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Guest Hosts Announced For Raw, Sheamus Comments On Rock

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— WWE announced today that ‘acclaimed comic magicians’ Penn & Teller will guest host the Sept. 20 edition of Monday Night Raw taking place in Indianapolis.

Other upcoming guest hosts include actor Bobb’e J. Thompson on Oct. 18 and musician Toby Keith the following week.

— WWE Champion Sheamus appeared on BBC Radio 1 yesterday promoting his upcoming title defense against Randy Orton at SummerSlam. He also discussed former WWE Superstar The Rock during the interview.

When asked if he could beat The Rock in a match, he dubbed the former wrestling superstar “a mess” and jokingly said anybody could beat him now that he’s off doing movies such as Tooth Fairy. The Celtic Warrior was then asked if he now could beat The Rock of the 1990s, to which he replied, “absolutely.”

— The WWE Smackdown taping on Oct. 12, 2010 will be held at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. Tickets go on sale Aug. 21, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Cena Hosting TMZ Today, Mysterio Advertised For Raw Show

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— John Cena is hosting today’s edition of the syndicated entertainment and gossip news television program TMZ on TV. Check your local listings for time and channel.

TMZ.com has posted a preview of tonight’s show with the WWE Superstar quoted as saying, “No f**king excuses. You’re on my watch now and if I don’t have an excellent show tomorrow, you’re all fired!”

— Rey Mysterio is being advertised to appear at tomorrow night’s Raw live event in San Diego, California. He is scheduled to take part in an eight-man tag team match alongside John Cena, Edge and John Morrison against four members of The Nexus. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship and The Miz vs. Evan Bourne for the United States Championship are also advertised for the event.

— WWE Champion Sheamus took part in an in-studio interview yesterday with Sky Sports to promote SummerSlam. Footage of the interview can be viewed here.

Batista Targeting First MMA Fight, Carlito Joins Twitter, More

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— TMZ.com has posted the first action photos of former WWE Champion Batista doing some full-contact sparring in preparation for his transition into the world of mixed martial arts. According to the story, there are rumblings that he could fight fellow former WWE performer Bobby Lashley.

Batista has been in San Francisco training with Cesar Gracie, who has trained numerous top fighters. TMZ cites sources as saying the former WWE star is moving closing on a finalizing contract to get in the ring by “early next year.”

— The Bella Twins and Eve Torres indicated yesterday on Twitter that former WWE star Carlito has joined the social networking website. His account is located at twitter.com/carlitocolon.

— SLAM! Wrestling has posted an article reviewing a recent DVD release entitled Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party.

The video can be described as a shoot interview done in slumber party format, with the self-proclaimed “First Lady of Wrestling” joined by TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich and independent wrestler Amy Lee. Decked out in skimpy lingerie on a pink bed, the three blonde bombshells mainly discuss wrestling and sex, with a few party games thrown in such as “Truth or Dare” and “F-Marry-Kill.”

WWE Star Critiques Lacey Von Erich, Sandman In “Rough Shape”

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— WWE star Goldust is the latest wrestling personality to critique Lacey Von Erich’s in-ring ability as he remarked the following on Twitter while watching her compete on last night’s episode of TNA iMPACT!:

“Lacey has no talent whatsoever.”

“She is horrible.”

“Great family but her no.”

Von Erich and Velvet Sky dropped the TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship to Taylor Wilde and Hamada during the taped broadcast.

— As seen last night on iMPACT!, The Sandman returned to TNA Wrestling during the final segment of the show to join Tommy Dreamer’s team of “Hardcore Originals.” He has been officially announced for Sunday’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event.

In regards to his physical appearance, some within the organization felt he looked “rough” and had packed on a lot of weight since he last appeared on national television. (source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

*Spoilers* SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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– Thanks to Eric for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from last night, which will air on August 6th:

* The show opens with Rey Mysterio. Rey says he did not take out The Undertaker. Drew McIntyre comes out and says he’s going to take out Mysterio just like he did to Christian last week. Rey accepts Drew’s challenge for the main event.

* Cody Rhodes defeated Matt Hardy.

* A backstage segment with Layla, Michelle McCool and Teddy Long. Teddy demands they give up one of the belts and Michelle does. LayCool argues and break the other belt.

* Dolph Ziggler defeated Kofi Kingston to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. Ziggler got help from Vickie Guerrero in the match. Kofi attacks Dolph after the match and beats him up bad.

* CM Punk, Serena, Joey Mercury and Luke Gallows come out. Punk shows footage of them beating up Big Show last week and brags about it. Punk cuts a promo on his fellow SES members.

* Punk, Gallows and Mercury defeat the team of MVP, JTG and Chris Masters. Good match here with Gallows getting the win for his team.

* Teddy Long and Jack Swagger had a backstage segment. Swagger blamed all his troubles with Kane on Teddy. I think this may have been a segment for arena viewers only since they referenced the dark main event.

* Rey Mysterio defeated Drew McIntyre in the main event with a rollup. This was the best match for SmackDown of the night.

* After the match Kane comes down and there’s a casket. Rey escapes from Kane and says he didn’t take out Undertaker and reveals that Kane was the attacker. SmackDown ends with Kane staring up to the sky for a long time, crying or laughing to himself.

Edge Returning To SmackDown?, Barrett Receiving High Reviews

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(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— It’s worth noting that the official Syfy website lists Edge, as well as The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool, as appearing on Friday Night SmackDown when the program debuts on the network this October.

Regarding Edge, he was originally supposed to remain on SmackDown before WWE’s mentality during the Draft changed to making the Raw brand the company’s top priority. A renewed push for the Smackdown brand is expected this fall given that Vince McMahon has predicted with its move to Syfy that the audience for SmackDown will eventually be as large as Raw’s.

— Many within WWE’s developmental sytem are raving on the potential and progress of NXT season one winner Wade Barrett. Those affiliated with Florida Championship Wrestling rave about how he continually improves in the ring. They also feel he has the size and promo ability to headline.

— Edge was given the weekend off to attend the wedding of former WWE performers Nick Cvjetkovich (a/k/a Kizarny) and Stacy Carter (a/k/a Miss Kitty). Edge, Cvjetkovich and Christian were friends growing up in Orangeville, Ontario. The trio also started their wrestling careers together training at Ron Hutchison’s gym in Toronto.

Meanwhile, Christian was not given the weekend off due to the SmackDown brand’s tour of Australia.

Ex-WWE Star Expected To Debut, Francine Declines TNA’s Invite

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(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— As reported earlier, next week’s episode of TNA iMPACT! will feature match-ups initially pegged for Sunday’s pay-per-view event. One of the matches advertised for iMPACT! is Jeff Hardy’s “Open Challenge.” The open challenge is expected to be met by a wrestler let go by World Wrestling Entertainment earlier this year.

— Former ECW performer Francine Fournier, 38, has declined TNA Wrestling’s invitation to appear at Sunday’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event.

Following her unceremonious departure from World Wrestling Entertainment in October 2006, Fournier imminently announced her retirement from the professional wrestling industry. Since that time “The Queen of Extreme” has maintained her retirement, though last year she held an ECW reunion show with proceeds from the event donated to the American Cancer Society.

— TNA Wrestling’s weekend house show run had last Friday in Winston-Salem, NC drawing 1,700; Friday in Fayetteville, NC drawing 1,600; and Saturday in Concord, NC doing 1,100.

More Talent Confirmed For Hardcore Justice, Snitsky To TNA?

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(source: PWInsider.com)

— While the following names have not yet been publicly announced by TNA Wrestling for Sunday’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event, they have been independently confirmed: Mike Bucci (a/k/a Nova), Joel Gertner, referee John Finnegan, referee Mike Kehner and ring announcer Stephen DeAngelis.

Talent officially announced for the show are as follows: Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Team 3D, Jerry Lynn, Mick Foley, Taz, The Sandman, Axl Rotten, Rhino, Balls Mahoney, Raven, CW Anderson, The FBI (Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke and Sal E. Graziano), Brother Runt, 2 Cold Scorpio, Al Snow, Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger.

— TNA Wrestling is using Atlas Security to handle security for Sunday’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event. Atlas Security was the security company Extreme Championship Wrestling used for shows held at The Arena in Philadelphia.

— On Twitter, former WWE performer Gene Snitsky is promoting a fan initiated online petition pushing TNA Wrestling officials to sign him. The petition in question can be reached here.

Since departing from World Wrestling Entertainment in 2008, Snitsky has been seeking a career in acting. He will star in the sequel to the critically panned 1966 film Manos: The Hands of Fate, Manos: The Search For Valley Lodge.

WWE Releases Second Quarter Earnings Results

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WWE released its second quarter earnings results today. Overall the results were not good, as they were below analysts expectations and last year’s Q2 results.  The main points:

* Revenues for the second quarter were $106.8 million with an opening income of $10.3 million and a net income of $6.3 million. The second quarter last year included WrestleMania, which was in the first quarter this year. When removing WrestleMania, second quarter results last year were $106.6 million in revenue, with $13.1 million in operating income and $10.2 million in net income.

* WWE cited the soft economy as well as “recent changes in our talent base” as the major reasons for the disappointing performance.

“In the second quarter, our performance fell below management expectations as trends weakened in the latter part of the quarter. Although we believe the continued softness in the economy played a part in our results, recent changes in our talent base may have also impacted key operating metrics, particularly domestic pay-per-view buys and live event attendance,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, our profitability was negatively affected by the reduction in revenue from high margin businesses and by the logistical costs related to the Icelandic volcano. We view some of these factors as temporary and, looking ahead, we remain confident in our ability to address these challenges by producing compelling content and cultivating consumer demand. On a positive note, the second quarter reflected improved results in our Home Video business and our continued success in managing our expenses.”

* Revenues in North America dropped 32% while revenues outside of America increased 3%, compared to last year. When excluding WrestleMania from last year’s second quarter, revenues dropped 5% in North America and increased 11% outside of North America.

* North American TV revenue was way down, from $103.5 million last year to $70.5 million this year.

* Home video revenue was up, from $8.6 million last year to $11.5 million this year.

* WWE.com revenues were down from $4.5 million last year to $3 million this year.

* WWEShop revenues were down from $3.4 million last year to $2.4 million this year.

Mickie James Talks About Working For TNA & Her WWE Relese

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Former WWE Diva Mickie James was interviewed by Fanhouse.com this week and spoke about her music career, her WWE release and whether she’d work for TNA Wrestling again.

Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Her WWE Release: “It definitely was heartbreaking and it was out of the blue for me. It totally blindsided me and I didn’t see it coming. But, you know, hindsight is 20-20. Perhaps if I wasn’t so passionate … I don’t know, it’s one of those things that I think I would’ve never cut out on my own because I did love my job and I loved WWE and I loved my fans so much that I would’ve given anything. And I intended to be able to do both, to still wrestle 250 days out of the year and, in the meantime, if we’re in Savannah, Georgia, do the show that night and then maybe go to a bar and even if it’s like a little acoustic set, do a mini-acoustic set afterward and then hit the radio stations the next morning … I had this whole plan. So it kind of totally hit me out of left field, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise because now I can really concentrate on the music, and kind of cherry-pick when I’m gonna wrestle and what I’m gonna do and rebuild my plan of what I want to do and where I want to go.”

Her Music Career Being Her Top Priority: “Here’s the deal — I think that I’ve made my mark in the industry and I’ve made a legacy in the business, and granted there’s a lot more that I wanted to do, but it kind of fell short. So now it’s just a moving forward thing. I don’t think that anything that I could do in the industry right now on this level, in the wrestling industry, would ever compare to wrestling in front of 90,000 people. Unless it’s right and it’s the perfect thing, my focus is on the music. My heart and soul, that’s where I’m at right now, all my focus is on that.”

Working For TNA: “Well certainly I’ve entertained the thought and it’s one of those things … there has to be this beautiful marriage between the two. Obviously my music right now is in the forefront, and if there’s a way to be able to do it and still … you know, because TNA’s schedule is certainly less demanding, maybe what, 100 dates out of the year? Obviously it would give me a lot more time, but it would also give me that platform to be able to be there for my wrestling fans and hope that they would support me with my music.”

Eric Bischoff Hypes Hardcore Justice, Talks TNA, McMahon

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TNA’s Eric Bischoff was one of the special guests on this week’s live edition (08/02/09) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem radio show. For details on the show, visit MondayNightMayhem.com.

During the appearance, Bischoff Discusses Why TNA Is Not Trying To Recreate ECW, If He Feels The Angle Is Overshadowing TNA’s Current Crop Of Stars, The Recent Spike In Ratings For TNA iMPACT (And The Locker Room’s Reaction To It), His ECW One Night Stand Experience (And Whether Or Not He Was Truly Scared For His Life That Night), If Turning Heel Is Just Around The Corner For Him, How “The Whole F’N Show” Spike TV/TNA Special Could Mirror WCW’s Clash Of The Champions, The Beer Money/Motor City Machine Guns’ “Best Of Five” Series For The TNA World Tag Team Titles, & The Reasons Why He Believes That Vince McMahon Would Not Induct Him Into The WWE Hall Of Fame…Even If He Were Not Under TNA Contract.

Click Here to listen to an MP3 of Eric Bischoff’s appearance on the show.

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

Why the recent “extreme” revival in TNA/this Sunday night’s HardCORE Justice Pay-Per-View “is not ECW” & why TNA is not trying to recreate it: “Let’s make a couple of things really clear. This is not ECW. ECW was around on TNN for 12 months…that’s it. I know it’s grown in mythology and in the minds of people, but it lasted on TNA for 12 or 13 months. It found a home because it found a niche. It was a very violent, gritty, & very cool in many respects, and I’m not cutting it down in any way because it was different. To Paul E’s credit, he found a way to make what he was doing and the limitations he had to work with, and he was able to make a product that was different, and fans liked it because it was different. TNA, or WWE, or anyone that has to make money with a brand isn’t going to be able to resort to the level of violence & the presentation that they got used back on TNN. It’s just not possible. I want to make clear that this is not ECW, and we are not trying to re-create ECW. People that are getting so hung up on this ECW comparison are getting lost in their own mythology.”

Why he is in favor of the ECW angle at this point & whether or not the current crop of TNA stars are being overshadowed as a result of it: “I don’t know if it’s taking any money out of Sting’s pockets, or taking money out of Jay Lethal’s pockets, or anybody’s pockets. Jay Lethal is probably enjoying one of the better stages of his career as of late. I don’t think you’ll hear Jay Lethal complain about it. It’s a great story, it’s great for TNA, and the ratings are up, which is good for everybody. It’s good for business, and when business is good, everybody prospers.”

The morale of the TNA locker room & the reaction from Spike TV after the most recent iMPACT ratings were made public: “Other than Vince Russo, who I speak to daily, I haven’t really talked to anybody since the rating came out. I’m sure that everyone is excited. I’ve had several conversations with the folks at Spike TV, and I know everyone is excited. In terms of the talent, I really haven’t had a chance to talk to them.”

Why he believes that Vince McMahon would not put him into the WWE Hall of Fame, even if he was not under contract to TNA right now: “I don’t. I like Vince, and I respect Vince, but he’s his own unique animal, and there’s certain parts of history that neither he or some of the key people around him will ever forget, and I think that history, even if I wasn’t with TNA, would probably preclude me from being involved. I’m sure I’d get an invitation to come, but I don’t think Vince McMahon would ever, under any circumstances, give that spotlight away.”

Shane Douglas Wants Ric Flair This Sunday At Hardcore Justice

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Shane Douglas posted the following on his official website, FranchiseFanSite.com, calling out TNA for using his likeness to promote Hardcore Justice when he’s never agreed to appear. Douglas says he’s willing to appear on the show, but only if he gets a shot at Ric Flair, “face to face.”

Douglas and Flair have had bad blood for many years, dating back to the early days of ECW, when Douglas would cut very harsh promos about the Nature Boy, who was in WCW at the time. Flair has taken some cheap shots against Shane Douglas in recent interviews, bringing up the fact that he currently works at the retail store “Target.”

From The Franchise:

After seeing, the ECW promo piece put out by tna, and being deluged by texts & emails from friends AND fans, I felt, very strongly, that I should put out a clarification about that less-than-honest video from tna.

Firstly, MOST organizations would NOT wish to mislead any potential customer(s)! CLEARLY, this video intended to mislead wrestling fans, most certainly ECW fans! That said, I have to question tna’s motive(s) in placing ANY shot of me in their promotional pieces?! tna is overly aware that we have NOT come to terms for any participation by ECW’s centerpiece “Franchise” in “Hardcore Justice”!

So, either they are trying to deceive potential ppv buyers (namely ECW fans), or they must be willing to meet my only demand for the event- Dic Flair on a silver platter! This was the biggest angle, teased to our loyal fanbase, that never came “to a head” in ECW. Unless I’m missing the mark, I feel VERY STRONGLY that this IS a match our fanbase, and tna’s, would tune in to see. Too bad, thus far, tna seems to be following their now-tired trend of ignoring their fans’ desires!!!

I stand prepared to take part in the “final bow” of this great organization. I only demand that our fans get what they deserve- Dic Flair and The Franchise, face to face, for their enjoyment!

To be fair and certain, it would seem Dic would want the same thing, judging from his recent comments about me. SURELY, “the, ahem, man” isn’t afraid of a guy who “works retail”, right DIC?

Balls in your, and tna’s (Dixie?) court! What do you fans think? Or, more importantly, what do you fans want? Surely, the Carter’s want to aim to please… RIGHT?!

Not hiding behind someone’s blouse, are you, Dic?!?!
I’m waiting…

Hogan’s True Feelings On “ECW”, Sunny Comments On Rumors

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— Many within TNA Wrestling were surprised at how removed Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff appeared to be at last week’s set of iMPACT! television tapings. While both were on hand for the production meetings they would normally attend, neither individual appeared as engaged as they have in the past.

“They are as far removed from this as I’ve seen yet,” stated one company source.

Though Hogan won’t publicly say anything negative regarding the ECW concept, he has been shaking his head behind closed doors. Observers say he looked uncomfortable while in the ring with the ECW crew in a segment that will air during this week’s iMPACT! broadcast. (source: pwtorch.com)

— Tammy Sytch (a/k/a Sunny), who performed for Extreme Championship Wrestling in the late 1990s, commented on rumors concerning a possible appearance at TNA Wrestling’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view event this Sunday.

She wrote on her Facebook account: “Before everyone starts plastering my wall with questions or comments regarding my appearance on the TNA PPV: I will not be on it, nor have I been contacted by anyone there. Like Ive said before, don’t believe anything you read on websites.”

Jericho Discusses Nexus Angle, His New DVD, Upcoming Book

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Sunday night Chris Jericho appeared on The LAW Live Audio Wrestling, here are some of the highlights of the interview. The LAW can be heard Sunday nights at 11pm EST at www.liveaudiowrestling.com and on Sirius 98 Hardcore Sports Radio.

On problems getting time off to perform with Fozzy such as next weekend and the U.K tour in the fall
“In some ways yes but it’s an interesting case in how it is for me. Obviously I have many years and experience and am one of the higher names on the totem pole but more importantly I never get hurt for whatever reason maybe too stupid. I’ve never been hurt so everyone else on the roster takes time off from being hurt or to make a WWE movie. I don’t get hurt and I don’t make WWE movies, I go on tour with my band so it’s kind of a no hassle situation because it’s kind of an underlying acceptance that I’m going to do this from time to time and there’s a little resistance but when it comes to the bottom line they know I need to do this keep myself sane and explore these other possibilities and not get hurt.”

What time period his second book will cover?
“It starts right when I walk to the ring for my debut against The Rock and ends about seven years later when I walk out to face Randy Orton when I returned in 2007. It’s great because it’s my whole WWE experience but also very involved with starting a band with Fozzy and the trials and tribulations of that which are just as ridiculous as some of the things I went through in the first book when I was trying to make my name in wrestling. It’s a great dichotomy of a guy who is at the top of one profession and trying to make it in another one with all of the ridiculous stories you have come to expect from Chris Jericho’s life.”

One of the cool parts of his upcoming DVD that comes out in September
“Back in the early part of the decade you would go in the ring and do improv comedy it would be me and Steve, me and Rock or Rock and Steve or whatever and I found this one 15-minute piece of tape from Tucson, Arizona of Steve and I doing 15 minutes of improv comedy and it’s brilliant, it’s some of the funniest stuff I have ever done in my career and Steve’s career and no one has ever seen it. It never aired, it was after the show and we always record everything that happens and as soon as it ended I said that has to be on my DVD if I ever get one so I got a tape of it and kept it in my house. It really is a great comprehensive package of not just my career but of a great time in the business when it had a lot more experienced guys and a lot less strict rules and stuff like that.”

Discussing the Nexus angle heading into SummerSlam
“I think it’s been a stroke of genius. I think it’s something that has got people talking and of course there are critics in everything and it’s your job to do that. I think the fact you took seven guys that no one had heard prior to February of this year and made them into the main event of SummerSlam with a viable, interesting, money making match I don’t think that’s ever been done in the history of the business. It worked, it’s worked better than anything we’ve done in awhile and I’m very excited to be a part of it, originally I wasn’t supposed to be a part of it and was supposed to be involved with someone else but that didn’t work so we started working on this. It’s great because you’re taking lighting in a bottle and more importantly now you have this cool dichotomy with this Cena team or Jericho team whatever you want to call it and Nexus is a well oiled pack of wolves and then you have a bunch of ego maniacs fighting it out to see who will be the leader of a team. It really is a great story with a lot of levels and that’s the best things we do in the WWE is have very involved and layered stories and this is one of those real cool ones that’s been going in for months and I don’t know if SummerSlam will be the culmination, it wouldn’t surprise me to see it go further but it’s a lot of fun to be a part of it, I’m enjoying it. Plus it’s really passing the torch and helping these guys and I keep telling them this could be the biggest angle of your careers and some of you won’t make it out alive and that’s really the truth some of these guys won’t ever be as over as they are right now so enjoy it and learn as much as you can and run with as much as you can because it might never happen again.”

To catch the entire 25-minute interview with Chris Jericho, click here.

Heyman Update, Team 3D’s Contracts, Hogan Retired

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– With TNA’s HardCORE Justice pay-per-view just a few days away, sources in TNA say there’s little to no buzz backstage about Paul Heyman appearing at the show. While Heyman has met with TNA management in recent months, things seem to have died down as of late.

– Don’t expect to see Hulk Hogan back in the ring any time soon. In recent comments made to prowrestling.net, Eric Bischoff gave an update on the condition of Hulk Hogan’s health following recent back surgeyr.  “I don’t know for sure,” Bischoff said. “I don’t even ask him anymore because I know what his reaction would be. He’d say he’s feeling perfect.” Bischoff said Hogan feels that if he verbalizes something positively, it will come true, which is why he takes that approach with his back. When asked whether Hogan’s in-ring career is over, Bischoff said, “I don’t see him wrestling again. I’d be disappointed and there would probably be a physical moment backstage because I would try to stop him.”

– Team 3D is currently negotiating new TNA contracts, as the current deals are set to expire in the next few months. For what it’s worth, neither Brother Ray or Devon are happy about the latest ECW revival in TNA.

Kurt Angle Compares His & John Cena’s New Movies

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TNA star Kurt Angle posted a few messages on Twitter.com/anglefoods1 comparing his new movie “Beyond the Mat” to WWE star John Cena’s “Legendary.” Both are about amateur wrestling, but Angle says Cena’s movie lacks realism.

“I heard that “Beyond the Mat” comes out in Jan. Legendary comes out next month. The difference is realism. Legendary is not true to real wrestling. Beyond the Mat, it has me, Ken Shamrock- all world class athletes who know how to succeed.”

His next comment got cut off, but said the “dark horse” movie would be the movie of 2011.

12-hours later, Angle followed up by complimenting Cena’s work on Legendary and says Cena’s movie is good for the sport:

“But I heard Cena did a great job in Legendary. Thanks for pushing the sport of amateur wrestling John. It’s great for the sport.”

Angle plays an amateur wrestling coach in “Beyond the Mat”, which will be in theaters February 2011.

Angle also said he’s got two more movie projects this year. He’s currently shooting “Death From Above” and will begin working on “Madman Marz” in a few months.

WWE Profiles Former Women’s Champion Alundra Blayze

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World Wrestling Entertainment has apparently made amends with another controversial former talent as Debrah Miceli (a/k/a Alundra Blayze, Madusa) is featured in the latest edition of Where Are They Now?.

Fifteen years after infamously dropping the WWE Women’s Championship into a garbage can on a December 1995 edition of WCW Monday Nitro, Miceli candidly discusses the infamous scene with WWE.com.

“The longest running question to this day is why in the hell did you throw the title in the trash can?” Miceli said. “Well, I was under contract and [former WCW President] Eric Bischoff told me to do it. It was either that or I was out the door.'”

After going through with the stunt, Miceli found herself the target of serious backlash. She strongly believes it only fell on her because of her gender.

“If I was a guy I would’ve been on the cover of every magazine,” Miceli said. “Because I was a woman, I was called a disgrace to the business. That’s the truth.”

Elsewhere in the story, the multi-time champion discusses her humble beginnings in the wrestling industry with the American Wrestling Association, her three-year excursion to Japan, making the move to WWE in 1993, and more. Her story can be read here. The second part of the story will be continued tomorrow.

Hardcore Justice News: More Confirmed Stars, bWo Appearing?

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– TNA president Dixie Carter posted a message on Twitter this week announcing that Brother Runt, C.W. Anderson, and The FBI will be at Sunday’s HardCORE Justice PPV.

– Despite the fact that TNA has used video clips of him to promote Hard Justice, former ECW champion Shane Douglas is telling people he does not plan on being at the show.

– Former ECW manager and referee Judge Jeff Jones recently appeared on Low Blow Radio and said he’s like to appear at Hardcore Justice, but never got an invitation. He’s reached out to friends in TNA about getting booked for the show, but there does not appear to be any interest.

– Stevie Richards taped a few backstage segments wearing a bWo (Blue World Order) t-shirt at last week’s TNA iMPACT! tapings, a sign that we’ll see him reunite with fellow bWo members Nova and The Blue Meanie this Sunday.

Updated Preview For Sunday’s TNA HardCORE Justice PPV

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Hardcore Justice LIVE COVERAGE: This Sunday Night
If you’re not ordering the show, BE HERE for our detailed Live Coverage!
Detailed updates every minute so you don’t miss any of the action

Confirmed Matches:

* Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn

* Tommy Dreamer vs. Raven
(with Mick Foley as the referee)

The following ECW originals are also confirmed for Sunday’s TNA HardCORE Justice PPV:

– Sabu
– Team 3D
– Rhino
– Stevie Richards
– Simon Diamond
– Al Snow
– Axl Rotten
– Johnny Swinger
– Brother Runt
– C.W. Anderson
– Members of The FBI

More matches and appearances are expected to be announced before Sunday – stay tuned.

Cena Praised Backstage, Angle Planned For RAW, Feud Scrapped

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– John Cena has gotten a lot of praise backstage lately for his work with the Nexus crew, both on television and at WWE live events. While most of the Nexus stars are seen as “green” (except Wade Barrett, who management is happy with), Cena has helped them look like legitimate stars.

– We’ve heard that WWE is working on a big angle for Monday’s RAW, the final show before SummerSlam on August 15th. Monday’s RAW will be headlined by John Cena and Bret Hart vs.  Edge and Chris Jericho.

– A source in WWE says plans for a John Morrison and Melina vs. Ted DiBiase and Maryse feud have been put on hold and might be resumed after the summer.

– The Great Khali has been walking around with a bad limp lately. He’s not expected to miss any ring time, but is pretty banged up.

Credit to f4wonline.com for some of the info used in this report

A Personal Message From The Solomonster On a Good Cause

Jason Solomon
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First off, I need to thank my buddy Webmaster Mike for allowing me to post this up on the site.   It certainly may not fall under wrestling news, but we have plenty of loyal visitors logging on to SEScoops on a daily basis and if even a few of you contribute, it can make a world of difference.

If you’re a fan of the Sound Off, you’re likely aware that my aunt passed away last week.  We were very close and while the whole ordeal dragged out through most of July, the way everything went down was still quite sudden and unexpected.  It just goes to show you must appreciate what you have now because it may not be here tomorrow.

It is quite likely my aunt’s diabetes played a role in her death.  As such, I’ve had people ask me what they can do to help or where they can send donations in her memory.   I’ve been in touch with the folks at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, which has a terrific diabetes program, and am happy to work with them on this.  If you would like to make a donation, all gifts will go to benefit the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, specifically intended to support their research and education program.  It is very active in pursuing treatments and cures for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Checks can be made payable to: Columbia University

-On the Memo line, please write: ***Berrie Center – IMO Cecelia Katz***

-Checks should then be mailed to the attention of:

Sally Benner
CUMC Development
100 Haven Avenue, Suite 29D
New York NY 10032

Donations can also be made securely online HERE:

• From the drop-down menu, select Columbia University Medical Center “Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center”
• then “Gift for Diabetes Care and Research”
• enter gift amount, then on next screen, choose “in memory”
• in the Notes box, mention that the gift is made IMO of Cecelia Katz

All donations are, of course, tax deductible (US-only).  Whatever you’d like to give, however big or small, will be going toward a great cause.  Much love and appreciation from me if you do so.

Be well, stay safe always

-Solomonster

Shane McMahon Named CEO Of China Broadband, Inc.

Staff
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Former WWE executive Shane McMahon has been named the new CEO of China Broadband, Inc. Here’s the official press release:

China Broadband, Inc. (“China Broadband” or “the Company”) (OTCBB: CBBD), a provider of cable broadband services, and publisher of digital and analog program guides in the Shandong Province of China, is pleased to announce that it has closed a private placement financing with institutional and accredited investors with aggregate gross proceeds of $9.625 million to fund the simultaneous acquisition of Sinotop Group Limited, (“Sinotop”), through which China Broadband will provide integrated value-added services (VAS) solutions for the delivery of Pay-Per-View (PPV), Video-On-Demand (VOD), and enhanced premium content for cable providers in China.

Marc Urbach, President of China Broadband stated, “We are excited to announce the completion of our private placement and acquisition transactions. This has been a very positive reflection of the support from our existing and new shareholders, and we believe this signals the vitality of our new business and commitment as leaders in the premium content space.”

Simultaneous with the private placement and the acquisition of Sinotop, China Broadband appointed former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Executive, Shane McMahon, as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Urbach further stated, “Mr. McMahon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and we are honored to have one of the most seasoned veterans of PPV and premium sports entertainment in the world join the China Broadband team. His highly skilled background in marketing and promotion will be instrumental in moving us forward. In addition we look forward to working with some of the most prestigious and established media companies in China to advance the development of a sophisticated content platform. With the acquisition of Sinotop, our goal is to become the leading provider of VOD and PPV services in China.”

The private placement involved the sale of (i) $3.125 million of common units, at a per unit price of $0.05, with each common unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant for the purchase of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.05, (ii) $3.5 million of Series A units, at a per unit price of $0.50, with each Series A unit consisting of one share of Series A Preferred Stock (convertible into ten shares of common stock) and a warrant to purchase 34.2857 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.05, and (iii) $3.0 million of Series B units, at a per unit price of $0.50, with each Series B unit consisting of one share of Series B Preferred Stock (convertible into ten shares of common stock) and a warrant to purchase ten shares of common stock.

Chardan Capital Markets LLC acted as placement agent for the transaction.

For a more detailed summary of the material provisions of the Financing Agreements please see the Company’s current report on Form 8-K that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and is available at www.sec.gov.

About China Broadband

China Broadband’s flagship operation is Jinan Jia He Broadband, also known as Jinan Broadband, the fifth largest broadband operator in China and the second largest broadband service provider in Shandong’s capital city of Jinan. Through its Shandong Group affiliate, China Broadband publishes digital and analog television program guides, newspapers and entertainment magazines. It holds the exclusive license to publish television program guides in Shandong Province, one of the largest regional economies in China. For more information, visit http://www.chinabroadband.tv.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects” or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

TNA Wrestling Reportedly Suspends Samoa Joe

Daniel Pena
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(source: PWInsider.com)

TNA Wrestling has reportedly suspended Samoa Joe due to an incident that took place at the July 13 television taping.

Following the former World Heavyweight Champion’s match with Jeff Hardy, he reportedly yelled at TNA production members because he felt the finish was telegraphed due to ring announcer Jeremy Borash counting down its conclusion. Company brass instructed Borash to make the announcement, going against Joe’s request. He entered the production truck while the broadcast was ongoing to complain, which is considered a breach of etiquette. A decision was made to suspend him due to his conduct.

The suspension is reportedly for one month. He was not at last week’s iMPACT! television tapings in Orlando. He is also not listed for any upcoming live events.

Batista Reveals New Project, Michaels Issues Thank You Message

Daniel Pena
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— Former WWE Champion Batista announced last night on Monday Night Mayhem that he is working on a project to raise awareness for cancer research, “Batista vs. Cancer.”

Batista filmed an eight-minute video drawing attention to ovarian cancer in an effort to raise money for research. His ex-wife, Angie, recently went through a battle with ovarian cancer.

To view the video, click here.

— Shawn Michaels has posted a video on YouTube thanking fans for finding his official website and following him on Twitter. He is shown wearing a fat suit in the video.

— Former WWE, WCW and TNA performer Erik Watts donated $1,000 to the Will Grason Foundation at the 1st Annual Will Grason Memorial Pro Wrestling Show held on July 24. Grason was the nine-year-old son of Mark and Freda Grason, who drowned on May 6, 2010. The event raised over $3,700.

Additional Details On Samoa Joe’s Recent Backstage Blow-up

Daniel Pena
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As reported earlier, Samoa Joe was said to be very upset following his recent match with Jeff Hardy on iMPACT!, which ended in a time limit draw. Joe was furious following the bout because he felt the finish was given away by TNA having ring announcer Jeremy Borash say there were 30 seconds remaining when he specifically asked them not to.

Joe hasn’t worked for the company since the outburst. He wasn’t on hand for last week’s iMPACT! television tapings in Orlando. One source claims Joe yelled at production team members David Sahadi and Keith Mitchell, while others say it was Vince Russo — who reportedly instructed Borash.

Meanwhile, another source felt that Joe was right about the finish being given away, but added that he handled the situation poorly.

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