Apr 21 2009

Wrestling News Digest 4/21/09: Jeff Hardy contract update, Paul London and Amazing Red hint at TNA return, ROH Newswire, and Taz on the comeback trail

WWE

Jeff Hardy contract update

- WWE is currently trying to sign Jeff Hardy to a new WWE contract. Jeff’s current contract is set to expire in the next 2-4 months. 

- Hardy has not been receptive to the long -term deals that the company has offered him, and in a rare move, WWE offered Hardy a one-year deal with the hopes of signing him to that, and then working on a longer-term contract.

- It is due to the current contract situation that the feud with Matt Hardy has been booked the way it has, with Matt winning. It is also why Matt was moved to Raw.

- The feeling is that Jeff isn’t looking to go to another company, but more that he just wants to live his life on his own terms. TNA sources have claimed to have no contact with Hardy.

Credit: 411mania.com

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WrestleMania DVD extras

- The DVD Extras list for the Wrestlemania XXV DVD release on 5/19 are as follows:

*The complete 2009 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

*Carlito & Primo vs. The Miz & John Morrison in a Lumberjack match to unify the WWE Tag Team and WWE World Tag Team championships.

*Video highlight packages of Wrestlemania 1 through Wrestlemania XXIV (the video packages that aired on WWE programming in the weeks leading to Mania XXV)

Credit: PWinsider.com

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TNA

Paul London and Amazing Red to TNA?

- In an update to an earlier story posted by Bill Behrens, WrestleZone is now receiving word that former WWE Tag Team Champion Paul London may be debuting with TNA in the very near future. Sources are claiming that the two sides have spoken and that a deal is expected to be reached.

- Additionally, the earlier reported phrase of “Expect The Unexpected” was a tease that former TNA talent Amazing Red is rumored to be returning to the company. Sources close to Red have stated that he too has spoken with the company, and a deal is being worked out to bring him back to TNA Wrestling.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

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Angelina Love update

- New TNA Knockouts Champion Angelina Love suffered a concussion at the TNA Lockdown PPV Sunday. This happened near the end of the Knockouts Title match as Taylor Wilde came off the top rope with a cross body block. Love is only expected to participate in “non-wrestling” segments at the TNA tapings this week.

Credit: 411mania.com

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ROH

ROH Newswire for April 21st

- Thank you to the wonderful fans in both Montreal and Markham for bringing outstanding enthusiasm and passion during ROH’s latest return to Canada! Both crowds were great and treated ROH incredibly, and for that we can’t thank you enough! We return to Toronto on Saturday, July 25th at the Ted Reeve Arena, 175 Main Street, Toronto, Ontario M4E 2W2. The “Nature Boy” Ric Flair will be in Toronto for a special meet & greet autograph session. Tickets for the live event & the autograph session are now on sale at www.rohwrestling.com.

- The American Wolves had an absolute classic with Tyler Black and Bryan Danielson to close the event last Saturday in Markham. The 45 minute draw was a tag team classic and sent two very distinct messages to teams throughout Ring of Honor: Danielson and Black are not to be taken lightly, and that the Wolves are for real. Davey Richards was absolutely livid post-match, screaming at anyone within earshot. “We are the best in the world,” Richards said pointedly. “You ask Dragon and Tyler. They couldn’t beat us. They had to prod the fans into asking for 5 more minutes. Well, we do things our way – we answer to no one.” In Dayton on Friday, Richards will oppose Tyler Black in singles competition while Eddie Edwards, who shined in the match, will take on Danielson.

- This budding rivalry is far from over, because in addition to the singles matches taking place this weekend, a tag team rematch has been signed! In Edison on May 9th, it will be the American Wolves taking on Bryan Danielson and Tyler Black again! And if the Wolves escape the Midwest this weekend with the tag titles in tow, this will once again be a championship match!

- Kevin Steen and El Generico were set to regain the World Tag Team Titles this Saturday in Chicago, but now there is a cloud of doubt hanging overhead. El Generico has suffered another injury to the same knee that Davey Richards targeted back in Orlando at “Proving Ground 2009-Night Two”. He was unable to compete in Markham last Saturday, and went to a suburban Montreal hospital for evaluation on Sunday. He, along with Kevin Steen, is awaiting the results of an MRI which will indicate how severe the injury is. Should Generico not be able to appear this weekend, Kevin Steen has already informed ROH officials that he has a replacement ready to go. Everyone at ROH wishes Generico a speedy recovery.

- Signed for Edison on May 9th is a 3-Way-Dance that may involve more athleticism than most entire cards. “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush. Kenny King. El Generico. Need we say anything more? Should Generico’s knee force him out of action for this event, King and Quackenbush will lock up in a singles contest.

- A tag team bruiser has also been signed for Edison on May 9th. The Dark City Fight Club made a splash at “Proving Ground 2009-Night Two” in one of the hardest hitting ROH six-man tag team matches in some time. Now they’ll face 2/3 of the team they fought in Orlando. It will be Erick Stevens and Brent Albright taking on the DCFC in Edison! Both teams will need ice packs after this one!

- Dave Prazak and Mike Hogewood began voiceovers on the second 6 weeks of “Ring of Honor Wrestling on HDNet” yesterday in Denver. Prazak informed us that HDNet has fixed the lighting and crowd noise issues for this round of tapings and that the show “looks incredible”. The next set of ROH on HDNet tapings take place on May 29th and 30th back at the Arena in South Philly. Already signed: Ambassador to ROH “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and KENTA! Tickets are on sale now at www.rohwrestling.com starting at $10 each.

- Two days remain in the Big Ten Sale at ROHWrestling.com. This offer features over 100 DVD’s priced at only $10 each. You can also general admission tickets for upcoming shows in Dayton, Chicago, Boston, & Edison for $10. On top of that, save 10% off your next order. For a complete list of all items included in the sale plus the 10% off discount code click here: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=860. New and in stock now at ROHWrestling.com is “Eliminating The Competition” from February 27th in Danbury, CT. This event features World Champion Nigel McGuinness defending his title against Tyler Black, Jimmy Jacobs, & Jerry Lynn in an Elimination Match; Necro Butcher vs. Brodie Liee in an Anything Goes Street Fight; Chris Hero & Eddie Edwards vs. Jay Briscoe & Kevin Steen; Bryan Danielson vs. Delirious; Brent Albright vs. Claudio Castagnoli; plus more.

- We’ll be back tomorrow with more match announcements for Boston and Edison, and hopefully we’ll have an update on the condition of El Generico.

Credit: 411mania.com

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Other

Lashley vs. Sapp set in stone

- Fanhouse.com is reporting that Bobby Lashley has agreed to fight MMA veteran Bob Sapp on June 27. Lashley (2-0), who won a decision over Jason Guida in his last bout in March, signed the bout agreement late last night. It will be Lashley’s first time taking on a much bigger fighter, as Sapp is 6′5″ and weighs around 350lbs, which gives him about a 100 pound weight advantage over the former WWE superstar. 

Sapp holds an MMA record of 10-3-1, with his most notable fight coming against Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira in which Sapp was submitted in the second round. He was last seen on the FieLDS Dynamite!! show, where he won by TKO in the first round. 

The report goes on to note that while Lashley did appear on TNA Wrestling’s “Lockdown” PPV on Sunday, there are currently no plans for him to wrestle with the company.

The bout will take place on an event promoted by an as-of-yet announced MMA upstart MMA promotion and will air on PPV. 

Credit: 411mania.com

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Taz to make return to wrestling on May 30th

- To read a press release regarding Taz’s return to wrestling go here

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/taz-confirmed-for-wrestling-related-return-on-may-30th-75475

Credit: wrestlezone.com

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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.

Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com

Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com

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Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com

Ed Battes (Ed) - Ed@PinfallRecall.com

Danny Charisma (DC) - DC@PinfallRecall.com

Apr 17 2009

Wrestling News Digest 4/17/09: Backlash Card, Why Taz left WWE, Lockdown card, and TNA promises TWO former champs at Lockdown

WWE

Backlash card, Taz posts response to his departure from WWE

- Here is the updated WWE Backlash card:

* ECW Title Match: Jack Swagger © vs. Christian

* World Title Last Man Standing Match: John Cena © vs. Edge

* WWE Title Match: HHH ©, Batista and Shane McMahon vs. Randy Orton, Ted Dibiase and Cody Rhodes

- A link to Taz’s blog post stating why he left WWE and what the future holds for him is located here.

Credit: 411mania.com

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NBC to air WWE special this summer

- PWInsider.com is reporting that NBC has announced a new WWE special entitled “The 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania” which will air on Saturday, August 29th from 9-10 pm EST.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

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TNA

Lockdown card for Sunday, TNA promising two former champs at PPV

- Here is the updated TNA Lockdown PPV Card, all matches are held in the six-sides of steel:

- On the Pre-Show: Danny Bonaduce vs. Eric Young
- TNA Knockouts Queen of the Cage Match: ODB vs. Madison Rayne vs. Daffney vs. Sojo Bolt
- Doomsday Chamber of Blood Match: Abyss vs. Matt Morgan
- Lethal Lockdown: Team Jarrett (Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett and Christopher Daniels) vs. Team Angle (Kurt Angle, Scott Steiner, Booker T and Kevin Nash)
- TNA Knockouts Title Match: Awesome Kong © vs. Angelina Love vs. Taylor Wilde
- IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title Match: The Motor City Machine Guns © vs. No Limit vs. LAX
- X-Division Title Xcape Match: Suicide © vs. Kiyoshi vs. Jay Lethal; vs. Sheik Abdul Bashir vs. Consequences Creed
- Winner Takes All – TNA World Tag Team Titles vs. IWGP Tag Team Titles Philadelphia Street Fight: Beer Money © vs. Team 3D ©
- TNA World Title Match: Sting © vs. Mick Foley

- To make things clear, TNA has now issued two messages via their mobile service, both claiming that the company has signed former world champions from other promotions. Therefore, expect TWO former champions to debut with the company at TNA’s Lockdown PPV.

Credit: 411mania.com/wrestlezone.com

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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below. 

Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com

Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com

Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com

Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com

Ed Battes (Ed) - Ed@PinfallRecall.com

Danny Charisma (DC) - DC@PinfallRecall.com

Mar 31 2009

Wrestling News Digest 3/31/09: More Divas for Battle Royal, Kurt Angle movie trailer, Simon Diamond molested

WWE

More participants added to Diva’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania XV

- At today’s WWE WrestleMania XXV press conference, it was announced that Sunny, Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly and Victoria would be a part of the Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal.

Already announced for the match were Melina, Maryse, Mickie James, Gail Kim, Michelle McCool, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly, Maria, Eve Torres, Katie Lea Burchill, Beth Phoenix, Layla El, Rosa Mendes, Candice Michelle, Natalya Neidhart, Jillian Hall, Tiffany.

Candice Michelle is currently questionable for the match, due to a recent ankle injury. Also, Wendi Richter and Lita have tuned down the invitation to appear in the match.

Credit: 411mania.com

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Taz leaves WWE

- PWInsider.com and others are reporting that Jim Ross’ WWE Smackdown broadcast partner Taz is done with the company, and that yesterdays tapings were his last. His contract is reported to be expiring soon.

Credit: wrestlezone.com

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TNA

Talent update for Booker T’s convention, Kurt Angle movie trailer

- Former WWF champion and current TNA star Mick Foley has been added to Booker T Legends of Wrestling Fanfest this Friday in Houston, Texas.  Foley is scheduled to appear on TNA house show events this weekend but since the convention is a charity event designed to help raise funds for children in the Houston area, he is going to fly to Houston to appear for several hours, then rush back to Louisiana for the TNA house show that evening.

Former WWE, ECW and TNA star Matt “Spike Dudley/Brother Runt” Hyson has also been added to the convention, making it a full Team 3D reunion.

- The trailer for Kurt Angle’s film End Game can be viewed here: http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/100788/Various-News:-Kurt-Angle-Film-Trailer,-Bret-Hart-UK-Book-Signing,-Simon-Diamond-Sues-Clergy-Claiming-Sexual-Harassment.htm

Credit: wrestlezone.com/PWinsider.com

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Other

Simon Diamond files molestation lawsuit

- Former ECW and TNA Performer Pat “Simon Diamond” Kenny is currently filing suit against, claiming sexual abuse as a child, against a teacher and priest at a prestigious Delaware high school. Here is the press release:

Former TNA Star Files Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Priest 

Church Officials Knew Cleric Was Abuser, Yet Allowed Him to Stay in Schools in Three States

Simon Diamond Vows to Help Keep Kids Safe

“The Time for Silence and Shame is Over,” He Says 

A former TNA Wresting Star filed a child sex abuse lawsuit today, accusing a teacher and priest at a prestigious Delaware high school of sexually abusing him when he was a young teen student at the school.

Pat Kenney, who wrestled under the name Simon Diamond, used a landmark Delaware Law, the Child Victims Act, to come forward and tell his story of childhood sexual abuse at Wilmington’s Salesianum High School, where he says he was sexually molested by known predator Denis Killion. 

Rev. Denis Killion was removed from ministry when four men came forward in August to accuse him of sexual abuse. Letters exposed in the cases showed that church officials knew that Killion was a molester, but instead of removing him, moved the priest to schools in Pennsylvania and Florida.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/07_08/2008_08_07_Parra_LettersSupport.htm.

Since then, a fifth victim has come forward.

Credit: 411mania.com

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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below. 

Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com

Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com

Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com

Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com

Ed Battes (Ed) - Ed@PinfallRecall.com

Danny Charisma (DC) - DC@PinfallRecall.com