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Details Behind Lance Cade's Latest WWE Departure

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As reported earlier, Lance Cade was released again last week by World Wrestling Entertainment. He was re-hired this past October, but was conspicuously never used sans a one-off appearance in developmental.

In an interview last week with PWInsider.com, Cade said John Laurinaitis told him last December they were going to call him up to the main roster, but he was having problems going through pain killer withdrawal and it was keeping him awake. He said that led to getting hooked on sleeping pills, so he called the office and asked to be put into rehab.

Cade completed four weeks of rehab and in early March, talked to his mentor, Shawn Michaels. He claimed HBK told him “he’s done” and would never be used a top guy.

During the interview, Cade expressed his displeasure with being let by WWE as he couldn’t understand why they would fire him for asking to go to rehab considering that everyone else is given an ultimatum to take up rehabilitation assistance or have their contract terminated. He felt he was doing the right thing by addressing the issue and asking to enter rehab, especially considering that his ongoing pill problems stemmed from working for WWE. He then said he doesn’t want to be part of a company that says they want to help wrestlers with their issues, but then turn their backs on them when they ask for help. He also feels it sends a bad message to the wrestlers in the locker room that if they get injured and take time off, they’ll lose their spot. Or, if they have issues medication and ask for help, they’ll be fired.

Additionally, Cade implied during the interview that there are top guys doing stuff much worse than he had done, saying WWE’s drug testing policy “doesn’t apply to everyone.”

Cade was previously released from WWE on October 14, 2008. Jim Ross later stated on his official website that “he made a major league mistake while utilizing bad judgment” and that it was instrumental to his departure. J.R. also made reference to Cade having a seizure on a plane and needing emergency medical care.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Details Behind Lance Cade’s Latest WWE Departure

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As reported earlier, Lance Cade was released again last week by World Wrestling Entertainment. He was re-hired this past October, but was conspicuously never used sans a one-off appearance in developmental.

In an interview last week with PWInsider.com, Cade said John Laurinaitis told him last December they were going to call him up to the main roster, but he was having problems going through pain killer withdrawal and it was keeping him awake. He said that led to getting hooked on sleeping pills, so he called the office and asked to be put into rehab.

Cade completed four weeks of rehab and in early March, talked to his mentor, Shawn Michaels. He claimed HBK told him “he’s done” and would never be used a top guy.

During the interview, Cade expressed his displeasure with being let by WWE as he couldn’t understand why they would fire him for asking to go to rehab considering that everyone else is given an ultimatum to take up rehabilitation assistance or have their contract terminated. He felt he was doing the right thing by addressing the issue and asking to enter rehab, especially considering that his ongoing pill problems stemmed from working for WWE. He then said he doesn’t want to be part of a company that says they want to help wrestlers with their issues, but then turn their backs on them when they ask for help. He also feels it sends a bad message to the wrestlers in the locker room that if they get injured and take time off, they’ll lose their spot. Or, if they have issues medication and ask for help, they’ll be fired.

Additionally, Cade implied during the interview that there are top guys doing stuff much worse than he had done, saying WWE’s drug testing policy “doesn’t apply to everyone.”

Cade was previously released from WWE on October 14, 2008. Jim Ross later stated on his official website that “he made a major league mistake while utilizing bad judgment” and that it was instrumental to his departure. J.R. also made reference to Cade having a seizure on a plane and needing emergency medical care.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Rumored Names For HOF Class, "Superstars" Draws Low Rating

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source: www.f4wonline.com

— There was brief discussion of holding both WrestleMania XXVII and the following night’s Raw at the Georgia Dome with night two massively scaled down. Additionally, either the Philips Arena or Fox Arena will hold Hall of Fame.

Regarding next year’s Hall of Fame class, Bill Goldberg is expected to headline the event providing both sides can reach an agreement. Ron Simmons is also said to be a lock to join next year’s class. Other suggested names are Sting (though not if he’s still with TNA), Lex Luger and the Steiner Brothers.

— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars drew what may be a record low rating — an 0.67 rating. The show drew 707,000 viewers overall. The broadcast was headlined by The Hart Dynasty vs. Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft.

— Shawn Michaels’ retirement speech will be an extra on the WrestleMania XXVI DVD coming out next month.

Rumored Names For HOF Class, “Superstars” Draws Low Rating

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source: www.f4wonline.com

— There was brief discussion of holding both WrestleMania XXVII and the following night’s Raw at the Georgia Dome with night two massively scaled down. Additionally, either the Philips Arena or Fox Arena will hold Hall of Fame.

Regarding next year’s Hall of Fame class, Bill Goldberg is expected to headline the event providing both sides can reach an agreement. Ron Simmons is also said to be a lock to join next year’s class. Other suggested names are Sting (though not if he’s still with TNA), Lex Luger and the Steiner Brothers.

— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars drew what may be a record low rating — an 0.67 rating. The show drew 707,000 viewers overall. The broadcast was headlined by The Hart Dynasty vs. Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft.

— Shawn Michaels’ retirement speech will be an extra on the WrestleMania XXVI DVD coming out next month.

Jim Ross Blog: Young Stars Getting Pushed, Hart & Soul DVD

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

WWE’s New Hart and Soul DVD: “Several weeks ago I got an advance copy of the new, WWE DVD, ‘Hart and Soul’ and I can easily and honestly say it is one of the better productions that WWE Home Video has ever produced. It has some awesome photos, footage, and interviews on it and is a ‘highly recommend’ for all fans.”

Buy the “HART and SOUL” 3-DVD Set from Amazon.com for $17.99

Funny Bobby Heenan Quote: “Bobby Heenan said that he always slept like a baby in that he woke up every three hours,  wet the bed and cried. There will always be only one ‘Wease.'”

Young Stars Being Pushed Too Soon? “There is no magical formula or magic wand one can wave over the head of a young wrestler to guarantee their success,” Ross said. “I do know this, the business has to get younger and WWE, at least, is attempting to do that which means they are keeping an eye on their long term growth. No one knows what young talent will or will not make it but if they aren’t given the opportunity it’s obvious that they will never get to the Promised Land. I applaud wrestling promotions for providing opportunity for young wrestlers as no one can accurately and definitively way when some one is ‘ready.’  My theory is to get them fundamentally sound, motivated, and throw them in the game and see if they can play.”

As always, check out JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products.

Jim Ross Blog: Young Stars Getting Pushed, Hart & Soul DVD

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

WWE’s New Hart and Soul DVD: “Several weeks ago I got an advance copy of the new, WWE DVD, ‘Hart and Soul’ and I can easily and honestly say it is one of the better productions that WWE Home Video has ever produced. It has some awesome photos, footage, and interviews on it and is a ‘highly recommend’ for all fans.”

Buy the “HART and SOUL” 3-DVD Set from Amazon.com for $17.99

Funny Bobby Heenan Quote: “Bobby Heenan said that he always slept like a baby in that he woke up every three hours,  wet the bed and cried. There will always be only one ‘Wease.'”

Young Stars Being Pushed Too Soon? “There is no magical formula or magic wand one can wave over the head of a young wrestler to guarantee their success,” Ross said. “I do know this, the business has to get younger and WWE, at least, is attempting to do that which means they are keeping an eye on their long term growth. No one knows what young talent will or will not make it but if they aren’t given the opportunity it’s obvious that they will never get to the Promised Land. I applaud wrestling promotions for providing opportunity for young wrestlers as no one can accurately and definitively way when some one is ‘ready.’  My theory is to get them fundamentally sound, motivated, and throw them in the game and see if they can play.”

As always, check out JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products.

Jeff Hardy vs. Robert Roode Announced For Monday's iMPACT!

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The following is confirmed for next week’s TNA iMAPCT! – at the new start time of 8pm (ET):

– In a Leather & Lace Match, new Knockouts Champion Angelina Love faces former tag team partner Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People

– The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy will take on Robert Roode of Beer Money, Inc

– Team 3D challenged The Band’s Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman .. Will they answer the challenge?

– Plus, appearances by World Champion AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Abyss, The Pope, Desmond Wolfe, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and more.

Related News: *Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Next Week

Jeff Hardy vs. Robert Roode Announced For Monday’s iMPACT!

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The following is confirmed for next week’s TNA iMAPCT! – at the new start time of 8pm (ET):

– In a Leather & Lace Match, new Knockouts Champion Angelina Love faces former tag team partner Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People

– The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy will take on Robert Roode of Beer Money, Inc

– Team 3D challenged The Band’s Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman .. Will they answer the challenge?

– Plus, appearances by World Champion AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Abyss, The Pope, Desmond Wolfe, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and more.

Related News: *Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Next Week

Paul Heyman Rips Into TNA's Booking Of Jeff Hardy & RVD

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Last night on Twitter, Paul Heyman went on a rant about the the way TNA has booked Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy in recent weeks. Heyman started off by writing:

“To answer all the questions, I will not be blogging on last night’s TNA Impact. What am I going to say that has not been said already?”

A minute later, Heyman let it fly:

“Okay, I can’t resist. How many times can u beat up RVD and Jeff Hardy and not give them a ‘revenge-minded’ interview afterwards? Heels beat up babyfaces. Babyfaces swear revenge. People tune in. Holy s—! The formula is not that f’n complicated, people!”

“I don’t want any1 to think I am saying I know it all. I DON’T KNOW IT ALL. I still have a lot to learn. I don’t know how to grow hair on top of my head. I don’t know how to get six pack abs.”

“BUT I KNOW THAT IF A HEEL BEATS UP A POPULAR BABYFACE, THEN BABYFACE NEEDS A CHANCE TO PROMOTE THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE BABYFACE’S REVENGE.”

Paul Heyman Rips Into TNA’s Booking Of Jeff Hardy & RVD

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Last night on Twitter, Paul Heyman went on a rant about the the way TNA has booked Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy in recent weeks. Heyman started off by writing:

“To answer all the questions, I will not be blogging on last night’s TNA Impact. What am I going to say that has not been said already?”

A minute later, Heyman let it fly:

“Okay, I can’t resist. How many times can u beat up RVD and Jeff Hardy and not give them a ‘revenge-minded’ interview afterwards? Heels beat up babyfaces. Babyfaces swear revenge. People tune in. Holy s—! The formula is not that f’n complicated, people!”

“I don’t want any1 to think I am saying I know it all. I DON’T KNOW IT ALL. I still have a lot to learn. I don’t know how to grow hair on top of my head. I don’t know how to get six pack abs.”

“BUT I KNOW THAT IF A HEEL BEATS UP A POPULAR BABYFACE, THEN BABYFACE NEEDS A CHANCE TO PROMOTE THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE BABYFACE’S REVENGE.”

TNA To Get Extreme?, Fans Warned Before Monday's "iMPACT!"

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— TNA may be dipping into the 90s well again as there has been much talk of starting a faction consisting of former ECW wrestlers.

ECW alumni presently on the roster include Rob Van Dam, Brother Ray, Brother Devon, Rhino, Raven, Dr. Stevie and Taz. Also, the former Spike Dudley worked an episode of iMPACT! a few weeks ago not to mention that Tommy Dreamer has been rumored to join the promotion as an on-air performer.

— Fans waiting outside of The Impact Zone this past Monday night were warned before entering the building that the evening’s show would not be family friendly.

partial source: Pro Wrestling Torch.

TNA To Get Extreme?, Fans Warned Before Monday’s “iMPACT!”

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— TNA may be dipping into the 90s well again as there has been much talk of starting a faction consisting of former ECW wrestlers.

ECW alumni presently on the roster include Rob Van Dam, Brother Ray, Brother Devon, Rhino, Raven, Dr. Stevie and Taz. Also, the former Spike Dudley worked an episode of iMPACT! a few weeks ago not to mention that Tommy Dreamer has been rumored to join the promotion as an on-air performer.

— Fans waiting outside of The Impact Zone this past Monday night were warned before entering the building that the evening’s show would not be family friendly.

partial source: Pro Wrestling Torch.

Two TNA Stars Ink New Deals, Updated Knockouts Roster, More

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– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on her Twitter account that Christy Hemme and Brian Kendrick have signed new multi-year contracts with the organization. She wrote, “LOVE Christy in her new role & excited to see what Brian brings to X Div.”

– To clarify, the previously announced Leather & Lace Match between Angelina Love and Velvet Sky taking place on next week’s iMPACT! will not be for Love’s Knockouts Championship.

– For those unable to keep track of the Knockouts roster following numerous talent changes this year, here is how it currently stands.

Wrestlers (10): Angelina Love, Daffney, Hamada, Lacey Von Erich, Madison Rayne, ODB, Sarita, Tara, Taylor Wilde, Velvet Sky

Other on-air characters (5): Chelsea, Christy Hemme, Miss Tessmacher, SoCal Val & Orlando Jordan’s (unnamed) female companion.

Furthermore, the company has parted ways with five female performers so far this year in Alissa Flash, Awesome Kong, Kristal Lashley, Roxxi and Traci Brooks.

TNA iMPACT! Permanently Moving To 8pm On Monday Nights

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Just week’s after TNA iMPACT! moved to Monday nights, the company is already changing gears and making a move that many suggested from the beginning.

TNA President Dixie Carter announced via her twitter account that TNA iMPACT! is permanently moving to 8PM (Eastern). iMPACT! will remain 2 hours, but starting next week – the show will have a 1-hour lead-in to WWE RAW and will only go head-to-head with the first hour of RAW.

This week’s iMPACT! was a test run to see how the show would do starting an hour earlier and the ratings were enough to convince TNA that a permanent shift is a good move. Monday’s iMPACT! did a 0.85 rating, with the first unopposed hour drawing a 0.91 and the second hour, which went head-to-head with RAW, drew a 0.79.

Carter also announced on Twitter that SpikeTV will be adding a replay of iMPACT! to its weekly schedule The replay will air Thursday nights at 9PM (Eastern), iMPACT!’s old timeslot.

Maria's Trashy New Song Title, FCW Name Changes

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– Former WWE Diva Maria’s new album Seven Sins is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Maria wrote on Twitter this week that one of the songs on her album is titled “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs.” The music video for that one should be good. “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs” has been playing on Playboy’s satellite radio station.

Related: Listen To Maria’s First Single “Fantasy” (MP3)

– Below are some of the latest name changes from WWE developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling:

  • Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter of WXW is now known as Cable Jones
  • Sarona Snuka is now being called Tamina
  • Former All Japan star Joe Doering is now known as Drake Brewer
  • The former Incognito is now known as Hunico
  • The former Ray Leppan and Damien Duke is now called Leo Kruger
  • Former OVW star Asher Knight is now known as Rudy Parker

Visit FCWWrestling.com to check out WWE’s developmental talent roster.

Maria’s Trashy New Song Title, FCW Name Changes

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– Former WWE Diva Maria’s new album Seven Sins is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Maria wrote on Twitter this week that one of the songs on her album is titled “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs.” The music video for that one should be good. “Change Your Mind Between My Thighs” has been playing on Playboy’s satellite radio station.

Related: Listen To Maria’s First Single “Fantasy” (MP3)

– Below are some of the latest name changes from WWE developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling:

  • Dr. Lamar Braxton Porter of WXW is now known as Cable Jones
  • Sarona Snuka is now being called Tamina
  • Former All Japan star Joe Doering is now known as Drake Brewer
  • The former Incognito is now known as Hunico
  • The former Ray Leppan and Damien Duke is now called Leo Kruger
  • Former OVW star Asher Knight is now known as Rudy Parker

Visit FCWWrestling.com to check out WWE’s developmental talent roster.

Another 3-Hour Raw Announced, Former WWE Diva Pregnant

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WWE Monday Night Raw on June 7th, 2010 will be a three-hour show, airing from 8 to 11 p.m. on the USA Network.

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable (Rena Lesnar) is four months pregnant with her third child, a baby boy. This would be her second child with Brock Lesnar.

— Brie Bella discusses her guest appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition this Sunday night on ABC at the following link.

“We’re not scared of dirt,” Brie said regarding re-modeling a home. “When we threw the toilet out, the window was so strong, the toilet rejected back and along with it came the toilet water. I got it all over me.”

WWE Stars Appearing On ABC, "Superstars" Preview, More

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— Matches taking place on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:

* Evan Bourne and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder and Chavo Guerrero
* MVP vs. Carlito
* Beth Phoenix vs. Layla

— This Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC, The Bella Twins, R-Truth and Big Show, along with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, will be appearing on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. On the episode, these five stars teamed up to help out Amanda and Derrick Suggs, a couple with two children of their own who also adopted Amanda’s younger siblings to prevent them from being placed into foster care.

In another note, WWE is not referenced in the TV Guide preview for the episode, solely Jeff Gordon.

— As reported earlier, former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced at the Winter Music Conference in Miami that her upcoming music album would be in English and dance-based. While at the WMC, she attended numerous events and parties, mingling with numerous people from the recording industry. You can view several photos of her partying and more at the following link.

— Rey Mysterio’s autobiography, Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask, will be released in paperback on Oct. 26.

WWE Stars Appearing On ABC, “Superstars” Preview, More

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— Matches taking place on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:

* Evan Bourne and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder and Chavo Guerrero
* MVP vs. Carlito
* Beth Phoenix vs. Layla

— This Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC, The Bella Twins, R-Truth and Big Show, along with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, will be appearing on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. On the episode, these five stars teamed up to help out Amanda and Derrick Suggs, a couple with two children of their own who also adopted Amanda’s younger siblings to prevent them from being placed into foster care.

In another note, WWE is not referenced in the TV Guide preview for the episode, solely Jeff Gordon.

— As reported earlier, former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced at the Winter Music Conference in Miami that her upcoming music album would be in English and dance-based. While at the WMC, she attended numerous events and parties, mingling with numerous people from the recording industry. You can view several photos of her partying and more at the following link.

— Rey Mysterio’s autobiography, Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask, will be released in paperback on Oct. 26.

WWE Releasing Book On Goldust, Jericho Takes Aim At TNA

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— WWE has plans to release a biography on Dustin “Goldust” Rhodes. The working title for the book project is Cross Rhodes and it is expected to be released by the end of the year. (source: PWInsider.com)

— Referencing last night’s episode of TNA iMPACT!, Chris Jericho wrote the following his Twitter account: “Yikes! With the amount of suits, serious looks and codebreakers going on tonight I feel like Kurt Cobain in 1993…”

For those unaware, “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero uses the Double knee facebreaker (a/k/a Codebreaker) as his finishing maneuver in TNA.

— The Bella Twins are en route to Tokyo, Japan to do promotional work for WWE’s tour there this summer.

RATINGS Are In For WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! (4/5)

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The ratings are in for the April 5, 2010 episodes of WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT!.

WWE RAW drew a 3.2 cable rating, down a lot from last week’s strong 3.7.

TNA iMPACT! did a 0.9 rating cable rating, up from last week’s aweful 0.6.

By comparison, NCAA championship basketball game earned its highest television rating since 2005, with a 14.2 fast national rating and 23 share. That’s up 31 percent from the 10.8/18 for North Carolina’s blowout win over Michigan State last year.

RATINGS Are In For WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! (4/5)

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The ratings are in for the April 5, 2010 episodes of WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT!.

WWE RAW drew a 3.2 cable rating, down a lot from last week’s strong 3.7.

TNA iMPACT! did a 0.9 rating cable rating, up from last week’s aweful 0.6.

By comparison, NCAA championship basketball game earned its highest television rating since 2005, with a 14.2 fast national rating and 23 share. That’s up 31 percent from the 10.8/18 for North Carolina’s blowout win over Michigan State last year.

Jeff Jarrett & Karen Angle Engaged To Be Married

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Karen Angle, ex-wife of TNA star Kurt Angle, has announced on her Facebook page that she and Jeff Jarrett are engaged to be married. No details yet about whether the couple has set a date.

Karen Angle made her debut with TNA back in 2007 and was with the company for about a year. Kurt and Karen were divorced in mid-2008. In July 2009, an anonymous TNA employee called into the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show to reveal that Karen and Jeff Jarrett were living together at Jarrett’s home in Nashville, TN. TNA President Dixie Carter subsequently sent Jarrett home for several months following that incident.

While this may seem like another crazy twist in the Kurt-Karen-Jeff love triangle, Kurt Angle is said to be on good terms with Karen and Jeff.

Jeff Jarrett & Karen Angle Engaged To Be Married

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Karen Angle, ex-wife of TNA star Kurt Angle, has announced on her Facebook page that she and Jeff Jarrett are engaged to be married. No details yet about whether the couple has set a date.

Karen Angle made her debut with TNA back in 2007 and was with the company for about a year. Kurt and Karen were divorced in mid-2008. In July 2009, an anonymous TNA employee called into the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show to reveal that Karen and Jeff Jarrett were living together at Jarrett’s home in Nashville, TN. TNA President Dixie Carter subsequently sent Jarrett home for several months following that incident.

While this may seem like another crazy twist in the Kurt-Karen-Jeff love triangle, Kurt Angle is said to be on good terms with Karen and Jeff.

WWE Touring Europe For 2 Weeks, Tonight's Tapings

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– WWE will be at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois tonight taping tonight’s NXT, matches for Thursday’s Superstars and of course, Friday’s SmackDown broadcast. We’ll have SmackDown spoilers later tonight, so check back for those.

– WWE is headed overseas this week for a two week European tour that kicks off this Wednesday night in Vienna, Austria. Next week’s RAW will be taped earlier in the day from the United Kingdom. For more on WWE’s WrestleMania Revenge European tour, visit WWE.com.

– Reader Dillon James sent in word that Ohio Valley Wrestling star Andrew Lacroix was shown hanging out backstage during last night’s RAW when Randy Orton was shown walking to the ring to face Jack Swagger.

– The following matches were taped before last night’s RAW for Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars:

  • Evan Bourne and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Chavo Guerrero and Zack Ryder.
  • MVP vs.  Carlito.