWE, it is being kept a secret from almost everyone in the organization.

— To correct a story from last week, John Cena only passed 1,000 days as champion if you include his two World Heavyweight title runs with his WWE title runs. As of today, Cena sits at 915 days as WWE Champion and 105 days as World Heavyweight Champion. He would be in sixth place on the all-time list, not fifth, as Triple H has 1,148 days when both titles are included. Including both titles, Cena will pass Pedro Morales into fifth place on May 27. Morales held the WWE title for 1027 days.

— Creative writer Ed Koskey was the straight man in the mock Geico commercials promoting WWEShop.com on Monday’s Raw.

Bartie Professes Innocence Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

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(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

As reported earlier, WWE denied last week a report from wrestling author Irv Muchnick that the company fired general counsel Jared Bartie over a sexual harassment claim. Rather, WWE stated Bartie parted from the company amicably. It should be noted that WWE did not actually deny the sexual harassment claim.

In an update on Bartie’s situation, the story going around is that he was in fact not fired, as WWE stated. He was said to be upset when WWE suspended him, professing his innocence in the matter and feeling they were taking someone’s word that wasn’t true. At that point, both sides agreed to part ways.

Bartie was suspended after a female co-worker from the company’s sales department accused him of making unwanted advances on her at a WrestleMania XXVI after-party in late March. However, the victim in question was later fired after she was reportedly caught performing an oral sex with a subordinate male employee inside the company’s offices during work hours. The male employee was also fired.

Backstage Update On Orlando Jordan, Madison Rayne Note, More

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— During a recent edition of Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there were a number of wild stories going around concerning the openly bisexual Orlando Jordan. While he would not expound on the circulating gossip, he did say that stories relate to Jordan hitting on various people backstage.

In related news, there are numerous people within the company trying to kill off the character and are said to be unhappy that they have not yet succeeded.

— It’s worth noting that Madison Rayne’s triumph over Tara at Sunday’s Sacrifice pay-per-view was her first singles match victory in her entire TNA career. She joined the organization over a year ago.

— Jeff Hardy has designed a special ‘TNA Truck’ for Hermie Sadler, which will debut at this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I was asked to create a design for a race truck. When I asked, ‘what kind of design?’ they said ‘just something like your paintings,’ and that’s exactly what they got. After seeing the final design, I was blown away!,” Hardy cried.

For more details on Hardy’s endeavor, click here.

TNA Officials Recommend Dixie Carter Fire 15 To 20 People

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(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA is reportedly going through a lot of cost-cutting measures although nothing has been specifically said other than they are happening. Only one person has been let go at this point, ring announcer David Penzer, and it wasn’t cost-cutting as much as just him having heat.

What is known is that those close to TNA president Dixie Carter recommended an extensive list of talent — 15 to 20 names — to be cut. Thus far, Carter has refused to cut those requested since she doesn’t want talent who have been loyal to the organization be unemployed in these uncertain economic times.

Nonetheless, the company has greatly increased its payroll since last year, and most business aspects are either the same or down, with the exception of a huge increase in merchandise sales at live events.

Russo Wants Jim Ross In TNA, JR Comments On Going To TNA

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– One of the people in TNA pushing the hardest to bring in Jim Ross is Vince Russo, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  Russo is telling people that he is looking to leave the creative team and work on other areas of the company’s operations.

— Jim Ross answered another round of reader questions at JRsBarBQ.com and responded to a fan who said he would be an “invaluable piece of the puzzle” in TNA, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.  JR responded with the following:

“I don’t know what I’m going to be broadcasting in the future but I don’t plan on getting into to any thing whereby I can’t be myself and that doesn’t mean I’m going to yell for the duration of the show but passion is passion and it’s sorely lacking in many areas of broadcasting these days. The old school guys had passion which is why that are always mentioned in a variety of genres.”

Randy Savage Marries Girlfriend Lynn (Wedding Pictures)

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Congratulations to former WWE & WCW Champion Randy Savage, who recently married his girlfriend Lynn. This is Savage’s second marriage.

Check out these pictures from the wedding, courtesy of TimBoylesPhotography.com:

WWE Regrets Cutting Mickie James, Searching For Assistance

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(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)

Beth Phoenix’s injury two weeks ago during a Superstars taping was significantly worse than originally let on. During a bout with Rosa Mendes, she jumped off the turnbuckle, resulting in her left knee giving out. She was diagnosed with a bone bruise, a torn and displaced meniscus — a sprained MCL and a torn ACL — which required surgery. She underwent the surgery yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama under Dr. James Andrews and is expected to be out of action for approximately six months.

Initial reaction to the seriousness of her injury is that a lot of people within WWE now regret cutting Mickie James loose last month, since the company is left with marginal depth on the SmackDown babyface side. It’s said that James’ behavior on the European tour was the deciding factor in letting her go. However, her release had been brewing as there was talk of cutting her prior WrestleMania due to her behavior. Notably, James had a few run-ins with Batista with things becoming so heated that he threatened to quit if she wasn’t fired. Undertaker had to step in to calm him down.

There was talk this week of moving Gail Kim over to SmackDown, or signing someone outside the company who can work. With Lisa Marie Varon’s contract with TNA expiring this week, there is a chance the company may re-sign her. However, her age is a huge question not to mention that she said some things disparaging the company after she left that could possibly hurt her if people remember them. Most notably, she took part in a pseudo-shoot segment last December railing her previous employer, emotionally saying she broke her two-year contract with WWE to come to TNA. She also said she left WWE because she didn’t want to be remembered as a ‘joke’.

Miami’s Sports Commissioner Pushing For WrestleMania 2012

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Miami Sports Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz is working hard to bring WrestleMania to his city in 2010, according to the Miami Today Newspaper. The paper writes that Diaz has been “relentless” in his efforts to secure the big event.

“Whether it be the Super Bowl or WrestleMania, any sporting event will be significant in creating revenue and jobs for the people. What’s important to our community is extremely important to us,” Commissioner Diaz said.

Economic impact studies have found that WrestleMania brings an estimated $50 million to the host city’s economy and roughly 65% of the fans who attend are from outside a 100 mile radius of the host city.

He added. “We have hosted 10 Super Bowls thus far. No one has yet to accomplish this feat. The bid to host the WrestleMania experience will persist until we are chosen.”

14 cities were in the running to host WrestleMania in the next two years. Atlanta won for 2011 and we’ll find out next February which of the other 13 cities will host WrestleMania 2012.

Ultimate Warrior Shoots HARD On Ted DiBiase Sr.

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The Ultimate Warrior has posted another (very long) blog on his website firing back at the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase’s comments that he doesn’t belong in the WWE Hall of Fame because he was a terrible worker and a didn’t appreciate what the industry did for him.

Read More: Ted DiBiase Sr. Talks Trash About The Ultimate Warrior

Warrior shoots HARD on DiBiase .. Here are just a few quotes from Warrior man:

DiBiase’s Christianity & Past Sins: “Let’s be honest, here, Father Teddy. (What irony, having to instruct a man-of-the-cloth to be honest.)  It was never guilt that made you change your ways to become a man of God. It was gluttony — and your dark desire to continue getting away with it. You’ve never had the discipline, in your whole life, to restrain your appetites for anything — and you still don’t. All you’ve done is substitute vices and indulgences. When you were in the business and your ego was powered by your gimmick and your fame and celebrity, you were gluttonous for sluts and salacious thoughts and living. When it was all over, the superficiality of celebrity was gone and you had nothing to cling to anymore to cover up your natural repulsiveness. Even the worst whores have standards. Once you were nothing, without the TV and the Million Dollar Man gimmick (which WWF footed the entire bill for), they wanted nothing to do with you anymore. You crawled home on your knees to your wife and God, all seemingly in the desire to be forgiven. But all you’ve truly done is use religion as an excuse and means to continue getting away with other forms of self-indulgent gluttony.”

DiBiase Calling Himself a Warrior: “Let’s get real, Teddy. You certainly never, ever came close to looking or acting like a warrior at any time during your life. On some level, it seems to me and I imagine many others, associating oneself with the concept “warrior” should or would have something to do with self-discipline, meaningful sacrifices, inner strength, digging deep within oneself to be the best one can be, integrity, honor, etc. More especially so in your case, now, since your goal as a man-of-the-cloth is to guide people away from the forces that lure them to be the worst they can be. And to do this you use the Bible’s inspiring stories of warrior-like individuals who practiced these honorable virtues, right?”

Warrior’s Success vs. DiBiase’s: “You say the only time I had a great match was when someone was leading me around by the nose. Once and for all, let’s stop the bullshit and put things in no uncertain terms: without guys like me, Ted Dibiase, you never would have worked a Main Event match in the WWF.

“You were so smart about the business, Teddy, you were too stupid to figure out how it really works. Guys like you funded petty cash. Guys like me — and Hogan and Savage at the time — paid the mortgages and the travel bills and the production costs of the whole operation. Your profit making contribution was like hitting three cherries on a nickel slot machine. Mine was like hitting the Powerball Jackpot. I earned my limousine. Yours was provided as part of your silly gimmick. Reality check: my quarterly royalty checks were for more money than you made in a whole year. It was never about who could draw money with a guy like you — it was always about who could draw money with a guy like me. Guys like you were one-of-many. Guys like me were one-of-a-kind.”

Satan’s Pig: “I really think this is where you fail the best in being a fraud, a hypocrite — a real snake-oil salesman. In fact, you fail so successfully at gluttony, I think you missed the calling of what would have been your best gimmick. The one that truly fits: Satan’s Pig. You are the embodiment of Satan’s Pig. Your face, body, mind and spirit provide the perfect image of it. Amazing, isn’t it? After all these years of stumbling around to squeeze yourself to a gimmick, you finally come face to face with your best gimmick — the real you.”

This stuff is just the tip of the iceberg – Warrior goes in-depth on his relationship with Vince McMahon as well as paragraph after paragraph of why he thinks DiBiase is a complete hypocrite and a fake Christian.

To read Warrior’s full blog entry, visit UltimateWarrior.com.

TNA Set To Release Talent – Who Should They Let Go?

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Update: TNA Officials Recommend Dixie Carter Fire 15 To 20 People

TNA Wrestling is at another “turning point.” With the Monday night experiment over, iMPACT! returns to Thursdays and we begin another new chapter for the company. TNA has incurred a great deal of expenses this year – from acquiring talent (Hogan, Bischoff, RVD, Jeff Hardy, Ric Flair, Scott Hall, etc.) to going live on Monday nights.

As we reported here on SEScoops.com last week, TNA’s budget needs to be reeled in and as a result – talent will need to be released in order to cut costs.  We’ve heard that several wrestlers were told on Monday that they’re being released, but we need further confirmation on exactly who is being let go before we can report it.

TNA has over 64 superstars and knockouts on their roster – much more than the RAW and SmackDown brands, which have about 40 each.

With many releases on the way, we want to hear from you – who should TNA let go??

TNA’s got a wide range of superstars on their roster and a chance to redefine their product. Should TNA stick with established (and expensive) household names? Many of them have big money contracts and do little to draw fans or elevate young talent.  Should they focus on keeping just a few big stars and build around today’s breed of developing stars (Desmond Wolfe, Pope, Samoa Joe)? What about cutting all of the legends (Hogan, Flair, Sting, Jarrett, Nash), saving a ton of money and focusing solely on young talent? How about tag teams and the X-Division?

Comment below and tell us what you think about who TNA should cut and what their strategy should be moving forward.

(To view the entire TNA superstar roster, click here.)

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