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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

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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.”

Bill Goldberg Says He's In Talks With WWE About Returning

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Former World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg announced on his Twitter account this evening that he’s negotiating with WWE regarding a possible return to the company.

“YES.. I am in negotiations with the WWE,” Goldberg wrote. “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat. Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

While Goldberg has been critical of WWE since his departure from the organization in 2004 and repeatedly said he had no interest in returning to wrestle, he acknowledged a change in heart.

“Truth is I never thought I’d even consider it…then came my son,” Goldberg said. “No one said I’d wrestle but the door is open again.”

He also added that if he ever steps foot inside a ring again, it will be alongside San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. The three-time Pro Bowler is a huge WWE fan to say the least, so much so that he asked their Twitter account on Monday if he could participate in the live chat on WWE.com.

“Also…. If I ever did step in the ring again, I have a new tag partner. He goes by the name of “Lights Out!!!! the one and only Shawn Merriman…..updating the old Goldberg/Kevin Greene duo,” Goldberg wrote.

Goldberg can be seen on Donald Trump’s reality series The Celebrity Apprentice currently airing on NBC.

Bill Goldberg Says He’s In Talks With WWE About Returning

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Former World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg announced on his Twitter account this evening that he’s negotiating with WWE regarding a possible return to the company.

“YES.. I am in negotiations with the WWE,” Goldberg wrote. “Looks like ‘ole Hogan and TNA missed the boat. Shame for the fans they didn’t even try.”

While Goldberg has been critical of WWE since his departure from the organization in 2004 and repeatedly said he had no interest in returning to wrestle, he acknowledged a change in heart.

“Truth is I never thought I’d even consider it…then came my son,” Goldberg said. “No one said I’d wrestle but the door is open again.”

He also added that if he ever steps foot inside a ring again, it will be alongside San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. The three-time Pro Bowler is a huge WWE fan to say the least, so much so that he asked their Twitter account on Monday if he could participate in the live chat on WWE.com.

“Also…. If I ever did step in the ring again, I have a new tag partner. He goes by the name of “Lights Out!!!! the one and only Shawn Merriman…..updating the old Goldberg/Kevin Greene duo,” Goldberg wrote.

Goldberg can be seen on Donald Trump’s reality series The Celebrity Apprentice currently airing on NBC.

Update On WWE TV Network, Art Event Tonight, Jack Swagger

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— In an update on WWE’s plans for a television network, they are looking to launch it eighteen months from now. Furthermore, they are looking at original non-wrestling programming to air alongside the wrestling features.

A number of names have been suggested including The WWE Network, WWE S&E (for Sports & Entertainment), WWE 365, WWE.tv, WWE Net and WWE 24/7/365. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— WWE will be holding its third annual art exhibition tonight at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa Scottsdale showcasing various artistic works of WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends. Vince McMahon, Bret Hart and Jerry Lawler, among other others, are advertised to appear at the event.

— Today is Jack Swagger’s birthday as he turns 28 years old.

Undertaker's Birthday, Wendy Richter, Dolph Ziggler

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— Today is Undertaker’s birthday as he turns 45 years old. While his age has been disputed over the years, the official website of S.P. Waltrip high school notes that he graduated from the school in 1983. Additionally, the March 2010 issue of WWE Magazine does not acknowledge his birthday.

— Landing his first magazine cover, Dolph Ziggler is featured on the latest issue of Fighting Spirit magazine out of the UK. You can view the cover here. However, the article’s not actually about him, but rather WWE’s midcarder performers needing to promote themselves better. The synopsis reads: “Why WWE’s midcarders need to start promoting themselves Shawn Michaels and Triple H did it many years ago, so why aren’t more WWE midcard stars taking the reins of their careers and pushing themselves, rather than waiting for WWE to put them in the main event? FSM thinks it’s about time they did…”

SLAM! Wrestling has an article on Wendi Richter, who is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this Saturday night by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. This will be her first business dealing with WWE since leaving the company in 1985 after losing the Women’s Championship in controversial fashion.

Undertaker’s Birthday, Wendy Richter, Dolph Ziggler

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— Today is Undertaker’s birthday as he turns 45 years old. While his age has been disputed over the years, the official website of S.P. Waltrip high school notes that he graduated from the school in 1983. Additionally, the March 2010 issue of WWE Magazine does not acknowledge his birthday.

— Landing his first magazine cover, Dolph Ziggler is featured on the latest issue of Fighting Spirit magazine out of the UK. You can view the cover here. However, the article’s not actually about him, but rather WWE’s midcarder performers needing to promote themselves better. The synopsis reads: “Why WWE’s midcarders need to start promoting themselves Shawn Michaels and Triple H did it many years ago, so why aren’t more WWE midcard stars taking the reins of their careers and pushing themselves, rather than waiting for WWE to put them in the main event? FSM thinks it’s about time they did…”

SLAM! Wrestling has an article on Wendi Richter, who is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this Saturday night by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. This will be her first business dealing with WWE since leaving the company in 1985 after losing the Women’s Championship in controversial fashion.

Lots Of WrestleMania News, Steamboat Injured

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– Most of the WWE talents and crew arrived yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona for the WrestleMania festivities this week.

– At last word, approximately 15,000 tickets remain for Sunday’s WrestleMania pay-per-view at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

– WWE still isn’t advertising who will induct Antonio Inoki into the Hall of Fame this weekend. It was reported back when the news of Inoki’s induction came out that Stan Hansen would be doing the honors.

– A number of the WWE stars have been hanging out at Baby’s Steak & Lemonade in Glendale, Arizona. The restaurant is owned by former WWE star Armando Estrada. Goldust and Dolph Ziggler will be appearing there today at 4pm.

– WWE developmental wrestler Richie Steamboat suffered the first major injury of his career last week, a torn PCL. The second generation performer will be out of action for the next several months and likely need surgery.

(Partial source f4wonline.com)