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WWE

McMahon on Today Show, Bourne’s MRI, Miz on Ghosthunters, more

- Here’s a link to Vince McMahon’s appearance on the Today show, where he promoted this coming Monday’s 800th episode of Raw.  I’d expect WWE to push this episode really hard in as many outlets as they can in an attempt to turn around the recent ratings downtrend.

You can check out the video of his appearance by clicking here. (PWinsider.com)

- Evan Bourne will undergo an MRI today to determine how bad his ankle injury is. The fear within WWE is that he could end up missing four months.

- The pre-sale password for the 12/6 Florence, SC Smackdown/ECW show is HARDY.

- Umaga is expected to return at any point now.

- The Miz will appear on tomorrow’s Ghosthunters Halloween Special at 7PM on the Sci Fi Channel.

Credit: 411mania.com

Excited for Raw’s 800th episode, Umaga and/or Bourne’s comeback? Discuss and share your opinion on our Pinfall Recall Message Boards here.

Chris Jericho talks whether he sold out RVD, his broken tooth, and his World Title run length

- On RVD’s claim that Jericho held him back because he was insecure: I’ve never been insecure about anything with my spot. I tried to help Rob, because he was supposed to be a heel and he still was interested in being a babyface. Rob wants to be Rob. He doesn’t want to play along, because he’s RVD and he’s going to do what he wants to do. I’m about business. If I’m a heel, I want to be hated; if I’m a babyface, I want to be cheered. When he was a heel, he wanted to be cheered, so I tried to help him with that. He thought I was insecure about my spot, and I’m sorry that that’s the case. I’ve always been a fan of Rob’s even when most people in the office weren’t, and I always stood up for him. So, if he feels that way it’s too bad, because I was actually one of his biggest supporters.

On his broken tooth from his recent ladder match: “[My wife] wasn’t happy about it, but it was more that she was sad that I got hurt. My son wasn’t happy about it either, but that’s the business. I’m a warrior and sometimes things like that happen. I’ve never lost a tooth before; I hope I don’t ever lose one again. You live with it. You look like Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber until you get to the dentist. And then the next thing you know, you get the crown on there and you never notice anything different. It’s a war wound and that’s the way I treat it. I think it made that match even more dramatic. I think a lot of people said that was the best ladder match they had ever seen, and that’s probably one of the reasons for it, because they knew it was real. Once again, something happened that was outside the box of what a “normal” wrestling match is. I’m actually lucky that I didn’t lose more teeth. The dentist told me that I should have lost all four of the teeth. So I’ll take the half-tooth and just consider myself lucky.”

On whether his World Title run was too short: “I was very happy with the work I did while I had it on this run, and how long you keep a title has nothing to do with me. That’s up to the boss, and whatever he wants to do, I’ll be happy to do it. And I’ll get my chance again, and when I do, I’ll do exactly the same thing I did when I had it the last time, which is do the best work that I possibly can and make people hate me even more. Usually in Vince’s grand scheme of things, even though things sometimes don’t seem like they’re the right way to do things at the start, in the big picture they usually always are. And I’ve been around long enough to know that you have to trust the boss when he has a feeling, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Check out the full interview here.

Credit: 411mania.com

What did you think of Jericho’s reign, or his ladder match with HBK? Talk about it here on our message boards.

Randy Orton’s in-ring return, ECW entertainer blasts creative

- The rumor making the rounds is that Randy Orton will return to the ring at Survivor Series, however it should be noted that he has been medically cleared to return to the ring for a couple of weeks now. We reported yesterday that Orton will be appearing at the FCW tapings tonight, and The Wrestling Observer is reporting that his return to the ring is “imminent,” which indicates that he will either return on or before the Survivor Series PPV.

- ECW’s Kevin Thorn, who hasn’t appeared on WWE television in over a year, has posted a rather controversial blog on his WWE Universe account where he essentially accuses the creative team for their lack of direction. Thorn writes, “So who do you want to be for halloween???? Me I just want to be me again, the resident bloodsucking dark prince of ECW. I want to be undead again because it seems like I have been dead for a year now. but wait, I cant be dead though because they stuck that stake in my back, when they really should have stuck it in my heart!!! If they really wanted to get rid of me. Thats gonna come back to haunt them. A Year ago, I was told there is a new direction and we want you to be normal!??? THAT really doesn’t work ,when you already were being what you thought was normal.I mean ,who wouldn’t want to be a vampire? He also added: “I WILL RETURN IF NOT HERE, SOMEWHERE VERY SOON AND WHEN I DO ! I WLL FIGHT FOR THE BROKEN ,BRUISED,PICKED ON AND ABUSED I WILL BE YOUR VESSEL OF RETRIBUTION FOR THE DARK IS ABOUT TO FALL UPON THEM!!!”

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Sympathize? Empathize? Don’t care? Excited for the in-ring return of Orton? Let us know right here on the PFRC forums

TNA

Card for tonight’s iMPACT

- Impact tonight on Spike at 9 p.m. has:

Christy Hemme & ODB vs. Angelina Love & Velvet Sky

Eric Young vs. James Storm

Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr.

A.J. Styles & Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Nash & Booker T

Abyss vs. Kurt Angle

Credit: f4wonline.com

What do you think of the card or TNA in general? Share you opinion here on our message boards

TNA holds a “Wrestler’s Court”

- To clarify, our sources wanted to put over how their version of “wrestler’s court” was not like WWE’s version where wrestlers seriously try to beat down the person being “charged”. They were simply having fun while they waited for the writers to come out of a meeting. It was a lot of fun for everyone that ended up in a huge party after the Impact Tapings.

The rib took place on a plane that boarded Bashir, Kip James, and Rhino. Bashir told the flight attendant to announce that it was Kip James’ 66th birthday. Bashir was then taken to “wrestler’s court” because they decided he hadn’t been in the company long enough to pull a rib over on a veteran.

Brother Ray served as the judge, Brother Devon was going to represent Bashir until he showed up late to court and was fired by Bashir. Bashir then decided to represent himself. B.G. James represented Kip and agent Pat Kenney (Simon Diamond) served as the bailiff.

Rhino was supposed to be Kip’s witness. However, he turned heel in the court and ended up being Bashir’s surprise witness. Rhino helped Bashir prove that Kip had actually been lying about his age and that he was at least 66 years old or older.

Note: Bashir and Rhino literally doctored up 1970’s images and placed Kip’s picture in the background. The photos of Kip were of him in his 30’s, which by mathematics, would make him in his 60’s today.

They kicked Vince Russo and WrestleZone.com’s own Glenn Gilbertti out of the courtroom claiming it was “Wrestler’s Only”.

The result ended up with Bashir taking a plea bargain which made him buy beer for the entire locker room. He did and numerous TNA wrestlers and wrestling personalities had a huge party after the tapings.

Apparently, there are plans to possibly bring charges against Kip James at the next tapings due to Kip not staying and participating in the party.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Who would you have defend you in wrestlers court? Tell us here on our forums

Other

NWA teams up with “Big Vision” to create new show

- The National Wrestling Alliance and Big Vision Entertainment will begin taping episodes of a new series “NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood” the weekend of 11/14-11/16 in Hollywood, California.

The series concept is something of a throwback to the type of studio wrestling shows that made Mid-Atlantic Wrestling and Memphis so much fun in the 1980s.  I haven’t heard much in the way of talent for the series beyond new NWA champion Blue Demon Jr. at this time, but I expect to have more details on the series, talent, and ticket information shortly.

The NWA tapings will be free and held at Columbia Square Studios on Sunset Boulevard, which is actually the first studio CBS used on the West Coast.  There is already a link up for reservations at www.bigvisionentertainment.com.

The plan is for Big Vision to distribute the series internationally via cable and syndication deals, so these tapings are designed to get the concept rolling and have footage in the can for pitches and syndication meetings.

Big Vision and the NWA have been working on the NWA relaunch for some time and Big Vision will also be handling forthcoming DVD releases for the company.

Credit: PWinsider.com

Talk about this new wrestling venture by NWA, and more here on our forums

Ever since the draft, WWE has been quite enjoyable to me.  We have seen all kinds of fresh feuds, plenty of new team-ups, and even a fresh storyline or two, the most exciting and entertaining of which was unquestionably the Y2J and HBK feud.  But it seems to me that much of the excitement on the Raw side of things has trickled out of the main event since Y2J gained the Title, and I aim to explore why, as well as what can be done to alleviate the situation.

Don’t get me wrong, Y2J has been fantastic on the mic, always adding great psychology, splendid structure to his promos, and of course some awesome facial expressions.  HBK added some much needed emotion and incredible anger.  And all of those components combined to simply form one of the most electric feuds we have ever seen on WWE television.  But something has changed.

When Jericho won the belt, things just didn’t seem as interesting.  Sure the ladder match was great, but as soon as he held the belt, it seemed like Jericho was simply reduced to whining about respect every week.  I understand that he is a heel, and such sniveling is certainly an oft-used method to gain heat.  But at the moment, it is one that is currently being used by JBL as well, who, as much as I hate to say it, is also firmly entrenched in the main event picture, though he may be at the edges of it.    So why do we need two heels whining about the same issue of respect, always throwing out the same promos from week to week, wasting our time with this repetition?

And speaking of repetition, how about Batista?  He has certainly been another one of the issues I’ve had with the current title picture.  Even since long before was drafted back over to Raw, he has been in the title match of PPV after PPV, losing time and time again, that is of course until last Sunday, when he finally reclaimed a Title from Y2J, Who promptly came out and whined about it on Monday.  Of course Batista came out to spout the same kind of crap about how powerful he is that he’s been spouting for the months he’s been losing.  All of this repetition is boring.

The sad thing is, the title picture has become the most boring part of Monday Night Raw.  CM Punk’s reign may not be considered a successful one, but at least it was fresh and exciting.  I couldn’t wait to tune in for it.  And its not like I’m not a Y2J fan.  I love watching him.  And I think he’d be fun to watch as the champ again.  But not until things freshen up.

So what can be done?  Luckily much of the work is already being done, what with the returns of John Cena and Randy Orton just weeks away.  Their return will allow for some freshness compared to the last few months.  After a bit of a run with Kofi and the Tag Titles, I’d like to think that we will see Punk returning as well, with more success this time.  But I think it goes without saying that the most important thing is that we change up some of the matches and personalities.  Both Jericho and JBL need to stop whining about respect.  Its done now.  JBL showed some signs of maybe growing out of it into something far more brutal this week on Raw, but I doubt its permanent.  It may in fact be best if JBL slowly removes himself down to the midcard, if not back to the commentary table, as he just hasnt been as fun since his return.  Batista needs to grow into a character change that should have happened months ago, and while I don’t know what it should be, I know he needs to stop looking unstoppable (despite constantly losing), or his reign is going to be very boring.  Orton already has a good thing going with his involvement in the 2nd Generation stable, and Cena has been gone long enough to be fresh upon his return.

It seems that we are headed in a good direction now that Cyber Sunday is over, and we are coming out of the injury run that took some of the big stars away, so as long as WWE focuses their creative team on making the title scene on Raw as fresh as the undercard and some of the other two shows have been, things are going to be rather fun to watch, at least until Wrestlemania.  Of course I could be wrong, It could be that even with these returns and some new pairings, things could just be as boring as ever.  I guess Only Time Will Tell.

WWE

ECW main event talent Injured, rating

- ECW Entertainer, Evan Bourne, who has been on a roll since being introduced by WWE, may have suffered a set-back last night.

Bourne tore ligaments in his ankle during the ECW Six-Man Tag Match.

He was examined in the back where the torn ligaments were diagnosed. He he was told it would be best to stay off the ankle, and out of WWE action for up to 4 months.

Bourne hopes to rehab the injury much sooner, and take as little time off as possible, if any, and try to work through the injury if he can

- Last night’s ECW on Sci-Fi broadcast drew a 1.2 cable rating.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Discuss this setback for ECW and more on our Pinfall Recall Message Boards here

Wreslemania ticket presale, Dos Caras Jr.’s WWE Status, WWE Diva gets new ring name

- According to Ticketmaster, the internet presale for Wrestlemania 25 will begin on Thursday November 6 at 10:00 a.m. Central time and continue until 10:00 p.m. Central on Friday night. (PWinsider.com)

- PWInsider.com is reporting that Dos Caras Jr. claimed earlier this week that he is in the final stages of finalizing his move to WWE. He is in the process of finishing his tenure with EMLL and as soon as he works his required dates will have to pass necessary US drug and medical tests before he will be cleared to wrestle for WWE. To promote a final program that he will be working in Mexico, Caras added that he has unfinished business with Dr. Wagner Jr, and plans to take Wagner’s UWA World Heavyweight Title so he can be the true heavyweight champion in Mexico before he leaves. He then plans to vacate both the EMLL and UWA titles on his way out.

PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE Diva Layla El is being advertised locally as Layla London. It appears as if this will be her new ring name from this point forward.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Excited for ‘Mania and Dos Caras? Want to talk Divas? Find it right here on our forums

John Cena and WWE being sued over entrance music

- A number of media sources have picked up on the lawsuit filed against John Cena, World Wrestling Entertainment, Sony Music, Stephanie Music (WWE’s music publishing company) and several other entities by members of hip hop group The M.O.P. that was first broken last week in the PWInsider.com Elite section during my audio hotline.  The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court of New York earlier this month after communications between the two sides ended in mid-September.

The M.O.P. are upset that a sample of their song “Ante Up” was used in the “My Time is Now (John Cena Theme)” song on Cena’s hip hop CD from a few years back and subsequently by World Wrestling Entertainment for Cena’s ring entrance theme, on DVDs, CDs, PPV, and ringtones.

Two members of the group, Jamal Grinnage and Eric Murray are claiming that they turned down WWE’s request to sample the song and then someone working for Next Level Publishing, a company owned by the third member of M.O.P, Daryl Pittman, then gave clearance when the person in question (who identified himself as the President of the company, but was in actuality just an office worker) did not have the rights to do so.  The lawsuit was filed after several letters back and forth to different entities involved resulted in an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment claiming they had indeed correctly licensed the music to be sampled via Next Level.

Grinnage and Murray, claiming they own 66.6% of the rights to “Ante Up” are requesting damages, that they be ruled the proper owner of the song and that all DVDs, CDs, etc. using the sampled music be recalled and destroyed.

Credit: PWinsider.com

Got something to say about this story? Discuss it right here

ECW talent coming to Raw, Canadian talent signed

- For the past 2 weeks, WWE has run a video package promoting Mike Knox, however on Monday night the package ended with a Raw logo appearing in the bottom corner. It appears as if Knox will be making his debut sometime in the near future on the Raw brand as he has not been seen on ECW television in quite sometime.

- WWE has recently signed Winnipeg native Jon Cutler to a developmental deal. The Winnipeg Free Press writes, “Cutler, 27, recently signed a three-year developmental contract with the WWE and will be heading to Florida in a couple of weeks to try to make a name for himself in the surreal world of professional wrestling.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What’s your opinion on these stories? Tell us here on our forums.

Former IC Champ could be back with WWE soon, WWE Signs another third-gen star

- After his two recent WWE appearances on the Cyber Sunday PPV and Raw, it appears likely that Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) will be returning to the WWE roster.

No contract has been signed at this point, nor is there a start date that can be announced at this time, but we’ll keep you updated.

- Taylor Rotunda, the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan and son of Mike Rotunda/Irwin R. Shyster has been signed to a developmental deal and is now training at FCW. (PWinsider.com)

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What do you think of a new generation Money Inc. or Goldust coming back? Tell us your opinion here on our PFRC message boards

TNA

TNA and WWE wrestlers involved at Houston sports bar incident

- The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Booker T and WWE star The Boogeyman, real name Marty Wright, were visiting a local Houston sports ball this past weekend called Vito’s Deck House and were involved in an incident that ended with the authorities being called.

Wright and Booker entered the bar and it’s being reported that Wright was wearing a chain with a cross on it. They were told by bar management that the cross was against dress code and that it must be removed before the two could enter the premises, otherwise they would have to leave. Booker then got upset and asked to speak to the manager who explained the cross was a violation of the dress code. Booker asked where the dress code was posted, however found nothing that indicated that crosses were not allowed.

Police were called after Booker and Wright refused to leave and Booker informed them that two other patrons at the bar were wearing crosses yet they were not approached by management.

Booker has a protest scheduled and he hopes it gets as much publicity as possible to inform people about the sports bar suppressing people’s freedom to express their belief in God.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Bizarre stories aplenty today. Talk about this and more on our forums here

Sting Interview on why he never worked for Vince and when he is going to retire

- The UK Sun recently conducted an interview with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Sting. Below are highlights. You can read the entire interview at this link.

On retirement: “Yes, because I cannot go on much longer,” Sting said. “I don’t want to embarrass myself, or embarrass Spike or embarrass TNA. We all know it’s a wave that is coming in to shore. I don’t know when exactly it will hit, but it’s gonna hit. I thought probably this year. Actually it’s over the last couple of years it seems the thought has been in-and-out, in-and-out, in-and-out these thoughts of retirement and everything else but under the circumstances I think that I want to stick it out for one last - and this is the last - hurrah. I don’t know when it will end for sure, but as long as I stay healthy into 2009. But how far into 2009 I don’t know.”

On why he’s never worked for WWE: “There was always something in me that thought that Vince McMahon wanted me more to undermine WCW than he wanted me as a talent. I just always believed that. I saw a lot of guys from WCW that went to WWE and that happened. Anyone who made it to a higher level within WCW and then tried to jump over - it just didn’t work. The other thing was that WCW ended up giving me what I wanted in my contract.”

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Discuss these Sting tidbits with our forum members right here

Other

Former member of “The Radicalz” missing, Bobby Lashley to enter MMA ring

- The Wrestling Observer is reporting that the current whereabouts of former WCW and WWE star Perry Saturn seem to be unknown. At the funeral of Killer Kowalski, Saturn’s location was the number one topic of conversation with a number of his friends saying they didn’t believe he was still alive.

- Former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley will make his long awaited mixed martial arts debut at Mixed Fight Alliance: “There Will Be Blood” at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Fla., on December 13.

Lashley is currently under contract with the American Fight League (AFL). The two parties inked a two-fight deal with an option for a third earlier this year. But like most of the other fighters under contract with the fledgling promotion, he still has the freedom to fight in other organizations so long as it doesn’t interfere with any AFL obligations.

The promotion decided to hold off on its inaugural event until sometime in early 2009, clearing the way for Lashley to compete on the December 13 MFA show.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Chat about Lashley’s fight and Saturn’s disappearance here and here on our forums

WWE

Raw rating is in, J.R. talks Grisham, turning heel, Michaels retiring

- This week’s edition of WWE Monday Night RAW drew a 2.9 cable rating, which is the same rating the show drew last week. The first hour drew a 2.83 rating and the second hour drew a 2.95 rating with an average of 4,129,000 viewers.

This is yet another disappointing number for WWE. RAW had been in the 3.1 range in previous weeks and the dip below the 3.0 mark has to be alarming for the company.

- Jim Ross updated the Q & A on his website JRsBarBQ.com. The following items are among the highlights:

On Todd Grisham: “Todd broadcast one whole hour per week…42 minutes…he’s young and he’s getting TV exposure on the WWE’s longest running broadcast. I’d say Todd has a great deal.”

On Vince Russo’s 1999 storyline that had J.R. turn heel: “Not “offended” as it was merely a misguided idea that was designed to fail. I think the goal was for me to get frustrated and leave the company. Not being a quitter that wasn’t going to happen. TV time should be devoted to those that sell PPV’s and merchandise. I think I have been involved in more in ring type scenarios than any announcer ever which isn’t that big a deal to me. I’d rather simply be an announcer.”

On Shawn Michaels retiring: “HBK earns big money, works a schedule that he is ok with and is still the best big match wrestler in the biz. Shawn is at a place as to where if he is unhappy he won’t be around. The WWE needs HBK much more than Shawn needs them.”

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What did you think of this week’s Raw? What did you think of J.R.’s blog? Talk about it here on our fantastically fun Pinfall Recall Forums with our exuberant and talkative forum members.

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- A press release was sent to WWE by The St. Pete Times Forum. It notes that the DX vs Miz and Morrison match will take place inside a steel cage in addition to the main event match featuring Batista vs Chris Jericho. Personally, the way it’s phrased leaves open the possible interpretation that they mean the Championship match will be in the cage and then the tag match will be separate, but it does say cage “matches.” This was not confirmed on Raw last night, and is of course subject to change. The release can be found at http://www.sptimesforum.com/.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Would you like to see two cage matches, or is it overkill? Talk about this on our forums here

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- The Score in Canada will not be airing Smackdown this Friday night in its regular time slot. Instead they will be airing NBA basketball. Smackdown will now be broadcast at the following times: October 31st at 10 PM EST, November 1st at midnight EST and November 1st at 7 PM EST.

- The 3 hour Raw special airing next Monday night will be airing on The Score in Canada at the following times: November 3rd at 8:15 PM EST, with a pre-show at 8 PM EST, November 4th at midnight EST and November 4th at 4 PM EST.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Are you Canadian and upset by this? Talk with our forum members about this here

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TNA

Three matches announced for Turning Point (Spoiler Alert!!!)

(SPOILER ALERT HERE!!!)

- Mick Foley came out during last night’s Impact tapings and announced that the following 3 matches will take place at TNA’s Turning Point PPV:

Here is the current card:

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Sting will defend against AJ Styles

TNA Legends Championship Match:

Booker T will defend against Christian Cage

Kevin Nash vs. Samoa Joe

Also rumored for the card but not yet announced is Kurt Angle vs. Abyss

Credit: wrestlezone.com

(END SPOILER ALERT!!!)

What do you think of the card so far? Discuss it here

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Other

Hogans on E! True Hollywood Story

- The E! True Hollywood Story, featuring the Hogan family, will be airing on the E! Network sometime in the near future. The show will chronicle the recent difficulties the family has gone through including Hogan’s divorce as told by Terry Bollea and his friends. So far the show is scheduled to feature interviews from Bill Goldberg, Brian Knobs, Eric Bischoff and Bubba The Love Sponge.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Are you going to watch what may be the most messed up THS ever? Talk about it here

WWE

S.D. Jones passes, John Cena’s official return, Randy Orton in FCW

- Former WWF star Special Delivery Jones (Conrad Efraim) passed away on Sunday at the age of 63. He died after suffering a stroke.

- WWE has announced that John Cena will return to the ring at the 11/23 Survivor Series PPV.

- Randy Orton will be appearing down in FCW on Thursday.

Credit: 411mania.com

Post your thoughts on S.D. Jones, Cena, and Orton located here on our Pinfall Recall Forums

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New J.R. Blog, Cyber Sunday voting news

- Jim Ross has a new blog entry up where he gives his thoughts on the Cyber Sunday PPV. Check out the blog entry here.

- According to sources within WWE, the voting for Cyber Sunday was 100% legit.

Credit: 411mania.com

JR’s Blog and Cyber Sunday are one of many topics being discussed on our forums. Join the fun here

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Next week’s Raw main event is huge

- It was announced tonight on Raw by GM Mike Adamle that next week’s main event will see Batista defending his World Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage against Chris Jericho.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Excited for the Batista vs. Jericho rematch in a cage? Express your opinion on this topic here

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TNA

Returning star at iMPACT tapings

- “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner is in Orlando and should be returning to TNA TV either on tonight’s taping, or Tuesday’s, or both.

Steiner had knee surgery to repair a torn ACL on 6-24-08. He had injured his knee at the Sacrifice PPV working Kaz & Samoa Joe, and tried to work around the injury for a while thereafter.

After surgery and several months of recovery & rehab, Steiner wrestled for PWA on 9-21-08 in Detroit and his return to TNA had been assumed since.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What do you think of Big Poppa Pump coming back to suplex the competition? Talk about it here

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New iMPACT zone under construction (pictures included)

The new iMPACT zone that is being built for HDTV broadcasts is coming along smoothly. Here’s a link to some pictures if you want to take a look here

Credit: pwinsider.com

What did you think of the set? Tell us right here on our forums

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Other

Eric Bischoff interview

- Eric Bischoff on the Pain Clinic 10/25 Recap

Eric Bischoff joins the show and we give him praise on his reality shows with Scott Baio. Which leads us into asking why Scott isn’t involved in his new show.  He talks about possible using someone from that show for the 2nd Season of Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling.

We mention that the debut show was repeated on last night on VH1 so we were curious to how Viacom and CMT feels about the show after seeing the ratings. Eric mentions that the debut show was on some 50+ times in the past week on different channels at different times.

Eric talks about the screening of the contestants as part of his job as executive producer. He explains the challenges of casting the show. Eric was happy with the balance of the cast. Eric talks about Danny Bonaduce for a bit. Eric compares screening the talent for this show versus bring in wrestlers when he was in charge of WCW. Eric talks about who from this new show could have made it in the business if they so choose.

Eric talks about the goals of the show and one of them is not to create competition for the WWE to TNA. It’s a reality show with a wrestling background. Eric puts over Todd Bridges on the show saying he came in without much motivation and as the show went on he really took off.

After a call from Dave, Eric talks about his favorite moment while in charge of WCW. When Hogan heeled out at Bash At The Beach was definitely it. The impact of this really made WCW a player in the business. It forced the entire business to change. We ask Eric about his interest in MMA. He follows it and enjoys it and loves watching it evolve. Eric talks about breaking his arm in an arm wrestling match. We ask Eric about the possibilities of a Ric Flair reality show. We let Eric go after this.

You can hear the show at www.feelthepain.net.

Credit: pwinsider.com

What did you think of the interview? What are your thoughts on Bischoff? Voice them here

WWE

Honky Tonk Man Cleared To Go If Voted To Wrestle

Honky Tonk Man wrestled last night for Big Time Wrestling on their 12th Anniversary Show in Newark, CA defeating Le Emperur in 10 minutes. TNA star Jay Lethal was also on the card.

There had been some concern that Honky would not be able to wrestle if selected tonight at WWE’s Cyber Sunday because of an injured finger, but he was OK in last night’s match wrestling with the finger taped up, and will be OK to wrestle if selected tonight.

credit: wrestlezone.com

Discuss the Honky Tonk Man right here

WWE Won’t Let Fans Stack Cyber Sunday Votes

- Interesting to note, another change to WWE’s Cyber Sunday voting, besides it being text messages instead of web votes this year, is that a limit has been put on the number of votes that can be cast. It’s almost unnoticeable on WWE.com, due to the darker font used, but on the Cyber Sunday voting page, below where it says “Each vote costs $.99 plus standard message rates apply.” it states: “Only available to United States Cell Phone Subscribers. Maximum of 10 times per vote.”
So, anyone looking to vote multiple times in a poll can only cast ten votes from their phone in a given match. Unless of course, you have more than one cell phone (and really want to spend the money voting).

Credit: pwinsider.com (Robby’s post)

Let us know how you feel on this issue right here

Other

Ring of Honor House Show Results

-The show opened with Austin Aries coming to the ring and challenging Jimmy Jacobs to come out right now for the first match of their three match series, this one being an Anything Goes match. Jimmy came down and they started brawling. This was actually a pretty short match, and predictably, Delirious ran out and attacked Aries, as well as a new member of Age Of The Fall named Brody Lee, who I was not familiar with, but is a very big guy. AOTF puts the beatdown on Aries, and Jacobs wins with the End Time front guillotine choke.

-After the match, Jimmy Jacobs officially introduces Lee as the newest member of AOTF, and this goes right into Brody Lee and Delirious taking on the returning Cheech and Cloudy. This was the first chance I’ve gotten to see Cheech and Cloudy wrestle since they left ROH after the end of Special K over three years ago, and I was blown away by how much they’ve improved. They’ve developed into a great tag team, and I was really impressed with how smooth their work was. Of course AOTF ended up getting the win following a big boot from Lee.

-Rhett Titus came out and introduced his new valet, Jackie McKay, who I believe I saw getting squashed by Sara Del Rey a few weeks ago, but is now decked out in a schoolgirl outfit, playing up kind of a jailbait look. Daizee came out and attacked Rhett, leading to Daizee against Jackie. Jackie showed some stuff in the ring, but Daizee won with the Mindtrip after only a couple of minutes, after which she chased Titus to the back.

-ROH World Tag Team Champions Kevin Steen & El Generico defeated the Osirian Portal. This was my first time seeing the Portal, and while they are very small guys, they do a very interesting Egyptian gimmick where their outfits are patterned after classic ancient Egyptian styles. The Portal was a lot of fun to watch, as they have a somwhat unique style that you really have to see to understand. This was partly played up for comedy, with Steen getting frustrated at Generico for being snake charmed by the Portal, as well as some of the Portal’s other goofy shenanigans. Steen & Generico pick up the win with the top rope legdorp/swanton combination.

-FIP Champion Go Shiozaki and the Necro Butcher battled to a double countout. They brawled in the ring for a few minutes before the brawl spilled out to the floor. From there they fought all over the venue and back into the ring, then the brawl spilled back out to the floor and over near the merch table, and the referee counted both men out of the ring. Go and Necro fought to the back, but Necro ended up getting jumped by Age Of The Fall and brought to the ring, where Jimmy Jacobs made mention of Necro’s children and told him he thinks he’s a bad father, and will make sure he never has any more children, then had Delirious and Brody Lee pull Necro groin first into the ringpost. AOTF left and Necro did a hardcore job selling the injury as he was helped to the back.

-Brent Albright defeated Chris Hero by submission with the crowbar. Great match, and I continue to be impressed by how good Hero’s striking ability has gotten. Albright took a ton of punishment from Hero, but came back with the half nelson suplex for two, then the crowbar for the tapout. After the match, Albright challenged Sweeney to bring Sweet & Sour Inc to face a team led by himself in a Steel Cage Warfare match at Final Battle 2008 in New York City.

-After intermission, Davey Richards won a Six Man Mayhem match which also included Claudio Castagnoli, Hallowicked, Ruckus, Jason Blade, and Rhett Titus. The crowd was very into Rhett Titus and Hallowicked, and kept getting Claudio ticked off by yelling “HEY!” after every move Claudio did. Claudio looked like a monster here, throwing everybody else in the match around for most of the bout, while no selling a lot of the stuff the others gave him. Davey picked up the win by making Hallowicked tap out to the key lock, but Claudio got angry and trashed ringside again, and beat up a couple people on his way to the back.

-Tyler Black defeated Jerry Lynn in another great showing by both men. The crowd was split 50/50 for this one, with each men having their share of supporters. Jerry seemed to tweak his knee for real early on, but it didn’t seem to play much into the match. Jerry kicked out of the small package driver, but Tyler hit the Phoenix Splash for the win. After the match was over, Tyler got on the house mic and said that we’re in a world where change is happening, and soon the wrestling world will change when he wins the ROH World Title. The crowd started chanting “next world champ” as Tyler and Lynn shook hands.

-In the main event, Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated LAX. This was a very good match, and you could tell that Homicide was having the time of his life being back in front of the ROH crowd, which was about 80/20 for LAX. Both Briscoes were bloodied in this match, with Mark getting a cut below his right eye, while Jay’s nose started bleeding after a big toss from Hernandez. Very close match with each team taking turns being in control. Jay kicked out after a Homicide lariat, and Mark kicked out of a Cop Killa, but then Homicide kicked out of the Jay Driller. At the end, Hernandez came in and started tossing the Briscoes around, but they came back and gave him a superplex, then the top rope legdrop/shooting star press combo for the win. After the match, Homicide again put over ROH and the fans.

-After the show was over, I walked outside and found Chris Hero and Sweet & Sour Inc beating up Brent Albright in the parking lot. It was a pretty long, ugly beating, with Larry Sweeney and his crew forcing Bobby Dempsey to lay in an occasional shot on Albright. Hero knocked Albright out, and Albright ended up getting carried inside. After that the cops showed up in the parking lot, as somebody apparently must have thought it was a real brawl breaking out in the parking lot and called the cops. I didn’t stick around to see what happened next, but I assume they figured out pretty quickly that it was part of the show.

Pretty full house, I’d guess in the 700-800 range, but again, I’m not very good at estimating crowd sizes.

They return to New Jersey in January.

credit: pwinsider.com

Discuss ROH on our forums!

Mick Foley Interview

Link right here: http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/oct/26/foley_happy_move_tna/

Hardcore legend Mick Foley survived some of the toughest and most grueling matches in WWE history. But it was a pair of “magic headsets” that did him in.

Foley left WWE in September after a 12-year relationship with the company. His last few months as an announcer on Smackdown, however, convinced him that it was time to move on. More precisely, says Foley, it was WWE owner Vince McMahon yelling in his headsets that led to his departure.

“It would be tough to overstate how much I disliked my last 3 1/2 months with WWE,” says Foley, who became one of the biggest acquisitions in the five-year existence of TNA when he signed with that company in September.

Colleagues had warned Foley of McMahon’s proclivity to over-produce his announcers when he accepted the job as color commentator for the Smackdown show earlier this year.

Foley decided to take pre-emptive action.

“Well, I’ve heard about you and those headsets,” Foley said to McMahon before accepting the job.

“He told me he was getting better,” recalls Foley. “I didn’t imagine it would affect me quite so viscerally. I guess I also was naive enough to think I would be immune to what the other guys accepted as part of the job.”

Foley, who grew tired of McMahon screaming in his ear, found himself disliking the job more and more. The final straw came when McMahon hammered away at him — more so than usual — from his backstage perch.

“It was a month before I got the first dose of Vince’s unique medicine,” says Foley. “I spoke to him the next day about it and told him I couldn’t remember the last time I had been belittled and treated so disrespectfully. I accepted his apology and accepted that it was just part of a bad night he was having. But within a few weeks I realized that it would be part of the job and that I had to make a decision as to whether I found that acceptable.”

Foley, one of the most beloved figures in WWE over the past decade, says it didn’t come as a surprise to McMahon when he told him he wanted to part ways with the company.

“In the end I told Vince that’s not why I slept in my car and slept on a cot in the Red Roof Inn even while I was WWE champion. There’s got to be a moral to every story, and I don’t think you save money and sacrifice to do something you really don’t want to do when you’re 43,” says the best-selling author.

“I told Vince had he treated me like that in ‘96 or at any time over the last 12 years, it wouldn’t have come as such a shock. But those were magic headsets … all the respect I had earned over the past 12 years just kind of disappeared.”

The experience, says Foley, may have been a blessing in disguise.

“At the same time I’m really thankful that I tried it. I hate to sit back and wonder ‘what if’ about anything. That whole experience gave me the permission to make this move to TNA without any guilt forever.”

Leaving WWE, he says, was much easier than the four major decisions he’s had to make during his 25-year mat career.

The first was when he left WCW for the first time in 1990. “I was just starting to make some decent money,” he says. The second was leaving WCW in 1994 when he was making “a comfortable low six figures and had two children to support.” The third was leaving WWE in 2001, and the fourth was staying with WWE two years ago after being courted by TNA.

“One thing I had going for me is something I wrote in my last book that WWE published. I did admit to having a certain amount of guilt, but I did feel that my decision to stay in WWE at that time was the right one. But I think I’ll look back on this decision as if it was absolutely the right one to make. I was able to do some important things with that last WWE contract. I had some good, memorable matches and some really good interviews.”

But, says Foley, he gradually discovered that his future with WWE was getting bleaker and bleaker.

“I really believe that I would not be given a chance to do anything really memorable in WWE again. I accepted that I might be an occasional comical distraction or enhancement. But when TNA called and convinced me that I would have a chance to really make a difference, and that if I was happy there I could be a big part of the future of the company, I became every enthusiastic about the possibilities.”

The three-time WWE champion says the move to TNA and Spike TV has re-energized him and given him a new cause to fight for. He sees TNA as a company that is close to turning a big corner, and he wants to be part of the construction effort.

“I always felt like wrestling in general would be better off with two strong national promotions. I know TNA is hoping that I can change the idea that they are a secret shared by one and a half million fans.”

Foley made his first televised appearance for TNA on the Sept. 18 edition of Impact when Jeff Jarrett introduced him to the audience on the arena’s video wall. He made his official debut two weeks after being introduced to TNA. He targeted Vince McMahon and Kurt Angle in his promo.

“I was happy with the way I was brought in because I know that if things work out that the long-term plan will be very complex and entertaining. I’ve been absolutely thrilled by how I’ve been received by the guys.”

Foley, who signed a flexible deal that would allow him “to avoid making a longtime commitment” if he wasn’t comfortable, is now looking forward to taking on a much larger role in the company.

“When I had my first meeting with Spike, I felt like a guy who was just getting out of a serious 12-year relationship and wasn’t quite ready to commit, but that I was really looking forward to the opportunity to get out there and date again. Now that I’ve been there a little while, I am ready to jump in and get serious.”

His “major” storyline announcement Thursday night during a live Impact show in Las Vegas — that’s he’s now a major investor in TNA — is a sign that’s he’s in for the long haul.

“This is the most fun I’ve had in wrestling since 2000 when I was the (WWE) commissioner,” says Foley. “It’s a relief to go out there and realize that I’m going to be able to say things I want to say and that my opinion will be valued and a lot of the ideas I have will actually see the light of day.”

While Foley is excited about his prospects in TNA, he’s also cautiously reserved about taking on any kind of major creative role.

“I don’t want a full-time, clearly defined role. That would be a lot more pressure than I really want at this stage. But I just love the idea that I can come up with an idea and have it heard and taken seriously, which was the case in WWE until a couple of years ago.”

Foley realizes there’s room for improvement, but says there’s a big upside to the company. TNA has been targeted by some critics for confusing storylines and characters whose roles haven’t been clearly defined. Foley says the blurring of the lines can be an advantage.

“It can actually be seen as a strength. In Sting’s character, for example, that’s part of what makes a compelling character — the different shades of grey involved. But I think there were a couple of compelling storylines going into Bound For Glory. And I appreciate how difficult it is to come up with storylines on a weekly basis.”

“One of the challenges,” says Foley, “is to come up with the right balance of humor and drama. Sometimes there’s too much emphasis on comedy, but I see things changing. Hopefully I’ll have a say in some of that. There was a time when I was watching Spike that I just didn’t see how it could work. My opinion began to change about a year ago.”

Foley, whose bizarre alter egos have included Cactus Jack, Mankind and Dude Love, is protective of his legendary status in the business. He’s confident that his involvement in TNA will only enhance that standing.

“I’m well aware of how important a legacy is in wrestling,” says Foley, who is no longer on the WWE Alumni section of the company Web site and was taken out of the upcoming Legends of Wrestlemania video game. “Anytime you take a chance, there’s that possibility of affecting that legacy. But I feel very strongly that TNA’s heading in the right direction and that among the guys there is a sense that something is really happening.”

When asked if he thinks he might have a “few” special matches left in him, wrestling’s version of Evil Knievel just chuckles.

“I think a few would be a good way of putting it,” says Foley, who has broken nearly every bone in his body during his career and even had a chunk of his ear torn off during a match. “I know I was absolutely terrified when Kurt Angle started talking about the possibility of getting in the ring with me. I do understand that we could do a great job building it up, but Kurt is so intense. He’s so bothered that someone might consider my acquisition to be the biggest one in TNA. I think I might pay dearly for it in the ring.”

Foley does seem genuinely concerned that the former Olympic gold medalist may be a little too serious for his own good, and that the publicity about Foley being the company’s greatest acquisition may have rubbed Angle the wrong way.

“Don’t say that to Kurt Angle. He takes this stuff very seriously. But I guess that’s part of what makes him great.”

As for “Mr. Socko,” a sock puppet Foley made famous in WWE, it’s not likely that the original will be making an appearance in TNA anytime soon. Foley, however, used a facsimile of the sock on the Bound for Glory pay-per-view.

“That’s kind of a grey legal area,” he says. “I could envision the world’s most ridiculous trial as attorneys from both sides presenting their cases as to why the sock is theirs. But just to play it safe, when I brought forth a white sock (on a recent show), it was not colored, decorated or referred to as ‘Mr. Socco.’ This is the world’s most ridiculous legal argument just waiting to happen.”

While the multi-faceted Foley continues to pursue writing opportunities, a role in a proposed sitcom titled “Hey, Dude!” seems to be uncertain at this point.

“The sitcom in development was built around Foley’s true-life personality. He was to have played himself — a former pro wrestler and author who was pursuing an acting career. Producers had hoped to roll by next spring.

“You have to sell these concepts to the networks,” says Foley. “Best I can tell that hasn’t happened. I might be so tied up with TNA that I might not have time to make a decent attempt at network television.”

The Spike network, home of TNA, could be an option.

“There’s always a possibility,” says Foley. “I had a good relationship with Spike in the past. They would be open to working on outside projects. So it’s a possibility.”

The father of four also has continued to work on his philanthropic efforts. He has sponsored children throughout the world for the past 17 years through the Christian Children’s Fund, and is leaving next week for Sierra Leone where he sponsors a young boy.

He says he’s currently reading a book titled “The End of Poverty” because he wants to know as much as he possibly can about the subject.

“I believe in making informed choices, whether it’s a decision to leave a wrestling company, politics or trips to other countries. There’s a little guy (in Sierra Leone) that I’ve been sponsoring for two years, and I had a chance to contribute some money to some community schools there. This will give me the opportunity to get out there and see a different side of the world and probably come back better able to appreciate what I have.”

credit: 411mania.com

Discuss the interview right here!

WWE

Updated Cyber Sunday Card

- WWE Title Match: HHH © vs.
The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov or Jeff Hardy AND Vladimir Kozlov

- World Title Match: Chris Jericho © vs. Batista
The WWE Universe Picks the Referee: Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels or Steve Austin

- ECW Title Match: Matt Hardy © vs.
The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Mark Henry, Evan Bourne or Finlay

- IC Title Match: Santino Marella © vs.
The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: Goldust, Roddy Piper or The Honky Tonk Man

- Pick a Tag Team Match
The WWE Universe Picks the Match - World Tag Team Title Match: Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase © vs. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston or Cryme Tyme vs. The Miz and John Morrison or Jamie Noble and Mickie James vs. William Regal and Layla

- Kane vs. Rey Mysterio
The WWE Universe Picks the Match: Falls Count Anywhere, No Holds Barred or 2 of 3 Falls Match

- The Undertaker vs. The Big Show
The WWE Universe Picks the Match: Last Man Standing, I Quit, or Knockout Match

- Diva’s Halloween Costume Contest
The WWE Universe Picks the Winner

- PRE-SHOW US Title Match: Shelton Benjamin © vs.
The WWE Universe Picks the Opponent: MVP, R-Truth or Festus

credit: 411mania.com

Are you excited about Cyber Sunday? Let us know!

WWE Signs Dos Caras Jr.

- News outlets in Mexico are reporting that Dos Caras Jr. has signed a deal with WWE that will begin in January and that he will debut at the Royal Rumble.

credit: 411mania.com

How do you think Dos Caras Jr. should be utilized? Let us know on our forums

WWE Letting Fans Vote On Live Cyber Sunday Blog

WWE has been running live blogs from wrestlers as they head into PPV’s for the past couple months. This Sunday will be no different when one wrestler will be providing a live blog leading into the Cyber Sunday event. This time around, however, fans will get to vote online to determine who blogs before the show. You can vote for Kelly Kelly, Matt Hardy, or Jeff Hardy. To cast your vote, click here (http://fans.wwe.com/universeliveblogs/blog/2008/10/20/cyber_sunday_live_on_wwe_universe_). It should be noted that you must be a member of the WWE Universe in order to vote.

credit: wrestlezone.com

Who do you think should be the Cyber Sunday blogger? Give us your opinion!

TNA

Karen Angle Status Update

PWInsider.com is reporting that although Karen Angle’s pics and bio still remain on the TNA website, she is in fact finished with the company. TNA’s latest DVD, “Knocked Out,” features Karen on the cover, and while the DVD continues its media blitz her profile is expected to remain on the company’s website. Once the DVD hype subsides, her info is expected to be taken down.

credit: wrestlezone.com

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Other

Santino Marella Interview

Full interview right here (http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4552&Itemid=88)

Santino Marella: How are you?

Kirsty Quested: I’m great, how are you?

Oh, I’m doing fantastico.

Will the July tour be your first trip out to New Zealand?

This will be my first trip, absolutely. I’ve always been a fan of New Zealand, and actually, Auckland as well, because the Commonwealth Games, I remember watching them on TV. And it looked like a beautiful place, so I wanted to go there.

Your debut in WWE was unique, taking away the Intercontinental title from Umaga in your very first match. What were your thoughts at the time about how your character was coming in?

It was very interesting night. I mean, man, everything happened so fast. Life changed… like, I was actually conscious of the fact that… your life just changed forever buddy… I hope you’re ready, hold on tight, here we go! And it’s been crazy ever since, you know?

The character of Santino Marella, very much the comedy heel… has that been a planned thing, or did it evolve naturally?

It evolved very naturally. You know, they say every good character, the real person must be there. Like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, Batista… you meet these people, you realise man, this is like the guy on TV. And, that’s like me! Big mouth!

Have there been any other comedic wrestlers that you’ve drawn inspiration from?

Ohhhh… I like the physical comedy of Mr Perfect. Roddy Piper was very influential. There’s so many guys that have a good sense of humour; Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was so funny. I guess you kind of, without noticing, take a little bit from everyone.

Do you find that you have any frustrations at playing a comic character, just in terms of being taken seriously later on?

Nope. Not at all. I have an intense Judo background, and when the time is right, and I’m able to unleash my skills, people are going to accept it, they have to accept it, because it’s real.

Do you think that in your case, the character has made the man, or the man has made the character? Like, what do you bring to Santino and what does Santino do that helps you?

Well, I bring Santino to life. I mean, on paper Santino’s not much. But I definitely bring him to life, because like I said, I am Santino. And Santino helps to pay the bills.

You’ve had a lot of really fun heat with the likes of Steve Austin, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Kimmel, even Snoop Dogg on one occasion. What’s it been like getting to dish out insults to those guys?

It’s um… it’s actually interesting, because everybody’s… if you’re at that level of entertainment, you’re obviously, you have a good perspective, so to be able to go out there and have fun with everybody, and entertain people, and people love to see people from two different worlds colliding, you know to see people they see from one show on another show, even sometimes, when somebody guest stars on another show, it’s just great to see them together, so… and everyone so far has great chemistry, great attitudes. I look forward to doing much more of those kinds of things.

Is there anybody else you’d have liked to have a go at? Or anyone you wanted to have a go at, but you weren’t allowed?

Um… hmm. I don’t know, right now I’m on the defense. I’m on top, kind of. Everyone’s gunning for me. So I guess I have to beat the number one contenders, you know?

Yeah, so there’s nobody out there at the moment that you think could do with getting a piece of Santino’s mind?

[chuckles] In wrestling or in Hollywood?

Anywhere! Anywhere.

Yeah I’d like to get that Will Ferrell, I think it’d be fun to do something with Will Ferrell, you know? And there’s a few people out there that I’d like to have some fun with… maybe David Letterman, he’s a funny guy. When it comes to wrestling I still have to get my hands on Jerry “Stupid” Lawler, and some of these young punks over here, Cody and Ted DiBiase, they’ve got the right attitude but… OK fine, I’m jealous of their youth, OK? Fine!

Well, speaking of that, you’ve been paired up with two divas who are quite the opposite of each other, Maria and Beth Phoenix; how’s it been, working with those girls?

Ah, both girls are very professional, both girls are chicks, you know, they come with their goods and bads, they a little bit crazy, but, you got to love them, you know? You can’t live with them, can’t live without them, right?

I’ll have to beg to differ with you on that one. You can’t live with ‘em.

[laughs]

There’s often debate around mixed gender matches; how do you find it, taking on Beth in the match that kickstarted this angle?

Um… that was interesting match, I think. You have to approach with a very open mind and enjoy the entertainment value. It’s… you know, we have to remember that, we’re all supposed to get along in the end, you know?

But I didn’t mind it at all. Maybe some macho guys were a little bit, felt bad for me, because I got pinned, but I don’t care. Now I pin her.

[laughs]
Who are you hoping that the fans choose for you at Cyber Sunday?

Oh, good question! You see I have some unfinished business with Roddy “The Piper” but I would like to smash the Honky Tonky Man because I’m gonna beat his record. What better to pair it up with, than to beat him as well?

Fair enough. Well Santino, thank you so much for your time, we really appreciate it, and we’re really looking forward to seeing you out here in New Zealand next year.

I’m looking forward to coming, that’s for sure.

credit: rajah.com

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Ring of Honor News

Ring Of Honor will finally return to Edison, NJ at the Inman Sports Club on 990 Inman Avenue with a zip code of 08820. There will be tickets available at the door and belltime is 7:30pm. Here are some late notes going into tonight’s card:

-LAX of Homicide & Hernandez vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe will be positioned as the main event. LAX proved themselves as the elite in the wrestling business by winning the 30 Minute Iron Team Match last night in Danbury. Homicide couldn’t be happier to be back in a ROH ring and Hernandez was absolutely dominating. Jay & Mark Briscoe are former five time ROH World Tag Team Champions, GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions in NOAH and FIP Tag Team Champions. This will be a battle of force vs. force.

-Tyler Black vs. Jerry Lynn will be a very important match for both individuals, who have momentum after last night in Danbury. Last night saw Tyler Black score perhaps the biggest fall of his career when he pinned former ROH World Champion Homicide in the Iron Team Match. Jerry Lynn defeated Claudio Castagnoli last night as he attempts to move into title contention. Both men need a victory tonight in Edison to keep their momentum going. Black told us last night that he has some words for the fans tonight.

-Just to clarify something, Prince Nana is not back in ROH and we apologize for his disruption during the show last night in Danbury.

-Jimmy Jacobs was making it sound like that he or Tyler Black might wrestle twice tonight in Edison and team with Delirious vs. Cheech & Cloudy.

-Davey Richards scored a huge submission in the Iron Team Match by making ROH World Tag Team Champion Kevin Steen tap out. Steen is nursing a sore knee going into tonight’s match teaming with El Generico against The Osirian Portal. Steen insists he will be ready to wrestle tonight. This is a huge opportunity for The Portal.

-Daizee Haze showed up last night like she just rolled out of bed and was not interested in a match. Instead, she attacked Rhett Titus at every opportunity. Haze did not have any interaction with Delirious last night after the spiking in Steel Cage Warfare last month in Philadelphia (see a clip in the new ROH Video Wire at ROHvideos.com). We still don’t have any comments from Haze about the spiking.

-Speaking of Titus, he was seen coming out of the woman’s locker room late last night after Haze left with a big smile on his face.

-FIP World Heavyweight Champion Go Shiozaki defeated Austin Aries in an almost 25 minute classic last night in Danbury. Both Shiozaki and Aries are banged up after the bout, but they will have to be in peak form tonight. Shiozaki is set to defend the FIP Title tonight against the punishing Necro Butcher. Aries will fight arch enemy Jimmy Jacobs in an Anything Goes Match.

-Here is another look at the complete card for tonight in Edison, NJ:

Inman Sports Club
October 25th, 2008- 7:30pm belltime
990 Inman Avenue
Edison, NJ 08820

Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the show!!!

The Main Event - Dream Tag Team Match
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. LAX (Homicide & Hernandez)

Anything Goes Match
Austin Aries vs. Jimmy Jacobs

FIP World Heavyweight Title Match
Go Shiozaki defends vs. The Necro Butcher

Special Challenge Match
Jerry Lynn vs. Tyler Black

Grudge Match
Brent Albright vs. Davey Richards with Larry Sweeney

Six Man Mayhem
Chris Hero with Larry Sweeney vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Ruckus vs. Hallowicked vs. Rhett Titus vs. Jason Blade

Do Or Die Tag #1 - Non-Title
ROH World Tag Team Champions Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. The Osirian Portal

Do Or Die Tag #2
Delirious & vs. Cheech & Cloudy

Plus: Daizee Haze; Sara Del Rey, Shane Hagadorn & Bobby Dempsey of Sweet & Sour Inc; Grizzley Redwood; and others.

credit: 411mania.com

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WWE

Paul London Backstage At WWE Show

- Paul London was backstage at the WWE TV tapings this week. He hasn’t been around in awhile.

credit: 411mania.com

Discuss Paul London here!

Cryme Tyme’s Shad Rips Morrison and Miz

Cryme Tyme’s Shad posted an explicit rant on his MySpace account regarding John Morrison and The Miz. Here is what he wrote: “Ok, I don’t want to sound mad and I don’t want to sound angry. So im going to say this as nice as possible. **** John Morrison! **** THE MIZ! These 2 jackasses are the most egotistical, arrogant dumb fuck I have ever met. This has gone from fun and games to some gangster shit. I’m not some gimmick wwe put o paper. I’m a real thug and will **** those 2 **** up in a heartbeat. Morrison is just mad that I took his girl back in the day when we were in OVW. And Miz you’re just a bitch. B…I…T..C..H. WHORAAA! BITCH!”

credit: rajah.com

How do you feel about this? Let us know

TNA

Impact Ratings

TNA Impact last night did a 1.13 rating.

Credit: PWInsider.com

Discuss TNA here

TNA Impact Game Not Selling Well

TNA’s “iMPACT!” video game release has not been nearly as successful as initially hoped. Midway Games lost double what they expected during the third quarter. The company projected losses of $34 million, but now expect to lose $64 million in the quarter. Midway hoped the TNA video game would help save the quarter. Midway canceled two licenses, but spared TNA for the time being. It’s being said that sales for the TNA “iMPACT!” video game have not been good at all and the feeling is that if sales continue to disappoint during the holiday season, there will be no future TNA video game releases from Midway. Even if the game sells well during the holiday season, it won’t matter if the company goes out of business.

credit: rajah.com

How do you think this will affect TNA? Let us know

*Non-Spoiler* Next Week’s Impact Match Listing

* The Beautiful People vs. Christy Hemme & ODB
* The Motor City Machineguns vs. Sheik Abdul Bashir & Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Mick Foley’s first day in charge of TNA
* Samoa Joe & AJ Styles look for help in their war with the Main Event Mafia

credit: 411mania.com

Will you be tuning in? Let us know why or why not

Other

Bret Hart Claims To Be Done With Wrestling

In an interview with Alex Marvez, Bret Hart said he’s done with professional wrestling following his U.S. book tour. Hart believes his wrestling career will be complete after saying good-bye to his American fans on various book signing tours to promote its release in the States. Hart is content saying good-bye to wrestling through his book and not working for a promotion after spending seven years on the project. “I’d be happy being remembered for really brilliant storytelling in my matches, not for some last chance to snap up some money,” Hart said. “I respectfully understand my light in wrestling is fading. I can live with that.” Hart said he nearly gave up on the project while trying to fight with the illnesses he faced after suffering a stroke in 2002. However, Hart wanted to bring closure on his wrestling career. “A lot of times, I thought about giving up because it was hard reliving some of these events. But I couldn’t say goodbye to my wrestling character until I finished.” Hart also wanted his family, especially his kids, to find out about his story and experience what he lived through. “I just wanted people - even my kids - to walk in my shoes and know that it was never easy being gone all the time. I was pretty much on the road for 300 days a year and that didn’t include travel back and forth. It’s hard to keep a marriage going.”

credit: wrestlezone.com

Bret Hart fan? Let us know!

WWE

More rule changes for WWE

- As we reported earlier punches are now legal in WWE, which was a good change.

But it is getting tougher to be a heel in WWE given some other rule changes that are automatic DQs if seen by the ref.

There has already been at least one DQ finish for a heel using a handful of tights and being caught by the ref.

Choking with the hands or using the ropes to choke will be a DQ instead of a 5 count, if seen by the ref, and just added to the growing list are eye poke or rakes and throwing someone into the ringposts outside the ring. Both now will lead to a DQ too.

So WWE heels will need to get very sneaky now, or refs need to be easily distracted or both.

- It is now being reported that in addition to the wrestlers in WWE now being referred to as “entertainers,” Vince McMahon has issued a mandate stating that the phrase “sports entertainment” will no longer be used and from now on the product will be referred to as simply “entertainment.”

Credit: wrestlezone.com

Do you agree/disagree with these rule changes? How do you think it will impact the overall wrestling product? Discuss it right here on our Pinfall Recall Forums

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Update on lawsuit filed against WWE by three former wrestlers

We reported several weeks ago that WWE filed a motion to dismiss the case that was filed against them by former wrestlers Scott Levy (Raven), Chris Klucarits (Kanyon) and Mike Sanders. The case brought against WWE claims that employees of WWE should be classified as just that, employees, rather than independent contractors. WWE filed a motion to dismiss the case, and the three former talents had until October 20th to file a response. It’s now being reported that on October 20th attorneys representing the wrestlers filed a request to have their response time extended, and the courts granted it by giving them until November 11th to do so.

The following are the grounds under which WWE is claiming the case should be dismissed:

*Their complaint failed to “state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”

*Their claims were barred by “applicable statues of limitations.”

*Their claims were a “impermissible attempt” to circumvent federal and state tax laws, with WWE claiming “neither [law] grants a private right of action.”

*Their claims are “preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.”

*Levy, Sanders and Klucarits failed to “exhaust administrative remedies.”

*The trio “lack standing” to assess punitive claims on behalf of other class members (WWE contracted performers).

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What do you think about the case? Tell us right here on our forums

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WWE nabs OVW talent, Candice Michele update, Take home DX with new video game

- Toys ‘R Us is giving away a pair of DX action figures to anyone who pre-orders the Smackdown! vs Raw 2009 video game.

- Candice Michelle is reportedly aware of all the negative criticism surrounding her return to WWE. The criticism is coming largely from the the internet wrestling community, with claims that she has regressed as an in-ring talent almost to the point of being a liability during wrestling matches. She is reportedly responding to this criticism by working harder and vowing that she will improve her in-ring game.

- It’s being reported that WWE has signed several names from Ohio Valley Wrestling including Ryan Reeves, Chris Cage and Gavin Garrison. Although WWE severed ties with Ohio Valley Wrestling a while back, the company still views the organization as a good resource for talent. Cage and Reeves were former developmental talents.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What are your thoughts on Candice and the Women’s division? Excited for the new prospects? Don’t care at all? Tell us what you think right here

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Santino Marella interview, Lawler’s 35th anniversary show

- The New Zealand Herald has an interview up with Santino Marella here.

- A special show celebrating Jerry Lawler’s career will take place on 11/7 at the Nashville Fairgrounds. The show will be called Lawler 35. For more info, visit lawler35.com.

Credit: 411mania.com

Have favorite Lawler memories? What do you think of Santino? Share your thoughts on our message boards

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TNA

iMPACT preview, Kurt Angle’s Turning Point opponent (Spoiler Alert)

Ric Flair Shoot Interview

Footage has recently been released by Highspots.com, who conducted a shoot interview with Ric Flair which is slated for a November DVD release. The two clips feature Flair discussing the death of WCW and his thoughts on Vince McMahon following his WWE release. See them here

Credit: wrestlezone.com

What did you think of the interview? Talk about it here