Month: January 2021

Win A Date With A TNA Knockout, TNA Video Game Publisher Files For Bankruptcy

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— As announced on last night’s edition of Impact, TNA is holding a contest for one lucky fan to spend a night with TNA Knockout ODB. Interested parties can enter the contest by logging on to YouTube.com and uploading a video explaining why they should have one night with ODB. For more detailed directions, click here.

— Midway Games, publisher of TNA’s first video game, TNA iMPACT!, has filed for bankruptcy. Click here to read the press release. Midway Games still has plans to release a sequel to the TNA video game later this year.

— Click here to see post-show footage from last night’s edition of Impact. Sting reacts to Kurt Angle’s challenge and Jeremy Borash gets exclusive comments from Kevin Nash as well as Scott Steiner.

See Ashley Massaro get into a fight with a 13-year-old! (>>)

Details Behind Manu's Release, Possible Travel Issues For Tonight's Raw, Rosa

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source: PWInsider.com, www.f4wonline.com

— As announced this evening, WWE has parted ways with Raw Superstar Manu (real name Afa Anoa’i, Jr.). Regarding his release from the company – which was said to not be much of a surprise – officials were unhappy with his ring work, as well as his overall appearance, which led to his removal from Legacy. Manu had not been seen in several weeks, although the beginning of the end actually started on the last episode of Raw in 2008.

After Randy Orton grew tired of Legacy losing matches, he scheduled a test for each member on the December 29, 2008 episode of Raw; however, Manu failed to pass his test after he lost to the ECW Champion, Matt Hardy, and was kicked out as his former companions Rhodes and Sim Snuka turned their backs on him. Later, Snuka also got kicked out of the group, and the two quickly reunited. They planned to get their revenge on Orton and Rhodes on the January 12, 2009 episode of Raw, with the aid of the returning Ted DiBiase, but DiBiase betrayed them, and joined Legacy with Orton and Rhodes. Manu never appeared in a WWE ring again.

Following a tryout at Deep South Wrestling, WWE signed Anoa’i to a developmental contract in October 2006. Under the name Afa Jr., Anoa’i spent nearly two years in developmental. His stay in developmental was highlighted by a FCW Heavyweight Championship win on October 16, 2007. Afa Jr. defeated Harry “DH” Smith by countout (he was touring with WWE in the UK at the time), to become the new FCW Heavyweight Champion. Afa Jr. would lose the belt to TJ Wilson on December 1, 2007 in a ladder match.

Anoa’i actually made his WWE television debut on November 19, 2007 at a Heat taping. Under the name Mai Tai Anoa’i, he lost to “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

On March 20, 2008, Anoa’i was suspended by WWE for violating the company’s Wellness Policy. Reportedly, he attempted to cheat on a WWE drug test through the aid of a prosthetic penis. He was caught and as a result, suspended. Soon after, company officials adopted a policy for all talent to drop their pants to their ankles in front of the assigned doctor when taking a urine sample.

At last year’s Unforgiven pay-per-view, Anoa’i made his debut on the full-time roster under the name “Manu”. He aligned himself with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, by attacking Cryme Tyme after their World Tag Team Championship match. Later that night, the three of them helped Randy Orton attack the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Kofi Kingston.

Anoa’i, Jr. is a member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family. He is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Afa and brother of former Headshrinkers member Samu. Umaga’s mother is the sister of Afa, which explains his relation to the SmackDown star.

— As noted earlier, Vladimir Kozlov is expected to appear on tonight’s Raw. It is believed that Kozlov took an early flight back to the states with Triple H from Santiago, Chile yesterday to make it to Nashville in time for tonight’s Raw. It’s interesting to note that WWE had Triple H work the opening match at last night’s show (and Vladimir Kozlov worked the second in a quick squash over Kung Fu Naki), likely due to his early flight. Lilian Garcia was also at yesterday’s show, but unlike Triple H, stayed the entire time due to her ring announcing duties. Don’t be surprised if she doesn’t appear on Raw tonight.

— WWE.com has posted the first studio photos of newcomer Rosa Mendes. Click here to see them.

See Manu’s never used Titantron video!

Sonjay Dutt Discusses His TNA Release, TNA Knockout Appearing At The Hoe Bowl

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Sonjay Dutt was on the Desi Live radio show on WorldBand Media Thursday and spoke about his departure from TNA and rumors he’s going to the WWE. Below are the more notable quotes, but you can listen to the interview in its entirety at www.worldbandmedia.com/multimedia.aspx.

ON LEAVING TNA

DJ JoN-E: What happened at the end, why did you leave?

Sonjay Dutt: Basically my contract was coming up at the end of March, we negotiated for a renewal contract which took about 2 or 3 weeks with my agent going back and forth with the company and we agreed to a contract that was fine, we agreed that I would sign the contract…so I was looking forward to another 3 years with the company and the company was looking forward to another 3 years with me. That was on a Thursday, they told me I would sign on Monday. That next day Friday afternoon I got a call and they said some restructuring was going on with the company and they weren’t going to be able to renew my contract.

ON RUMORS HE’S GOING TO THE WWE

DJ JoN-E: You mentioned WWE and I read reports online like many people and some say they’re interested and looking towards and you’re saying you’re interested in working towards them. Has there been any contact between you two?

Sonjay Dutt:You know I read the same thing online and I don’t know where that came from but for my sake I hope it’s true. (laughs) But no contact has been made yet. Technically I’m still under contract with TNA so once things end hopefully they give me a call or whatnot.

— TNA Knockout Velvet Sky will be appearing at the Hoe Bowl on Saturday, March 14 at The Hill in Kingston, New York. WWE star “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Rob Zombie and Romeo Roselli will also be appearing.

“Get Your Picture Taken with a Wrestling Superstar. This is also the chance for you to meet a wrestling superstar. Appearing, courtesy of NEW Wrestling, on Saturday March 14th are TNA Knockout Velvet Sky from 1:30-3:30, Short Sleeve Sampson 1:30-3:30 & Former WWE Superstar Romeo Roselli 3:00–5:00 and on Sunday March 15th are WWE Superstar “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan from Noon – 2:00 p.m., & Hardcore Icon Ron Zombie 3:00-5:00. Autographs & photos will be available for sale.”

For more information on the Hoe Bowl, click here.

— TNA returns to the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville, Kentucky on May 3rd, 2009. Go to http://prowrestlingevents.tk or http://prowrestlingevents.webs.com for info about upcoming wrestling shows worldwide. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

TNA Knockout *ANGRY* over her weekly paycheck (>>)

Former WWE Writer Comments On The Death of Andrew "Test" Martin

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Former WWE creative team member Seth Mates of Newsday has posted an article detailing his experiences with Andrew “Test” Martin, who was found dead over the weekend at 33 years old. You can read the entire piece at Blogs.Newsday.com.

Mates had met and interviewed Test several times and has a lot to say about WWE’s role in his death. “It’s a sad reflection on the true nature of wrestling addiction — that the business itself is the ultimate addiction, and that high of one more run in the spotlight enables whatever is needed to get through the day. Reports indicate that at the time of his death, Test was going through WWE-sponsored rehab, but no matter how much the WWE statements try to push the fact that he hadn’t worked there in two years, make no mistake about it — Test IS another victim of WWE and their bogus wellness policy.”

Despite the fact that another young wrestler is gone, Mates doesn’t think this tragedy will change anything about the ugly side of pro wrestling. “Nothing will come of it, much like nothing came of the deaths of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Ray Traylor, Curt Hennig, Mike Alfonso or Mike Lockwood — the other guys I worked with who died way too young.”

Mates continues, “I’m sorry, but I still don’t buy that wellness policy for even one second. Noble as it might be for WWE to have helped Test through rehab, it would have been more noble had they not fired him after neck surgery, or encouraged what seemed to be — in my opinion — an unnatural look, or any of a million other things that no doubt contributed to his state. WWE, once again, has blood on its hands.”

** Picture of BROOKE Hogan POLE DANCING in Miami & VIDEO of JOHN CENA on SNL [>]

WWE Offers To Help Former Wrestlers With Drug Problems, Cena On TV, Benoit Edit

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— World Wrestling Entertainment posted a letter on their corporate website yesterday offering rehabilitation assistance to all former WWE contracted talent. This past month, more than 535 former talent letters were sent out. To date, 3.1% of former company performers have accepted assistance (approximately 16 talents in all).

FORMER TALENT REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE

March 24, 2009

Beginning in September 2007, WWE distributed its first rehabilitation assistance offer to all former WWE contracted talent. The goal of the initiative is designed to help any former talent that may have a substance-related dependency problem. The WWE distributes an annual letter to all former talent notifying them of the program and relevant details. In March 2009, more than 535 former talent letters were sent out. The WWE has a confidential hotline where former talent may call and seek admittance to a certified treatment center, with all expenses covered by WWE. In addition, the WWE maintains regular contact with talent who have entered a rehab program or reached out for WWE assistance. To date, 3.1% of former talent have accepted assistance.

You can read Vince McMahon’s letter at the following link.

— As a reminder, John Cena will be appearing on MTV3’s Entertainment as a Second Language tonight at 9 p.m. ET. He will be appearing on the Fox News Channel’s Hannity at 9 p.m. ET as well. His appearance on the program was pushed back from yesterday to tonight. You can also catch a replay of Cena’s appearance on ESPN2’s NASCAR Now earlier today at midnight.

— WWE 24/7 Classics On Demand is currently airing the March 29, 2001 episode of SmackDown. The original broadcast featured a tag match pitting Chris Benoit and Test against Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle, but it has been edited out of the airing on WWE 24/7 as a result of the company’s edict to cut out all matches involved Benoit. For the record, Benoit and Test beat Angle and Guerrero when Guerrero submitted to Benoit’s “Crippler Crossface” maneuver. Other matches featured on the show include X-Pac and Justin Credible vs. The Acolytes, Matt Hardy vs. Rhyno, Big Show and William Regal vs. Chris Jericho and Kane, and a Trish Stratus vs. Ivory “Bra and Panties Match.” (Thanks to Robert Lokotar)

Randy Savage SPOTTED at 7-11! See the photo taken days ago (>>)

WWE Pulls Championship Match From Tonight's WrestleMania XXV Broadcast

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The WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito and Primo vs. World Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz Unified Tag Team Championship Lumberjack Match has been pulled from tonight’s WrestleMania XXV pay-per-view broadcast.

WWE Universe moderator Corey issued the following statement in his blog this afternoon: “UPDATE: 4:26 p.m. ET: I just received word that tonight’s Unified WWE Tag Team Championship Lumberjack Match between The Colons and The Miz & John Morrison will open tonight’s WrestleMania, as an exclusive pre-show match that will only be seen on the WrestleMania DVD.”

It is unknown whether WWE will stream the match on WWE.com as they did with the dark match battle royal last year.

The latest on Trish Stratus appearing at WrestleMania (>>)

Backstage Reaction To Diva Battle Royal, Emotional Goodbye Not Shown On Raw

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source: PWInsider.com

— As expected, the backstage reaction to the 25-Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXV was largely negative, especially among those involved in the match. Just about everyone was upset with the quality of the bout afterwards, realizing they weren’t given much time to make the match stand out and that it was largely a platform for Santino Marella’s comedy act.

— After it was announced that Melina was moving to SmackDown, Raw went to a commercial and fellow Divas Mickie James and Kelly Kelly started hugging her goodbye. The WWE Women’s Champion got emotional and started crying during this. Howard Finkel also noted last night in his live Raw blog that the Bella Twins comforted her backstage.

— Michelle McCool posted a blog on the WWE Universe last Sunday discussing the Draft, her WrestleMania experience, and more.

On the possibility of being on the same show as Melina on, McCool wrote: “I’d really like to be on the same show as her at this point! One reason, the women’s championship. I WILL go down in history as not only the first ever divas championship, but the first diva to ever hold both the Women’s title and Divas Championship. Mark my words…it will happen! Not only that, it’s been almost 4 years since Melina and her 2 cronies at the time delivered the “snapshot” on me that put me out of action for several months. I can forgive, but I don’t forget!”

Click here to read her blog.

*SPOILER* on Chris Jericho’s big feud on SmackDown (>>)

Randy Orton Taken Off Shows, WWE Beats American Idol, WWE Heading To Paris

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— As a precaution going into tomorrow night’s Backlash pay-per-view, WWE held Randy Orton off of this week’s shows in Birmingham, England and Glasgow, Scotland due to a minor injury he’s dealing with.

— World Wrestling Entertainment sent out a peculiar press release this past Thursday saying WWE programming beat American Idol in the all important Males 18-34 advertiser demographic for the week of April 13th, reaching more than 16 million viewers. You can read the press release here.

To come up with the 16 million viewers figure, you’d have to combine both hours of Raw as two different shows, not to mention ECW, Smackdown & WWE Superstars, as well as all of the show replays on Universal, Mun2 and WGN America. You’d also have to consider that none of those people watched more than one show (including both hours of Raw), and then compare the total number of viewers for the week to a single episode of American Idol.

— WWE has added a second Paris show to the European tour in September. This event takes place on September 26th with tickets going on sale May 13th at 10 AM. Tickets for the previously announced September 27th event in Paris are already on sale. Go to http://evenements-lutte.tk for info about upcoming wrestling shows worldwide. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

Click here to see photos of Randy Orton’s *REAL* wife (>>)

Diva Sidelined For Nine Months Due To Injury, Iron Sheik Backstage At Raw, More

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sources: PWInsider.com, www.f4wonline.com

— WWE developmental women’s wrestler Jenny Quinn recently tore her anterior cruciate ligament and will be out of action for nine months as a result.

Quinn went under the moniker “Fifi” at a recent Florida Championship Wrestling television taping, although it should be noted that the French Men act was actually a one-time occurrence to further the feud between Trent Barretta & Caylen Croft and Tyler Reks & Johnny Curtis. Quinn regularly goes under the name Jenny Cash in the promotion.

Quinn noted her disappointment on her MySpace account, saying she’s “bummed.”

— The Iron Sheik is doing a stand-up routine tonight at the Legendary Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles. When WWE officials found out he would be in the area, they asked him to come by for tonight’s Raw taping at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It remains unknown whether he will be used or not, but the plan is for him to be backstage in case he’s needed. The WWE Hall of Famer will be performing his stand-up routine tonight at 10:00 p.m. local time — with Raw ending at 8:00 p.m.

— The dark match main event for next week’s SmackDown/ECW taping in Memphis, Tennessee is a Steel Cage Match pitting Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy against Edge and Chris Jericho with Jerry “The King” Lawler as the special guest referee.

See photos of Jenny Quinn (>>)

Reason For WWE Cuts, New Talent Being Called Up To The Main Roster, Zack Ryder

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source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— The reason WWE continues making cuts (even those that save very little money such as “Superstar” Billy Graham’s $500 a week deal and less talent being brought on the road) while the company remains profitable is because the feeling in Wall Street is that stock isn’t a good buy at the moment as their profits aren’t coming close to meeting the dividend.

Company officials don’t want to give up the dividend, feeling it gives them a niche as an attractive buy because of the payout. However, leading market analysts that were bullish on WWE’s stock have gotten off the bandwagon.

The company’s arena business is far stronger than expected in North America right now and television revenue will increase in light of their deal with WGN.

On the negative side, there is a feeling that video game revenue is on the downswing because that particular sector is weakening. DVD revenue is also on the downswing and likely not turning around anytime soon because they’ve released DVDs on pretty much every big name in wrestling history that would generate big numbers. The upcoming Randy Savage DVD may be the last DVD release to generate big numbers for a while.

Most of all, many people are pointing at the significant decrease in pay-per-view revenue as it’s been the largest profit center of the company for the past decade.

Coming out of today’s financial report, WWE missed analyst expectations by $12.5 million as their first quarter revenue total of $107.8 million was significantly below analysts’ expectations of $120.3 million.

— Company officials have described the next few months as a rebuilding period because they hope to push new talent to the top even if the ratings slip a little. They also plan on calling up more talent from Florida Championship Wrestling within the next few months and giving them a purpose as opposed to putting them on television and having them flounder. However, the question remains as to who those people are.

Another detail in light of the extra hour of television being produced every week is that more and more, the ideas for entertainment will be put on Raw with ECW, SmackDown and Superstars generally focusing on wrestling.

— You can follow ECW wrestler Zack Ryder on Twitter at twitter.com/ZackRyder. This was confirmed through WWE’s account.

See photos of the soon-to-be WWE Diva (>>)