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Details on New Florida Promotion Secretly Signing Wrestlers

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(credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Talk is spreading fast in many circles about a new promotion based in Florida that has already signed close to 40 wrestlers, all of whom have been forced to sign confidentiality agreements to prevent them from speaking about it. The group is said to be run by Pete Karoftis, a former independent promoter in Florida, and Sean Davis, a Florida independent wrestler. The interesting part to all this is that the financing for the operation is said to be coming from Milton Wilpon, a member of the Wilpon family that owns the New York Mets baseball franchise.

The wrestlers’ contracts offer benefits packages that neither WWE or TNA currently offer. The company is trying to keep the names close to the vest as there are names being talked with whose WWE contracts are expiring or who are under contract to TNA, including one major TNA name whose deal is set to expire shortly. They are also going after several top ROH names.

Names that can be confirmed so far include Too Cold Scorpio, Sean Waltman and Vader. Shane Douglas, Justin Credible and Sabu are among the other names being talked with. The group is said to be in favor of unscripted interviews, little in the way of writing out the shows and trying to give it a more legit sports feel.

Injury Update On CM Punk, WWE Star Receiving New Theme Song

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(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— CM Punk is expected to be kept out of the ring for another month. He had floating particles in his elbow which was causing it to lock up. He underwent minor surgery as a result.

— WWE is currently working on a new theme song for MVP.

— Though Vince McMahon made the call to pull Finlay from television due to his advancing age, 51, he is being booked to appear on live events to work with younger talent. Many feel rookies working with rookies does no good, but Finlay, as well as Goldust, can be solid teachers in the ring at house shows.

— The July 2, 2010 episode of Friday Night SmackDown scored a 1.7 broadcast rating with 2,642,000 viewers. While the rating stayed the same from the previous week, viewership was down from 2,840,000 million viewers.

“The Situation” Encounters Goldberg, Massaro No-Shows Event

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Jersey Shore star Mike Sorrentino (a/k/a The Situation) recently encountered former WWE and WCW Champion Bill Goldberg on the red carpet of an event in Las Vegas, Nevada. He apparently tried to upstage the former wrestling superstar, as the following was noted by The Heyman Hustle: “Our Las Vegas photographer reports “Mike Sorrentino, who is on the 16th minute of his 15 minutes of fame as The Situation on MTV’s Jersey Shore, was trying to upstage Goldberg on the red carpet at Vanity in Las Vegas. Though Goldberg was playful, you could tell he wasn’t going to let The Situation get the better of him.”

To view an image of Goldberg headlocking “The Situation,” click here.

— Ashley Massaro was scheduled to appear at K&S Wrestlefest’s “Heat Wave” event in Carteret, New Jersey this past Saturday, but no-showed the event. No reason was given for her absence and her whereabouts remain unknown at this time. This is not the first time in which the former Playboy model has no-showed a wrestling convention as she bailed on a few bookings following her departure from World Wrestling Entertainment two years ago.

On another note, one very young girl went with her mother to Saturday’s show specifically to see the former WWE Diva, but left after a few hours when they realized she was not coming.

— Ring of Honor will tape it’s next internet pay-per-view event, Glory By Honor IX, on September 11, 2010 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. A meet-and-greet session with WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk is being offered for fans attending the event.

Scott Hall Remains Hospitalized, Kong & Saeed To Reunite, More

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— Scott Hall remains hospitalized in Florida due to a bout with double pneumonia. His official Myspace page notes that he is off IVs and oxygen, but will be in the hospital for a few more days.

“It seems when he went in they did a dye test , he had a reaction to the dye and caused a small problem with his kidney’s,” reads the MySpace update. “They still have one more test to run.. but had to make sure.. the kidney’s were fine.”

To keep updated on Hall, visit his Twitter page.

— Former TNA performers Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed are advertised to reunite at the July 25 CHIKARA event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at “The Arena.” They will be facing the team of Sara Del Rey and Daizee Haze. Also advertised for the event is a tag match pitting Tommy Dreamer and Eddie Kingston against Claudio Castagnoli and Ares. For more information on the show, visit ChikaraPro.com.

— In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura turns 59 years old while former WWE Diva Cherry turns 35.

Melina Comments On Rehab, When She Used To Shriek, More

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Melina spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com to comment on her upcoming return to the ring. At the time of the interview, she was planning on having her first match back at Wednesday night’s Florida Championship Wrestling live event. She later backtracked, stating on Twitter yesterday afternoon: “Bad news peeps. I was just told I couldn’t wrestle tonight. My heart dropped. I’m sorry. But I will still be there & keep you posted.”

Here are highlights from the interview:

On her rehab: “Everything has been really tough. It’s been strenuous. I always get worried because I’m thinking I’m not getting better quick enough. But after a while, I’ve just accepted the fact that it’s going to take as long as it needs to take and I was really worried coming back this week to see what I can do.”

On her character shrieking: “I admit, back in the MNM days when I would do that scream, I loved it… Seriously, I don’t realize how much I do it. Sometimes, I annoy myself. It’s just a natural thing. When I do really put something into it, I really do just kind of scream. It’s just the way I throw a punch, like take this! I don’t know why I do it.”

On increasing her arsenal: “I’ve been brainstorming on certain things. I thought that this time around I’ll have a couple of new stuff but at the same time whenever someone asks me ‘what do you want to do’ I’m thinking I have so many things. (laughs) And I keep adding and adding and adding. I have in my arsenal so much that I can never put it all into a match.”

Major Name Going Heel To Become Leader Of The Nexus?

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(credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

-The current plan is for a major name to be revealed as the person behind Nexus. The two names being pitched for heel turns are Triple H and John Cena. Hunter has long wanted to turn back heel, and if you go with Cena, how you then explain all of the beatdowns becomes a logic issue, but that’s never stopped them before.

-Triple H’s tendon tear, for which he underwent surgery last week, is said to have been a minor tear that will keep him out of action anywhere from 2-4 months. With him likely out of the Summerslam picture, other ideas being talked about include John Morrison vs. Ted DiBiase, with Melina returning in Morrison’s corner to oppose Maryse, Big Show vs. Jack Swagger, and continuing the Harts-Usos feud for the Unified tag team titles.

Update On The Undertaker, WWE Stars Encounter Travel Issues

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(sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com)

— It is not a guarantee that Undertaker will be healthy enough to return for SummerSlam as originally planned. Next week’s television tapings will determine whether or not he’ll be able to return in time for the event.

— Several WWE stars encountered travel issues when trying to arrive to Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping in Louisville, Kentucky. The issues dealt with the local airport.

Michael McGroto wrote the following concerning a sign he brought to Tuesday’s SmackDown television taping in Louisville, Kentucky stating “Michelle McTaker”: “Just wanted to pass along the word about the Smackdown taping last night in Louisville that my “Michelle McTaker” sign had been confiscated by the WWE during the Layla/Baretta vs. Masters/Kelly Kelly match despite being held up several times throughout the night. Many of the superstars that were in the ring waiting for their match to begin or were on stage for NXT noticed my sign and either laughed or shrugged their shoulders nervously. Just shows the power of the WWE to hide relationships and the amount of power the Undertaker has backstage with the rest of the guys.”

Michelle McCool married fellow WWE performer Mark Calaway (a/k/a The Undertaker) on June 26, 2010 in Austin, Texas.

WWE Re-signs Two Wrestlers, Melina’s In-Ring Return Nixed

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(sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com)

— Melina was scheduled to compete in her first match in seven months at tonight’s Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Orlando, but was informed today that she would be unable to compete. She wrote on Twitter: “Bad news peeps. I was just told I couldn’t wrestle tonight. My heart dropped. I’m sorry. But I will still be there & keep you posted.”

— Ryan O’Reilly, 30. has signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment to return to the company. He and his then girlfriend, now fiancée, Krissy Vaine both previously had WWE developmental contracts, both competing in its developmental territories Deep South Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling as well as appearing on house shows for WWE’s ECW brand, but requested to be released for personal reasons in October 2007. Both had made appearances on Raw and SmackDown prior to their release and O’Reilly, who had previously appeared on ECW on Sci Fi, was expected to join the regular ECW roster.

— WWE has signed Aaron Stevens (a/k/a Idol Stevens) to a developmental contract. Stevens was situated in the company’s developmental system for years, culminating with a brief stint on SmackDown in 2006. After being removed from the main roster when Michelle McCool was hospitalized in late 2006, Stevens returned to Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was ultimately released on August 6, 2007. He spent the past two years working for the Puerto Rican-based World Wrestling Council promotion.

Former Women’s Champ Melina Returning To The Ring Tonight

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Melina will be competing in her first match in seven months at tonight’s Florida Championship Wrestling live event at the Orlando Armory. She has been sidelined since December due to a torn ACL suffered during a WWE live event.

The multi-time Women’s Champion has spent the past week at FCW’s headquarters shaking off ring rust. She tweeted the following on Monday concerning her return to the ring:

“This tweet is about my day at fcw. Everyone thinks I’m wrestling right now and I have to do some wrestling style therapy to see what I can actually do and if it’s safe for me. The wwe doctor still needs to talk to my doctor in LA, then get back to the fcw therapist. I admit, certain moves scared me. I’m not sure if what I feel at times is bad, normal or all in my head. We just have to wait and see. I will keep you posted each day.”

She is also scheduled to take part in an autograph signing before the show. For more information on the event and autograph appearance, click here.

Doink the Clown’s Identity, Mexican Wrestler Receiving Tryout

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— Doink the Clown was portrayed by WWE producer Steve Lombardi (a/k/a Brooklyn Brawler) on Monday’s Raw, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch. He took part in the eight-wrestler “Brady Bunch” themed tag match. It’s interesting to note that the official WWE website referenced Lombardi’s past personas in its write-up for the match, saying: “In the end, the “Santino Bunch” proved too strong for the “Regal Bunch,” despite the clever recruitment of Doink the Clown, a staple of the ’90s, who competed alongside such unlikely ring warriors as Brooklyn Brawler, Abe “Knuckleball” Schwartz and Kim Chee.”

— Mexican wrestler Psicosis II is scheduled to receive a tryout with WWE when the company tours Texas later this month, reports www.F4WOnline.com. He is not to be confused with former WCW Cruiserweight Champion and WWE performer Psychosis.

— In the following video, Florence Henderson recalls her night as Monday Night Raw’s special guest hostess.

Scott Hall In The Hospital, Friends Very Concerned About Him

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(credit f4wonline.com)

-Scott Hall remains in the hospital battling a double pneumonia infextion. Hall recently had a falling out with some close friends as a result of his stubbornness in not entering a hospital earlier than he did. In a recent radio interview Hall did with Sean Waltman, he began sobbing on the air when discussing his health, claiming he also suffers from a psychological disorder. His friends are more concerned for his well being now than at any point in the past.

-Gene Snitsky has a starring role in an upcoming film called “Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge”, the sequel to what was once deemed ‘the worst movie ever made.’ Snitsky said it films in early 2011 and will be released in 2013.

-Booker T is currently writing a book that chronicles his life before wrestling, including growing up on the streets of Houston, going to jail for armed robbery of a Wendy’s and eventually turning his life around.

Teenage Fan Enters The Ring After Match At “iMPACT!” Taping

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(source: www.prowrestling.net)

A teenage fan jumped the guardrail and entered the ring following the Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Morgan match at last night’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando. The fan, who was described as being 13 years old, charged towards Anderson and held up his arm after the match. Morgan got up and clotheslined Anderson, which apparently scared the teenager as he ran away. The scripted angle continued as planned once the intruder left the ring.

There was heat on Universal Studios security for allowing the teenager to reach the ring. The fan was told that he is prohibited from attending shows at The Impact! Zone.

On another note, there was a lot of joking backstage following the incident about how Morgan should have taken the kid out.

Raw Guest Hosting To Continue, “Superstars” Preview, More

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— Though no Raw guest hosts are currently scheduled, the WWE website announced that the concept will continue. The following statement was released:

Upcoming Raw guest hosts

From comedians to politicians to musical performers to professional athletes, Monday Night Raw’s guest hosts are some of past and present’s finest entertainers. The WWE Universe, therefore, can expect this trend to continue as more and more of the most popular celebrities are hopping aboard to serve as Raw special host.

Check back here as new Raw special guest hosts are announced, and be sure to tune in Monday nights when the biggest stars from all over the world have the opportunity to take over as Raw’s special guest host.

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

* Chris Jericho vs. Yoshi Tatsu
* The Bella Twins vs. Maryse and Jillian
* JTG vs. Chavo Guerrero
* Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins vs. local competitors

— Rey Mysterio defeated Jack Swagger in a Steel Cage Match following last night’s SmackDown taping in Louisville, Kentucky. Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio beat a local competitor in a dark match before NXT.

Major News on “Extreme” Makeover for TNA Hard Justice PPV

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(credit f4wonline.com)

At the end of tonight’s Impact taping for the 7/22 show, TNA announced the 8/8 Hard Justice PPV will be essentially a remake of the ECW One Night Stand shows from several years ago. Tommy Dreamer even referenced how the 2005 show was supposed to be the end, but Vince McMahon brought it back and ruined it. He got emotional, asking Dixie Carter to give them one last night and she consented, saying the former ECW guys will have full control of the PPV. Dreamer then promised people would see ECW as it should be seen and not what Vince McMahon turned it into.

Smackdown Spoilers With Exclusive Photo of Punk Unmasked

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Thanks to SEScoops reader and Sound Off listener Jeronimo Cárdenas for the results and photo:

-Dark match was Alberto Del Rio over some local wrestler before NXT.  Guy was good… not great, but looked good.

— The NXT battle royal was really confusing live, but the 450 at the end did the trick.   It’s amazing to witness live.

Smackdown opened with Cody Rhodes and Kofi Kingston going to a draw after Kane came out and destroyed both men.  He then cut a promo vowing to kill Jack Swagger later.

-Drew McIntyre def. Christian.

-CM Punk and the SES in the ring for a promo before Big Show interrupts.  Show brought out various ladders that didn’t accomodate his size, but then brought out a custom ladder specially made for his size.  SES attacked Show, but he eventually got rid of them and went after Punk.  It culminated with Big Show taking Punk to the top of the ladder and removing his mask!  See the photo below.

-Kelly Kelly and Chris Masters def. Layla and Trent Barretta.  Rosa Mendez came out and distracted Layla by jumping rope.

-Dolph Ziggler def. Matt Hardy.

-Jack Swagger brought out his “father” (SITE NOTE: played by former WCW star Bunkhouse Buck) with “evidence” that would clear him from Kane’s accusations.  It was just a bunch of silly photos with Swagger and his dad doing athletic contests during the  Memorial Day holida.  Kane came out and called BS, then attempted to chokeslam both men.  Swagger fought back and Rey Mysterio came out and attacked Swagger, leading to Kane chokeslamming Swagger’s dad while poor Jack watched from outside the ring.

-Best moments were the Christian-McIntyre match and the Big Show segment with CM Punk (Paul Wight was really over with the crowd.

Female Fan Targets John Cena After Raw Goes Off The Air

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(credit: prowrestling.net)

-Once Raw went off the air last night, John Cena and Randy Orton defeated Edge and Sheamus in the dark match.  Following the match, with the two babyfaces celebrating, a female fan hopped the barricade and got into the ring at John Cena.  Security quickly grabbed her, though she grabbed hold of the ropes, held on tight and it took several bodies to get her out.

-(SPOILER ALERT) TNA stars Tommy Dreamer and Brother Ray of Team 3D were responsible for leading all the wrestlers involved through a walkthrough of the “invasion” angle that closes out this Thursday’s Impact show.  There was a belief that Dreamer may have suffered some sort of knee injury during the angle, but we have not gotten confirmation of this as of yet.

Lisa Marie Varon Kayfabing Her Return To TNA Wrestling

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As seen at Victory Road, Madison Rayne lost the Women’s Knockout Championship to Angelina Love via disqualification due to outside interference from a person incognito in a motorcycle helmet. The mystery person was Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara), who recently agreed to return to TNA Wrestling. On Twitter, she has been kayfabing her return to the organization by writing various messages indicating she’s at home. In fact, she wrote late last night that she slept all day, thus explaining why she was unable to tweet much.

Further indicating that Varon has in fact rejoined TNA Wrestling, she opened a Facebook Fan Page last week in which lists herself as a TNA Knockout — and former WWE Diva.

“PWI 500” Winner Announced, Bischoff Comments On TV, More

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— “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles has been named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s “PWI 500” winner for 2010. He is the first TNA wrestler to top the annual chart, which is now in its twentieth year. To view the magazine’s cover, click here. The issues hits newsstands Aug. 3.

— On Facebook, Eric Bischoff commented on last night’s television tapings in Orlando, referencing creative writers Vince Russo and Matt Conway: “Just talked to Vince. Sounds live TV went well today. Next 4 months of TV is set up to be pretty exciting. Looking forward to it. Thanks again Vince and Matt for picking up my slack. Looking forward to next set of TV’s!”

Bischoff previously stated that he would not be attending this week’s tapings.

— Jeremy Borash announced during last night’s television tapings that TNA Wrestling will be offering VIP packages (meet and greet with TNA stars) for every pay-per-view event. (source: PWInsider.com)

Officials High On Diva, NXT Rookies Scheduled For SummerSlam

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(sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com)

— WWE officials are said to be “very high” on Divas Champion Alicia Fox. Her sister, Christina Crawford, is currently training in developmental. She made her Florida Championship Wrestling debut at last Thursday’s live event in Tampa, competing in a Divas Bikini Contest.

— NXT Rookies from both seasons are scheduled to compete at SummerSlam.

— Following last night’s Raw, a match pitting Randy Orton against Edge and Sheamus began. Moments into the match, John Cena appeared, after being tended to backstage by medical personnel as a result of a cut suffered during the conclusion of Raw. Cena spent most of the match on the outside, but made the save for Orton to win the bout. A woman jumped the barricade after the match and began clinging to Cena’s leg, but was quickly escorted by security.

— WWE has a new DVD project in the works entitled Best of the High Flyers. This title is set to be released on Oct. 12.

— WWE developmental wrestler G-Rilla is now going under the name Brodus Clay. He recently formed a partnership with Donny Marlow, referring themselves as “The Colossal Connection.”

The Bella Twins’ Future In Doubt, PPV Buys For Over The Limit

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— With WWE’s Raw guest host concept seemingly on its last legs, one company source said “things don’t look good” for The Bella Twins.

Throughout the duration of the concept, the twin duo’s screen time would hinge on the guest host of the week as they are generally used on Raw as “arm pieces” rather than in a wrestling capacity. In recent weeks they have been largely relegated to WWE’s secondary show Superstars as a result of the concept being de-emphasized.

Florence Henderson, who wasn’t even announced in advance on Raw, was the last guest host scheduled, though that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s the final one.

— WWE released a preliminary figure of 198,000 worldwide buys — including 115,000 from North America — for its Over the Limit pay-per-view in May. WWE dropped Judgment Day from it annual line-up and replaced it with Over the Limit this year. Last year’s event drew 228,000 total buys.

— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.64 cable rating, 715,000 viewers. The midnight replay scored a 0.2, with 146,000 viewers.

Maryse Discusses Playboy, Superstars Preview, Raw Dark Match

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Playboy’s “Cyber Club” has published nude photographs of Maryse taken several years ago and are using her image to advertise the pictorial. This matter was brought to her attention, to which she remarked on Twitter:

“For all those asking constantly about Playboy, no I didn’t shoot recently and haven’t sign any deals w them, Playboy owns their copyrights. They own all the photos I did shoot with them, so they can use it for the next 100 years if they want and in any kind of form they want! I never worked for Playboy Cyber Club, they are parts of Playboy, that’s why they are releasing right now other photos!”

— Matches taped before Monday’s Raw broadcast for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America were Yoshi Tatsu vs. Chris Jericho and The Bella Twins vs. Maryse and Jillian.

— In a battle of NXT Rookies, Kaval beat Alex Riley in a dark match before Monday’s Raw broadcast. Riley cut a heel promo before the match.

Injury Updates On Divas, J.R. Comments On New WWE Intro

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— Melina is presently shaking off ring rust at WWE’s developmental promotion, Florida Championship Wrestling. The multi-time WWE Women’s Champion is expected to make a return to the main roster “anytime.” Meanwhile, Beth Phoenix is roughly two months away from returning to the ring. She is recovering from ACL surgery. (source: PWInsider.com)

— As seen at the top of Monday’s Raw broadcast, WWE debuted a modified montage video. Among the changes were “Classy” Freddie Blassie, Buddy Rogers, Gorgeous George and Harley Race being added, but the most striking change was the removal of the voice of Jim Ross in favor of Raw announcer Michael Cole.

Concerning the modified video, Ross wrote on Twitter: “While @ gym got messages my voice was removed from Raw show open. If it matters, that’s news 2 me. Been nice 2 have been informed. Oh, well.”

— WWE’s DVD set chronicling the Elimination Chamber Match, Satan’s Prison- The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber, is officially released today. The trailer for the DVD can be viewed here.

Updated Card For WWE’s Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View

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Below is the updated card for WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view following this week’s episode of Raw. A new match has been added to the lineup as it was announced that Alicia Fox would be defending her Divas Championship against Eve.

Here is the updated card:

Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Jack Swagger

Raw Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Randy Orton vs. John Morrison vs. Evan Bourne vs. The Miz vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. Mark Henry
(Winner earns right to challenge the WWE Champion at any time, at any place, for up to one year)

SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Big Show vs. Christian vs. Matt Hardy vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler
(Winner earns right to challenge World Heavyweight Champion at any time, at any place, for up to one year)

Unified Tag Team Championship Match
The Hart Dynasty (c) vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Layla (c) vs. Kelly Kelly

WWE Divas Championship Match
Alicia Fox (c) vs. Eve

Dixie Carter Holds Backstage Meeting With Talent in Orlando

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(credit f4wonline.com)

-TNA President Dixie Carter held a company meeting this afternoon prior to tonight’s Impact taping, but said nothing about any of the rumors swirling around Paul Heyman, Hulk Hogan or Eric Bischoff.  Rather, she told the wrestlers that they need to tighten up their ring work.  Lots of workers were said to be infuriated by this.

-Speaking of Hogan and Bischoff, neither are at the building tonight, nor are they expected to be there tomorrow.  Bischoff is said to be off at a biker rally while Hogan laying low may actually have more to do with the possibility of Paul Heyman coming in rather than his recent back surgery.  While there is still no deal between the two sides, negotiations are still very much active with the former head of ECW.

-Mick Foley is scheduled to return to TV at the Impact tapings this week.

*Spoiler* Former TNA Champion Returning At Impact Tapings

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(source: www.prowrestling.net)

Mick Foley is backstage at tonight’s iMPACT! television taping in Orlando, Florida and expected to appear on television this week.

The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion is expected to join the “ECW” faction.

Foley last appeared on TNA programming on the March 22, 2010 edition of iMPACT!. Foley lost to Jarrett in a No Disqualification Career vs. Career match set up by Eric Bischoff, forcing him to leave TNA (kayfabe).