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Major Setback For Linda McMahon’s Senate Opponent

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Linda McMahon’s chances of becoming a United States Senator in November are looking a lot better today after a report in the New York Times reveals that Richard Blumenthal, the Democrats’ nominee front runner, lied about being a Vietnam war veteran. The NYT’s Raymond Hernandez wrote yesterday:

At a ceremony honoring veterans and senior citizens who sent presents to soldiers overseas, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut rose and spoke of an earlier time in his life.

“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it  — Afghanistan or Iraq  — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”

There was one problem: Mr. Blumenthal, a Democrat who is now running for the United States Senate, never served in Vietnam. He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970 and took repeated steps that enabled him to avoid going to war, according to records.

McMahon’s Republican opponent, Rob Simmons, issued a statement saying he is “deeply troubled” by the allegations against Blumenthal.

“As someone who served, I respect Richard Blumenthal for wearing the uniform, but I am deeply troubled by allegations that he has misrepresented his service,” Simmons said. “Too many have sacrificed too much to have their valor stolen in this way. I hope Mr. Blumenthal steps forward and forthrightly addresses the questions that have arisen about this matter.”

Political blogger Kevin Rennie sheds more light on how the story broke – it was apparently the result of a $16 million effort on Linda’s part to dig up dirt on Blumenthal, the man who would most likely be her Senate race opponent, should they both get nominated by their respective parties:

“The Blumenthal Bombshell comes at the end of more than 2 months of deep, persistent research by Republican Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign.  It gave the explosive Norwalk video recording to The Times.  This is what comes of  $16 million, a crack opposition research operation and an opponent who, in the words of the president Blumenthal worked for on a draft deferment, who gave them the sword.”

What Happened Before & After RAW From Toronto

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Here’s a recap of what took place before and after Monday’s WWE RAW from Toronto:

Dark Match

– Primo Colon

WWE Superstars Tapings:

– Vladimir Kozlov beat Santino Marella.

– Goldust beat William Regal.

Dark Match Main Event:

– WWE Champion John Cena retained his title against Batista. Batista was delivering a beatdown on Cena as RAW was going after the air and put the champion in his modified-STF submission hold. When the cameras stopped rolling, Batista released Cena, grabbed a microphone and demanded a title match right then and there. During the match, Batista went for his submission hold again but Cena powered out of it. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment for the pin. Cena celebrated his victory with fans outside the ring.

Hulk Hogan Has Medical Scare Before Having Back Surgery

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Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan had a big medical scare this week after doctors thought they found an abnormality with his heart.

Hogan is set to undergo another back surgery in the coming weeks and has been going through the usual battery of pre-op medical tests to insure he’s healthy enough to go under the knife. According to TMZ.com, doctors discovered a problem with his Electrocardiography (EKG), which monitors a patient’s heart function.

Sources close to Hulk tell TMZ.com that Hogan was sent to a cardiovascular specialist in Florida for further testing. After another extensive round of medical tests, doctors were able to medically clear Hulk who was understandably “very worried” during the whole process.

Hogan’s heart has been deemed healthy and he’s scheduled to undergo back surgery soon.

ROH Taping 6 Weeks Of TV From The ECW Arena

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Ring of Honor returns to the former ECW Arena this Friday and Saturday to tape the next six episodes of ROH on HDNet.

Already announced for the Friday taping:

TV Main Event #1
Colt Cabana vs. Steve Corino.

TV Main Event #2
Delirious & Jerry Lynn vs. Rhett Titus & Kenny King.

The entire ROH roster will be appearing at the tapings as well, including:

-ROH World Champion – Tyler Black
-ROH World Tag Team Champions – The Kings of Wrestling
-ROH World Television Champion – Eddie Edwards
-Roderick Strong
-Austin Aries
-“Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels
-Davey Richards
-Kevin Steen
-Cheech and Cloudy
-El Generico
-”Skullcrusher” Rasche Brown
-Dark City Fight Club
-Erick Stevens
-Daizee Haze
-Rayna Von Tash
-Jamilia Craft
-Sara del Rey

For ticket information, visit ROHwrestling.com.

New RAW GM Next Week, Brett DiBiase Has Surgery & More

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– It was announced during Monday’s WWE Raw that a new general manager will be introduced on next week’s show. Vickie Guerrero pleaded with Buzz Aldrin and insisted that she resigned last week under duress, but Aldrin said WWE headquarters informed him of the news and her [brief] time as RAW GM is over.

– Brett DiBiase had knee surgery on Monday in Alabama with Dr. James Andrews, reports f4wonline.com. The damage to his knee wasn’t as bad as originally thought and he will likely make a full recovery. Before the injury, DiBiase was scheduled to be called up to the RAW roster with his brother Ted.

– In an update to the earlier injury post on John Morrison, it sounds like he wasn’t hurt in the match with Vladimir Kozlov after all, a match that only lasted a minute or two. Morrison was seen outside of the arena before the show greeting fans and was noticeably limping around and moving slower than usual.

List Of RAW Segments Cut Out For Commercials In Canada

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Monday’s episode of WWE RAW was commercial free in the United States, but not in Canada, where the show took place. Canadian fans watching WWE RAW on cable network The Score missed several segments of the show while commercials aired. Those segments include:

– The WWE Commercial spoofs (WWE Shop, Great Khali’s rental car, Ted DiBiase & R-Truth priceless.)

– The segment with Maryse getting her makeup done, talking about Trish Stratus and her catfight with Eve.

– The backstage segment with Buzz Aldrin, his wife, Vickie Guerrero, and the Bella twins.

– Miz’ backstage segment with Josh Mathews before his match with Bret Hart.

Thanks to Devin Cutting for providing this information.

*Spoilers* TNA iMPACT! Tapings Results For Thursday

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SEScoops reader Ray sent in the following results from Monday’s iMPACT! tapings, set to air this Thursday:

Quick spoilers from TNA Impact, which was being taped out of sequence:

*TNA champ Rob Van Dam & Jay Lethal defeated Beer Money Inc.

*Roxxi defeated TNA Knockouts champ Madison Rayne in a non-title match.

*The Beautiful People defeated Sarita & Taylor Wilde.

*Eric Young defeated Shannon Moore.

*X-Division champ Douglas Williams defeated Kazuchika Okada.

*There was a segment where the Top 10 was announced and Kurt Angle returned, stating he was going to wrestle his way through all ten to get to RVD.

*There was a Rob Terry vs. Orlando Jordan bout that saw Jordan lock a submission on Terry and refuse to let go. No official decision announced.

*Jeff Hardy pinned Sting after Ken Anderson interfered and hit the Mic Check on Sting. Hardy didn’t want anything to do with Anderson and Sting laid them both out with the bat.

*They do a segment where Desmond Wolfe attacks Abyss to prevent him from taking Chelsea and carves him up with a bottle. In the end, Abyss makes a comeback and carries her off. Chelsea was doing a Miss Elizabeth deal where she thought Wolfe was going too far.

*Eric Young pinned Shannon Moore. Team 3D confronted Jesse Neal but there was friction between Devon and Bubba over how they were treating Neal.

*Kazarian won an X-Division Battle Royal.

WWE RAW Results From Toronto (5/17)

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Report by Kendra:

This week’s commercial free RAW starts with music and pyro.

Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart’s music and he comes out in a Blue Jays jersey with his name on the back and the number 1. Standing ovation for Bret, of course. He says it’s been a long time. Last week watching RAW on TV, he couldn’t believe his ears, that Miz would have the nerve to challenge him to a US Championship Match, here in Toronto. He called WWE HQ and told them to book it. Sometimes you jump into things, but he’s had a week to think about it. He doesn’t want to be one of those old wrestlers who hold on and keep wrestling. He doesn’t want to disappoint anybody, but he won’t be wrestling tonight. Jericho’s music and he comes stomping out with that sour look on his face. Jericho stared at Bret, all squinty. He has one question for Bret. Why? He says he was starting to explain… No, Jericho says, why did he come back to the WWE. He’s a shell of himself. He used to be the Hitman, one of the best of all time. Now he’s out tarnishing his legendary status. He doesn’t want to hang on? Too late. He’s become the ultimate hypocrite, bigger than all these people. That’s why he was screwed in Montreal and he deserved it. Bret asked when the last time Jericho took a good look at himself? He remembered this young kid hanging out trying to become a wrestler, but was usually off getting a drink. Jericho’s a phony and should look at himself. Jericho says he’s better than Bret ever was. He’s the best there is, was and ever will be and everyone knows it. Why did Bret come back to say no? he had to hear them chant his name one last time. Hoping to feel like he matters. He doesn’t. the only person in the locker room who matters is Jericho. Sad that all his fans are sickened to see what he’s become. Nobody wants Bret here any more. “We want Bret!” chants. What it all boils down to is his Legacy boils down to what happens tonight. Everyone will always remember he was too scared to take on the Miz. Bret means nothing. The Hart family means nothing. His father would be so ashamed. Bret told Jericho to tell Miz to put his boots on. Jericho says Bret’s a conman. He’ll get intentionally disqualified to get out of this match. If Bret’s anything he’ll make this match No DQ, what do you think about that Hitman? Bret says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Bret says after tonight he’ll be walking around with the US Championship and the Hart Dynasty will wipe the floor with them this Sunday, continuing to be Unified Tag Team Champions.

King and Cole say they’re commercial free, except in Canada.

WWE Shop commercial. Khali in a compact, Hornswoggle in a Hummer. Khali was not happy. Too funny!

Edge out to the ring. Edge says Wayne Brady, Meatloaf, Vickie. Orton thinks he can RKO people at will. He thinks he can walk in and RKO him? Wait until Over The Limit, he won’t… Christian’s music and he comes out. Edge looks shocked. Christian smiles to the fans.

Edge sizes up his former brother. They lock up, Christian gets the upper hand. Christian takes Edge down again and he looks shocked. Arm bar on Christian. Edge runs the ropes, back elbow to Edge and Christian pin briefly. Again, much staring. Bitch slap from Edge, then he flees the ring. Christian after Edge, Edge takes advantage as they return to the ring. Christian slides between Edge’s legs and bitch slaps Edge. Then bitch slap him harder! Christian lands standing on Edge’s back. Christian out but Edge avoids the upper cut. Edge out and Christian double kicks between the ropes. Christian then flies out and lands on Edge. Christian rushes Edge who sidesteps. Christian hit’s the barrier. The ref counts. Edge back in. Christian makes it back in, barely, before ten. Edge starts kicking and stomping Christian. Edge working that left shoulder that hit the barrier. Christian is slightly bleeding from the mouth, as he did last week on SD! Christian fights back but then runs into Edge’s shoulder. Edge taunts the fans and Christian. Edge stomps Christian, then grabs that left arm. Edge pulls that arm down hard. Edge slams down and then an arm hold. Edge really wrenches on that arm. Christian tries to fight out, but can’t. Christian counters into a headlock. Edge gets a hammerlock on that arm. Edge slams him back into a corner. Edge dives at Christian, but Christian, moves, but then Edge slams Christian back to the mat for two. King and Cole talk about how it’s like wrestling yourself because they know each other so well. Edge on Christian in a corner. The ref backs Edge off. Christian slaps Edge a lot again. Christian up top. Edge goes up but is punched off. Christian manages a tornado DDT for two. Punches to Edge’s head, then a forearm to the face. Christian runs into a back elbow, but then flapjacks Edge. Christian climbs and dropkicks Edge for a long two. Christian gets the peeps going. Edge fights back. Edge counters the killswitch. Christian hits drop toe hold then hits Edge when he lands outside. Christian climbs and flies, but Edge moves. Edge hit’s a DDT on Christian and pins for two. Christian rolls Edge up for two. Christian ducks Edge, but then a forearm to Christian’s upper back. Christian counters the spear and hit’s a sunset flip for two. Edge slams Christian down on the shoulder. Edge sets Christian up for the spear again. Christian moves again and then flips his feet up, kicking Edge. Flying elbow to Edge. Christian couldn’t hit the killswitch. Edge manages the spear for three.

– Winner: Edge

Edge flat on his back on the mat, the ref checking on him. He’s selling well, looks out of it, then poses. Orton on the tron. He congratulates Edge on his win. He doesn’t get why Christian’s out there, because that’s not who Edge’s facing tonight. GONG! Orton smirks. Edge just shakes his head. Out comes the Deadman! Edge drops out of the ring and stares in awe. Edge stares, holds his head, shakes his head, then finally back in the ring.

Edge back out to the apron. The ref stars counting. Taker’s pacing. Edge drop to the floor. Edge shakes his head and won’t get in.

– Winner: Taker via Countout

Edge smirks. Christian, from behind Edge, sends Edge into the ring. Chokeslam to Edge. Taker leaves, Edge doesn’t move.

Video of Cena and Batista’s feud, including the duct tape. They will be facing off in an I Quit Match this coming Sunday at Over The Limit.

Magazing with Trish on the cover. Maryse doesn’t understand why that Canadian thinks she’s a star. The makeup artist thinks Maryse is Canadian. Maryse says she’s French Canadian. Maryse then rips on Eve winning the title in a big way. Eve is behind her, putting baby power on her, then beat the heck out of her.

Buss and his wife, Lois, are backstage. Vickie comes in and say this is her office, she’s GM. Buzz says he walked on the moon, Vickie walked out as GM of RAW. He says he checked with WWE Headquarters. Her replacement will be there next week. If she wants to stay around in his office, she can. He has a new ap for his iPhone. She says she’s GM. The Bellas come in and he has them escort her to the parking lot. Buzz and Lois go back to talking about his office.

Video of Henry and Batista facing off last week. Batista attacked Henry with a chair, beat the heck out of him before the bell even rang. Batista puts on a submission hold until Henry blacks out.

Henry comes out, shoulder all wrapped up! Batista runs down behind Henry and busts a huge 2X4 over his shoulder! Batista sends Henry into the ring post. Henry then back first into the ring post. The ref tries to keep Batista off Henry, but can’t. Henry into the stairs, sending them flying. Batista grabbed the ½ of the 2X4 and went after the cameraman, he backed off. Batista walks on and over Henry and into the ring. Batista called for his spotlight. He poses in the ring, in corners, then leaves the ring. A number of refs with Henry and keep Batista away. Video of Batista’s attack. Batista poses on the stage.

King and Cole talk about what Batista can do at Over The Limit on Sunday. They talk about Cena facing Sheamus tonight. Video of Sheamus putting Cena through a table to win the title.

Promo for Ted DiBiase. They push the Million Dollar Belt. R-Truth slapped Ted for wanting a Virgil. Lots of things money can buy, for everything else, there’s R-Truth!

Ted comes out with Virgil in tow! He’s limping slightly, but it’s really Virgil. Virgil holds the ropes for Ted. Ted hands the belt to Virgil who takes it and leaves the ring. Yoshi out to face him.

Ted takes Yoshi down. Front facelock on Yoshi. Hammerlock on Ted. Ted backs Yoshi into a corner and gives a dirty break. Hip toss, suplex and dropkick to Ted for two. Ted backs Yoshi into a corner. Yoshi up on Ted’s shoulders. Ted slams Yoshi down onto his knee, face first. Yoshi up in a delayed, then slammed to the top rope, then the floor for two. Headlock on Yoshi. Ted runs into a back elbow, then a foot. Mule kick to Ted’s jaw. Punches and kicks from Yoshi, then knees to his chest. Yoshi worked Ted over and pinned for two. Ted ducked a kick, hit dream street and pinned Yoshi for three.

– Winner: Ted DiBiase

Ted points, Virgil walks over and grabs a mic. Video of the ending of the match. Ted asks R-Truth who’s not ashamed of being the new Virgil? The original Virgil! He’ll be in Ted’s corner at Over The Limit. Now that his trust fund has kicked in, he has no limits. He can buy anything he wants. R-Truth, if he can’t buy it, he’ll beat it. Virgil holds the ropes for Ted as they leave the ring.

Video for Punk and his Straight Edge Society. He’s been feuding with Rey and might lose his hair Sunday by Rey.

Backstage Jericho and Miz talk. Miz heads for the ring, but Josh stops him. Miz grabbed the mic and pushed him off. People ask him why Bret? Why not? How many times can someone beat a legend, a HOFer in one shot. It could be a national holiday up here! You know who’s more excited about Bret competing tonight? Miz! Miz out to the stage. He blames Bret for costing him his Unified Tag Team Champions. He’s going to beat Bret so badly he’s going to eradicate the Hart family name and spit on his heritage. Bret will be in the ring, lying on his stomach, screaming in pain. Screaming in pain in front of his own family, screaming for his own country. He’s going to make hit tap out to his very own sharpshooter. He’s the Miz and he’s awesome! Bret comes out to the ring wearing a Calgary Hitmen jersey.

Miz leaves the ring as Bret goes in his direction. Miz calls for a mic. Miz says he doesn’t trust Bret because he knows his little Hart Dynasty will be coming in, so he paid a few guys to neutralize them when they come in. Kozlov and Regal come out to the ring. Hart Dynasty come through the crowd and attack Kozlov and Regal. They fight up the ramp. Then Jericho and Miz get in the ring together. Natalya gets in the ring and high fives her uncle. Jericho tells her to leave, she slaps him, but then it turns bad for Bret. They take Bret down. Smith is back and takes Jericho down. Smith clotheslines Jericho from the ring. Miz removes Smith from the ring. “Bret” chants. Miz gets Bret on his back and starts to lock on the sharpshooter. Kidd flies in on Miz. Smith and Kidd hit the Hart attack. Bret locks on the sparpshooter. Miz quickly taps out.

– Winner: Bret Hart: new US Champion!!!

Natalya, Smith and Kidd in to celebrate with Uncle Bret. Bret poses, gets hugs and arm raises from the young ‘uns. Video of them taking Miz apart and then Bret winning the match. Matalya is hugging the heck out of her uncle, then raised his arm soundly. Bret leans the kids from the ring.

WM promo.

Video of the Harts celebrating on stage.

Video from the Beat The Clock Challenge two weeks ago. Cena got Wade to tap out and was going to announce the stipulation for Over The Limit, but then Sheamus attacked Cena and he couldn’t announce it.

Another ‘sponsor’ promo. This is Santino, the most irritating man in the world. He spit wine in Jillian’s face and said it tastes like goat urine!

Michelle McCool and Layla out to the ring. Video of Layla winning the Women’s Championship from bath on SD! But Michelle and Layla both have Championship belts around their waists. Layla in purple, Michelle in silver and black. Maryse comes stomping out in black and gold. Eve and the Bellas come out. Eve in pink and black, the Bellas in matching black outfits.

Maryse grabs Eve by the hair and they all have to pull them apart. Layla on Eve to start. Side headlock on Eve. Layla runs the ropes, then pins Eve for two. Eve gets Layla up and hits a Samoan drop for two. Eve hit’s a neck breaker on Layla for two. Layla up on her shoulder and a Bella tags in. Brie, I guess. Layla takes Brie down for two. Brie on the apron and Michelle kicks Brie off the apron. Michelle tags in, goes out and slams Brie into the barrier. Back in Michelle double knee drops on Brie over and over. Layla tags in and leg drops, but Brie moves. Michelle tags in, as does Nikki. Michelle knocks Eve to the floor. Clotheslines and dropkicks to Michelle from Nikki. A low dropkick to Michelle’s jaw for two. Maryse tags in and hit’s the French kiss on Nikki for three.

– Winners: Maryse, Layla & Michelle

The ref and a Bella keep Eve apart. They get together, then apart again. Then the Bella and Eve check on the other Bella.

Josh backstage with Cena. Josh says Cena’s decisions have been called into question, right up to accepting a match tonight with Sheamus. What does he say to his critics? He says it’s their jobs to criticize, but he won’t listen to them. But to those who stand by him, through all those moments, good and bad, believe him, he has a plan. Why a match against Sheamus? So he can’t be a problem at Over The Limit. Tonight he takes Sheamus out! Why I Quit? It’s the last time they’re facing, so this has to be it. Why forfeit his rematch clause? If he can’t beat Batista, he shouldn’t beat Champion. Batista took apart Henry and broke his neck. All Batista’s done, he’s failed one thing, gotten Cena to quit. He promises, over and over, he will not quit! At Over The Limit, Batista will be the quitter and the champ will be here!

Orton out to the ring. Orton looks up the ramp to see who he’ll be facing. The fans are wild! It’s Jack Swagger. Swagger comes out with a smirk on his face. Actors from the USA show ‘Covert Affairs’ are in the front row.

Swagger takes Orton to the mat, then backs off. Swagger grabs Orton and holds on. Orton reverses it and takes Swagger down. Swagger to his feet looks shocked. “RKO” chants. Orton into a corner, Swagger slams his shoulder into Orton’s gut, over and over. Backbreaker to Swagger, then a stomp. Orton stomps his way around Swagger who sells. Swagger moves out of the way of the knee drop. Clothesline to Orton for two. Chinlock on Orton and it looks to be tight on Orton! Orton to his feet, but then whipped. Black elbow, then two clotheslines to Swagger. Swagger knew the scoop slam was coming and fled. Orton out and Swagger slams him onto announce. “RKO” chants. Orton grabs Swagger as he comes through, Swagger counters and slams Orton to the mat in a very wrong way. Orton holds his head and it looks like it might be a little real. Swagger hits two of his splashes from a corner. Orton rolls out. The ref counts. At seven Orton was on the apron. Swagger slammed into Orton and sent him flying into announce. Swagger out to stomp Orton while the ref counts. Orton back first into the apron. Orton is rolled in at six. Swagger pins for two. Chinlock back on Orton in the center of the ring. They get to their feet and Orton gets free. Punch to Swagger but Swagger slams Orton to the mat. Swagger goes to splash from the corner again and gets kicked in the gut for it. Two clotheslines and then Orton scoop slam. Swagger on the aprons and Orton hits his DDT through the ropes. Spinning, then punching the mat, but there’s Edge.

– Winner: Orton via DQ?

Orton tries to RKO Edge, but is pushed off. RKO on Swagger who was there, but then Edge spears Orton. Edge stares down at Orton before leaving the ring.

Video for NXT tomorrow night.

King and Cole talk about wondering what might happen on NXT tomorrow night. Then they go through the matches slated for Over The Limit.

Justin announces Buzz Aldrin as if no one has any clue about who he is or what he’s done. He comes out in all black, leather blazer, red tie. He has a bit of trouble getting in the ring, but doesn’t fall. He’s so excited about being at RAW, but he’s way out there. He’s been working on making the space program better for 30 years. What? He says Canada has done wonderful things. He says they built the landing gear they used to land on the moon! He loves Monday night RAW! He looked lost about what to say next and Zack Ryder comes out with Fox. He says Canda’s science peaked when they created maple syrup. He said he heard on the radio that the moon landing was fake. He says he’d rather be homeless in the USA than living in Canada. Buzz says the last guy who said the moon landing was fake was punched in the face. Video of Buzz punching the guy out! Buzz fold Fox he wouldn’t pound her. He says it will be Toronto’s own Gail Kim and RAW’s own Evan Bourne.

Zack backs Evan into a corner. Evan then took Zack down. Zack fought back and worked Evan over hard. Stomping Evan and then talking smack. Evan rolls Zack up for two. Fox was rushing in and Kim stopped her. Zack and Fox into a corner. Kim slammed into them, then Evan into Zack. Kim flies in a dropkick on Fox for two. Zack pulls the rope down sending Kim from the ring. Fox out and throws Kim back in. Fox pins for two. Fox suplex and bridges for two. Fox pins for two again. Jawbreaker on Fox and she tags out. Evan in and takes Zack down. Evan climbs but Fox rolls Zack out. Evan flies outside. Fox grabs Kim, Kim hits eat defeat and pins Fox for three.

– Winners: Evan Bourne & Gail Kim

Kim called Buzz back into the ring. Evan holds the ropes and they celebrate together. Buzz does a (really bad) moon walk in the ring. Video of him doing it again. Many smiles and hugs in the ring.

Promo for Swagger and Big Show facing off at Over The Limit.

Jon Lovitz will host RAW next week.

Another ‘sponsor’ promo. This is Goldust on a blind date. He asks if he can call her, she says no. he asks if he can breathe on her? No. Too late!

Sheamus comes glowing out to the ring. Cena out to mix reactions from the crowd. They lock up and Cena’s backed into a corner. Sheamus doesn’t give a clean break. Much kicking and stomping. Cena to his feet and on Sheamus really hard, back him into a corner, attacking. Sheamus sent outside, Cena beating the heck out of him. Cena rolls through to break the count. Sheamus sends Cena into the barrier, then a knee into Cena’s face. Back in the ring and Sheamus pins for two. Punch to Cena’s head, upper cut, then whips Cena. Clothesline to the back of Cena’s head for two. Sheamus tries to suplex Cena, Cena reverses and suplexes him. Clothesline from Cena. Sheamus slammed into the ringpost shoulder first and he falls to the floor. Sheamus back in at seven. A small “Cena sucks” chant. Sheamus up for the AA, but Sheamus out and a knee to Cena’s spine. Cena reverses running the ropes and hit’s a sidewalk slam. Punches to Sheamus, one drops him to the mat, then another and to the mat. Sheamus whipped but gets a back elbow up. Cena on the apron. As he leans through the ropes Sheamus nails Cena in the head with a knee. Sheamus about to go out after Cena, but Cena back on the apron and gets anther knee to Cena’s head and he falls to the floor. Cena up on the apron and leans back. Cena in and punching. He goes for his bulldog but Sheamus pushes Cena off then baseball slides Cena out of the ring. Sheamus out of the ring and slams Cena’s head on announce. “Cena” chants from women and children. In the ring Sheamus pins for two. Sheamus drops a knee to Cena’s head. Cena rolls to the apron. Sheamus pulls his arms back and nails a forearm to Cena’s chest. Sheamus spreads Cena’s arms and hit another forearm to Cena’s chest. Cena struggles to his feet. Sheamus gets Cena up, but he gets free. Shoulder blocks from Super Cena, then a slam. Five knuckle shuffle. Cena goes for the AA, but Sheamus holds the rope. Batista in the ring. Cena basically AA’s Sheamus out of the ring. Spinebuster from Batista on Cena.

– Winner: Cena via DQ?

Spinebuster to Cena again. A third spine buster. Rather than a Batista bomb, Batista locks that same submission hold on Cena that he used on Mark Henry. Batista screamed over and over for Cena to say he quits. RAW goes off the air.

Biggest pop
Bret Hart
Orton
Taker
Christian

Biggest heat
Edge
Jericho
Swagger

Most Mixed
Cena

[Thanks for sticking with me. I know I missed a few moves, but I really wanted to get RAW out in a timely manner. Having no commercials is a great gimmick, but it’s really hard to get everything down and uploaded without them! Thanks again! KB]

King Of The Mountain Returning, More On TNA Budget Cuts

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– TNA is taping the next 4 episodes of iMPACT! this week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. By Wednesday, we’ll have a full look at how TNA storylines will unfold over the next month leading up to Slammiversary on June 13.

– One of the top matches at Slammiversary will be the annual King of the Mountain match. Qualifying matches for KOTM will begin on Thursday’s iMPACT!, being taped on Monday night in Orlando.

– As noted earlier, TNA will be making budget cuts in the very near future. The company has spent a ton of money this year on new talent (Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Anderson, Orlando Jordan, Scott Hall & more), going live on Monday nights and related marketing costs.  While many in the company understand that talent will have to be let go to save money, TNA President Dixie Carter is fighting to keep as many people employed. She realizes that these are tough times with the economy, especially in the wrestling business and doesn’t want anyone without the ability to make a living. (Source: F4Wonline.com)

WWE To Break Up Lay-Cool?, Cody Rhodes A Big Fan Of G.I. Joe

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— In light of Beth Phoenix’ removal from television as a result of a torn ACL, there is talk of splitting up Lay-Cool — Michelle McCool and Layla — and having them feud with each other. It’s also been said that Melina may return to SmackDown once she’s cleared to wrestle, which is expected to take place in June. (source: PWInsider.com)

— In an interview with WWE Magazine, Ted DiBiase is asked what he won’t miss from his days in The Legacy, to which he replied playing with G.I. Joe action figures. He then relays a bizarre story of Rhodes once seriously asking him to play with said toys.

“Well, he wanted to play “War,” and I thought it was some video game or card game. Then he pulled all these dolls out of his bag. He lined them up and started making noises like, “Pow! Pow! Boom!” It was just bad,” DiBiase said. “I thought it was a joke, but he told me I needed to take it more seriously. I felt inclined to play along because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Never again.”

— WWE was the No. 2 trending topic on Yahoo.com yesterday.

*Spoiler* For Impact Tapings, Former WWE Star In Orlando

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(source: PWInsider.com)

— Roxxi is in Orlando, Florida and expected to work this week’s iMPACT! tapings. Four shows will be taped over the course of the next three days.

— Former WWE performer Kevin Thorne was reportedly spotted at The Impact! Zone in Orlando.

— Brooklyn, NY will host a TNA Live! event on Friday, July 2 at MCU Park at 7:00pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday at www.brooklyncyclones.com, the MCU Park in Brooklyn, Citi-Field in Flushing and charge by phone at 1-718-507-TIXX.

RAW Preview For Tonight: Bret-Miz, Cena-Sheamus

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Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and will be a special commercial-free broadcast. Confirmed for tonight:

– Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, known as “Rocket Hero” in the WWE Universe, will be the Guest Host.

– WWE Champion John Cena will face Sheamus.

– WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart will challenge The Miz for his United States Championship.

Related News: Bret Hart Says He’s Done With WWE After Tonight’s RAW

JR’s BBQ Restaurant Shuts Down, Big Changes Ahead

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross announced over the weekend that his “J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q” restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma is shutting down.

“At the end of the day, our business plan could not handle the shift in the economy or the rising overhead that we encountered,” Ross wrote. “We make no excuses.”

Ross said that he will continue to sell his line of barbecue products on his JRsBarBQ.com website as well as in grocery stores across the country, a more conservative business model that he says has “unlimited potential.”

Despite this professional setback, Ross remains optimistic about his future and life in general. “Life is good…amazing days lie ahead…great health is a blessing…we have much to be thankful for … In the upcoming weeks, my professional schedule is likely to change significantly. I’ve realized that there is only so much that I can pile on my plate so perhaps this unfortunate turn of events is a blessing in disguise.”

To read the full blog, visit JRsBarBQ.com.

Ring Of Honor On HDNet Preview For Tonight

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The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s Ring of Honor on HDNet broadcast:

– Kevin Steen vs. Roderick Strong in a Pick 6 Contender’s Series match.

– Kenny King & Rhett Titus vs. Josh Raymond & Christin Able

– Claudio Castagnoli will be in action.

There will also be an update on the condition of Delirious, an interview with Colt Cabana and more.

Here’s the video preview for tonight:

Update: Chyna Won’t Face Criminal Assault Charges

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Chyna & Her Accuser (TMZ.com)

UPDATE: TMZ.com reports that Chyna will not face any criminal charges after a “friend” alleges the former WWE Diva viciously attacked her in a Los Angeles hotel room last month. The LA city attorney dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.

Original Story(4/29):

Former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer has been accused of viciously attacking a female friend in Los Angeles over the weekend.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Chyna for battery after her accuser, Gabriella Targos, says Chyna got so violent with her she thought she was going to die.

According to TMZ.com, the incident occurred Saturday night at a motel in Sherman Oaks, CA. According to the accuser, Chyna called her and told her to meet her at the motel. When she arrived, she claims Chyna immediately attacking her for no reason – punching her in the face, dragging her by her hair, beating her with a wire hanger and threatening to kill her.

Gabriela says she was able to break free and ran out of the motel room and found a few police officers.  So far, no arrests have been made.

Virgil On RAW Tonight? Morrison Injured, NXT & More

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– Mike Jones, best known as Ted DiBiase’s man-servant Virgil in the early 1990s, was telling people at a signing event over the weekend that he will be appearing on tonight’s WWE RAW to film an angle with Ted DiBiase Jr. While this news is not confirmed, Virgil’s name has come up on WWE television a few times in recent weeks – so it could happen.

– John Morrison may have injured his ankle at this weekend’s RAW live event in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. After his match with Vladimir Kozlov, Morrison had to be helped to the back by trainers.

– NXT stars Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett worked this weekend’s RAW live events in Canada, with Gabriel getting wins over Barrett.

– WWE’s new luchador star Dos Caras also worked the weekend’s RAW live events, losing to Goldust. He continues to impress WWE officials with his solid work on the mic and in the ring.

– TMZ reports that former WWE Diva Chyna won’t be facing criminal charges over an alleged incident last month where she beat up a female friend in a Los Angeles hotel room. The LA city attorney dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.

Cody Rhodes Talks About Legacy, His Father, SmackDown

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Here are some interview highlights of what “The Uncommon” Cody Rhodes told Slam Wrestling about:

Being a Second Generation Star: “It can be incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. I didn’t want to be my dad. I don’t want to be Dusty Rhodes Jr. I want to be Cody Rhodes.”

Being Drafted To SmackDown: “RAW was more of a variety show. Smackdown is more of a wrestling-based show. That’s my area. It gives me a chance to showcase myself. I feel I’ll do really well between the ropes. I think things are going to be changing for me along with the brand change. As a fan, I like to see the talent evolve and I need to evolve. I really wasn’t a character on RAW. It was ‘here we have our second- and third-generation superstars.’ Now, fans will have the opportunity to see who Cody Rhodes is.”

Legacy: “The point was to introduce us, as The Legacy, the same as when Randy Orton and Batista were brought in with Evolution. I don’t think it’d be totally bizarre if three, five or seven years down the road from now, you saw a Wrestlemania match with me and on the other side, Ted DiBiase.”

To check out the full interview, visit Slam Wrestling.

TNA Releases Coming, Sting Injured, The Band, MCMG

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– The reason why Sting and Jeff Jarrett’s “match” turned into a brawl last night at Sacrifice is because of Sting’s shoulder injury, which prevented him from working a traditional match.

– More TNA releases are expected to be announced soon, possibly this week, as the company plans on making some budget cuts.

– The Motor City Machine Guns are the new #1 contenders to the TNA Tag Team Titles after winning the triple threat at Sacrifice. No word yet when they will receive their shots against The Band.

– Speaking of The Band, they are now defending the belts under the “Freebird rule” – meaning, any two of them can defend (Hall & Nash, Hall & Young or Nash & Young).

– Ring announcer David Penzer is said to be done with the company. His contract expired recently and he’s been telling people he’s  leaving the company. Jeremy Borash handled the ring announcing at Sacrifice.

(Partial credit: f4wonline.com)

Tara Done With TNA, Anderson Turning Face, The Band

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Here are several news items coming out of Sunday’s TNA Sacrifice pay-per-view:

– TNA Knockout Tara (formerly Victoria in WWE) finished up with TNA at Sacrifice, losing to Madison Rayne at pay-per-view. Tara recently blogged that she was unable to come to terms with TNA regarding a new contract.

– TNA is teasing a babyface turn for Mr. Anderson following his match with Jeff Hardy at Sacrifice. Anderson put his hand out for a shake to Hardy but Hardy turned him down. Anderson cut a cocky promo before the match that was well received by the crowd, so there appears to be enough fan interest there to turn him face.

– Douglas Williams has reclaimed the TNA X Division Championship after defeating Kaz at Sacrifice.

– After Abyss defeated Desmond Wolfe at Sacrifice, Wolfe’s valet Chelsea is now the property of Abyss for the next thirty days.

Pictures Of A Young Beth Phoenix (Pre-WWE)

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Check out what WWE’s Glamazon looked like before coming to WWE:

Rhodes Tweaks His Identity, Masked SES Member Debuts, More

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Here are a few notes from last night’s SmackDown live event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

— Cody Rhodes donned a jacket while making his ring entrance for his match against Chris Masters, with “Uncommon” written. He then cut a heel promo and asked ring announcer Tony Chimel to introduce him as “The Uncommon” Cody Rhodes.

— The masked individual assisting the Straight Edge Society in recent weeks made his in-ring debut at last night’s show, teaming with Luke Gallows. They lost to Rey Mysterio and Christian. The description given on the masked wrestler is that he is well-built and tan.

— As reported earlier, David Otunga was added to this weekend’s SmackDown live event tour in order to gain experience. Fellow NXT Rookie Darren Young is also taking part in the tour as he went over Otunga in a singles bout at last night’s show.

— Shad Gaspard debuted a new entrance theme personalized to his “My Time” persona. He lost to MVP.

— Layla went over Kelly Kelly in her first title defense as WWE Women’s Champion.

Heat On ODB Over Online Remark, Update On The Amazing Red

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— There is heat on ODB over a comment she made online last month disparaging the Knockouts division.

After watching the Apr. 12 episode of iMPACT!, she wrote on her Facebook account: “Just watched from my DVR the Knockouts match. Wow, WTF is happening to our division?” This was in reference to a teased ‘Leather & Lace’ match between Angelina Love and Velvet Sky.

In another note, her contract expires later this year.

— Amazing Red has not been used much in recent months due to problems with his knee.

— There has been talk of bringing back squash matches to iMPACT! in order to get guys such as Rob Terry over.

source: www.f4wonline.com

Opening Match For Sacrifice PPV, Jordan “Controversy” Planned

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— TNA announced today on its Facebook account that tonight’s Sacrifice pay-per-view will open with the three-way #1 Contender’s Match to the TNA Tag Team Championship between The Motor City Machineguns, Beer Money, Inc. and Team 3D.

— Orlando Jordan is expected to do something “controversial” during tonight’s Sacrifice pay-per-view. He is scheduled to face Rob Terry in a match for the TNA Global Championship.

— Qualifying matches for Slammiversary’s annual King of the Mountain bout will begin Thursday on iMPACT!. This week’s episode is being filmed tomorrow.

TNA Making Budget Cuts This Week, Madison Rayne Speaks Out

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— On today’s episode of Observer Radio (available on www.f4wonline.com), Dave Meltzer said TNA will be making a lot of budget cutbacks this week. He described the situation as “not good” and things are “going to start happening soon.”

— In an interview with IGN.com, Madison Rayne discusses how it feels to hold the Knockouts title, working with Tara, prospective talent, whether she plays video games, how she entered the wrestling industry, and more. She was also asked whether she’s disappointed not being on Monday nights anymore.

“As long as we’re still getting our spot on national TV I think everyone in the company’s got something to be proud of,” Rayne told IGN. “But personally I think it’s a good move to go back to Thursdays. I don’t feel like we jumped back to Thursdays because we were “running scared” like a lot people have been saying. Or because we couldn’t keep up with the competitor. I don’t think it was that at all.

“Dixie Carter and the office at TNA talked to the fans and reached out to the people who were important and helped, over seven years, put us where we are. For the most part, wrestling fans are wrestling fans, so TNA being on Monday night was going to hurt both companies. Whereas if there’s a night for the other product – a separate night where TNA can shine – the wrestling fans are going to be happy because they’re going to get to see wrestling almost every night of the week now. I think it’s a good move.”

— TNA is taping four episodes of iMPACT! over three days this week.

Phoenix Suffers Torn ACL, Undergoing Surgery This Tuesday

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Beth Phoenix revealed in a blog posted on WWE.com that she will be undergoing surgery this Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama to repair a torn ACL. Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure. The injury is expected to keep her sidelined for up to six months.

“So its with a heavy heart that I must inform the WWE Universe that I will be going in for surgery this Tuesday at the Dr. Andrews Medical Clinic,” Phoenix wrote. “I will be keeping you all updated. I would like to say thank you to everyone that has given me the strength to keep fighting my battles. This one is just a tiny bump in the road.”

Phoenix worked the match that aired on last night’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown with the injury. She noted that she suffered the injury during her match last week with Rosa Mendes on WWE Superstars. She initially believed it was a minor ankle injury, but ultimately, it was much more severe.

To read her blog, click here.