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Shawn Michaels Talks About Retiring From WWE (MP3)

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WWE RAW superstar Shawn Michaels, who puts his career on the line this weekend at WrestleMania against the Undertaker’s undefeated streak, appeared on Atlanta’s 790 The Zone Sports Radio this morning and spoke about reports from a popular news website that he plans on leaving WWE shortly after WrestleMania XXVI and thus, will be losing against the Undertaker on Sunday. Michaels said:

“That’s the situation that I’m in. The career is on the line, so I guess I say ground breaking news by them I guess. That is the match at Wrestlemania, the career versus the streak. It’s one of those things that’s bitter-sweet. Obviously I want to be the one guy to beat the streak. I think that if anyone can, I’m the one, but you have to be willing to put it all out there. If things don’t go my way, I still have a great deal of peace and I can look back on a career that I’m very proud of.”

It’s worth noting that in the new issue of WWE Magazine, there’s an interview with Shawn Michaels, who is asked about retirement. Michaels cryptically said, “I have my retirement set already. I have been thinking of my retirement for a long time now.”

During the 790 The Zone interview, Michaels also spoke about his return to WWE back in 2002 after being out of action with a back injury for over 4 years. Despite the fact that he already had a Hall of Fame career before he left WWE in 1998, he was told that the new generation of WWE fans might not even know who he was and WWE felt they needed to reintroduce him to everybody.

“Yeah, and that’s the sort of thing that as you’re doing it, I can remember coming back in 2002 and them informing me that ‘hey, you almost need to reintroduce yourself’, because there is a whole other generation. On one hand, you want to be a little offended by that. You say ‘come on, I’m not the end all, be all, but I’m Shawn Michaels.’ But to really understand that there is a whole other generation that you now have to appeal to and you do appeal to. When you see the little guys hanging over the rails at the show, you do realize that. You’ve got their dads who watched you, and now they’re watching you.”

To listen to an MP3 of Shawn Michael’s appearance on 790 The Zone, click here.

Bret Hart Talks About His Relationships w/Vince & Shawn

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to hype WrestleMania XXVI on Sunday.  Hart called his return to WWE “kind of a surreal feeling” and said he was surprisingly not nervous at all once he walked onto television. The interview contained lots of interesting talk, including whether Bret plans to stick around after WrestleMania.

Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

His Relationship with Vince McMahon: “We’re pretty respectful of one another. I think there’s some genuine … I think he feels bad for what happened. I think in a lot of ways Vince was a big fan. Vince McMahon is the world’s biggest wrestling fan. He loved all the work I contributed. The only thing Vince loves more than wrestling is his money and somehow that’s where we ended up having a lot of problems. We’re all right as far as … it’s sort of a mutual respect. He’s done a lot for me and done a lot for my family and the wrestling world and wrestling industry. He’s just got a funny way of doing business sometimes.”

His Relationship with Shawn Michaels: “Well, I don’t know if we’re … I think we’re respectful of one another and we both know for whatever the circumstances and there’s lots and lots of reasons why we collided the way we did. Once upon a time we were good friends. When I took a step to forgive everything that happened and shake his hand, I think it was very real when it was done on TV.”

He added, “I think Shawn was really moved by that and he understood it took a big man to take that kind of step forward to him. I think they should have taken that step towards me. I think it was pretty much understood that the hostilities and hard feelings I had were so strong that nobody ever made that attempt. I knew that Shawn had changed as a person and he had been helpful to my niece (Natalya) and my nephew (David Hart Smith). I just thought it was high time to take all that weight off his back and say it happened, let’s forget about it. Let’s move on and try to maybe do something positive.”

Bret Hart Talks About His Relationships w/Vince & Shawn

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart spoke to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com this week to hype WrestleMania XXVI on Sunday.  Hart called his return to WWE “kind of a surreal feeling” and said he was surprisingly not nervous at all once he walked onto television. The interview contained lots of interesting talk, including whether Bret plans to stick around after WrestleMania.

Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

His Relationship with Vince McMahon: “We’re pretty respectful of one another. I think there’s some genuine … I think he feels bad for what happened. I think in a lot of ways Vince was a big fan. Vince McMahon is the world’s biggest wrestling fan. He loved all the work I contributed. The only thing Vince loves more than wrestling is his money and somehow that’s where we ended up having a lot of problems. We’re all right as far as … it’s sort of a mutual respect. He’s done a lot for me and done a lot for my family and the wrestling world and wrestling industry. He’s just got a funny way of doing business sometimes.”

His Relationship with Shawn Michaels: “Well, I don’t know if we’re … I think we’re respectful of one another and we both know for whatever the circumstances and there’s lots and lots of reasons why we collided the way we did. Once upon a time we were good friends. When I took a step to forgive everything that happened and shake his hand, I think it was very real when it was done on TV.”

He added, “I think Shawn was really moved by that and he understood it took a big man to take that kind of step forward to him. I think they should have taken that step towards me. I think it was pretty much understood that the hostilities and hard feelings I had were so strong that nobody ever made that attempt. I knew that Shawn had changed as a person and he had been helpful to my niece (Natalya) and my nephew (David Hart Smith). I just thought it was high time to take all that weight off his back and say it happened, let’s forget about it. Let’s move on and try to maybe do something positive.”

WWE Hall of Fame TV Update, Bearer Previews Taker vs. HBK

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— Unlike previous years, World Wrestling Entertainment will not be streaming the Hall of Fame ceremony on WWE.com tomorrow night.

“Not planned as of now,” responded a WWE web team member to a Twitter follower who asked if it would be shown on the website. “Only on USA Network.”

— Paul Bearer joins Tommy Fierro on Who’s Slamming Who this week to preview The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26 this Sunday. He talks about a number of different topics, including his prediction for the Taker/HBK match, thoughts on Bret Hart returning to the WWE, Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon this Sunday, his first thoughts when hearing about The Undertaker/Paul Bearer gimmick, his first meeting with Vince McMahon, his favorite WrestleMania memories, Guest Hosts on Monday Night Raw, being inducted one day into the WWE Hall of Fame, the return of the Monday Night Wars, thoughts on today’s talent, NXT, and more. You can listen to it now at: WhosSlammingWho.podomatic.com.

— Both Chris Jericho and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing on the Ministry of Slam radio show this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion will discuss Fozzy, Bret’s return to WWE & WrestleMania while Lilian will discuss her music and memories of working with Y2J, as well as WrestleMania. You can listen to the show at www.ministryofslam.com.

Reaction To Young Partnering With Hardy & RVD, Kong Update

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— There was said to be a collective groan among a large group of wrestlers and TNA personnel watching iMPACT! on the backstage monitor when Eric Young interrupted Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy’s post-match celebration on Monday. The “unanimous opinion” was that Young killed the moment due to the fact that he’s nowhere near the level of Van Dam and Hardy. While everyone describes “EY” as a nice guy, the feeling is he’s been given so much television time over the years due to his friendship with the company’s power players. (source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

— Recently released TNA Knockout Awesome Kong will be returning to the ring on May 8th for Ring of Honor. Facing Sara Del Ray, she will be using her former name of Amazing Kong.

— In a brief video interview with lethalwow.com, Angelina Love discusses being back with TNA Wrestling. She says her release from the company last year was “heartbreaking,” but that “everything happens for a reason.” Apparently in regards to her contractual status, she said she’s “back for another three years, at least.”

TNA Wrestling Reportedly Having Financial Problems

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One oft-overlooked factor in TNA’s destiny to compete with rival promotion World Wrestling Entertainment are the added expenses entailed.

Since January, the company has ballooned its roster to over 70 performers with the notable additions of high priced stars such as Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and the former Mr. Kennedy. Furthermore, the company has added the costly expense of going live every other Monday night and promotion of said move (i.e. airing commercials during Monday Night Raw and running Billboards in Times Square). Other than slight bumps in house show attendance and merchandise sales, TNA has to little to show for its efforts. In fact, ratings are at its lowest levels in four years due to the move to Monday nights.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer cryptically said during a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that TNA is having bigger financial problems than most realize.

“I’m worried about my friends who work for TNA because they have bigger financial problems than anyone knows,” Meltzer said.

Dixie Carter Responds To Vince McMahon's Criticism Of TNA

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Earlier this week, Acorn Online asked Vince McMahon about TNA moving to Monday nights. McMahon said that despite the fact that TNA “threw the kitchen sink” at WWE, they still only drew a fraction of RAW’s audicence. He said their small audience doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re presenting, which vince called, “tawdry, blood-soaked action” that today’s audience isn’t interested in.

TNA president Dixie Carter responded to Vince McMahon’s criticism of TNA in an interview published yesterday with a post on Twitter:

“To be called tawdry from the King of Tawdry, that is some compliment!”

Furthermore, Taz also noted the following in regards to McMahon’s comments about TNA programming being “tawdry:”

“Mae Young stuff is all high road, or when JR was sick Dr Hynee bit (classy)! Pot, meet Kettle. Nice to see VKM is a TNA viewer!”

Dixie Carter Responds To Vince McMahon’s Criticism Of TNA

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Earlier this week, Acorn Online asked Vince McMahon about TNA moving to Monday nights. McMahon said that despite the fact that TNA “threw the kitchen sink” at WWE, they still only drew a fraction of RAW’s audicence. He said their small audience doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re presenting, which vince called, “tawdry, blood-soaked action” that today’s audience isn’t interested in.

TNA president Dixie Carter responded to Vince McMahon’s criticism of TNA in an interview published yesterday with a post on Twitter:

“To be called tawdry from the King of Tawdry, that is some compliment!”

Furthermore, Taz also noted the following in regards to McMahon’s comments about TNA programming being “tawdry:”

“Mae Young stuff is all high road, or when JR was sick Dr Hynee bit (classy)! Pot, meet Kettle. Nice to see VKM is a TNA viewer!”

More On Goldberg's WWE Negotiations, Says He'd Wrestle Again

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Earlier this week, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg revealed on Twitter that he’s currently negotiating with World Wrestling Entertainment. He also took a shot at Hulk Hogan for not bringing him into TNA when they had the chance.  “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat,” Goldberg wrote. “Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

Read More: Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

Jim Ross said in his blog that Goldberg’s negotiations were likely about licensing deals and use of his image for promotional purposes, but would “Da Man” get back in to a WWE ring? He wrote on Twitter:

“Is it out of the question for me to have one more match? Answer is no…my son has never seen me wrestle and I’d love to see his reaction.”

Goldberg also asked his Twitter followers who they’d want to see him wrestle in his final match and seems pretty surprised that not many people want to see him wrestle “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He wrote:

“Out of about 200 responses I’d say only around 5% said Steve Austin…WTH????

To follow Bill Goldberg and 80 other wrestlers & divas on Twitter, visit PWTweets.com.

More On Goldberg’s WWE Negotiations, Says He’d Wrestle Again

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Earlier this week, former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg revealed on Twitter that he’s currently negotiating with World Wrestling Entertainment. He also took a shot at Hulk Hogan for not bringing him into TNA when they had the chance.  “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat,” Goldberg wrote. “Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

Read More: Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

Jim Ross said in his blog that Goldberg’s negotiations were likely about licensing deals and use of his image for promotional purposes, but would “Da Man” get back in to a WWE ring? He wrote on Twitter:

“Is it out of the question for me to have one more match? Answer is no…my son has never seen me wrestle and I’d love to see his reaction.”

Goldberg also asked his Twitter followers who they’d want to see him wrestle in his final match and seems pretty surprised that not many people want to see him wrestle “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He wrote:

“Out of about 200 responses I’d say only around 5% said Steve Austin…WTH????

To follow Bill Goldberg and 80 other wrestlers & divas on Twitter, visit PWTweets.com.

Warrior Reveals Why He Turned Down Vince's HOF Offer

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The Ultimate Warrior has posted a blog on his official website detailing his decision to turn down induction into year’s WWE Hall of Fame after he felt Vince McMahon wasn’t willing to meet him in-person to talk about their issues over the years.

On reports he was scheduled for induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year:

Well, after months of silly speculation and rumor-mongering regarding an appearance by me at this year’s Hall of Fame, and with WM being this weekend, I suppose I should say something about it all. Actually, after first seeing how my decision to decline was reported, I had initially decided it wasn’t worth wasting time to say anything. Always the rumors. The silliness. The lies. The bulls***. Simply telling the truth is a high spot the bottom-feeders of internet wrestling news always find too tough to pull off.

However, over the last couple of weeks I have received thousands of feverish emails from those of you who are absolutely convinced that my silence is absolute evidence that I will be making a surprise appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony. So, I thought I should let you know the truth: I am not. I will NOT be at Wrestlemania in any capacity.

I did decline induction. Yes, I declined.

I did not “back out” of anything. There was never anything to “back out” of. I never agreed to appear at the Hall of Fame to begin with. The rumor that I did is a lie; an easy one that fits the kooky, fictional groundwork the liars have been laying down for years. It sounded good, made me look bad, so they added it on.

The issue of money never came up, either. I’m not even sure they pay inductees. I don’t think they do. I could be wrong. Don’t know. Don’t care. I never considered asking for any and it was never brought up in any of the discussions I had. Discussions, mind you, I had only with Vince, nobody else.

On his discussions with McMahon regarding the WWE Hall Of Fame:

Vince called me on December 23rd and left a voicemail saying, among other things, “let’s get you in the Hall of Fame where you belong.” After the holidays I returned his call, left a voicemail telling him to call me again when he found time. When we finally connected, I told him I would rather meet with him in person than talk over the phone. He said that would be great. He said he would find time on his calendar and call me back to set it up. When he called back a couple of weeks later he didn’t even mention finding a time scheduled to meet, and throughout the remainder of the conversation, further decided not to find one. So, given only the option to say either yes or no, my answer was quick and clear, I declined Vince’s invitation to headline this year’s HOF event.

To read his post in its entirety, click here.

Warrior Reveals Why He Turned Down Vince’s HOF Offer

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The Ultimate Warrior has posted a blog on his official website detailing his decision to turn down induction into year’s WWE Hall of Fame after he felt Vince McMahon wasn’t willing to meet him in-person to talk about their issues over the years.

On reports he was scheduled for induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year:

Well, after months of silly speculation and rumor-mongering regarding an appearance by me at this year’s Hall of Fame, and with WM being this weekend, I suppose I should say something about it all. Actually, after first seeing how my decision to decline was reported, I had initially decided it wasn’t worth wasting time to say anything. Always the rumors. The silliness. The lies. The bulls***. Simply telling the truth is a high spot the bottom-feeders of internet wrestling news always find too tough to pull off.

However, over the last couple of weeks I have received thousands of feverish emails from those of you who are absolutely convinced that my silence is absolute evidence that I will be making a surprise appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony. So, I thought I should let you know the truth: I am not. I will NOT be at Wrestlemania in any capacity.

I did decline induction. Yes, I declined.

I did not “back out” of anything. There was never anything to “back out” of. I never agreed to appear at the Hall of Fame to begin with. The rumor that I did is a lie; an easy one that fits the kooky, fictional groundwork the liars have been laying down for years. It sounded good, made me look bad, so they added it on.

The issue of money never came up, either. I’m not even sure they pay inductees. I don’t think they do. I could be wrong. Don’t know. Don’t care. I never considered asking for any and it was never brought up in any of the discussions I had. Discussions, mind you, I had only with Vince, nobody else.

On his discussions with McMahon regarding the WWE Hall Of Fame:

Vince called me on December 23rd and left a voicemail saying, among other things, “let’s get you in the Hall of Fame where you belong.” After the holidays I returned his call, left a voicemail telling him to call me again when he found time. When we finally connected, I told him I would rather meet with him in person than talk over the phone. He said that would be great. He said he would find time on his calendar and call me back to set it up. When he called back a couple of weeks later he didn’t even mention finding a time scheduled to meet, and throughout the remainder of the conversation, further decided not to find one. So, given only the option to say either yes or no, my answer was quick and clear, I declined Vince’s invitation to headline this year’s HOF event.

To read his post in its entirety, click here.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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SmackDown *SPOILERS*

Thanks to Wrestling Nws World for these SmackDown spoilers from last nigh’s tapings after RAW in California:

The rest of the show will be filled with footage from WWE’s WrestleMania Axxess.

* The show opens with the 10-man Money in the Bank ladder match tag team match. The teams were Drew McIntyre, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Kane & Dolph Ziggler vs. Evan Bounre, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Jack Swagger & Christian. McIntyre got the pin on Christian to win the match for their team when Christian wasn’t looking as McIntyre tagged himself in for Dolph Ziggler. After the match, McIntyre got the ladder to climb to the briefcase. The other men came back in the ring and knocked him off.

* Up next is Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero. But Vickie changed it to a 5-on-1 handicap match. It’s Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, Maryse joining Vickie to face Beth. Beth and Layla face off as Beth picks up Layla and hit McCool with her then went for the other four Divas. Layla held Beth’s feet and McCool kicked her out so Vickie came in and got the pin. After the match, Vickie got on the second rope. Vickie pretended to laugh it off and tried to leave. Beth grabbed her and pulled her back and ripped off her pants. Vickie tried to cover herself and eventually left.

* Chris Jericho came out for a promo. He says Edge has all the qualities to beat him except for his DNA. Edge comes out and attacks him but Jericho rolls out before Edge can hit the Spear. Edge picks up the World Heavyweight Championship and looks at Jericho who is standing at the top of the ramp.

* R-Truth vs. Big Show is next. John Morrison comes out first to introduce R-Truth. R-Truth says that was the best introduction he’s ever had so he introduces Morrison. They make fun of Unified WWE Tag Team Champion ShowMiz and why they want to tag with one another. The Miz tried to interfere but Morrison threw him into the steel ring steps. He went to help R-Truth and they turned Big Show’s chokeslam into a DDT. The referee called for the bell as they continued to beat on Big Show. The Miz tried to help again but was knocked out and hit with Starship Pain by Morrison.

Bischoff's Fake Guitar Playing, Hernandez Update

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– Word is that a TNA office worker was the one who actually did the guitar work on iMPACT this past week when Eric Bischoff opened the show with a guitar solo in the ring. The story goes that trick camera work was used to make it look like Bischoff was actually playing.

– TNA has posted an update to the storyline injury to Hernandez on iMPACT last week at the hands of his tag team partner Matt Morgan. TNA is saying that Hernandez was released from the hospital on Thursday and has suffered a herniated disc and cervical damage to his neck.  Hernandez will be out of action indefinitely and the status of the TNA Tag Team Titles is unknown. TNA says that Matt Morgan is claiming ownership of both belts.

This is all a storyline as Hernandez is not injured. It’s possible he’s being wrote out of the storylines to be sent down to the AAA promotion in Mexico. The plan has been for Hernandez to spend some time in Mexico in hopes of returning to the US as a bigger Mexican star. While it wouldn’t make sense to write him out with a serious injury and then have him pop up in Mexico, but stranger things have happened.

Bischoff’s Fake Guitar Playing, Hernandez Update

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– Word is that a TNA office worker was the one who actually did the guitar work on iMPACT this past week when Eric Bischoff opened the show with a guitar solo in the ring. The story goes that trick camera work was used to make it look like Bischoff was actually playing.

– TNA has posted an update to the storyline injury to Hernandez on iMPACT last week at the hands of his tag team partner Matt Morgan. TNA is saying that Hernandez was released from the hospital on Thursday and has suffered a herniated disc and cervical damage to his neck.  Hernandez will be out of action indefinitely and the status of the TNA Tag Team Titles is unknown. TNA says that Matt Morgan is claiming ownership of both belts.

This is all a storyline as Hernandez is not injured. It’s possible he’s being wrote out of the storylines to be sent down to the AAA promotion in Mexico. The plan has been for Hernandez to spend some time in Mexico in hopes of returning to the US as a bigger Mexican star. While it wouldn’t make sense to write him out with a serious injury and then have him pop up in Mexico, but stranger things have happened.

Another Match Made For WrestleMania, Ex-WWE Stars Visiting

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— The official program for WrestleMania XXVI has a Divas match listed for the event: Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim and Mickie James vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Layla and Michelle McCool.

— Former WWE wrestlers Luther Reigns and Gavin Spears are in Phoenix, Arizona visiting friends at WrestleMania XXVI.

— Click here to see a video of Jerry “The King” Lawler sketching a few drawings of Bret Hart at the WrestleMania Art Expo.

source: PWInsider.com

Mysterio Still Needs Surgery, Original Punk Feud Plans

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The involvement of Rey Mysterio’s family in his storyline with CM Punk was proposed to the creative team by Mysterio and was the original idea of a fellow wrestler. Mysterio’s daughter Alliyah is actually a model and actress and has impressed everybody with her performing so far.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original idea for the storyline with Rey’s family was to be something like the Raven-Sandman angle in the original ECW but a lot of that idea was nixed because of WWE being kid-friendly. Punk would have became friendly with Rey’s children and eventually turn them against their father. Another idea would have had Punk cut Rey’s daughter’s hair but that was nixed as well.

Punk was pushing for a Mask vs. Hair match, but WWE wasn’t interested and didn’t think anybody would believe Mysterio would lose and remove his mask.

Mysterio has been working with a bad knee for several months and it will require surgery after WrestleMania. Right now the plan is for Rey to stick around and work as long as possible before he needs the procedure. The feud with CM Punk is scheduled to go past WrestleMania.

Jim Ross Comments On Goldberg Negotiating With WWE

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can (and should) check out at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, Ross responds to a Twitter post made by former WWE & WCW Champion Bill Goldberg about negotiating with WWE and TNA “dropping the ball” on not signing him first. JR writes:

“Bill Goldberg reports that he is negotiating with WWE but my best guess is that it’s not about a return to the ring. Bill is a smart entrepreneur and the former Tulsa Edison and University of Georgia football star likely is looking at doing a marketing deal with WWE that might include video games, possible WWE HOF Induction next year in Atlanta, and merchandise sales.”

Despite the fact that Ross doesn’t believe Goldberg is negotiating to return to the ring on a full-time basis, he could see Goldberg getting back in the ring one more time if the right situation presented itself.

“After being involved in several of these type deals, I can see where both parties can benefit from an arrangement. Goldberg gets the opportunity to earn additional cash without putting his body through hell and he gets some nice exposure for his various TV vehicles. The WWE could monetize Goldberg’s likeness in a variety of ways. Is it possible for Goldberg to come back and perform in a ‘farewell bout’ in the Georgia Dome next year at WM27? It’s possible one has to assume.”

John Morrison Calls John Cena "Boring," Criticizes The Divas

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During a live chat on the Arizona Republic website, John Morrison was asked how long he thinks it will take before he arrives onto the main event scene. Morrison listed John Cena as the current WWE champion and called him ‘boring’.

“Who’s champion now? Cena? Ugh. Boring. Yeah, I think my time is coming,” Morrison said. “I’m rounding the corner right now in the main event parking garage, where all the spots have been taken for a really long time. I think some of the cars in the main event parking lot are about to be ticketed and towed after WrestleMania. There should be some spots available.”

When asked which WWE Divas is the best performer on the roster, Morrison adamantly answered Melina. He then criticized the other Divas as he feels the majority of them are unable to convey authentic emotion to the audience.

“Melina is potentially the strongest character on the roster, with even more passion and emotion than a lot of the guys,” Morrison said. “A lot of the Divas can do some pretty impressive moves, but when I watch them I don’t feel anything, I don’t empathize with a lot of them. I don’t think they understand what they’re doing. But when I watch Melina, I get excited, or I feel sad, or I want to cheer. And I think that’s the key to sports entertainment.”

John Morrison Calls John Cena “Boring,” Criticizes The Divas

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During a live chat on the Arizona Republic website, John Morrison was asked how long he thinks it will take before he arrives onto the main event scene. Morrison listed John Cena as the current WWE champion and called him ‘boring’.

“Who’s champion now? Cena? Ugh. Boring. Yeah, I think my time is coming,” Morrison said. “I’m rounding the corner right now in the main event parking garage, where all the spots have been taken for a really long time. I think some of the cars in the main event parking lot are about to be ticketed and towed after WrestleMania. There should be some spots available.”

When asked which WWE Divas is the best performer on the roster, Morrison adamantly answered Melina. He then criticized the other Divas as he feels the majority of them are unable to convey authentic emotion to the audience.

“Melina is potentially the strongest character on the roster, with even more passion and emotion than a lot of the guys,” Morrison said. “A lot of the Divas can do some pretty impressive moves, but when I watch them I don’t feel anything, I don’t empathize with a lot of them. I don’t think they understand what they’re doing. But when I watch Melina, I get excited, or I feel sad, or I want to cheer. And I think that’s the key to sports entertainment.”

Vince McMahon Rips On TNA, Says They're Not Competition

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In an interview with Acorn-Online to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVI pay-per-view, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said that after 26 years, WrestleMania remains a very special event for him and his company. Most of the interview is fluff, however McMahon made some rare comments about the company now challenging WWE RAW on Monday nights, TNA Wrestling.

McMahon says that despite TNA’s attempt to “go to war” with his company, it’s a losing battle, as he sees their companies to be in different industries all together. “We’re in different business. We’re in the entertainment business and they’re in the ‘pro wrasslin’ business. It’s different markets.”

McMahon spoke about iMPACT! moving to Monday nights and said that even with all the big stars they’ve sign and their more adult-themed programming, they’re still nowhere near the product that WWE presents.  “When they moved to Monday nights they threw the kitchen sink at us and  only did a fraction of our audience. It doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re trying to present with the tawdry, blood-soaked action. I don’t think that’s what the culture wants these days.”

McMahon added that a global entertainment empire like WWE is more similar to a company like Disney than TNA Wrestling. “We’re woven into the fabric of Americana,” Mr. McMahon said.

Vince McMahon Rips On TNA, Says They’re Not Competition

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In an interview with Acorn-Online to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVI pay-per-view, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said that after 26 years, WrestleMania remains a very special event for him and his company. Most of the interview is fluff, however McMahon made some rare comments about the company now challenging WWE RAW on Monday nights, TNA Wrestling.

McMahon says that despite TNA’s attempt to “go to war” with his company, it’s a losing battle, as he sees their companies to be in different industries all together. “We’re in different business. We’re in the entertainment business and they’re in the ‘pro wrasslin’ business. It’s different markets.”

McMahon spoke about iMPACT! moving to Monday nights and said that even with all the big stars they’ve sign and their more adult-themed programming, they’re still nowhere near the product that WWE presents.  “When they moved to Monday nights they threw the kitchen sink at us and  only did a fraction of our audience. It doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re trying to present with the tawdry, blood-soaked action. I don’t think that’s what the culture wants these days.”

McMahon added that a global entertainment empire like WWE is more similar to a company like Disney than TNA Wrestling. “We’re woven into the fabric of Americana,” Mr. McMahon said.

Dixie Carter Comments On 4/5 iMPACT! Time Change

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As previously reported, Spike’s TV’s Upcoming Listings list an 8pm (EST) start time for the next live airing of TNA iMPACT! (April 5), an hour earlier than normal. This will give the show an unopposed hour and then hour two would go head-to-head with the first hour of WWE RAW.

The schedule lists the following two weeks starting at the usual 9PM start time.

TNA President Dixie Carter posted a message on Twitter regarding the time shift of the April 5th iMPACT!:

“To maximize viewership, iMPACT! will air on Spike from 8-10pm ET on 4/5 as to not conflict w/NCAA Men’s bball finals on CBS. PLS RT”.

You know TNA and Spike will be watching very closely to see how the show performs an hour earlier with a full unopposed hour.

Dixie Carter later wrote:

“Had a great trip to NY with Hogan. Big Spike dinner. Lots of exciting things going on.”

D'Angelo Dinero Talks WWE vs. TNA, WrestleMania & More

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TNA star “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero was interviewed this week by The Dothan Eagle and had some interesting things to say about the differences between WWE & TNA, working with the legends he grew up watching on television and more. Here are some highlights of what Dinero said about:

The Differences Between TNA and WWE: “TNA is a family environment. The same environment that I spoke of earlier that we like to give to fans at a live event, that’s how we are, period. Yes, we all want to be champions and make money, but we all support one another’s efforts in doing so. You’re not gonna find that in the giant known as WWE. It’s too much of a warzone, if you will, among the guys there. If you walk in the TNA locker room and the WWE locker room, in TNA everyone is smiling and happy. It’s a great day to come to work. We have guys that have been wrestling 20, 30 years, guys who have been on top of the business, but everyone is on same page and treats everyone with respect. You don’t get talked down to.”

Working Wrestlemania: “I did two WrestleManias, and of course I had the honor and privilege to do so. But as far as having a lot of memories from it, coming up, I wasn’t a WWF fan, I was an NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) fan and a World Class Championship Wrestling fan. I’m from Florida. My fondest memories are of Flair and “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, the days of the Horsemen and Sting.”

Working with Legends like Ric Flair and Sting: “You have no idea. It’s the biggest honor. I can only hope some of my fellow brethren in TNA have the same respect and admiration and ability to know we have history, these great legends who we can learn from and grow from in the process. I’ve had a chance to work with Flair, which has just been thrilling. I mean, really thrilling. I’ve told many people before I got to TNA, they’d ask if I could have dinner with three people, who would it be? I always said Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Sting. I haven’t met the Big Pope upstairs, but I’ve had some encounters, and I don’t want to see him again until I can’t see no more [laughing]. My immediate goal is to get Sting in the ring before he exits for good. This is the last year. Pope’s been known to give some prophetic advice, and I can tell you this year is the last year for Sting. Pope wants to get him in the ring before he retires for good. I know in this business, when retirements happen, it’s not set in stone, but when Sting retires, I truly believe it’ll be for good.”

D’Angelo Dinero Talks WWE vs. TNA, WrestleMania & More

10

TNA star “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero was interviewed this week by The Dothan Eagle and had some interesting things to say about the differences between WWE & TNA, working with the legends he grew up watching on television and more. Here are some highlights of what Dinero said about:

The Differences Between TNA and WWE: “TNA is a family environment. The same environment that I spoke of earlier that we like to give to fans at a live event, that’s how we are, period. Yes, we all want to be champions and make money, but we all support one another’s efforts in doing so. You’re not gonna find that in the giant known as WWE. It’s too much of a warzone, if you will, among the guys there. If you walk in the TNA locker room and the WWE locker room, in TNA everyone is smiling and happy. It’s a great day to come to work. We have guys that have been wrestling 20, 30 years, guys who have been on top of the business, but everyone is on same page and treats everyone with respect. You don’t get talked down to.”

Working Wrestlemania: “I did two WrestleManias, and of course I had the honor and privilege to do so. But as far as having a lot of memories from it, coming up, I wasn’t a WWF fan, I was an NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) fan and a World Class Championship Wrestling fan. I’m from Florida. My fondest memories are of Flair and “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, the days of the Horsemen and Sting.”

Working with Legends like Ric Flair and Sting: “You have no idea. It’s the biggest honor. I can only hope some of my fellow brethren in TNA have the same respect and admiration and ability to know we have history, these great legends who we can learn from and grow from in the process. I’ve had a chance to work with Flair, which has just been thrilling. I mean, really thrilling. I’ve told many people before I got to TNA, they’d ask if I could have dinner with three people, who would it be? I always said Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Sting. I haven’t met the Big Pope upstairs, but I’ve had some encounters, and I don’t want to see him again until I can’t see no more [laughing]. My immediate goal is to get Sting in the ring before he exits for good. This is the last year. Pope’s been known to give some prophetic advice, and I can tell you this year is the last year for Sting. Pope wants to get him in the ring before he retires for good. I know in this business, when retirements happen, it’s not set in stone, but when Sting retires, I truly believe it’ll be for good.”