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Bret Excited For WrestleMania & Had Fun With Austin At RAW

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Bret Hart has posted a new blog update on his Facebook.com page talking about working with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at last week’s RAW and says he’s “totally pumped up” for his match with Vince McMahon this weekend at WrestleMania.

“It was great seeing my pal, Stone Cold, last week on Raw. We talked for some time about our old WrestleMania 13 match and how great it was. Steve looked terrific and was excited about his acting career,” Hart said. “I also had a long look back with Kevin Dunn and Pat Patterson after Raw last week. We had some nice reflections on Owen that reminded us all what a tragic loss his passing was. We had some laughs too, and Pat laughed until he cried. All in all, it as a great night for me in San Diego last week.”

Bret also thanked his fans for being in his corner over the past 3 months since his return to WWE. “I’ll never forget it nor will I let you down next Sunday. WrestleMania, here I come!”

WWE Hall of Famer Baron Mikel Scicluna Passes Away

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WWE Hall of Famer Baron Mikel Scicluna passed away Saturday following a long bout with cancer. He was 80 years old. World Wrestling Entertainment released the following statement on its company website yesterday:

Baron Mikel Scicluna passes
Written: March 21, 2010

World Wrestling Entertainment was saddened to learn of the passing of one of the company’s Hall of Fame members, Mikel Scicluna. The company would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr. Scicluna’s family and friends. Mikel Scicluna was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. He performed as the “Baron” Mikel Scicluna, working with WWE for three decades. During his career, he won both the United States Tag Team Championship and World Tag Team Championship.

Sunny Penning Book, Maria Kanellis Talks "Celebrity Apprentice"

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— Former WWE performer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch is currently working on a book about her time in the wrestling business which she hopes will be out next year.

“It’s going to be a fun book,” Sytch told the Asbury Park Press. “I’m not out to trash anybody or ruin people’s marriages or expose who did what kind of steroid, it’s going to be a fun read. It’s all about all the fun stuff that happens on the road that nobody knows about unless you’re there.”

You can read the article in its entirety here.

Speaking of Sytch, she will be one of the featured performers at Independent Superstars of Professional Wrestling’s ISPWMania event on Saturday at the 3-2 Count Athletic Facility in Freehold, New Jersey.

“She’s one of the biggest female names out there in the history of wrestling and she lives right in New Jersey; it would be crazy not to capitalize on having someone (with) that wealth of knowledge of the wrestling business and such a talented performer,”said ISPW owner and promoter Tommy Fierro.

For more information on the show, visit www.ISPWLive.com.

— Click here to read a just published interview Maria Kanellis took part in before she was released by WWE. She discusses Celebrity Apprentice, her music, being depicted on a recent episode of South Park, WrestleMania, and more. Regarding WrestleMania, she was hoping she’d get a title shot at the grand show.

“I really, really want to win women’s champion,” Kanellis told Crave Online. “But you know what? It’s been five years and if it takes another five, I’ll keep trying. I really will. I will keep trying until WWE says I can’t try no more.”

Sunny Penning Book, Maria Kanellis Talks “Celebrity Apprentice”

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— Former WWE performer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch is currently working on a book about her time in the wrestling business which she hopes will be out next year.

“It’s going to be a fun book,” Sytch told the Asbury Park Press. “I’m not out to trash anybody or ruin people’s marriages or expose who did what kind of steroid, it’s going to be a fun read. It’s all about all the fun stuff that happens on the road that nobody knows about unless you’re there.”

You can read the article in its entirety here.

Speaking of Sytch, she will be one of the featured performers at Independent Superstars of Professional Wrestling’s ISPWMania event on Saturday at the 3-2 Count Athletic Facility in Freehold, New Jersey.

“She’s one of the biggest female names out there in the history of wrestling and she lives right in New Jersey; it would be crazy not to capitalize on having someone (with) that wealth of knowledge of the wrestling business and such a talented performer,”said ISPW owner and promoter Tommy Fierro.

For more information on the show, visit www.ISPWLive.com.

— Click here to read a just published interview Maria Kanellis took part in before she was released by WWE. She discusses Celebrity Apprentice, her music, being depicted on a recent episode of South Park, WrestleMania, and more. Regarding WrestleMania, she was hoping she’d get a title shot at the grand show.

“I really, really want to win women’s champion,” Kanellis told Crave Online. “But you know what? It’s been five years and if it takes another five, I’ll keep trying. I really will. I will keep trying until WWE says I can’t try no more.”

Video From Inside The Wolpack's TNA Dressing Room

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Scott Hall has posted a backstage video of himself, Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash hanging out in the Wolfpack locker room. The video was sent out from Scott Hall TV with the following:

“The Wolfpac is back together and Scott Hall TV is proud to bring you exclusive footage of Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman trading stories in the Wolfpac locker room. This secret TNA backstage footage could not be released until after Destination X for obvious reasons.”

Video From Inside The Wolpack’s TNA Dressing Room

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Scott Hall has posted a backstage video of himself, Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash hanging out in the Wolfpack locker room. The video was sent out from Scott Hall TV with the following:

“The Wolfpac is back together and Scott Hall TV is proud to bring you exclusive footage of Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman trading stories in the Wolfpac locker room. This secret TNA backstage footage could not be released until after Destination X for obvious reasons.”

TNA Destination X PPV Results (3/22)

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TNA Against All Odds Results – 3/21/2009
Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Report by: Sean Hopkins of WrestlingNewsWorld.com

We get the usual video package to open the show. This video package is odd though, in that it is still very Hogan-centric, and the X Division stars aren’t featured right off the bat, which is especially odd when you consider this PPV is built around the X Division. Eventually, they bring the X Division into it, hyping the return of the Ultimate X match, and the Ladder match for the #1 Contendership for the TNA X Division Championship. The TNA Championship match between Abyss and AJ is also hyped, but almost like an afterthought.

The pyro hits, and Teney and Taz welcome us to the show, immediately hyping the X Division and the TNA Championship match. Bryan Kendrick’s music hits, and it looks like the ladder match will kick things off.

Amazing Red vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Kaz vs. Daniels
Ladder Match

Amazing Red is out next to a good reaction from the crowd. Daniels is third, to a bit of a lukewarm reception, and finally Kaz is out to a warm welcome. Things start off right away with Daniels jumping Kaz, but falling victim to a double team from Red and Kaz. Red hits a baseball slide on Kendrick to the outside, and Kaz sends Daniels over the ropes with a clothesline. Red is back in the ring, and he jumps outside with a corkscrew plancha to take out Daniels and Kaz. Kendrick runs and grabs a ladder, bringing it into the ring under the contract, but Kaz breaks it up. Daniels tries for the contract, but Red brings him down and goes for it himself. Daniels brings Red down, only to end up being beaton on, and having the ladder dropkicked in his face by Red. Red and Kendrick both try to go for the contract at the same time, but both men end up falling off the ladder and into the corner, where Kendrick hits a stiff kick to Red’s face.

Kendrick brings Kaz into the ring with a slingshot that puts him right on the ladder. Kendrick turns his attention to Daniels, but he walks into an STO from Daniels. Daniels puts the ladder around his neck and he twirls, taking out everyone in his path. Daniels is sent to the outside and Kendrick and Red square off for a bit, with Kendrick sending Red to the outside. Kendrick props a ladder up between the ring apron and the barricade, but it backfires when Kaz hits a front suplex onto the ladder on Kendrick. Kaz goes up to the apron, but Daniels drags his neck across the rope and Kaz falls back on the ladder. Daniels hits a split leg moonsault to the outside on top of Kaz who is still on the ladder. Daniels stands on the ladder, and Red jumps to the top rope and hits a hurricarana, sending Daniels to the floor. Red pulls the ladder back in the ring, and he and Kaz both go for the contract at the same time. Kendrick tries to break it up, but he gets shoved off. Kaz teases the flux capaciter, but Kendrick pushes the ladder over and takes out both Kaz and Red. Kendrick sets the ladder up, but immediately eats a boot from Daniels. Daniels shoves Kaz face first into the ladder, but when he tries to hit Kaz with the ladder, he misses, and Kaz hits a slingshot legdrop to plant Daniels’ face in the ladder. Kaz props Daniels on the ladder in the corner, but when he turns his attention to Kendrick, he gets a kick to the face for his troubles. Kendrick tries to bring another ladder in, but Kaz stomps it down on his fingers. Kaz tries to hit Red with the ladder, but Red dropkicks Kaz instead, knocking the ladder into Kaz’s face. Daniels takes out Red with a huge dropkick and wedges a ladder in the corner before slamming Red on top of it.

Daniels tries to suplex Kaz into the ladder, but Kendrick breaks it up, hitting Kaz from behind with another ladder. Kaz ends up being backdropped on the ladder by Daniels, but he quickly eats an enzugiri from Kendrick. Kendrick sets up the ladder and tries for it, but Daniels is there to break it up, and toss him into the ladder that’s still wedged in the corner. Daniels goes up the ladder, but Kaz hits him with a couple of kicks and grabs him, powerbombing him into the ladder still wedged in the corner. Kaz tries to go up the ladder but he’s stopped by Kendrick, they both go up opposite sides, and Kendrick takes Kaz off with a big face buster. Red stops Kendrick going up the ladder, but he ends up being back body dropped to the floor by Kendrick. Kaz beats on Kendrick for a bit in the corner, but when he charges him, he eats a boot. Kaz comes back with a reverse Russian leg sweep to put down Kendrick. Kaz brings Red into the ring with a slingshot into a cutter, but he falls victim to a sliced bread #2. Kendrick gets a DVD from Daniels. Red brings another ladder into the ring, and there’s two ladders set up side by side. Red and Daniels go up both ladders, on the same side, and Daniels hits a urunage from the top of the ladder. Daniels traps Red and Kendrick in the rungs of the ladder, but it doesn’t last long. Kaz jumps in from out of nowhere and knocks Kendrick off the ladder. Kaz ties himself up in the ladder, and suplexes Daniels off without falling off. Kendrick is there and he almost grabs the contract, but he falls off. Kaz grabs the contract, and is able to pull it down.

Winner and NEW #1 Contender to the X Division Championship: Kaz

Mike Tenay and Taz are discussing the history between Abyss and AJ Styles, when they’re interrupted by Ric Flair who comes out in a wheelchair, pushed by Desmond Wolfe’s valet to the entrance ramp. Flair says he’s not happy, and tells the fans they should bow down to him, not ‘woo’ him. Flair says he’s the greatest World Champion of all time, and look at him now, it’s not funny. He’s fallen off of cages, ladder, through tables, and he’s crashed in an airplane, but he’s never been in a wheelchair. Flair says he did not come to TNA to be immobilized, he came for action, and right now he’s not getting a lot. Flair says the people that are responsible for this are Hogan and Abyss, and tonight they pay the price for doing this to the Nature Boy. Flair has Chelsea take him to the back, telling the fans to respect him.

Hogan is backstage with Abyss, he talks some gibberish about how Abyss is a good wrestler and has lots of fans. Abyss says when he put Flair through the entrance ramp, he felt an energy he’s never had, and he wants more. Hogan says not to be afraid to use the ring, and that the gold around his finger will lead to gold around his waist. RIDICULOUS!

On his way out, Abyss runs into Bischoff, who’s wearing a baseball hat. Abyss cracks a joke and Hogan laughs. Bishcoff says it’s not funny. Hogan says they need to get back to the basics of TNA. Bischoff says his issues with Foley and Jarrett will be resolved this week. Bischoff leaves, and Hogan laughs, saying Bischoff has a ‘Hulk Hogan’ haircut.

Tara (c) vs. Daffney
TNA Knockout Women’s Championship Match

Daffney’s music hits, and she’s out to the ring first for the first title match of the night. Tara is out next, with her always present tarantula, and she gets a nice reaction from the crowd. She puts down her belt and spider, and her and Daffney square off right away. Tara ducks a clothesline and hits a shoulderblock and a body slam to put Daffney down. Tara hits a standing moonsault that’s good for a two count. Tara hits a big chop to Daffney’s chest, but she winds up being slammed into the bottom turnbuckle face first. Daffney goes to the top and slams her boots into Tara’s back, stomping up and down. Daffney goes for the pin, but only gets two. Daffney hits a body slam, and follows it up by stepping on Tara’s face and twisting her foot.

Daffney beats on Tara in the corner, but when she charges her in the corner, she walks into the tarantula. Daffney hits a series of hair assisted snap mares to Tara, but it’s not enough to put Tara down for three. Daffney locks in an innovatice submission, locking up Tara’s arms and rocking her legs in figure four position over her head. It’s complicated and hard to explain. Tara is able to fight out with one of her arms, and eventually her legs, breaking the hold and swinging her elbows to continues to hurt Daffney. Tara hits an enzugiri, and a series of big right hands before hitting a big spinebuster that only keeps Daffney down for two. Daffney hits a slap to the ear, and kicks Tara in the chest, following up with a bridging Northern lights suplex that’s good for a two count. Daffney charges Tara in the corner, but Tara moves. Tara hits a crazy sidewalk slam, but it only keeps Daffney down for two.

Daffney rakes Tara’s eyes and hits a falling knee to the face before sending her to the outside and sending her back into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Daffney tries to hit Tara with the KO belt, but Tara ducks it, and counters, hitting the widow’s peak on Daffney. Tara pins Daffney, and this one is over.

Winner and STILL TNA Knockout Champion: Tara

After the match, it’s revealed that Daffney has stolen Tara’ spider.

Christy Hemme is standing backstage with Magnus, who’s apparently only going by one name these days. He says he’s about to pop Rob Terry’s over inflated ego. He brought him into TNA to be a gopher. He says tonight, he’s going to kill the monster he’s created.

Rob Terry (c) vs. Brutus Magnus
TNA Global Championship Match

Magnus is out first to a bit of an apathetic reaction. Terry really doesn’t get much better of a reaction himself. Things start out right away as Terry comes in and goes right to work on Magnus, sending him to the outside with a clothesline over the top. Magnus hits a poke to the eye, and he’s able to score a couple of right hands, and a European uppercut. Magnus tries for a crossbody, but Terry catches him, and powers him down with a big slam. Magnus slaps Terry across the face, but he walks right into a spin kick and a big spinebuster that’s good for a three count. This one is over as soon as it begins.

Winner and STILL TNA Global Champion: Rob Terry

Apparently Ultimate X is up next, so they need to kill time, and a music video showing past highlights is shown.

Christy Hemme is backstage with the MCMG’s. Sabin says Generation Me has more balls than brains, because they aren’t able to compete on their level. They’re children compared to the MCMG’s. Shelley says people have been saying they have an attitude, but anyone would because they’re the best tag team in the world, but they don’t get to show their potential. They’ve been in TNA longer than Gen Me has had their Hardy Boyz starter kit, and tonight they’re going to prove they’re better, by fulfilling their destiny and winning Ultimate X.

Generation Me vs. The Motor City Machine Guns
Ultimate X Match for the #1 Contendership of the TNA Tag Team Championship

The structure seems to be finally set up, but Taz and Tenay are still talking about how the Guns have a total lack of respect for Gen Me. Finally, it’s time for the match, as Generation Me’s music hits, and Max and Jeremy (cough Nick and Matt) hit the ring. The Guns are out next to a much more energetic reaction from the crowd. This is the 13th Ultimate X and 4th for Sabin and Shelley respectively, that’s absolutely insane. Things start off right away with some crazy, crazy double teams that has tons of reversals and ends with a double clothesline from Gen Me to the Guns. Gen Me hit an elevated double team dropkick and sandwich low dropkicks to Shelley. When they go for the X though, Shelley is able to stop it, and Sabin sends Max to the outside. the Guns double team Jeremy, hitting their crazy chancery/dropkick combo, and Shelley locks in a simeltaneous leglock on Jeremy and abdominal stretch on Max. The Guns hit a crazy move from the ring apron to the outside on Max. This one is hard to follow, it’s moving lightning fast.

Jeremy is able to climb up on the structure, but he’s brought down by the Guns who hit stereo round kicks to Jeremy Buck. The Guns picks up Jeremy and work him over in the corner, but they both charge into a big boot from Jeremy and then walk into a double dropkick from Max. Gen Me hit a crazy double team, with a double dropkick from Max, and a spinning plancha from Jeremy to both Guns. Max goes up on the structure, climbing the ropes and dodging a springboarding Sabin, but Shelley pulls him down. Max hits a spear on Shelley, but he gets a big kick from Sabin. Jeremy hits a moonsault to the outside on top of Shelley. Jeremy climbs the structure, climbing his way across the ring while Max stands guard. Max is distracted though, and he eats a kick from Sabin, and ends up being a stepping stool for Sabin to hit a big spear on Jeremy, taking him off the structure and down to the mat. Max is up and he’s going right to the structure, Sabin jumps up to the top, but Max is able to fight him off. Max goes off, but the Guns use an insane double team to bring him down. Gen Me is able to fight back a bit and now all four men are down.

All four men are up at about the same time, and all in different corners. Max is the first on the ropes, followed by Shelley. Jeremy and then Sabin are up and everyone is in the middle. Everyone starts kicking at eachother and everyone eventually falls. Series of superkicks from the Bucks, and a running powerbomb into the corner, on Shelley into Jeremy’s knees. Jeremy flies out of the ring on top of Sabin. Generation Me go for More Bang for you Buck, but it’s countered, and Shelley hangs Max up into the corner, and suplexes Jeremy into Max. The Guns hit their double team sliced bread #2 on Max, and Sabin goes right up to the top. Jeremy is also there, going to the top and he and Sabin fight it out in the middle. Sabin is able to knock Jeremy to the mat, and he grabs the X, winning the match for his team, and falling to the canvas.

Winners and NEW #1 Contenders to the TNA Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns

We get a video package highlighting the events that have led up to this match, which will lead to TNA contracts for Hall and Waltman if they’re able to win.

JB is backstage with Hall and Waltman. Waltman and Hall get excited because JB says if they lose they’ll be ‘band’ for life. Hall says he broke out the old gear cause he’s here to wrestle. Hall says he’s gotta prove that’s he’s better than him tonight. Hall says when you tune into TNA on Monday, you’ll see the highest paid superstars in TNA. Waltman says it doesn’t matter what they have to do to win, because their asses are grass, and they will smoke them. How appropriate.

Kevin Nash & Eric Young vs. Scott Hall & Syxx Pac
Tag Team Match; if Hall & Pac win, they earn TNA contracts. If not, they must leave TNA for good

Hall and Waltman are out first, and even though they get a formal announcement, they get no music. Tenay says it’s because they aren’t under contract. They make their way to the ring to a mixed reaction, and Hall grabs a mic. Hall says they’re going retro now, he’s even got the tights on, but they want to take a survey. He asks how many people want to see Hall and Waltman in TNA with some big money contracts, and depressingly, a lot of the crowd cheers. Hall says one more for the bad guys. Nash and Young are out next, with music, and to a much more positive reaction from the crowd. Young and Waltman look to start things out for their respective teams. They lock up, and Young back up Pac into the corner, where he begins to pound on him until he catches a thumb to the eye. Waltman hits a shoulderblock, but he walks right into a Thesz press and a series of punches. Young rams Waltman’s head into the mat, but he’s distracted by Hall, which allows Waltman to connect with a big kick. Hall tags in, and he gives Young the old DX crotch chop. They lock up, and Hall starts to work over Young’s arm, locking in an arm bar and slapping him in the head. Hall catches Young out of a cross body and connects with a fall away slam that’s good for a two count. Hall tags out to Waltman who hits a quick chop, but quickly eats a back body drop. Young charges Pac, but he’s thrown to the outside and Pac follows with a big plancha.

Young crotches Waltman on the ring post on the outside, but Hall is right there to put Young down and turn the tide. Back in the ring, Hall tags in, and continues to humiliate Young with slaps to the head before sending him into the ropes and locking in a sleeper. Young is able to turn it around into a sleeper hold of his own, but Hall is able to connect with a back suplex to break the hold. Young reaches over and is able to make the tag, but Waltman distracts the ref, and the ref doesn’t see the tag. Pac starts to search under the ring, and he grabs a can of spray paint, spraying Young in the face. Back in the ring, Waltman and Hall team up on Young, but Young fights them off and tags in Nash. Nash comes in, shoves the ref, and hits the jack knife powerbomb on Eric Young. Nash rolls Young to the apron, and makes the tag, sending Young back in. Waltman picks up Young and hits the X Factor. Hall hits the outsider’s edge, and Waltman makes the pin, with Hall on top, getting the three count.

Winners and the newest members of the TNA roster: Scott Hall and Sean Waltman

After the match they go back and grab the spray paint. Waltman takes the can and uses it to outline Young’s body, like a chalk outline at a crime scene. The WolfPac music hits, and Hall and Waltman dance around in the ring, smiling the whole time.

JB is backstage with Angle. Angle says he’s had a problem with people holding mics in his face lately, so he wants to do this alone. He holds up an 8×10 of Mr. Anderson, and he uses a lighter to set it on fire. Angle smiles, and says it’s real, it’s damn real.

Doug Williams (c) vs. Shannon Moore
TNA X Division Championship Match

Shannon Moore is out first, to a big pop in all of his goth glory. Williams is out next, and unfortunately his technical expertise doesn’t get him quite as warm of a reaction. The outline of EY is still in the middle of the ring. Williams takes down Moore to start off the match, but the chain wrestle for a bit before Williams kicks Moore away. Williams takes Moore down to the mat again, and he takes him over with a side headlock, but Moore fights out. Williams takes it to Moore with a kick and a couple of punches, but Moore retaliates with a couple of arm drags, an inverted atomic drop, and a big leg drop. Moore goes for the pin, but he can only get two. Moore goes to the top rope and hits a leaping hurricarana on Williams, but he still can’t keep Williams down for more than two. Moore goes for a top rope hurricarana, but Williams ducks out of it, and knocks Moore to the mat, choking away at him.

Williams hits Moore with a high knee off the ropes, but it’s only good for a near fall. Williams locks in a front chancery, but Moore fights out of it, only to walk right into a gut wrench suplex. Williams goes for the chaos theory, but Moore fights out of it. Williams hits a running knee on Moore in the corner, and chokes him with his boot before stomping away at Moore. Williams pounds on Moore with a series of forearms, before choking him in the corner, but when the ref breaks it up, Moore fights back, and he’s able to hit a bulldog, leg lariat, and dropkick in succession. Moore goes to the top and hits a twisting moonsault on Williams, that sends him to the outside, where he eats a baseball slide. Moore goes to the top turnbuckle, and he hits a moonsault to the outside right on top of Williams.

Williams grabs a foreign object, that looks like a brick, and he and Moore fight over it, and the ref ends up distracted. Williams is able to hit Moore with the brick, and he pins Moore, getting the three count.

Winner and STILL X Division Champion: Doug Williams

Williams grabs the mic and asks what makes Moore think he even deserved a shot at his belt. Williams is what the X Division should be, hold for hold, catch as catch can style wrestling. Williams says acrobats and high fliers belong in the circus with clowns, and that’s what Shannon Moore is. Williams says he’ll help Moore with his makeup, and he goes to the outside, where he grabs a woman’s purse (obviously a plant). Williams uses lipstick to paint Moore’s face for a bit, before simply heading to the back.

We get a video package highlighting the events leading up to this match, as well as the dissension going on between Morgan and Hernandez lately.

Matt Morgan & Hernandez (c) vs. Beer Money, Inc.
TNA Tag Team Championship Match

BMI are the first team to the ring, and they still get a fairly decent reaction, even though they’ve been pushed as heels over the past few weeks. Matt Morgan and Hernandez are out to the ring next, with Hernandez walking ahead of, and not waiting for, Morgan. Morgan and Roode look to start things out for their teams, and we get the bell, this one’s ready to start. Morgan tags out to Hernandez immediately, and they begin to argue. Hernandez and Roode lock up, and Super Mex backs up Roode into the corner, but he breaks clean. Roode hits a couple of boots, and turns things around, pounding on Hernandez in the corner. Roode tries for a cross body, but Hernandez catches him and puts him in powerbomb position. Roode fights out, but he walks into a shoulderblock. Roode is finally able to take Hernandez off his feet with a flying forearm, and Morgan tags himself in, saying ‘watch me’.

Morgan hits Roode with a drop side slam, but not before jawing for a bit with his partner. Morgan tags back out, and Hernandez walks in, only to get a knee to the midsection. Roode tags in Storm, and he comes in and tries for a suplex on Hernandez, but Super Mex counters with a stalling vertical suplex that has Morgan yawning and checking his watch. Hernandez finally drops him after about 20 seconds. Hernandez goes for the tag, but Morgan says he’ll tag in when he wants to. Hernandez turns around, and Morgan tags himself in. Morgan slams Storm face first into the turnbuckle, before posing in front of his opponent. Storm catches Morgan off guard, and tags in Roode, but Morgan is able to take out both members of BMI with a double cross body. Morgan tags in Hernandez, who goes to work on Roode, hitting a big shoulder block that sends him to the outside. When Hernandez goes for a dive, Morgan blocks him and Storm comes in from behind with an enzugiri. Roode hits a neckbreaker, and BMI pound on Hernandez in the corner. Storm pulls off some of his wrist tape to choke out Hernandez. Storm hits a snap mare and goes right into the rear chin lock, but Hernandez is able to fight out, only to catch a knee to the back. Roode tags in and he hits a running clothesline in the corner on Hernandez, that causes Morgan to complain. Hernandez goes to the top rope, but Storm crotches him on the top rope. BMI hit a double team superplex on Hernandez.

Storm locks in a rear chin lock, but Hernandez fights out of it. Storm is able to connect with an inverted tornado DDT, but he can’t keep Hernandez down for three. Hernandez is able to hit Storm with a big slingshot shoulderblock into the ring from the apron, and both men are down. Hernandez tries to crawl over to Morgan, and he’s able to make the tag. Morgan comes in and goes to work on both members of BMI, hitting a big splash on Storm in the corner, and trying for a chokeslam on Roode, but hitting a big lariat when Roode fights out of it. Morgan tags Hernandez back in, and he immediately hits the big dive to the outside on Roode. Morgan calls Hernandez dumb and rolls him back into the ring, and the teammates continues to argue. Hernandez ducks a beer spit from Storm and it hits Morgan. Hernandez connects with the border toss, and he pins Roode, putting him down for the three.

Winners and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: Matt Morgan and Hernandez

After the match, Morgan hits Hernandez with the carbon footprint, and he holds up both belts, leaving the ring and walking to the back with both.

Kurt Angle vs. Mr Anderson
Singles Match

After a short video package, highlighting their history mostly revolving around Angle’s ‘warrior medal’, Mr. Anderson makes his way out to the ring for his match with Kurt Angle. Angle is out next, making his way before Anderson gets the chance to call down the mic and introduce himself.

Angle and Anderson lock up and Angle locks in a headlock, taking Anderson down to the mat and keeping it locked in. Anderson is able to fight out of it, pushing Angle into the ropes to break it up. Another lock up, another headlock takeover. Anderson fights out again, but this time he eats a shoulder block, and Angle is right back to the side headlock. Anderson pushes Angle back into the corner and breaks the hold again. Angle tells Anderson to have a free shot at a head lock, and Anderson obliges, but Angle throws him right off. Angle offers him his neck again, for another headlock. Anderson goes for it again, and Kurt fights it right off yet again. Angle gives him a third shot at it, but this time, Anderson cheap shots him with a kick to the stomach. Anderson locks in the headlock, but Angle fights right out of it with a suplex.

Angle stomps on Anderson in the corner, before sending him across the ring, and hitting a back body drop. Angle goes for the pin, but he can only get two. Angle puts Anderson in the corner and he climbs up, delivering a series of ten right hands. Angle kicks Anderson, and he takes him over with a big snap suplex. Angle sends Anderson into the corner, but when he charges, he eats a boot from Anderson. Anderson grabs Angle’s arm, and yanks it over the top rope, stretching it out. Anderson hits a single arm DDT, continuing to work over Angle’s shoulder. Anderson stomps away at Angle, returning the favor from earlier in the match. Anderson is able to take Angle down with a shoulderblock, but Angle kicks out of a pin attempt. Anderson locks in a keylock, working on Angle’s wrist and arm, before simply slamming Angle’s arm down to the mat. Anderson sends Angle shoulder first into the ring post, and he tries for a quick roll up, but Angle kicks out at two. Anderson locks in an arm bar, but Angle fights out of it with a series of right hands, and a big lariat, but he hits the lariat with his injured arm, hurting himself in the process.

Angle hits a series of clotheslines with his good arm, and even after a big boot from Anderson, he’s able to connect with a belly to belly suplex on Angle. Another clothesline from Angle and this one is good for a near fall. Angle tries for the Angle slam, but Anderson counters and hits the standing Green Bay plunge, but it’s only good for a two count. Anderson tries for the mic check, but Angle fights out of it, ducks a clothesline and hits a trio of German suplexes despite Anderson’s attempts to fight it off. Angle pulls down the straps and he hits the Angle slam, but it’s only good for a two count. Angle locks in the ankle lock, but Anderson is able to flip out of it, and almost sends Angle into the ref. Angle blocks himself, but he catches a low blow from Anderson, and then a mic check. Anderson goes for the pin, but he only gets two. Anderson looks furious. Anderson backs Angle back into the corner and sits him on the top turnbuckle, but when he goes up top Angle is able to fight him off and send him down to the mat. Angle hits a big frog splash, but it’s only good for a two count. Angle tries for another Angle slam, but Anderson counters with an arm drag. Anderson ducks a clothesline from Angle, and Kurt connects with the ref. Anderson connects with an Angle slam of his own, but the ref is down.

Anderson looks around the ringside area for a chair, ordering a fan to get up and give him one. Anderson decides against it, tossing the chair out of the ring and grabbing Angle’s medal instead. Anderson wraps the chain around his fist, but Angle ducks the punch, and connects with a German suplex instead. Kurt picks up the medal himself, using it to carve into Anderson’s head. Anderson is already a bloody mess, and Angle goes to work with a series of right hands, just pounding away on Anderson. Anderson tries to climb out of the ring, but Angle brings him back in with the ankle lock. Angle grapevines the leg, and Anderson is forced to tap out.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Anderson calls down the mic after the match. Anderson says people are fake. He says Angle isn’t an American hero, and he probably isn’t even really a gold medalist. He’s most certainly not a real American. Anderson says he tries to have a straight up match, and Angle had to resort to cheap tactics to get the victory, and now everyone thinks Angle will go home and rest easy. Anderson and Angle both know that the only thing Angle will do tonight is lay in bed with his eyes open staring at the ceiling, and the word Anderson will continue to go through his head. Anderson repeats his names several times with an extreme close up on his face, and he and Angle stare each other down.

AJ Styles (c) vs. Abyss
TNA Championship Match

We get a video package that showcases the events leading up to this match, also spending quite a bit of time focusing on both Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan. Christy Hemme is backstage with the Champion. AJ says his strategy will be the same tonight, as it was before Flair was in the wheelchair, win at all costs, and that is exactly what Styles is there to do. Styles says he’ll also teach Abyss a lesson, and that’s not to try and break 61 year old men’s backs. AJ says he will beat Abyss, period. And at the end of the night, he’ll be the one with the World Title, styling and profiling.

JB is backstage with Abyss. Abyss says of course AJ is confident, he’s the World Champion, and he has what’s left of Ric Flair on his side. He may have Flair, but Abyss has the power of Hogan and all the Hulkamaniacs running through his body. Abyss says Ric Flair practically begged him to put him in the wheelchair. So after all this build, they’re here, facing off for the World title, and when Abyss is done, there won’t be anything left of AJ. Abyss asks what AJ’s gonna do when blah blah blah wild AND crazy on you? Abyss is out to the ring first, to lots of love from the Impact Zone, and some kind of weird hybrid of his song, and Hogan’s American Made theme.

Styles is out second, still to a fairly nice reaction. It’s interesting to note neither man has their ‘mentor’ out with them.I guess I spoke too soon as Wolfe’s valet wheels Flair out about 3/4 of the way down the entrance ramp. JB is out to do formal ring introductions for both men, and then this one will be ready to go. Abyss doesn’t let JB finish, as he jumps AJ before JB can finish the introductions. Abyss pounds on AJ for a bit, before sending him headfirst into one turnbuckle, then another. AJ ducks a couple of clotheslines, but he runs right into the brick wall that is Abyss. Styles tries for a couple of chops, but it doesn’t have much affect, as Abyss shoulder blocks AJ out onto the entrance ramp. Abyss follows out and hits a big right hand to AJ’s head, and he looks toward Flair, but doesn’t do anything. Abyss continues to work on AJ, and jaw with Flair. Abyss tries for a chokeslam on AJ, but AJ fights it off, hitting a big enzugiri, and hanging Abyss up in the ropes, using them to choke him. Styles charges Abyss, who’s still hung up in the ropes, but Abyss counters with an awesome belly to belly suplex.

AJ hits a dropkick to Abyss’ shin, and takes him down to the mat, trying to keep him grounded. Abyss rolls out to the apron, and AJ hits another low dropkick, sending him down to the floor. AJ follows out with a huge tope, and Flair is loving it. Styles grabs a chair, and he props it up in the corner between the top and middle turnbuckles, and while the ref tries to pull it out, AJ uses the opportunity to choke Abyss against the rope, the ref doesn’t get a chance to get the chair out before he breaks it up. AJ tries for a body slam, but Abyss fights it off immediately. AJ fights out of a gorilla press, and hits a beautiful dropkick to take Abyss down. AJ chops away at Abyss in the corner, but Abyss begins to fire back with a series of right hands. Styles is able to fight back and get Abyss into the corner, where he wraps Abyss’ leg up in the ropes and wrenches away. Styles tries to go back to work, but Abyss fights back, dazing Styles. Styles is able to come back with a chop and a punch. Styles goes to the apron and he tries for the springboard forearm, but he gets caught in chokeslam position. AJ fights out of it, but he walks into a back body drop. Abyss follows it up with a splash in the corner and a big sidewalk slam. Abyss goes for the pin but he only gets two. Abyss tries for the shock treatment, but AJ fights out of it and answers back with a pele.

AJ connects with a springboard forearm, but it’s only good for a near fall. Styles tries for the Styles clash, but Abyss catapults Styles into the chair that was set up earlier. Abyss connects with the shock treatment, and he goes for the cover, but Styles is able to kick out at two. Abyss puts AJ on the top turnbuckle, and he goes up too, but Styles is able to fight him off, biting at Abyss’ head and knocking him back to the mat. Styles hits a corkscrew press, and he goes for the pin, but Abyss kicks out. Abyss is up, and AJ turns around, right into a black hole slam. Abyss goes for the pin, but AJ kicks out at two. Chelsea rolls Flair up to the ring, and he grabs the ref, spraying something in his eyes. Flair tosses the belt in the ring to Styles and AJ uses it to blast Abyss. Hogan’s music hits, and he’s on his way to the ring with Earl Hebner. Hogan says he wants Flair out of here, and he orders Chelsea to the back. Hogan grabs Flair, and begins wheeling him toward the back.

AJ hits a springboard 450, but Abyss is able to kick out of the pin attempt, and he starts to Hulk up. AJ tries to fights Abyss off, but it just pumps him up even more. Abyss even does the who ‘YOU’ thing, before he fights back, hitting a big boot, and a huge chokeslam that sends AJ through the middle of the ring. Hebner calls for the bell, and it looks like this one is going to be thrown out.

Hulk Hogan grabs the TNA World Championship and he gives it to Abyss, but Hebner grabs it away. Flair is being rolled back down to the ring and he’s livid. Flair flops into the ring, and Abyss picks him up. Chelsea has the spray, but Hogan grabs it, using it to spray in Flair’s face. Desmond Wolfe is down to help things out, but he eats a couple of rights from Hogan and Abyss before being maced, and tripping over Flair and down into the hole left from Abyss’ chokeslam. Flair then falls down the whole, and Hogan and Abyss pose while Abyss’ weird hybrid music plays.

No Contest

Hogan and Abyss pose in the ring to end the show.

Carter Hopeful Kong Returns To TNA, Heidenreich Backstage

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— As reported earlier, Awesome Kong officially parted ways with TNA Wrestling last week. Company president Dixie Carter commented on the multi-time champion’s departure from the organization on her Twitter account, writing: “Due to personal reasons, Kong asked for/was granted an early release from contract. We support her during this time & hope she is back soon.”

— In addition to Karen Angle, WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. and former WWE Tag Team Champion Heidenreich were backstage at last night’s Destination X pay-per-view. It’s worth noting that Heidenreich worked Hulk Hogan’s tour of Australia late last year. (source: PWInsider.com)

— The Motor City Machineguns will be taking part in a live chat with AOL Fanhouse (www.fanhouse.com) today at 4:00 p.m. EST.

TNA Looking To Start New Faction, Karen Angle At Destination X

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— Internally, there has been discussion of launching a “Four-Horsemen-like” faction, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch. There’s much buzz about it among the wrestlers in the locker room as a number of them are said to be interested in joining the act.

Keep in mind that TNA cannot use the Horsemen name as it became property of World Wrestling Entertainment when World Championship Wrestling was sold.

— Former TNA performer Karen Angle was backstage at last night’s Destination X pay-per-view with her children. She later sat second row ringside for a portion of the show. She is reportedly involved in a relationship with Jeff Jarrett.

— It was Sting’s birthday on Saturday as he turned 51 years old.

Update On MITB Plans, Bobby Heenan To Attend WrestleMania

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— It’s worth noting that Josh Matthews and MVP said on the WrestleMania preview show airing in the UK that the Money in the Bank Ladder Match will be a ten-man bout, though only nine participants were displayed in the graphic. Reportedly, a graphic was briefly displayed on WWE.com earlier tonight announcing a final Money in the Bank Qualifying Match for Raw with Kofi Kingston squaring off against Vladimir Kozlov to determine the tenth participant in the match.

— Jim Ross noted on his Twitter account that he believes Bobby Heenan will be attending WrestleMania. He wrote: “I think that Bobby Heenan & wife Cindi are scheduled to attend WM26. If so, that alone will add 2 the experience. Luv the “Wease.”

“The Brain” last appeared on-camera at a WWE event three years ago at WrestleMania 23 when he was on hand for the weekend to induct Nick Bockwinkel into the Hall of Fame. In December 2007, he had major reconstructive surgery on his jaw and only recently resumed making public appearances.

— WWE NXT rookie Justin Gabriel said on his Twitter account that he will be wrestling Friday night at WrestleMania Axxess and be taking part in two autograph sessions.

Over the Limit Poster Released, Hardy Upset With Matt's Snub

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— The promotional poster for WWE’s Over the Limit pay-per-view has been released and it features Edge. You can view the poster here. Over the Limit will take place on May 23, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

— As noted earlier, WWE has published 26 different covers for the April 2010 issue of WWE Magazine. Matt Hardy was not one of the 26 Superstars featured and it apparently has his fans fuming. Regarding this, he tweeted: “I wanna thank everybody for fightin 4 me-means the world to me guys! Make your voices be heard to the Powers That Be! Thx 4 everything!”

Meanwhile, Jeff Hardy is upset with his brother’s magazine snub. He wrote: “Jeff Hardy, who tweeted “MattHardy not on one of theWWE wrestlemania magizineCovers…..That is someBULLS**T2me!!!!think about itWWE fans…is that right or wrong?”

— The latest edition of Ask the Divas can be viewed here.

Over the Limit Poster Released, Hardy Upset With Matt’s Snub

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— The promotional poster for WWE’s Over the Limit pay-per-view has been released and it features Edge. You can view the poster here. Over the Limit will take place on May 23, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

— As noted earlier, WWE has published 26 different covers for the April 2010 issue of WWE Magazine. Matt Hardy was not one of the 26 Superstars featured and it apparently has his fans fuming. Regarding this, he tweeted: “I wanna thank everybody for fightin 4 me-means the world to me guys! Make your voices be heard to the Powers That Be! Thx 4 everything!”

Meanwhile, Jeff Hardy is upset with his brother’s magazine snub. He wrote: “Jeff Hardy, who tweeted “MattHardy not on one of theWWE wrestlemania magizineCovers…..That is someBULLS**T2me!!!!think about itWWE fans…is that right or wrong?”

— The latest edition of Ask the Divas can be viewed here.

Kong Confirms TNA Departure, RVD Appearing At House Shows

5

— On her Twitter account, Awesome Kong confirmed her departure from TNA Wrestling.

She wrote: “I have asked for and received an early release from my contract. I would like to thank TNA for their support in this matter.”

Kong’s profile was removed from TNA’s website earlier this week, which is their unofficial way of confirming a wrestler’s departure from the organization.

— TNA president Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter account that Rob Van Dam will be appearing at two house shows next month in Georgia. She wrote: “We have confirmed RVD for his first TNA house shows on April 22 & 23 in Macon, GA and Albany, GA.”

— Click here to view the latest episode of TNA Wrestling Today, with special guest Taz.

Bret Wearing Pink & Black At WrestleMania? Jericho Talks TNA

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— Bret Hart said in an interview this past week in Canada that he will not be donning his trademark pink and black tights for his No Holds Barred Match with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. His reason for not wearing the tights is because he’s not the Bret Hart of old and that it would be too much of a stretch for himself to wear them.

— In an interview with EndOnline.com, Chris Jericho discusses the best characters in the WWE, comparisons between Fozzy and Nickelback, whether he feels a sense of accomplishment about being World Champion while beating TNA in the ratings, and much more. You can listen to the interview here.

— United States and Unified Tag Team Champion The Miz will appear on G4’s Attack of the Show Thursday night, March 25, at 7 ET/6 CT.

Bret Wearing Pink & Black At WrestleMania? Jericho Talks TNA

2

— Bret Hart said in an interview this past week in Canada that he will not be donning his trademark pink and black tights for his No Holds Barred Match with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. His reason for not wearing the tights is because he’s not the Bret Hart of old and that it would be too much of a stretch for himself to wear them.

— In an interview with EndOnline.com, Chris Jericho discusses the best characters in the WWE, comparisons between Fozzy and Nickelback, whether he feels a sense of accomplishment about being World Champion while beating TNA in the ratings, and much more. You can listen to the interview here.

— United States and Unified Tag Team Champion The Miz will appear on G4’s Attack of the Show Thursday night, March 25, at 7 ET/6 CT.

WWE Holding Nine-Man Match, Vickie Guerrero Wrestling, More

1

— The WWE website announced that a Nine-Man Tag Team Match featuring the competitors of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania will be taking place on next week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

Also announced for next week is a match between Beth Phoenix and Vickie Guerrero.

— WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho will join talk show host George Lopez on Lopez Tonight Tuesday night, March 23, at 11 ET/10 CT. The show airs on TBS.

— This week’s edition of the POWER 25 has been released on WWE.com. WWE Champion Batista holds the top spot for the second consecutive week. It’s worth noting that Vince McMahon is listed on the chart at No. 23.

Jim Ross Says He's Not Broadcasting WrestleMania XXVI

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— Jim Ross emphasized on Twitter, his WWE Universe blog and official website that he will not be calling WrestleMania XXVI. Instead, he will be attending the event strictly “as a fan.”

Official website: “There are no plans for me to broadcast the event at this time. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and enjoying the weekend as a fan.”

WWE Universe: “This is officially a business trip but it’s much more than that. I am attending strictly as a fan for the first time that I can recall and I’m looking forward to it.”

Twitter: “Made travel 4 WMania. Going 2 enjoy it strictly as a fan. … Lots of folks asking about me going 2 Mania as a fan. I’m good w/ it. 4 date nites w/ the wife ain’t bad.”

This past night Monday night at Raw, word had gone around that Ross would be announcing the show alongside Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.

— The cast of Hot Tub Time Machine were briefly removed from WWE.com’s list of upcoming Raw guest hosts but they’ve since been placed back. They are advertised to host the Raw following WrestleMania on March 29th.

— WWE returns to the Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana on May 29th, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale April 10th, 2010 at 10 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Jim Ross Says He’s Not Broadcasting WrestleMania XXVI

6

— Jim Ross emphasized on Twitter, his WWE Universe blog and official website that he will not be calling WrestleMania XXVI. Instead, he will be attending the event strictly “as a fan.”

Official website: “There are no plans for me to broadcast the event at this time. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and enjoying the weekend as a fan.”

WWE Universe: “This is officially a business trip but it’s much more than that. I am attending strictly as a fan for the first time that I can recall and I’m looking forward to it.”

Twitter: “Made travel 4 WMania. Going 2 enjoy it strictly as a fan. … Lots of folks asking about me going 2 Mania as a fan. I’m good w/ it. 4 date nites w/ the wife ain’t bad.”

This past night Monday night at Raw, word had gone around that Ross would be announcing the show alongside Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.

— The cast of Hot Tub Time Machine were briefly removed from WWE.com’s list of upcoming Raw guest hosts but they’ve since been placed back. They are advertised to host the Raw following WrestleMania on March 29th.

— WWE returns to the Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana on May 29th, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale April 10th, 2010 at 10 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Match Made Official For WrestleMania, Superstars Rating, More

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— A match between Rey Mysterio and CM Punk was made official for WrestleMania XXVI during last night’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown. The stipulation for the match is that should Mysterio lose the bout, he must join The Straight Edge Society. (Match preview)

— Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored an 0.89 cable rating with 974,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew an 0.16 rating with 143,000 viewers. (source: PWInsider.com)

— WWE returns to the Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia on June 11th, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale April 10th, 2010 at 10 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Jim Ross Evaluates TNA On Monday Nights

6

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross posted a new batch of Q&A’s on his JRsBarBQ.com website with his thoughts on the current state of TNA Wrestling.

Ross says there’s a long road ahead for TNA if they really want to compete with WWE and offers some suggestions on how to tweak their current approach:

“I think that TNA has a lot of work to do before they can begin to find the success that they need and want.” Perhaps starting an hour before Raw might help them. Obviously producing an alternative product is imperative. Their replay on Thursdays isn’t a bad idea but Spike really needs to commit with promotional time to give their wrestling product a fighting chance.”

As for people who are expecting that TNA would be doing much bigger ratings on Monday nights from the beginning, Ross implies that TNA’s (approximate) 1.0 rating isn’t a bad thing.

“Spike averages a .7 rating so why would anyone think it realistic that TNA is going to increase the network average 200% or so?”

Edge Promotes WrestleMania, How Old Is Evan Bourne?, More

3

— Edge appeared on multiple FOX affiliates yesterday promoting WrestleMania, discussing his Achilles tendon recovery, his television feud with Chris Jericho.

During his interview with WTTG FOX 5, the SmackDown Superstar talked about David Beckham similarly suffering an Achilles tendon injury recently, saying he can relate.

“It’s been about a month-and-a half I’ve been back now. It was one of those injuries that really tests your patience and it was probably the worst one I’ve had,” Edge said. “I felt sorry for him (Beckham) when I saw it because you don’t expect it and all of a sudden you’re standing there and it goes.”

You can view video of his interview with WTTG FOX 5 at the following link. You can also see Edge’s appearance on Good Day Tampa Bay here.

— In an interview with NickNemeth.net, Dolph Ziggler gives his take on a number of topics unrelated to pro wrestling including women, whether a movie has ever brought him to tears, his biggest weakness, which famous person he’d like to meet, and much more. You can read the interview in its entirety at the following link.

— Today is Evan Bourne’s birthday as the WWE Superstar turns 27 years old.

Steve Austin Says He Watches TNA, Update On Orlando Jordan

6

— On Twitter, when asked whether he watches TNA Wrestling, Steve Austin replied: “yes i do watch TNA. lots of friends there. they have some good talent.”

He also said last week that “they will never catch WWE” and felt they needed to be different than them. However, he also wished them luck and said competition is good.

— It’s worth noting that Orlando Jordan has not appeared on TNA programming in over a month — not since the Feb. 18th edition of iMPACT! when he garnered a shocking victory over Samoa Joe. Though his character has not been featured since, he continues to tell people that he will play a bisexual character on television. Furthermore, the decision to not air footage of Jordan and his male companion groping one another during his Feb. 18 ring entrance was actually made while it was happening live, according to a company source. (source: www.pwtorch.com)

— According to the official TNA website, Rob Terry vs. Brutus Magnus for the TNA Global Championship is back on for Sunday’s Destination X pay-per-view. The match was removed earlier in the week but is once again being advertised.

NXT Ratings Continue To Drop, Dolph Ziggler Speaks Out

11

— Viewership for this week’s episode of WWE NXT on Syfy dropped 10 percent from the previous week, down 1.16 million viewers from 1.30. The premiere episode drew 1.70 million viewers while the second episode saw a slight increase to 1.73. Viewership dropped 25 percent the following week, to 1.30 million viewers. To compare, ECW was averaging between 1.15 and 1.20 million viewers before the final two weeks of the show when WWE announced the brand would cease. (Credit: pwtorch.com)

— In an interview with NickNemeth.net, Dolph Ziggler gives his take on a number of subjects including who he’d most like to feud with, which wrestler he travels with most, his training routine, who inspired him to become a wrestler, and more. You can read the interview in its entirety at the following link.

— Tickets for WWE Over the Limit on 5/23 in Detroit, Michigan went on-sale this morning via Ticketmaster. The pre-sale code is WWEPPV.

JR Blog: His Contract, Is He Calling WM? Chair Shots

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with an update on his WWE contract status, WWE banning chair shots to the head, Steve Austin and more. Some highlights:

His WWE Contract Status: “I’ve also I read where I signed a new contract with WWE, I hope to BTW, however that is also wrong as what I signed was a contract extension to take us through the end of April. Re-signing with WWE is my top priority and I hope that we can get another, long term deal done sooner than later.”

WWE Banning Chair Shots to the Head: “Nice to see WWE focus on eliminating chair shots to the heat of their athletes. I blogged about this several weeks ago which I am sure means nothing in regard to this decision being made. Some asked if I thought this mandate was ‘politically motivated’ to which I emphatically say hell, no. It simply makes common sense and the overall health of the competitors has to be any companies utmost priority.”

Is He Calling WrestleMania? “It seems that many within the wrestling media know more about my Wrestlemania assignment that do I. I still don’t know what I’m specifically and officially doing in Phoenix but as I mentioned I am just happy to be attending the event. So for those of you that may read what my role is going to be in conjunction with WM26, and insiders might be correct at the end of the day, just for the record and as of today I don’t know. However, if you get any more inside info please share it. I need to know what to pack.”

Jeff Hardy Legal Update, Kong Gone From TNA

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– TNA star Jeff Hardy appeared in court on Wednesday for the latest hearing regarding his September 11, 2009 drug arrest. The judge presiding over the case in Cameron, N.C. agreed to the defense’s request for a continuance, according to prowrestling.net. The next hearing is scheduled for May 10, 2010. Hardy is expected to continue working for TNA in the meantime.

– Multiple sources are reporting that Awesome Kong and TNA Wrestling have agreed to part ways. Her profile has been removed from TNA’s website, which is their unofficial way of confirming a wrestler’s departure from the company. They do not publicly comment on roster changes.

It was reported last week that Kong was telling friends within the industry that the company had agreed to release her from her contract. This coincides with a recent Twitter post where she thanked Dixie Carter and TNA Wrestling for wishing her the best in her future endeavors. She had reportedly been asking for a fifteen percent pay increase or a contractual release, with company officials opting for the latter.

One of the holdups in her release becoming official is that TNA wanted to include a lengthy non-compete agreement, while she was asking for the traditional ninety-day non-compete. Sources are unaware of the length of the non-compete agreement that will be enforced. She is the fourth female performer to part ways with the company this year, following Alissa Flash, Roxxi and Traci Brooks.