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Kevin Nash Confirms Scott Hall Is In WWE-Sponsored Rehab

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TNA star Kevin Nash has confirmed that his friend Scott Hall is back in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

Nash wrote on Twitter.com/RealKevinNash:

“Scott is under care in the WWE’s wellness program. God bless Ann and Vince for taking care of my friend.”

There had been some confusion lately as to whether Scott Hall had been hospitalized or was in rehab after statements were issued by independent wrestling promoters claiming both scenarios.

Much to its credit, WWE has an ongoing policy where it pays for drug treatment programs for any current or past superstar that asks for the help.

Best of luck to Scott Hall in getting himself together.

JR Blog: Lashley Hospitalized After Loss, Batista-MMA & More

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog over at JRsbarbq.com with some commentary on the following topics:

Bobby Lashley’s First MMA Loss: “Bobby Lashley lost for the first time Saturday night by technical knockout in an ugly effort that exposed Bobby’s lack of MMA technique specifically Lashley’s ability to utilize submissions. Bobby did not look good, seemed to fatigue, and was too heavy/thick from this fan’s observation. I still think that Lashley has a shot at a successful MMA career but he’s got lots of work to do in a high level training center and to mentally commit 100% to his new vocation. He also needs to physically downsize.”

“Lashley was hospitalized over night in Houston Saturday but has apparently since been released.”

“If Bobby decides to have one more go at it and loses again, I would be surprised to see him remain in MMA. That’s pure, individual speculation.”

Batista in Strikeforce: “If Strikeforce now signs Bautista and Dave then would fight Bobby Lashley then the fight would be nothing more than merely an “attraction fight” and will obviously not be a highly skilled MMA contest between two, finely tuned and experienced MMA fighters. Notice that I did not say that the fight wouldn’t garner a TV rating or create a buzz within the MMA community and in the TV world if promoted properly. I don’t see it as a PPV fight but perhaps not a bad choice for CBS, if they are still in play.”

“BTW…Bautista has no deal at this time with Strikeforce and as I understand it Dave is still healing from injuries from his last WWE bout even though he has apparently began some MMA training. The one thing that is obvious when it comes to MMA training is that it makes all the difference in the world what camp one trains in as it relates to how successful most fighters can become. Camps are every where but it seems that only a handful of MMA training camps produce ‘money ball players.'”

WWE’s First Event In China: “WWE had a successful, 90 minute show (that time was requested by local officials) in China that went well by all accounts. A WWE TV crew was in China to get footage of the trip and the first ever, WWE China event. Obviously this was a long, grueling trip for the travelers but everyone from what I understand really enjoyed the history making experience.”

Update On Next Week’s Raw, Cena On Hannah Montana Forever

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— The entire WWE talent roster will be on hand for next Monday’s “Raw 900th Episode Celebration” in Boston, Massachusetts. It should be noted that the episode is scheduled for two hours.

— John Cena appears in a new episode of Hannah Montana Forever, premiering Sunday, September 12 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The WWE Superstar guest stars as himself to provide Miley’s brother Jackson with some real life motivation.

— Jimmy and Jey Uso celebrated birthdays Sunday as the twin sons of WWE alum Rikishi turned 25 years old.

— Eve Torres celebrated her 26th birthday Saturday.

sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com

Sound Off 122: There’s Way Too Much Wrestling on Television!

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Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 122)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 67 minutes

Solomonster watched a lot of TV this week and rants about the good and the (mostly) bad on Raw, NXT, Impact and Smackdown, as well as thoughts on Skip Sheffield’s injury, Bobby Lashley’s Strikeforce loss and potential fight with Batista, why Mick Foley is behaving like a whiny little bitch and YOUR mailbag questions answered!

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

Friend The Solomonster on Facebook @ facebook.com/thesolomonster

WWE Fires Back At Chris Nowinski Following Recent Claims

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Sports Legacy Institute head and former WWE performer Chris Nowinski criticized Senate candidate Linda McMahon’s flippant comments concerning the death of fellow wrestler Lance McNaught (a/k/a Lance Cade) last week during an interview with the New England Cable News, feeling she was “kicking dirt” on his grave. He also alleged that under her leadership, World Wrestling Entertainment encouraged steroid use and provided an unsafe environment for its performers.

WWE issued the following statement in response to Nowinski’s claims and criticisms:

WWE RAISES CREDIBILITY ISSUES FOR CHRIS NOWINSKI

• Chris Nowinski did not reveal, as required, that he suffered previous concussions before signing his contract with WWE.

• He states WWE suggested that its performers take steroids. However, at no time does he ever state that it was suggested that he do so.

• His comments that WWE talent perform in matches 200 days a year is not factual. In 2009, the average active roster talent performed 135 days.

• A sheer fabrication — that he went through tables four days a week.

• Mr. Nowinski states, “They have an environment where it’s absolutely unsafe to work in that ring.” “They have no oversight into what actually happens in the ring.” If so, then why would Mr. Nowinski have ever wanted to be a part of such an environment?

• It is very dubious that he ever had a conversation with Lance Cade much less Lance Cade confiding to a total stranger that he used painkillers and steroids.

• Although renowned in the field of CTE, we are unaware of any specific qualifications or medical degrees that he possesses which would qualify him as an expert on steroids and pain killers.

*SPOILERS* WWE RAW Results For Tonight

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Tonight’s WWE RAW was taped last week because the RAW crew is currently overseas for WWE’s first live events tour of China. Here are Spoiler results for the show:

The anonymous General Manager announces Sheamus will sit on a throne and watch a series of matches tonight. He’ll get to hand pick his opponent for the WWE Championship at Night of Champions. The opponent that impresses Sheamus the most will get the title shot.

* Edge b. R-Truth after hitting the spear. He gets on the mic and tells Truth he’s been beaten by the Rated R center.

* John Cena vs. The Miz is announced for later tonight.

* Chris Jericho b. The Great Khali by submission when Khali tapped in the Walls of Jericho. After the match, Jericho states his case to Sheamus. He tells him not to listen to Edge and choose him.

* WWE Divas Champion Melina b. Jillian Hall to retain the title. Melina got the win after hitting her sunset flip powerbomb. LayCool come up on the big screen and say they’ll be there next week for the 900th episode of Raw.

* Josh Mathews interviews The Miz. He talks about Daniel Bryan and Sheamus getting beat down and how Cena put Team WWE at risk by choosing Bryan over him.

* The Nexus come out. Sheamus greets them but he’s cut off by the anonymous General Manager. They announce the titles ban on The Nexus is over. Wade Barrett says consider our truce over.

* John Cena b. The Miz by count out. The Miz backed down the ramp but Daniel Bryan tossed him back in the ring after the bell ring. Cena got out of the ring and Daniel put a submission hold on him. After the break, The Miz gets slowly up to his feet and leaves the ring only to be attacked by Bryan again and the submission hold reapplied.

Vladimir Kozlov & Santino Marella b. The Usos w/Tamina when Vladimir makes the pin. Santino locks eyes with Tamina and she blows him a kiss.

* Randy Orton b. John Morrison & Ted DiBiase w/Maryse in a triple threat match. Orton hit a sick RKO on Morrison who was diving off the top rope towards him. After the match, Orton hit an RKO on DiBiase.

* Josh Mathews is backstage with Sheamus. Sheamus says he didn’t need to see the triple threat match and he’s already made his decision.

* Sheamus comes out to the ring. He says despite last week he is still the Celtic Warrior and he will defend the WWE Championship right now instead of at Night of Champions. Sheamus announces Zack Ryder as his opponent.

* WWE Champion Sheamus b. Zack Ryder with a big boot to the face and retains the title. After the match, Sheamus says due to WWE rules and regulations he doesn’t have to defend the title again for 30 days. Wade Barrett comes out and says per his WWE NXT win, he gets a title match. It will be a 6 pack challenge – Sheamus vs. Barrett vs. Y2J vs. Orton vs. Edge vs. Cena. Jericho, Edge, Cena, Orton and Sheamus beat up Barrett then each other with Orton hitting the RKO on Cena last.

Injury Update On Sheffield, WWE Cuts Out Wardrobe Malfunction

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— Skip Sheffield, who reportedly suffered a broken left ankle at Wednesday night’s Raw live event in Honolulu, Hawaii, did not work WWE’s shows in Japan and China. Though specifics of his status are unclear, he is expected to be sidelined ‘for some time’.

— Michelle McCool’s wardrobe malfunction during Tuesday’s live episode of NXT was edited off the show’s Saturday night replays on Universal HD. A shot of the crowd was shown in its place.

The multi-time champion’s right breast briefly popped out of her tube top dress while she was cheering Kaval’s rap performance, resulting in the camera quickly panning away.

— Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored an 0.63 cable rating with 671,000 viewers. The subsequent midnight replay garnered an 0.25 cable rating, with 238,000 viewers. (source: PWInsider.com)

WWE Re-signs Two Wrestlers, Launches Online Petition, More

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— World Wrestling Entertainment has re-signed Vic Adams to a developmental contract, a wrestler released last August. Florida Championship Wrestling officials have discussed pairing Adams with Xavier Woods (a/k/a Consequences Creed) in a tag team.

It has also been confirmed that WWE re-signed Brian Cage (a/k/a Kris Logan) to a developmental contract. The California based grappler was originally signed by the organization in June 2008, and then released last September.

— WWE Studios is encouraging fans to sign a Twitter petition to bring a screening of Legendary to their area.

Legendary, starring Patricia Clarkson, JohnCena and Danny Glover, arrives in theaters Sept. 10 for a limited engagement.

— On Twitter, Chris Jericho posted a photo of his credentials to the Shanghai Expo in China.

Bobby Lashley Suffers First MMA Loss Against Chad Griggs

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Bobby Lashley getting pounded out at Strikeforce: Houston

Bobby Lashley was handed the first loss of his MMA career Saturday night by Chad Griggs at Strikeforce: Houston from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Bobby Lashley started off strong and dominated the fight early with impressive takedowns and ground control. Unfortunately, Lashley appeared to tire himself out and Griggs caught on that Lashley’s gameplan was to take him down every time. Griggs stuffed a few of Lashley’s takedowns and caught him with a brutal uppercut in the second round that visibly shook the former WWE superstar. Griggs unleashed a fury of strikes as the second round was coming to a close and the referee stopped the fight after the bell rang.

Lashley’s MMA record now stands at 5 wins, 1 loss. Griggs has 9 wins, 1 loss.

Lashley’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his son , Kristal Marshall, wrote the following on Twitter following the fight:

“Shake it off and come back harder! We love you and are always in your corner!”

Update: Lashley Hospitalized After Loss, Jim Ross Comments

Bradley Denies He’s Re-signed With WWE, Update On Brodus Clay

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— Former WWE performer Brad Bradley (a/k/a Ryan Braddock) is denying reports he’s re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment.

“I have been overwhelmed by positive messages the last 48 hours or so. I’ve been actually quite humbled by all of your support. However and unfortunately despite what various news sources have reported I have not currently re-signed with WWE,” Bradley wrote on his Facebook account.

— Reports of WWE releasing developmental wrestler Brodus Clay are incorrect as he worked this past week’s Florida Championship Wrestling live events.

The very same day that it was reported that Clay had been released, he worked the main event against Husky Harris. He then took part in an FCW Florida Tag Team Championship bout on Thursday.

source: www.PWInsider.com

Bobby Lashley Says He Wants To Fight Batista Next (VIDEO)

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Former WWE superstar and Strikeforce MMA heavyweight fighter Bobby Lashley (5-0) spoke to MMAFighting.com to hype his Saturday night fight on Showtime. Lashley was asked the question on a lot of people’s minds lately – will he fight fellow wrestler-turned-fighter Batista?

Lashley says he’s heard the rumors, he keeps getting asked about it .. He knows its a fight people want to see .. He would rather focus on the Heavyweight title and fight guys with better records than him – so if he fought Batista, it would have to be his next fight .. He spoke about pro wrestling for a few minutes, including whether he’d ever return.

It’s a good interview – Lashley starts talking about Batista around the 9:25 mark.

WWE Re-signs Pat Brink, Kelly Comments On Internet Rumors

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— World Wrestling Entertainment has re-signed Maryland Championship Wrestling star Pat Brink to a developmental contract, reports Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun.

Brink previously performed under the name Kaleb O’Neal in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2008 and 2009. He was released in March 2009 in a disciplinary measure.

“I couldn’t be more humble, proud and thankful that the WWE is giving me a second chance,” Brink wrote on his Facebook page.

Brink is the latest wrestler to be brought back to WWE this year, a group which includes Aaron Stevens, Brad Bradley (a/k/a Ryan Braddock), Bryan Danielson, George Murdoch (a/k/a Brodus Clay) and Ryan O’Reilly.

— Apparently commenting on Internet rumors that she is dating fellow WWE star Justin Gabriel, Kelly Kelly remarked the following this afternoon on her Twitter account: “O how I love rumors…u never really know if there true or not ahahaha it’s so funny how crazy people get and believe anything they hear : )”

She then added: “But for the record I’m the happiest ive ever been now and that’s all that,should matter …. haters keep hating : )”

Lance Cade Funeral Held, Scott Hall Rehab Update & More

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— The funeral service for former WWE performer Lance McNaught (a/k/a Lance Cade) was held yesterday at Porter Loring North Chapel in San Antonio, Texas.

McNaught died of apparent heart failure last Friday in San Antonio, Texas. Autopsy results will be released within the next eight to twelve weeks revealing what contributed to his passing.

— A representative of Scott Hall issued the following statement concerning the former WWE performer’s health, who reportedly checked into a rehabilitation facility:

Ok… so the news is out.. but let me see if I can clarify a few things.. We all know that Scott got arrested several months ago.. for being.. drunk in a bar…no big secret… knew he went to court.. was put on probation… public record… Did he not.. do an interview.. with Gods of Rock Radio..a couple months ago.. and 800,000 people heard this interview…. As always The Bad Guy told it, how it is.. he told how he had suffered from Depression, which contributed to other issues he has..told you all if you did.. to find help.. talk to somebody.. so what.. now he is.. and bless Vince for helping out here.. but once again… those who really don’t know what’s going on speculate… i. No one but Rico Casanova and myself.. know.. where he is.. and have contact with him.. so as I hear how he progresses.. I will post here.. Once again.. if you want the truth… come ask.. Please keep The Bad Guy in your thoughts and prayers… give him A for effort.. Thanks Again for being a Scott Hall Fan. As he always say’s.. IT’S NOT OVER .. TIL HE SAYS IT’S OVER…:)

Thanks,
Maggie
Scott Hall Web Crew

— A number of former WWE stars are on hand for this weekend’s Chicago Wizard World Convention running today through Sunday including Lita, Kevin Nash, Diamond Dallas Page, Mick Foley, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, The Honky Tonk Man, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, The Iron Sheik, Christy Hemme, Victoria, Lilian Garcia, Miss Jackie, Rikishi, Kevin Sullivan, Shane Douglas, Raven and Virgil. Click here for more information.

Rosie Lottalove Confirms Departure From TNA Wrestling

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Rosie Lottalove, who was removed yesterday from the official TNA Wrestling website’s roster page along with six others, confirmed her departure from the organization this morning on her Twitter account.

“Ok guys. TNA days are done for now,” she wrote. “Not a bad thing, so don’t speculate. Thank you 2 the guys and girls, & agents. It was a blast!”

A student of the Team 3D Academy, she worked a tryout match on April 20, during which she accidentally injured her opponent, Daffney. She received a contract a few weeks later. The portly performer was used once more on television following her June 3 debut on iMPACT!, in a match against Taylor Wilde on the July 9 episode of Xplosion.

General Skandor Akbar and “Nightmare” Ted Allen Pass Away

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Very sad to report the deaths of two more wrestlers on the heels of Lance Cade’s death last week.

Legendary wrestling manager General Skandor Akbar (James Wehbna), 75, best known for his work in World Class Championship Wrestling and Mid South/UWF, was found dead yesterday at his home in Texas. He remained active on the independent scene until his death and had just recently made an appearance at the NWA Legends Convention, which Jim Ross talked about in a recent blog. Ross even noted that Akbar greatly influenced a young Steve Austin during his time in Dallas.

Also, “Nightmare” Ted Allen, 54, a staple of the southeast wrestling scene for nearly 35 years, was found dead in his home earlier this week. The cause of death is believed to have been a massive heart attack. Allen is perhaps best known for having trained the likes of Arn Anderson, Scotty Riggs and the late Ray Traylor (Big Bossman).

We extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Results For Tonight

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SmackDown *SPOILERS*

Thanks to reader Adam Woods for sending in this live results from Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings:

Tony Chimmel welcomes us and introduces Jaime Keyes

Opening Dark Match:

Tyler Reks beats Trent Barretta( Tyler Reks is a heel portraying some kind of a wildman gimmick

Smackdown Taping

-Rey Mysterio comes out and lets everyone know that he is glad his name was cleared in the Undertaker saga and say that he knew all along who was responsible for taker’s vegitative state. He is interupted by Alberto Del Rio who tells Rey that he is from a well known familly in Mexico and while in Rey’s bloodline are no deeper than a common Tijuana bario steetrat. Del Rio sticks his chin out berating rey daring him to hit him. They start going to to blows when Rey gets the upper hand and hits the 619 it’s annouced that later tonight we’ll have Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio.

Intercontinental Championship match

– Kofi Kingston beats Dolph Ziggler w/ Vickie Guerrerro by DQ. Ziggler attack Kofi after the match and beats him down so bad that he needed to be helped to the back.

We are treated to backstage footage of C.M. Punk and his Sraight Edge Society.

Punk feels that his group is unraveling and after watching what the Nexus did with one of their own he lets Gallows and Sereena that if they don’t with their match against Big Show and Kelly Kelly that they will be ousted from the S.E.S.

Sereena and Luke Gallows beat Kelly Kelly and Big Show

-Christian beats Drew McIntyre with dashing Rhodes ringside. After the match both Rhodes and McIntyre gang up on Christian which leads to an injured Matt Hardy comming in to make the save which doesn’t happen as Drew and Cody run roughshed on Hardy’s injured ankle/foot. Cody and Drew servey the damage and look at each other pleased with themselves that hint that there might be a potential alliance between these two.

-Kane explains why he put his brother in a vegitative state. So to sum it up Kane feels that Taker’s ego contributed to his untimely foreboading as he spent years and years pineing until the time was right for him to lead into a false sence of security so he can stake claim as hell’s number one demon and World Heavyweight Champion.

– Alberto Del Rio beats Rey Mysterio clean via submission with a spinning armbar variation. Del Rio was perfect in his role as a better than thou heel complete with his own ring announcer (who introduced him en espanol), Gold tunk/white pattened leather boots and Pyro which is simular to Chrisitian’s when he first broke away from Edge after Edge won the King of the Ring.

Dark Main Event

Steel Cage Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Title

Kane beats Jack Swagger and Rey Mysterio to retain. Before Kane could get out of the ring lights go dark and we get to see Taker who made his way to the ring. As Taker is walking towards ringside Rey leaves the cage with a fallen Jack Swagger and Kane in the ring. Taker and Kane exchange blows Swagger gets up and helps Kane. They double team Taker untill Taker gets the upper hand and Kane steps out the cage leaving Swagger alone with Taker who hits the chokeslam and tombstone piledriver and kneals with one knee and stikes his pose then leaves.

Biggest Pop:

1. Undertaker
2. Rey Mysterio
3. Kofi Kingston
4. Matt Hardy
5. Big Show

Biggest Boos:

1. Kane
2. Alberto Del Rio
3. C.M. Punk/Straight Edge Society
4. Dolph Ziggler/ Vickie Guerrerro
5. Alex Riley ( Who is the best new heel since the Miz)

Skip Sheffield’s Ankle Is Broken, Out Several Weeks

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moz screenshot 14Bad news for Nexus member Skip Sheffield ..

The Nexus standout was reportedly injured at Wednesday’s WWE RAW live event from Honolulu, Hawaii. Several fans sent in word that it appeared Sheffield was injured during his tag match with David Otunga against WWE tag champions the Hart Dynasty.

Sheffield laid face-down in the ring after the match with an apparent leg injury. He was unable to walk by himself, could not put any weight on his left leg and had to be helped out of the ring and to the back.

Sheffield’s left ankle is broken and he will be out of action for quite some time, according to the Wrestling Observer.

Sheffield had been positioned as the #2 star in Nexus behind Wade Barrett .. With the previous departures of Daniel Bryan and Darren Young and now Sheffield being injured, the Nexus is down to only 5 members. There has been talk of bringing some of the Season 2 rookies into Nexus, including Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty.

Which Season 2 rookies do you think would be a good fit for Nexus? Comment below and tell us.

RVD’s TNA Title Vacated: Tournament Announced

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On Thursday’s TNA “iMPACT!, Eric Bischoff announced that due to injuries sustained at the hands of Abyss’ attack last week, Rob Van Dam has been stripped of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

An 8-man tournament is being held determine a new titleholder, with the Final Four established on “iMPACT!” that will battle at the “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View on Sunday, September 5.

At No Surrender, it will be Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy and Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope in the semi-finals. The winners of those matches will advance to the Finals at “Bound For Glory” on Sunday, October 10 to determine a new TNA World Heavyweight Champion!

7 Wrestlers Removed From TNA Roster, Joe’s Return Announced

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— In addition to Homicide, it would appear that both Tomko and Rosie Lottalove have parted ways with TNA Wrestling as their respective profiles were removed from the company website’s roster page Thursday. All three were sparingly used in recent months.

In Homicide’s case, he noted on his social networking accounts earlier in the day that he had parted ways with the organization. Meanwhile, Lottalove’s photo gallery was removed from the Knockouts media section.

Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, Daniels and ODB were also removed from the page, though their respective TNA departures were noted months ago.

— It was announced during this week’s episode of TNA ReACTION that Samoa Joe would be returning to iMPACT! on next week’s show. The program’s narrator teased: “Where will Samoa Joe stand when he makes his return to iMPACT! next week?”

The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion was reportedly suspended last month due to breach of etiquette.

*SPOILERS* WWE NXT Tapings Results For 8/24

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Thanks to Michael for these WWE NXT spoilers, set to air next week on August 24th:

* Cody Rhodes challenged MVP to a match later on.

* They did a Rookie Challenge. Kaval won over Alex Riley and Michael McGillicutty.

* Cody Rhodes defeated MVP in a long match.

*Spoiler* WWE Hall In A Cell Main Event Revealed

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WWE Hell in a Cell

* Warning: The following contains a possible *Spoiler* for upcoming WWE storylines:

The main event for October’s WWE Hell in A Cell pay-per-view will be Sheamus defending the WWE title against Randy Orton, according to local advertising in Dallas, Texas.

Also discussed for the show is a match between The Undertaker and Kane.

WWE Hell in a Cell takes place on Sunday, October 3rd from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas and airs on pay-per-view.

ROH Champ At FCW, Homicide Gone From TNA, Bryan

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– Reigning Ring of Honor champion Tyler Black reported to Florida Championship Wrestling this week. He participated in this week’s training sessions and is expected to finish up with Ring of Honor next month.

– TNA Wrestling has released former X-Division and Tag Team champion Homicide. Homicide wrote on Twitter:

“my tna days is over, thank u for the staff members and the boys and girls in the locker room, had a great run, bbllaattt187 for life.”

He also noted he would be taking the next month off to rest his body before announcing his next move.

-  After being forced to pull out of a scheduled independent show on 8/28 due to WWE commitments, Daniel Bryan will be making it up to the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) by appearing at their 9/11 show.  NYWC sent out the following today:

WWE’s Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) is confirmed for Sept 11

We here at the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) are pleased to announce that Bryan Danielson who is currently known as Daniel Bryan in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will be appearing at “Never Back Down” on September 11, 2010 at the Sports Arena in St. James, NY. Bryan felt terrible about canceling his prior scheduled appearances with the NYWC and the WWE has allowed him to compete for us on September 11th. We would like to thank Bryan and WWE for going above and beyond for our fans to make his appearance possible. Make sure to purchase your tickets right away because this event will sell out fast! Tickets to “Never Back Down” are available now at NYWCWrestling.com.

Credit: PWInsider.com

The Future Of NXT On Syfy, McCool Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction

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— The TV schedule at SyFy.com has been updated. SyFy will be airing NXT at 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 and at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 (right before SmackDown’s debut on the network).NXT is not listed on the schedule after the Oct. 1 airing. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— Michelle McCool suffered a wardrobe malfunction during Tuesday’s live episode of NXT as her right breast briefly popped out of her top while she was cheering Kaval’s rap performance. The camera quickly panned away from McCool, who was wearing a tube top.

— A special pre-sale is currently being held on Ticketmaster.com for the Oct. 11 Monday Night Raw taping taking place at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The passcode is ‘VIPER’. The sale begun today at 10:00 a.m. PST and concludes tomorrow at the very same time.

Christopher Nowinski Trashes WWE: Steroids, Pills (VIDEO)

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Former WWE superstar and concussion awareness champion Chris Nowinski recently spoke to New England’s NECN news show about the WWE work environment.

Nowinski, who is a Harvard graduate and wrestled for WWE from 2002-2004 before having to retire after a head injury, paints an ugly picture of WWE encouraging steroid use, widespread use of pain pills and more.

Steroid Use In WWE: “The WWE rewards the guys who use them.”

The Unsafe Work Environment: “They have an environment where it’s absolutely unsafe to work in that ring. They have no oversight into what actually happens in the ring. And they are encouraging steroid use,” he said, citing the enormous physiques of recent champions such as Triple H and Batista. “It’s garbage that they’re not using stuff,” he said. “They absolutely know what’s going on.”

Painkiller Use In WWE: “They’re taking pain killers because they’re working 200 nights a year and getting hit unlike anyone in the history of the wrestling business — it wasn’t like that in the ’80s, it wasn’t like that in the ’70s” he said. “I used to go through tables for four days a week.”

Linda McMahon Saying She “Might Have Met”Lance Cade: “That’s complete garbage. Just kicking dirt on the guy’s grave.”

Here’s video of Nowinski’s interview:

Lilian Talks About Leaving WWE, Divas Being Misused & More

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Former WWE Diva/RAW ring announcer, Lilian Garcia, was the special guest on this week’s live edition (08/16/10) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.

Lilian Garcia Discusses Her WWE Departure, Her Expectation Level When Starting With World Wrestling Entertainment, How She Almost Chose To Not Show Up To Her WWE Audition, If She Initially Thought She Would Have Lasted As Long As She Did With The Company/Been As Successful As She Was, Why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel Were Instrumental In Her Success, The Criticisms Given To Justin Roberts/WWE’s Other Ring Announcers, The Impact Of Singing “America The Beautiful” On SmackDown After The 9/11 Attacks, “The People’s Strudel,” Why She Wants More To See More TV Time Given To The WWE Divas, The Transition Into The Next Phase Of Her Life/Career, The Details Of Her Forthcoming Album, & Her Appearance At This Weekend’s Chicago Comic Con.

CLICK HERE to listen to Lilian’s appearance on Monday Night Mayhem (MP3)

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

Why, in the end, she decided to leave World Wrestling Entertainment last September & what/whom she misses the most: “There’s nothing like having that one-on-one interaction with them: every time we’re out there, being able to hi-five & hug people. It’s just an amazing feeling. I miss some of the travel, I’m not crazy about all of the travel. Some of the places we went to were a lot of fun, especially when went overseas. I love Europe, and I love to experience different cultures, so I would definitely take advantage of the sightseeing. What I don’t miss is the airports & the hauling of the luggage. That kind of stuff wears on you, and when you do it ten years straight, it does wear on you. That’s why I have a lot of respect for all of the Superstars, because I didn’t have the grueling schedule that they would had of 300+ days a year, so I have respect for those who can do it and be away from their families. I really missed being away from my family, and that was one of the decision I made. When my contract was up, I was like do I sign on for a new contract, or do I really want to take the time to be with my family & my new husband, and I just made that decision that it was time.”

Her transition into the next phase of her life/career & the reason as to why she wanted to take time off: “It’s been a year since I left. It almost feels like right around the corner, and I can’t believe how time flies. So much has happened since I left. Actually, after I left on the 21st of September, I got married on the 28th of September, which was on a Monday, so it was ironic that I got married on a Monday. I went on a long amazing honeymoon and spent time with the family. I just took time off because I had been on the road for ten years straight. I did some work in Los Angeles, and a lot of doors starting opening up for me in L.A., so we made the decision to move to Los Angeles from New York, and we left in May. It’s just a fresh start & a new chapter in my life.”

Her expectation level when she started working for the WWE in 1999, how she almost chose to not show up to her WWE audition, why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel were instrumental in her success, and if she initially thought she would have lasted as long as she did/been as successful as she was in World Wrestling Entertainment: “No, not at all. I’ll be honest with you, I had no idea what I was walking into, and I almost didn’t do the audition. I was called to New York to audition, and I looked at him and said ‘Are you kidding me…wrestling?’ He didn’t tell me what it was for, because the WWE didn’t tell him. I auditioned for a backstage interviewer for Super Astros, which was going to be on Univision, but I didn’t get it. It wasn’t until six months later that I got another call back, and they remembered me, and they needed people for SmackDown before it premiered. I auditioned again, and they called me, and they wanted to try me on for 1-3 months, and that I could leave at any time, and I was thinking I had nothing to lose…I’ll try it out. I went to my first show to find out that I was ring announcing that night, and Tony Chimel was there, and he sat with me and told me what I supposed to say. Between Chimel & Howard Finkel, I can’t thank them enough, because they could have easily sabotaged me, but they were so helpful, and I will never forget that.”

If she ever felt that the WWE Divas were not utilized properly during her time in the company & why she would like to see the Divas get more time on WWE television: “I always wished the Divas had more time on the show, because a lot of times, they get one match on the show. I see them working so hard, and they live & breathe this business just has much as the guys do. It depends on the writing, and the storylines, and ratings, and all of that. I could say that I wish they had more time, but I’m also partial to them too. I think it’s a great job they do week in & week out, and it’s not easy to write all these storylines & all these different ideas. I think the WWE does a good job on that, but of course personally, I would love to see more of the Divas going against each other.”

The bonds she formed during her time in the WWE, which WWE Diva she classified as her “best friend” (that she was sad to see go after her departure), & her reaction to the passings of Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit: “I guess every situation in different for everybody. I never felt outside the loop, or because I didn’t take bumps, I didn’t have anyone to comfort. I had a great camaraderie with all the superstars and especially all the divas. We had an amazing locker room throughout the years, and I saw a lot of people go in & out, which is sad, because I would form these really big bonds with a lot of them. Trish Stratus would be an example of one; we would travel together, and we were best friends, and when she left, I think I cried more than she did. I always felt like I had someone there, and I remember when we got the news about Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit, it was sad, and it was like a family atmosphere, and I remember hugging everybody. I had a great relationship with everyone.”

More is contained in this exclusive interview with the WWE’s first & only “Decade Diva,” including her candid thoughts/comments on returning to the company for one night only this past April, the criticisms given to Justin Roberts & the newer ring announcers since her departure, her relationship with Dawyne “The Rock” Johnson/the memorable “People’s Strudel” backstage vignettes, singing “America the Beautiful” on SmackDown after the 9/11 attacks, her top moments/matches from her time in the WWE, an update on her forthcoming musical projects (including when fans can expect to see the release of her new album), & how she plans on celebrating her birthday this Thursday. For all of the details on how you can meet Lilian Garcia this weekend in “The Windy City” for the Chicago Comic Con, be sure to log on to her official website (located at www.LilianGarcia.com), and be sure to follow Lilian on her official Twitter page (located at www.Twitter.com/LilianGarcia).

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