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Eugene Talks About His Gimmick, Vince, TNA & More

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Former WWE Superstar Eugene (Nick Dinsmore) joined Matt & JD on Ring The Bell Radio. He discussed being cut from the WWE, What Vince and Triple H are really like, and whether he will be appearing on TNA or WWE anytime soon. You can listen to the full interview at: RingTheBellRadio.com.Here are some highlights of what Dinsmore said about:

Whose idea was it for the Eugene Gimmick: “It was my idea; I had the idea of a kids based character that couldn’t do the basic things, but when he got into the ring he would emulate his favorite stars. I remember being a kid watching wrestling feeling that way, having the awe and excitement when I Hulk Hogan or the Junk Yard Dog or Koko B. Ware.

How he pitched the idea to Vince: “In the developmental system (OVW) WWE used to send down members from the creative team. They said I had great in ring ability but I needed a gimmick. So I pitched the Eugene gimmick to them. They really didn’t care for it and at the time I got really frustrated. I was about to ask for my release and go to Japan or Mexico, and then I found myself in a meeting with Mr. McMahon. He looked at me and said “I want to get back to character based wrestling!” Going into the meeting I had no idea what I was going to say, but once he brought that up, I told him my idea. He sat back and laughed and said “Sounds great, you’ll start on Monday”.

Working for WCW and how it compared to WWE: “Late 98-99 I wrestled two Thunders, two Nitros and about 10 Saturday Nights. It seemed to be a bit more stressful for sure. Things weren’t ironed out as smoothly as with WWE. I remember one Nitro that they didn’t even have the line up of what was going to happen until 5 minutes after the show actually started. In WWE though it’s the same thing, but I think the “machine” and more well oiled than in WCW.”

Toughest Opponent: “Hands down….Kurt Angle. I wrestled him for about 6 weeks straight. He pulled my hair, bloodied my lip, blackened my eyes, and dropped me on my head! He was one of the most aggressive guys out there, but at the same time very professional. He was great to wrestle with but you knew you were going to be in for a fight.”

Thoughts on TNA: “TNA has the platform to do something completely different in the wrestling business right now. All of the pieces are in place in TNA right now that were in place when WCW made more money than any wrestling company in history. People are expecting things to happen immediately in TNA and you can’t make the magic happen like that. If you remember Hogan was in WCW for almost 2 or 3 years before the NOW finally took off. You just have to wait for everything to fall into place, but for TNA it’s looking good all the way around.”

Randy Orton Injury Update, Cena Puts Over Bourne & More

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– John Cena wrote the following on Twitter last night about Evan Bourne:

“CeNation. Evan is for real. I have always felt he has been overlooked, and it was a privlidge to be his team mate.”

– Randy Orton was told over the weekend that he shouldn’t be wrestling for three weeks, according to f4wonline.com. Besides the attack from Edge last night, Orton isn’t expected to take many bumps over the next few weeks leading up to Fatal 4 Way.

– Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter regarding last night’s RAW:

“Michael Cole entered Raw 2nite in Austin to what music? ‘BOOMER SOONER!’ Now THAT’S heat.”

“Sign Guy’s got front row seats @ Raw. Raw feels fresh 2nite. Like the newness. Truth’s elevating, Bryan’s excellent, Uso’s & Bourne…yes!”

Money In The Bank PPV Poster & Synopsis With Jack Swagger

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Here is the official poster and synopsis for WWE’s first-ever Money in the Bank pay-per-view, which takes place on July 18th from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Synopsis: On Sunday, July 18th, a heart-pounding WWE match-up will take place 20 feet above the ring…in a steel briefcase! Don’t miss one second of the action as Jack Swagger, John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars battle it out in “WWE: Money in the Bank! Catch it live on Sunday, July 18th, on Pay-Per-View!

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What You Didn’t See On RAW: Edge, Bourne & Cena

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Here’s a live recap of what we didn’t see on television at Monday’s WWE RAW from Austin, Texas:

Before RAW:

– Dos Caras beat Yoshi Tatsu.  Caras got a lot of heat with the crowd by first cutting a babyface promo in Spanish and then cutting a heel promo on the crowd in English.

– Superstars match: Mark Henry beat Primo.

– Superstars match: Gail Kim beat Jillian Hall.

– Edge then came out and said that RAW hasn’t started but he was going to stand in the ring and say what he wanted, and nobody could stop him. He was interrupted by Evan Bourne, who said he was out there to make a name for himself. Bourne said he would start by challenging Edge for his spot in the Fatal 4 Way main event. They went at it and that’s when RAW started.

After RAW:

– After RAW went off the air, Edge came back out and speared Evan Bourne. Edge cut a promo on John Cena before Bret Hart out. Bret said Edge would wrestle John Cena right then and there Edge said he wasn’t ready but the bell rang anyway. Cena ended up winning with the STF. Cena then called Evan Bourne back out and Bourne hit another Air Bourne on Edge. Bourne and Cena left while Edge took the mic, recovered and said if he ever sees the fans again in the arena, he will slap the taste out of their mouths.

TNA Victory Road 2010 PPV Poster With Kurt Angle & Synopsis

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PPV provider iNDEMAND has released the official pay-per-view poster and synopsis for TNA’s Victory Road, which takes place on July 11th from the iMPACT Zone in Orlando:

Synopsis: On Sunday, July 11th, watch Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson as they fight their way to victory! Which contender will earn RVD’s TNA heavyweight title? Tune in on July 11th to find out! Order “TNA: Victory Road” live on Pay-Per-View!

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WWE RAW Results For May 31: Ashton Kutcher Hosts

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Report by Kendra:

RAW this week starts with Edge stomping the heck out of Evan Bourne! Edge gets down in Evan’s face, and talks smack about Evan getting in Edge’s face, in Edge’s ring. King and Cole say that Evan came out to make his own place on RAW. Edge sends Evan to run the ropes and Evan gains the upper hand on Edge. Kicks to Edge and Evan climbs. SSP, but Edge rolls out. Evan recuperates as Edge sets up. Spear to Evan. Edge grabs a mic and says what happened to Evan will happen to his opponents at Fatal 4 Way. Sheamus, Cena, Orton. No matter how many times Edge proves his dominance people like Evan Bourne disrespects him, the fans disrespect him. At Fatal 4 Way that changes. He’s nothing like his opponents. Cena, he’s our superhero, possibly the strongest man in this industry. Sheamus, doesn’t care who gets in his way. He’ll bulldoze his way through and takes what he wants. Then there’s Orton, the viper. “You suck!” chants. He’ll wait there in the grass and pounce. But they love it, RKO, right? “RKO” chants. The fans are sheep who hopped in the snake pit, wait for the viper to bite them. At Fatal 4 Way he’ll prove everyone wrong when he becomes a ten time, count them, ten time Champion. Orton’s music and out he comes. Edge asks if he’s out there to drop Edge? Well, Edge knows Orton’s not 100%. He can see it in Orton’s eyes. He has an option for Orton, because he can hurt Orton at Fatal 4 Way. Look into Edge’s eyes, he’s not kidding. Orton hits an RKO, shakes out the arm and then poses up on a corner. Video replay of the RKO and Orton holding that shoulder. Orton stares off into space. Cena and Orton will face Edge and Sheamus later tonight in a tag match.

Ashton Kutcher will be out next.

– Commercial

Ashton Kutcher backstage reading something. Eve in and hugs between them. Ashton talks about how Zack Ryder talking smack on Twitter about Ashton. Because of the movie Ashton was just in, he’s putting a hit on Zack tonight and it could be anyone who’s doing it. Miz is there and says he knows Ashton wants to see Miz because he want’s Miz’s star power in Killers 2. Ashton says he’d been talking to Bret Hart about a match for Miz. They have a one night contract with this guy Miz might know, Daniel Bryan. Miz says he’ll take Bryan apart. Ashton says it’s hard to do when Bryan makes Miz tap out. Miz tells Ashton to get his Nikon. Ashton threatens to put the Nikon so far up Miz’s… Eve stops Ashton and reminds him RAW is PG. Ashton tells Miz he doesn’t want to see ‘the farmhand’. Miz stomps off and Eve asks to see ‘the farmhand’.

Justin announces the new US Champion, R-Truth. He comes out singing and the fans are HOT. Video of Miz and R-Truth facing off last week. Miz was sure he’d regain ‘his’ US Championship, but R-Truth beat him and won the title. Cheap pop from R-Truth in the ring and they eat it up! Jericho out to face R-Truth. Cole says it’s a 13,000 people capacity crowd.

Jericho up in R-Truth’s face asking something, pointing a finger. R-Truth dances and wiggles, leaving the fans laughing. Shoulder block drops R-Truth. Jericho runs the ropes, then a hip toss from R-Truth. Jericho tries for a code breaker and ends up flying out through the ropes. R-Truth out onto Jericho.

– Commercial

Jericho with a headlock on R-Truth in the center of the ring. During the break it was all Jericho. R-Truth to his feet and elbows out. An arm around Jericho’s waist and takes Jericho down for two. Enziguri to R-Truth for two. Jericho sets R-Truth on the second rope and chokes him there. Then Jericho stands on R-Truth’s back and pulls the top rope up to chokes some more. Suplex to R-Truth. Cole says the locker room doesn’t take R-Truth seriously as the US Champion yet. (Been wrestling 13 years, Jericho 20 years, not that much of a rookie.) That he’s no veteran. Flying forearm to Jericho. Punches to Jericho drops him. head scissors sent Jericho flying. Boot to Jericho’s face. Bulldog to R-Truth. Jericho goes for a lionsault, R-Truth moves out of the way. R-Truth misses his bicycle kick. R-Truth slams Jericho to the mat face first in a way that looks kinda wrong. Jericho drops R-Truth for two. R-Truth into his dancing moves but misses his spinning kick. Jericho locks on the walls but R-Truth spins his hips and somehow locks on a small package for three!

– Winner: R-Truth

Jericho sits in the ring looking shocked at the loss while R-Truth looks in at him. Video of R-Truth’s win. Jericho still looks lost as R-Truth poses with some young fans and dances around.

– Commercial

King and Cole talk about the Fatal 4 Way PPV coming up and who would qualify for the RAW main event. Video of Batista in the ring last week, all beaten up and in a wheel chair, screaming his head off. Justin announced the new RAW GM, Bret Hart. Bret said Batista needed to qualify for the Fatal 4 Way. Batista threatened to quit because he couldn’t wrestle. Bret announced the winner via forfeit, Randy Orton. Batista then quit the WWE.

Backstage Zack Ryder is backstage with Fox talking about this hit on him. He says maybe he’s doing the hit, it’s Bret. Natalya in with a hug. The Hart Dynasty asks about who attacked them. Bret said he signed them, they’re the Usos. They obviously want to make names for themselves, what will the Dynasty do about it?

Santino and Eve out to the ring together. It might be a PG show, but Eve’s quite nipply in her pink and black outfit!

– Commercial

Eve and Santino in the ring. Santino’s showing her the move he learned last week. Maryse out in a new red studded outfit that makes her look rather scrawny before removing her jacket. Regal and Kozlov out to the ring. Regal will be tagging with Maryse! Santino on mic says for the good of George Mucas, please stop playing this wannabe Darth Vader music. Why does Kozlov insist on coming out with Regal when the opportunity to become the greatest tag team of the WWE Universe? Think about it. The irremovable object versus the unstoppable force. Plus, if Kozlov is his partner, she’ll make love to him. Eve freaks out. I mean Eve would love for Kozlov to be his tag team partner. Plus there’s his cobra.

Eve and Maryse start. Maryse laughs at Eve in the ring, over and over. Eve moves in and Maryse knees her in the gut. Eve rolls over Maryse’s back and dropkicks her. Maryse’s hand took the whole kick and the camera easily kicked it up. Maryse tagged in and made Eve back off by yelling at her. Regal and Santino in. “Santino” chants, Santino laughs and put his hands up. Santino puts on some fancy footwork, Regal punches Santino to the mat. Forearms to Santino’s face in a corner. Santino whipped and comes out into a clothesline. Regal throws Santino down and then lock on a submission. Eve in and kicks Regal to break it. Maryse in on Eve. The ref distracted by the Divas and Kozlov in. Kozlov choke slams Regal to the mat. Santino slides over and pins Regal for three. Kozlov stomped up the ramp with Maryse chasing, or maybe fleeing.

– Winners: Santino & Eve

Santino was confused about who they won. Video of Kozlov’s attack. Santino realizes that Kozlov helped him and he’s thrilled.

Backstage Bret Hart’s heading for the ring.

– Commercial

Video for the soldiers and fallen soldiers.

Justin announces Bret Hart to the ring. Bret out in jeans, a button down, leather jacket, sunglasses and his hair slicked back and tied. King and Cole talk about how amazing it is that Bret’s the GM of RAW after all these years. He says he’s been the GM for about a week and he’s been having so much fun. In fact, he got together with Teddy Long and they’ll do something real special next week. They’ll have all the RAW and SD! stars under one roof. It will be a special night. It will be three hours to fit in all the fun and games. The best part about it, Teddy and her were talking and they thought the fans should participate. Superstars with ideas, bring them to Bret. Monday night RAW will be a night to remember and a whole lot of fun. Ted DiBiase comes out with Virgil in tow. Of course Virgil up first to hold the ropes for Ted. Ted says if Teddy and Bret are accepting suggestions, make Ted GM for the night. Not guest host, GM, he wants complete control. He’s willing and able to pay Bret and Teddy whatever it takes. Is that right? asks Bret. Ted says Bret’s not too good to be bought. Ted says his father says everyone has his price. Bret says to take it up with Teddy, he’s fine. Ted says he knows Bret came back because he needs money, so don’t let his pride get in the way. All he has to do is name his price. Bret just stares. Ashton on the tron. He says before Bret gives that power to Ted, think of this. Why not have next week be a viewer’s choice. Give the power to the viewers to handle everything. Ted says Bret’s not actually thinking of doing that, is he? Bret says it’s a good idea. Next week’s RAW will be a viewer’s choice night. Out comes Vince McMahon. He’s all smiles and strutting out to the ring. This is the first time he and Bret have seen each other since WM, says Cole. Vince gets some pop from the fans. Then he says to hear it for Vince McMahon. Then, let’s hear it for Bret Hart. Vince says Bret looks ten years older than at WM. Look at Vince, never looked better or felt better. But he wasn’t feeling to well with his whole family there and Bret bashed him with the steel chair over and over and over. How many times did Bret hit him with the chair? Bret says 18. Vince says it would have injured a normal man. He asks Bret if he got everything out of his system from all those years? Bret says, most of it. “You tapped out!” chants. Vince says he didn’t really. Vince says he must have because Bret jumped on the opportunity to become GM of RAW. Why would Vince allow this? Maybe it’s a nefarious plot against Bret. Maybe it’s that old keeping enemies closer. Or maybe he thinks Bret’s the man for the job because the fans do. Bret’s been making popular decisions. Vince will be tuning in next week. Not all decisions will be popular. You need to treat these people like children, he means it in the most complimentary ways. They can’t make the best decisions for themselves, he has to make some tough decisions. Is Bret ready for them to boo him out of the building. Bret says he can handle it. He’s really there to wish Bret luck. Does he believe it? Bret says no. Vince says it’s a wonderful story, a man banned 13 years ago returns to become GM. He just hopes Bret’s story as GM has a happy ending. Bret glares. Vince calls for more pop for himself, then even louder! Vince is smirking and strutting around as Bret just stares at him. Vince leaves the ring, salutes Bret and leaves with a smirk.

Backstage Zack’s trying to find out if it’s Orton who will be taking him out. Orton says if he wanted to take Zack out, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. Then the door Orton’s standing next to opens and then slams closed on Orton’s shoulder. Edge steps out over Orton and leaves. Someone rushes over and yells for help.

– Commercial

Video of Edge’s attack on Orton backstage just before the commercial.

Cole says Orton’s being checked over now. Will he be able to tag with Cena tonight? King says he doubts Orton will be able to wrestle tonight.

The Miz out to the ring. Cole talks about how Miz will teach Bryan some respect and what a useless punk Bryan is. Bryan comes stomping out to the ring in his regular maroon trunks. Video from the confrontation between Bryan and Cole last week. Cole verbally attacked Bryan and tried to slap Bryan before Bryan was pulled away. On the stage Miz verbally attacked Bryan and Bryan went after Miz. Cole says it’s all because Bryan doesn’t have the heart it takes to make it in the WWE.

One big punch drops Miz hard. Arm bar on Miz on the mat, but right in the ropes and he has to let go. Clothesline to the back of Bryan’s head and Miz works him hard. Cole goes on and on about Bryan going back to the indies, to his internet buddies. This guy’s such a nerd, doesn’t even own a TV set! Shoulders and punches to Bryan in a corner. King asked how this all started. Cole says Bryan can’t take criticism. Forearm to Bryan in a corner. If Bryan can’t take it from Cole, what about in the locker room. What’s a vegan anyway? Doesn’t eat meat? King says a lot of people don’t eat meat. Crossface on Miz who fights to not tap out. Miz counters but Bryan backslides Miz for three.

– Winner: Daniel Bryan!!!

King laughs hysterically a Cole who’s jaw drops open in shock. Miz is so pissed he attacks Bryan from behind as the ref raises Bryan’s hand in victory. Forearms to Bryan’s face. Miz throws Bryan from the ring, right in front of announce. Cole says this was the biggest upset in WWE’s history. Miz pulls Bryan up and demands Bryan apologize to the Miz. Bryan elbows Miz in the gut, bounces his face off announce and then launches Miz over announce and face first into Cole’s face! King says that wasn’t exactly an apology. Bryan back into the ring then back out and up the ramp staring at Cole. King tells Cole to get up, he looks like a fool down there. Bryan’s there for one night, pins Miz and leaves Cole on his keester. Get up Cole, laughs King.

– Commercial

King’s all smiles as Cole puts his head set back on. King says they’re back on the air. King asks if he’s alright. Cole says he’s been assaulted, twice in less than a week. Assaulted, nothing short of it. Yes, he was ambushed, the same way the Usos assaulted the Harts last week.

Slam Of The Week – The Hart Dynasty were attacked after their match last week by the Usos and Snuka’s daughter.

The Usos are in the ring with Snuka’s daughter. They have mics. One says as of right now they have the whole world trippin’. they’re wondering who they are and where they’re coming from. Only way for them to make a name for themselves. “You suck” chants. The only way was for them to put the Hart Dynasty on their backs. The other asked who they are. The first says they’re Jay and Jimmy Uso and their girl Tamina. The second brother says they’ll keep it real with the Hart Dynasty. They’re not the only ones who’s family runs deep in this business. If anyone knows about blood thicker than water, it goes way back to the Wild Samoans and then back here to them. They’re not the typical Samoans either. They have fashion, in your colleges, their scholarship money, law firms. The bottom line is they had to make a name and they in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tamina takes a mic and says they’re right. They respect where the Hart Dynasty comes from, a family the Universe respect. Their families don’t get that respect, like her father, Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka. He was put in the corner at the first WM as if he didn’t have anything to offer to the main event. No, that’s not going to happen no more. You know why WWE Universe? They were born and created for one purpose. They all say ‘dominate’ together. The Hart Dynasty’s music and the mics were quickly put down. At first the Harts were on top, but Tamina took Natalya down outside and they were then done in the ring. The Usos and Tamina did their triple splash, if not as cleanly, as they did last week.

King says these are Rikishi’s twin sons. Cole talks about the confrontation between Orton and Ryder backstage, but they first show Orton’s RKO on Edge. Then Edge’s attack on Orton with a door backstage.

– Commercial

Zack Ryder and Fox into the ring. She’s in a satin leopard jumper! Zack goes off on the hit Ashton put on Zack. He’s not waiting to get jumped, but demands to know who it is. He can double Ashton’s Twitter followers in a day if he wanted too. Ashton on the tron. He smiles and says he’ll tell Ashton. King climbs in smiling with a chair in hand. Zack tells King not to do it. King set up the chair in the ring and sits down, still smiling. Ashton tells Zack it’s not King. Khali’s music plays and he comes dancing out and Zack looks a bit nauseated. Fox freaked and they left the ring together. Cole asks King what he was doing in there? King says he was in there, that was him? Ashton then says it’s not Khali either, but this is fun. Khali leaves the ring. Then Goldust comes out, but Ashton says it’s not him. Zack says he’s getting paranoyed. He’s sorry he did it. Ashton says like in his movie Killers, he’ll never see it coming. Fox says she’s sorry about this and doesn’t like this joke. She drops the mic. Zack reaches for it and she kicks Zack in the head. Ashton says it’s Fox and that’s why you don’t mess with Ashton and his Twitter followers. Woo, woo, woo, you know it! Fox bounces from the ring all smiles.

Backstage Edge is getting ready and Sheamus comes in. Sheamus says he saw what Edge did to Orton and liked it. He heard what Edge said earlier, Edge is nothing like him, he is a bulldozer. Edge says he hears him. Orton’s been weakened and they can weaken Cena too. Sheamus agrees, but if Edge takes advantage at Sheamus’ expense, it will be the last mistake Edge makes. Edge nods, sorta.

– Commercial

This Week In WWE History they celebrate the life of the Junk Yard Dog’s life. They showed a great video of his career from the first WM to HOF. He died in a car accident this week in 1998, he was only 45.

Next week the Guest Hosts will be the cast of The A-Team.

Edge out to the ring first. Video of the RKO on Edge, then the door into Orton’s shoulder. In the ring Edge smiles at the tron. Sheamus out next and they stare at each other a bit. Cena out to decent pop. On the stage he says he has some unfortunate news. Lots of heat for Cena. He says thank you, but due to the actions of Edge, Orton’s re-injured his shoulder and won’t be able to wrestle. That would leave Cena without a partner, but every WWE Superstar hates them. His partner is a wrecking ball who Edge worked over earlier and would love to kick in Edge’s teeth. Evan Bourne out and he ran into the ring with Cena. Edge and Sheamus quickly from the ring to give Evan and Cena their moment. “Cena” chants from women and children. Edge and Sheamus discuss who will start.

Cena and Edge lock up. Edge nails some punches and takes Cena down in a corner. Cena reverses and hits a bulldog. Evan tags in and takes the arm Cena’s holding. Arm bar on Edge. Forearms to Evan’s back. Evan runs the ropes and somehow launches himself to hits head scissors, then a dropkick and then a back kick to Edge. Edge finally leaves the ring to regroup and hold his face in shock.

– Commercial

Punches from Cena to Sheamus’s gut then Evan tags in a hit’s a low dropkick to a sitting Sheamus in a corner. Evan pins Sheamus for two. Many kicks from Evan on Sheamus, but a back elbow dropped Evan. Evan slammed face first into the heel corner. Edge tags in and elbows Evan in the back, then stomps Evan on the lower ropes. Evan hangs out on the apron. Edge from the ring and kicks Evan in the face, then drops an elbow and Evan hit’s the floor. The ref counts, but both back in. Sheamus tags in and Edge keeps Evan from getting anywhere near Cena. Sheamus gets Evan up for a delayed, but Evan kicks out. Kicks to Sheamus, but Sheamus keeps Evan from Cena. Double axe handle to Evan’s head drops Evan for two. Sheamus keeps a foot on Evan while Edge tags and comes in. A kick to Evan, then Evan’s whipped and falls. Edge pins but Evan kicks out! Evan reaches, but no where near Cena. Evan gets free but runs into the big boot from Edge. Cena’s bouncing in his corner. Headlock on Evan in the center of the ring. Cena gets the fans clapping. Evan gets free, kicks Edge and then an enziguri drops Edge. Both are down on the mat. The ref is counting, but they both tag in. Of course Cena gets the hot tag and goes all Super Cena on Sheamus with shoulder blocks, a side slam and then a five knuckle shuffle. The kids and women are hot for Cena! Sheamus to his feet and up for the AA, but gets free. Sheamus slams Cena Sheamus rushes Cena who side steps. Evan bounces up and kicks Sheamus in the back of the head when he makes it to the face corner. Sheamus back up for the AA and Cena hits it. Edge rushes in for the spear, but Cena side steps and sends Edge to the opposite corner and the ring post to the shoulder with the spear. Evan tags in and goes up top. SSP from Evan and he gets the three.

– Winners: John Cena & Evan Bourne

Cena back in and picks Evan up in the air. Then Cena tells Evan to get up there and pose. Cena up on the opposite corner to pose. It’s Evan’s music that’s playing for the win. Video of Evan getting the win over Sheamus. Cena raises Evan’s hand, then they have a half hug as Evan really soaks in what it’s like to win the main even in a televised RAW show. (I know it’s all booked ahead of time, but it was very big of Cena and cool that Evan got the finisher and pin for three there. Very nice!)

Biggest pop
Bret Hart
Randy Orton
Evan Bourne/Cena
Santino

Biggest heat
Edge
Sheamus
Jericho

Knockouts Upset Over Pay, Hot Chicks At iMPACT!

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(sources: f4wonline.com, pwtorch.com)

– TNA’s iMPACT! television tapings last week featured planted fans as attractive young women were purposely placed in the front row.

– There has been more grumbling than usual amongst the female performers of TNA over the pay discrepancy between them and their male wrestler counterparts. Reportedly, they talked amongst themselves early last week of getting all the women together to demand a raise from management. However, the three-day television tapings in Orlando concluded without confrontation.

– In an interview with www.Angel-Williams.net, Angelina Love comments on TNA moving back to Thursday nights, whether she misses working with Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne in “The Beautiful People,” how she came up with the name Angel, working with Natalya, and more.

When asked to comment on Lacey Von Erich, who made some choice remarks about her during her brief hiatus from the organization, she answered: “Well Lacey and I had never met each other until I came back to TNA at the beginning of this year. I think having the chance to be around each other has changed any pre-conceived feelings we may have had for one another. She’s definitely one of a kind!”

Love also noted that she hopes to work with Mickie James one day.

Jake Roberts Interview: His Gimmick, Backstage Ribs & More

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Jake The Snake Roberts recently gave Matt & JD from Ring The Bell Radio a rare interview. You can listen to the full interview at: RingTheBellRadio.com in the archive section. Here are some highlights of what Jake said about:

Where the Jake The Snake Gimmick came from: “I came up with the idea on my own. I was a Ken Stabler fan, he used to play for the Oakland Raiders. He was a wild child on and off of the football field. His nickname was “The Snake”. I always liked the name Jake, and during that time there was a tv show called Dallas. One of the characters on that show was JR. So I came up with Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

His snake being used in backstage ribs: ”Davey Boy Smith was pretty mean with my snake. He used to take lit cigarettes and throw into the bag because he wanted the snake to attack me once I got out to the ring. Obviously once I got to the ring and opening the bag, the snake was a little upset.. I got my revenge though…I gave Matilda (Davey Boy’s Dog) about 12 hotdogs, some chocolate and maybe some x-lax.  The dog ended up spraying their entire room. I kind of wish it would have been Davey Boy, he was a real piece of. Sh……work anyway.”

Working with the Ultimate Warrior: “Going against Warrior was in no way my idea. He was a blithering idiot! He was a real piece of work and I don’t even want to go into it because it will put me in a bad mood. All I’ll tell you is that Vince McMahon…that’s the worst thing he ever did to wrestling.”

Working in WCW: “Bill Watts had no idea what he was doing. He brought me in, worked one angle with Sting and then he took the snake away from me. That was his weird way of “Besting” McMahon. Like I said he had no idea what he was doing, and if when I die I go to hell I know I’ll have company because I am sure Bill Watts will be there too!”

What Jake “The Snake” is currently doing: ”I’m still wrestling a little bit, but I’m currently writing some books and doing some of my own DVD’s. One is called Snake Tales, which talks about road stories and stuff that went on in the locker rooms. Another one is called Snake Bites Back, which was done around a camp fire with a few friends and I answer some really tough questions not only dealing with wrestling but with my personal life too.”

TNA Very Interested In Signing Mickie James Next Month

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According to a reliable source in TNA, the company plans to offer Mickie James a Knockouts contract when her 90-day no-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment expires in late July.

Earlier this month, TNA president Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter that she and Jeremy Borash attended Mickie James’s album release party in Nashville. This was actually not the first time Carter and James met as the two met in person shortly after the multi-time Women’s Champion release from WWE to begin informal discussions on joining TNA.

Friends of the recently released WWE Diva indicate she’s not looking to do anything wrestling related for the time being as she is concentrating on her country music career. It’s also said that she doesn’t talk about the wrestling industry much these days. Nonetheless, TNA is very interested in signing her.

Mickie James worked for TNA back in 2003, before her time in WWE. Here are some pictures of Mickie in TNA, wrestling as Alexis Laree:

Another Major Injury Threatens Fatal 4-Way Title Match

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(source: www.f4wonline.com)

Undertaker suffered a broken orbital bone, a broken nose and a concussion in his match last Tuesday against Rey Mysterio, which aired on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.

It is believed Undertaker suffered injury while taking the seated senton move by Mysterio during the match.

He has been recommended to take time off due to the injury, which would take him past the Fatal 4-Way event. It’s being said that it’s a 50/50 chance as to whether he would be able to wrestle on the show.

Due to the lack of depth on the SmackDown brand, Rey Mysterio has been called back to action to fill Undertaker’s scheduled position on live events and television. He was set to take time off from the road for a scheduled vacation. No decision has been made regarding the World Heavyweight Championship bout at Fatal 4-Way, but logic would have Mysterio as the replacement if Undertaker can’t wrestle.

Update On Booker T, Backstage Heat On Newcomer, Kevin Thorn

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(source: www.pwtorch.com)

— As noted earlier, Booker T was a surprise replacement for AJ Styles at TNA’s live event in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He lives within driving distance of the venue and was asked to appear when Styles was unable to appear at the show. Booker was also backstage the following night in Houston. Though he’s close with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam, it’s been indicated that he won’t be returning to the company.

— Many in the locker room are sounding off on TNA using international wrestler Kazuchika Okada, who thus far has been regulated to Xplosion. Many feel he’s not nearly as talented as fellow Japanese wrestler Kiyoshi, who has been sparingly used in recent months.

— Kevin Thorn was not backstage at the company’s last set of television tapings despite online reports claiming he was. The former WWE star regularly appears for the Winnipeg-based independent promotion WFX, taking part in a faction called “The Brotherhood.”

Varon To Meet With WWE Officials, Update On ’93 Raw DVD Set

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— Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara; formerly known as Victoria in WWE) is expected to speak with WWE officials regarding a potential return to the company now that her contract with TNA has expired. However, friends of Varon say it’s possible she’ll return to TNA should WWE not make her a better contract offer as she’s on good terms with management again. (source: www.pwtorch.com)

— According to a recent issue of WWE Magazine, there were tentative plans for WWE to release every single episode of Monday Night Raw from 1993 on DVD. The project has been scrapped in favor of “best of” DVD set highlighting the first two “seasons” of Monday Night Raw — 1993 and 1994. Click here for more information on the upcoming release.

— Former WWE Divas Lisa Marie Varon, Lilian Garcia and Christy Hemme have been added to Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con taking place August 20-22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Other wrestling talent scheduled to appear include Diamond Dallas Page, Mick Foley, Amy Dumas, The Iron Sheik, Shane Douglas, The Honky Tonk Man, Jackie Haas, Charlie Haas, Bushwacker Luke and Rikishi. Click here for more information.

Match Added To Fatal 4-Way, Bret Hart Praises Vickie Guerrero

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— At the inaugural Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, Jack Swagger will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against three former World Champions — Undertaker, Big Show and CM Punk — in a Fatal 4-Way Match. (Match preview)

— Bret Hart has posted a new blog on his Facebook page commenting on WWE offering him the role of General Manager of Monday Night Raw.

“So when the WWE offered me the chance to become the new general manager of Raw, I jumped at the opportunity,” Hart wrote. “I expect this will be one of the most interesting job titles I’ve ever had and I can assure all my WWE fans that I will do my best to be the most interesting and creative GM since the inception of general managers.”

He also praised Vickie Guerrero for the amazing job she’s done with the General Manager role in recent years on SmackDown.

Hart added: “As a note of interest, I’d like to say how proud I’ve been of Vicki Guerrero the last couple of years for doing the amazing job she’s done playing this role on Smackdown. I’m only learning it after one week that’s it’s a much more challenging role than people might realize and I can only hope to do as good of a job as she did.”

— It appears a new John Cena DVD is in the works. He noted the following on his Twitter account yesterday: “Other news I am deciding whether or not to include workout footage on a possible upcoming dvd. Thoughts? What would u guys like to see?”

Undertaker Bleeds At Taping, Update On WWE’s No-Blood Rule

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— Undertaker suffered a busted nose at this week’s SmackDown television taping in Cleveland, in due part to Rey Mysterio’s “619” maneuver. He bled for a few minutes before the dark match concluded. Unlike two instances at Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view, no trainer was sent out to stop the bleeding.

Many within WWE feel the company’s stance on blood is a direct result of Linda McMahon campaigning for office. One of the main reasons the company has prohibited blood from appearing on television is due agreements that have been made to attract high-level sponsors such as Coca-Cola. The feeling is the rule would only change in case WWE’s popularity tapers. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer believes WWE’s PG stance will remain in effect until either their licensing agreement with Mattel expires, which is years from now, or another wrestling company, such as TNA Wrestling, diminishes their popularity.

— WWE referee Justin King is off crutches after a “freak” non-wrestling accident in January left him with multiple fractures in his leg. However, he has not fully recovered as he was dealing with a noticeable limp at Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping.

— Though Hornswoggle is portrayed as child-like on WWE programming, he’s very much an adult. Today is his birthday as he turns 24 years old.

Hogan Undergoes Back Surgery, Early Details On Impact Rating

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— Hulk Hogan underwent successful back surgery earlier this week. TMZ reports Hogan had bone spurs removed in a three-to-four-hour procedure on Wednesday. He left the hospital the same day as the procedure.

Flair said during a promotional tour overseas this week that Hogan wouldn’t be able to wrestle again unless he underwent successful back surgery.

— Thursday’s episode of TNA iMPACT! averaged 1.34 million viewers over the course of the two-hour broadcast. This number is up from last week’s 1.29 million viewership total. The official number is expected to be released on Monday. (source: www.pwtorch.com)

— To correct an earlier report, ODB is not engaged. Shelly Martinez, who is friends with ODB, read the online report and asked her about it. The TNA Knockout said it’s not true.

The Rock Ignores Flops, Mickie James Appearing At Flea Market

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— Former WWE performer Dwayne Johnson claims he doesn’t care if his movies flop because he likes to try his hand at many different genres of film. He says he doesn’t mind if people criticize his movie choices because he only ever does what he wants to do.

He told movies.ie: “I don’t want to be just that guy, who only does those kinds of movies. I want to strike out and try everything. And it’s okay if it doesn’t work every time – I’d be incredibly lucky if they did, especially given the range I’ve been trying – but I’m always so glad that I got the chance to push myself in a different direction, in a different genre.

“I don’t expect the person who loved ‘The Scorpion King’ to run and see ‘Tooth Fairy’, and I don’t expect the little girl who loved ‘The Game Plan’ to go and buy all my WWF videos. The important thing is, I love them all equally.”

— Mickie James has two autograph signings scheduled next month in New York. On Saturday, Jun. 26, the former WWE Women’s Champion will be signing at Sedutto’s (located at 314 New Dorp Lane / Staten Island, NY). The next day, she will be signing at the Middletown Flea Market (located at 128 Dolson Ave / Middletown, NY). Times have yet to be announced.

— In today’s wrestling birthdays, Steve Corino turns 37 years old, Pete Gas turns 40, and Headshrinker Samu turns 47.

Waltman Diagnosed With Hepatitis C, Homicide Working Injured

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— Sean Waltman said during an in-studio interview with The Cowhead Show on Thursday that he missed last month’s Lockdown pay-per-view because he tested positive for Hepatitis C. He also said he tried to commit suicide in Mexico, hanging himself with a garden hose and taking pills. However, the attempt was foiled when Alicia Webb (formerly known as Ryan Shamrock in WWE) found him.

— Homicide is working with bad ribs, which he suffered a few weeks ago wrestling in a bad ring at an independent show. He hurt himself worse working against Jushin Thunder Liger at a Jersey All Pro Wrestling event last Saturday as they concluded the match prematurely. The X Division has no plans on taking any time off.

— Last Saturday’s TNA live event at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston, Texas drew approximately 1,500 fans.

(source: f4wonline.com)

TNA Seeking New Ring Announcer – Lilian Garcia To Follow?

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In light of ring announcer David Penzer’s departure from TNA Wrestling last week, Jeremy Borash is now being used as the company’s full-time ring announcer. However, the move may not be permanent as TNA officials are reportedly seeking talent outside the organization to assume the role.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA officials have displayed interest in acquiring veteran ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta, whose career dates back to the 1970s. While he has worked for Ring of Honor in recent years, he hasn’t worked full-time in the industry since leaving World Championship Wrestling more than a decade ago. Currently, he is a Spanish teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey.

There is also an unconfirmed report circulating online indicating TNA officials have contemplated asking former WWE songstress Lilian Garcia about joining the organization. While the former WWE Diva has yet to publicly acknowledge TNA, she’s very much aware of the Orlando-based wrestling promotion. The former ring announcer of Monday Night Raw has privately told friends she considers herself very loyal to WWE and thus she could never see herself working for TNA. Though she loved her job with WWE, she cited the taxing road schedule as her main reason for departing the company last year. Recently, Garcia moved out west to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment field, so a return to professional wrestling appears highly unlikely at this point.

Maria Says She Hasn’t Spoken To TNA, Complaints On Rob Terry

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— Contrary to reports stating Maria Kanellis has been negotiating with TNA Wrestling officials, the former WWE Diva said in a recently filmed “shoot” interview with Highspots.tv that while she has received overtures from people affiliated with the organization, she has not had any official conversation or offer. As stated in previous interviews, she has not, however, ruled out joining the promotion in the future.

— A number of wrestlers have been complaining as of late over the company’s decision to prominently feature Rob Terry, as well as Jesse Neal and newcomer Rosie Lottalove, on television. Many in the locker room feel the Team 3D Wrestling Academy students are not ready to be featured on national television and should still training.

— Ashley Fliehr, daughter of Ric Flair, married long-time boyfriend Riki Johnson this past Sunday. His older daughter Megan married for a second time several weeks ago. Flair left for the UK directly after Ashley’s wedding to promote TNA’s upcoming tour there.

Two TNA Knockouts Cleared To Return, Update On Hamada, More

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— TNA president Dixie Carter announced on Thursday that both Angelina Love and Daffney have received medical clearance to return to the ring. Carter said the duo “will be back in the coming weeks.”

Love has been out with an arm injury suffered during a Triple Threat Match last month against Tara and Madison Rayne. Meanwhile, Daffney suffered a badly bruised sternum during a match against recent signee Betsy Ruth last month. The incident resulted in “The Scream Queen” being stretchered out of The Impact! Zone.

— Infrequently seen TNA Knockout Hamada was recently in danger of being released but scored a reprieve from management due to the shortage of female wrestling created by Lisa Marie Varon’s departure from the organization, as well as injuries suffered by Angelina Love and Daffney. Talk of cutting Hamada led to much head scratching amongst the wrestlers as she’s considered the best worker in the Knockouts division.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Madison Rayne will be throwing out the first pitch at Saturday’s Durham Bulls minor league baseball game in Durham, North Carolina.

TNA Reportedly Signs Reid Flair, Hogan Trends Ahead Of Coleman

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— According to Ric Flair, TNA Wrestling has signed his son Reid.

The WWE Hall of Famer is currently in the midst of a media tour helping promote TNA’s tour of the United Kingdom beginning in January 2011. During an interview promoting the tour, Flair said TNA signed his son to a contract.

The 22-year-old’s wrestling career has been sidetracked by trouble with the law. On March 4, 2009, he was arrested for driving while impaired in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, but released after posting $1,000 in bail. He was arrested again on April 26, 2009. After crashing his car, police found black tar heroin inside it, resulting in felony charges. He was also charged with driving while impaired, driving with a revoked license, and possession of drug paraphernalia, but was released after posting $15,000 in bail.

— Hulk Hogan is listed as the No. 2 trending topic tonight on Yahoo.com. Meanwhile, actor Gary Coleman, who passed away today after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage, was briefly listed at No. 9 but has since fallen out of the top search list.

— TNA has added Roxxi to its roster page.

Former WWE Stars Free To Join TNA, Trish Stratus Lands Cover

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— Former WWE stars Maria Kanellis, Gregory Helms, Paul Burchill and Charlie Haas are free to join TNA Wrestling as their respective 90-day no-compete clauses with World Wrestling Entertainment have expired. The clause prohibits released talent from immediately joining TNA, though they’re free to start with any independent promotion.

Kanellis, Helms and Burchill were released on Feb. 26 while Haas was released two days later.

— Though long removed from the wrestling industry, former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus is featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler. The headline reads “Trish Stratus Reveals All!” with the synopsis noting the possibility of a comeback to the business. You can view the cover here.

— In today’s wrestling birthdays, former WWE performer Kamala turns 60 years old while Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black turns 24.

Injury Update On John Morrison, Randy Orton DVD In The Works

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(sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, PWInsider.com, www.f4wonline.com)

— John Morrison is currently nursing an ankle injury, thus explaining why he has not been featured on television as of late. It remains unknown the injury occurred, but he headed into the May 16 Raw live event in London, Ontario injured. That night, he worked a brief match with Vladimir Kozlov and was noticeably limping on his way to the backstage area. He was also favoring the ankle while signing autographs after the show.

There is no word yet on when he’ll return to action, but it doesn’t appear serious. He was backstage at Monday’s Raw taping and was said to be moving around well.

– The tentative title for WWE’s planned DVD release on Randy Orton later this year is Randy Orton: The Viper Uncoiled.

— It was Natalya’s birthday yesterday as she turned 28 years old.

Mickie James Opens Page On Facebook, Kanellis Eyes Johansson

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— Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has launched a page on Facebook promoting her debut country music album, Strangers & Angels. The country recording music artist hinted on Twitter last week that her manager was insistent she get on Facebook and/or Myspace.

You can visit the page here.

Celebrity Apprentice contestant and former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis was briefly featured on yesterday’s edition of TMZ. Cameras caught up with her and she said would like to make out with actress Scarlett Johansson.

— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia was forced to pull out of the Adventure Con pop culture collector’s show taking place this weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a result of sickness. She stated on her Twitter account that she has a sinus infection, and thus her doctor is prohibiting her from flying.

She wrote on Twitter, “Bummed cause I have a sinus infection & my doc won’t let me fly this wkend. Have 2 cancel signing in TN. Sorry guys. :-(”

Wrestling talent scheduled to appear at the event include Mick Foley, Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Greg Valentine and Raven.

Low Ki Talks About Training At WWE Developmental

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Former TNA & Ring of Honor star Low Ki, who wrestles as Kaval for Florida Championship Wrestling, recently spoke to the Miami Herald about his time at WWE’s developmental territory. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Training at WWE Developmental: “The experience in FCW has been great. As for me, my beginning, being from the New York area, starting in LIWF, advancing through the ECWA and moving onto doing a lot of things on the indies, going to Japan and TNA, the road has been long for me, but I get here [FCW), and it’s another challenge. That to me is a very important thing for any kind of professional. You need to keep challenging yourself to make sure your skills are shark, and at the same time, you’re taking on a whole new skill set because every company is different, has different rules and is run by different people.”

His New Ring Name, “Kaval”: “I had the spelling of the name differently, which was from the Philippian language Tagalog. It was spelled K-a-W-a-l, but in speaking with management, they said the name itself would probably be a little more difficult for the casual fan to pronounce. So we came up with pronouncing it as a `v’, knowing that in some European languages the `w’ is actually a double v, and that’s why it’s pronounced with a `v’.”

He continued, “So we were playing around with the idea, and the Kaval name came to me used with a `v’ instead of a `w’. The name meant soldier. Me in the ring, I’m a warrior. I’m a soldier. I really go in there and really try to give the people their money’s worth by giving them a hard fought battle.”

Working With Daniel Bryan in FCW: “In every field of work, there is always a contrast to who you are. That contrast for me happens to be Daniel Bryan. Anytime we’ve stepped into the ring, I’ve felt he’s always brought the best out of me, and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job bringing the best out of him. Because of challenges like that, it makes us grow as people and as competitors.”

To read the full interview, visit MiamiHerald.com.

Here’s video of Kaval vs. Daniel Bryan in Florida Championship Wrestling: