Numerous sources within TNA are confirming that Don West, who has been with the company from day one as an announcer before moving on to head TNA's Merchandise end during the summer of 2009, has given TNA notice that will be finishing shortly with the company.
West, who had no previous experience working in the business, was brought in as an announcer for the company when they launched in June 2002. He and Mike Tenay soon became the company's announcing team, although West was also used at times as The Amazing Red's manager, which was a role he was very good at.
In August 2011, West was replaced by Taz as an announcer for the promotion, West was given a promotion behind the scenes and took over TNA's Merchandise end. West immediately went on the road full-time handling the company's autograph signings and doing "Don West Deals" live at the shows. West would trumpet special deals from inside the ring and the merchandise table, sort of a pied piper for selling shirts and DVDs, doing an amazing job at getting the company's merch sales up.
West, who first gained fame for Shop at Home, was famous for his unique and zany sales pitches, which at one point was parodied by Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live. West regularly created those pitches online via the ShopTNA.com websites. A number of people within TNA have noted that it's going to be "near impossible" to replace West's skills in the merchandise aspect of the company.
Going forward, West will be focusing on his website WildWestDeals.com.
As previously reported, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar was in attendance on Saturday nights UFC 146 main event, watching UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos defeat Frank Mir to retain his Championship.
During the UFC 146 post-fight PPV press conference, UFC President Dana White was asked about Lesnars appearance and revealed Lesnar is considering a return to MMA.
White was asked whether Lesnars appearance tonight meant anything, where White confirmed there was, replying only by saying, maybe with a smile. He was also asked if Lesnar will be returning to the UFC and if his spoken to the former UFC Champion. White said he hasnt spoken to him yet but he will let everyone know if anything happens.
White also confirmed that Lesnar maybe making a return to MMA.
Lesnar retired from MMA in December 2011 and made his return to WWE in April, reportedly signing a one year deal with the company.
Now that former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal has split his time between mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling, the flood gates are officially open.
At least for Roy Nelson.
Big Country, who fights Dave Herman on the main card of UFC 146 this Saturday night (May 26, 2012) at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, already has his sights set on another wrestler-turned-fighter-turned wrestler.
Brock Lesnar.
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 Champion tells MMA Weekly that after he disposes of Pee Wee Herman at the Dos Santos vs. Mir pay-per-view (PPV) event this weekend, he might have to call out Brock Lesnar, go to WWE and whoop his ass.
I think [King Mo opened] a lot of doors for a lot of different fighters, and it actually opens up a lot of fighters eyes that theres other ways to make a living, that you can actually do both sports. Its like its okay to be a Deion Sanders playing football and baseball, or like a Bo Jackson playing football and baseball. Its good that athletes can do that. After I beat Pee Wee, I might just have to call out Brock Lesnar. I might just have to go to WWE because I might just have to call him out, go to WWE, and whoop his ass.
He also tells Ariel Helwani the former UFC Heavyweight Champions title run was set up on a silver platter and that using Lesnar logic, he should expect his own crack at the crown after a win on Saturday night in Sin City.
Those comments after the jump.
You know what? If Brock belongs in the hall of fame, so do I. Its not that hard to win the title when its set up that way for you. Pretty much [a silver platter]. After Dave Herman, I guess I get a title shot. Interim! Because someones gonna get hurt.
Nelson is, of course, referring to Lesnars transition back to the squared circle after his retirement last December, which stemmed from a bout with diverticulitis and a couple of first-round ass-kickings inside the Octagon.
Update on the Chris Jericho Flag Incident Posted by Steve Carrier on 05/26/2012 at 08:37 AM
- After the incident in Brazil the other night, Chris Jericho did not immediately return home to the United States. He flew onto Ecuador with the WWE crews and just flew back into Miami this morning. He wrote:
"Just landed in Miami and its the longest walk to passport control ever! Like I'm talking I need a staff and a donkey.... Longest immigration line in the world. The last five days have been like a really bad video game-"Worst Business Trip Ever!" by Activision"
- PWInsider backs up TMZ's report that WWE officials did not know of Chris Jericho kicking the Brazilian flag before it happened. The incident was something improvised by Jericho on the spot to draw heel heat.
- Chris Jerichos close friend, Lance Storm, gave his thoughts on Jerichos suspension on Twitter Friday, writing, Thoughts on @IAmJericho He didnt do anything that hasnt been done a million times in wrestling. Wrong place & times change.
- Shawn Michaels also commented on Jerichos suspension, writing on Twitter, Ill stand behind @IAmJericho any day of the week & twice on Sunday whats the big E stand for in WWE anyway!!
Yes sir, we promised you a great main event..." The WWE video leads us into the show.
They show some still photos of John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis from the Over The Limit PPV. Laurinaitis beat Cena following Big Show's interference in the match. The next night on Raw, Cena asked Big Show why he sold out. Big Show talked about how he got no sympathy from the people while he was crying in the ring. Big Show said he'd knock Cena out at No Way Out. Big Show then knocked Cena out at the end of Raw.
The Smackdown video plays, and we're brought into the arena with a big fireworks display. Josh Mathews, Booker T, and Michael Cole welcome us to the show. They wonder whether Sheamus will apologize to John Laurinaitis for knocking him over on Raw.
Lillian Garcia introduces John Laurinaitis's executive administrator, Eve Torres, to the ring. Eve says that John Laurinaitis is still the General Manager of both Raw and Smackdown. Mr. Laurinaitis pinned John Cena at Over The Limit to cement his physical superiority. However, due to an international WWE business trip, she regrets to inform the crowd that Mr. Laurinaitis is not there tonight. Tonight, she's in charge. Her boss will deal with John Cena on Monday night, but tonight she'll deal with the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus. Two things will happen. One is that Sheamus will apologize for bumping into John Laurinaitis on Monday. The second is that she'll name his opponent for No Way Out.
Alberto Del Rio's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Del Rio says Eve is not only beautiful, but also smart. If she's looking for an opponent for Sheamus then she should stop looking because there's no one better than him. Plus, what happened to him in his quest for the World Heavyweight Championship was horrible. Del Rio says she's smart and perfect, but she needs to ask if she wants to make John Laurinaitis proud. Del Rio says the answer is, "Si." Del Rio wants to be made the number one contender. Eve says he makes a very compelling case.
Randy Orton's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a great reception. Orton says he knows that Eve is new to the job, so he introduces himself. He says she has a big decision on her hands, so he suggests they use the crowd to help make the decision. Orton asks if they want to see Del Rio, but they boo. Orton asks if they want to see him, and they cheer. Orton says in the name of "People Power" that she has her answer.
Kane's pyro explodes on the stage, and he makes his way to the ring. Kane says neither of the two men have the qualifications that he does. That pasty white Irish ghost should have to face him, the Devil's favorite demon. In case she needed anymore convincing, tonight's episode is number 666. Eve says there's only one way to settle this. The superstar who will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the World Heavyweight Championship will be the winner of tonight's triple threat match.
They show still photos of Christian winning a "People Power" Battle Royal at Over The Limit and then beating Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Championship later in the evening. Christian's music hits, and the new Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring. He'll be in action next.
-Commercial Break-
Christian vs. Hunico w/ Camacho
They circle the ring, and Hunico quickly gets a side headlock applied. Christian whips him off, drops down, and flattens him with a flying forearm. Hunico kicks and punches away at him. Hunico chops the chest, but he has a whip reversed on him. Christian hits him with a back body drop, and Hunico rolls out of the ring to recover. Hunico sidesteps a baseball slide and runs away. Christian chases, but Camacho distracts him enough for Hunico to throw him shoulder first into the ring post. Hunico then lays him out with a suicide dive. Hunico throws him into the ring for a two count. Hunico stomps away at him before hitting a scoop slam.
Christian rolls out of the way of a senton and lays him out with a flapjack. Hunico reverses a whip, but Christian clotheslines him down. Christian goes for a missile dropkick, but Hunico counters into a jackknife pin. Christian counters into a rollup of his own for a near fall. Christian punches him, goes to the second rope, and hits a flying elbow. Christian goes for the Kill Switch, but he stops to dropkick Camacho off the apron. Hunico goes for his finisher, but Christian counters into the Kill Switch! Christian then goes to the top rope and hits a Frog Splash for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Christian Match Rating: 3/4 *
Cody Rhodes's music hits, and the former champion comes out to the stage. Rhodes says for eight months he spent his time wiping the dirt off that title to restore it back to the pinnacle of its prominence because it was held by jokes. It was abused by the likes of Santino Marella, and he made it mean something again. It was held by greats like Razor Ramon, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and Shawn Michaels. In one night Christian ruined it. Nobody cares about that title because nobody cares about Christian. It won't take eight months to rectify that because when he gets the rematch that he's entitled to, it'll only take him three seconds.
Tonight's main event will see Randy Orton take on Kane and Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat Match. The winner will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the title.
-Commercial Break-
Jimmy and Jey Uso vs. Darren Young and Titus O'Neil
They show footage from earlier in the day with both these teams making fun of one another. The Uso's made fun of O'Neil and Young's dance, and they made fun of the Uso's dance.
Titus O'Neil and Jey Uso will start it out. Jey punches away at him, but he can't whip him. Jey kicks O'Neil in the face and tags in his brother, Jimmy. They head-butt him, and Jey is tagged back in. Jey hits O'Neil with a forearm, but he quickly comes back with some punches. O'Neil reverses a whip into the ropes, and Young kicks Jey in the back. Jey slaps him down, and O'Neil takes him out with a big boot. Young is tagged in, and O'Neil gives him a front suplex onto Jey for a near fall. Young kicks him and hits a neckbreaker. O'Neil is tagged in, and he stomps him down. Young is tagged in, and he sends Jey to the corner. Jey catches him running with a back elbow.
Jimmy is tagged in, and he clotheslines Young down. Jimmy knocks O'Neil off the apron and clotheslines Young again. Jimmy sends him into the ropes and hits Young with a nasty Samoan Drop. Jimmy hits a running butt bump, but O'Neil breaks the pin up. Jey runs in and pulls O'Neil out of the ring. O'Neil throws him into the apron. Jimmy superkicks Young and goes to the top rope, but O'Neil distracts him. Young knocks him off the top rope, tags O'Neil in, and they hit the backbreaker/elbow drop combination for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Darren Young and Titus O'Neil Match Rating: *
The announcers wonder whether Sheamus will issue John Laurinaitis a public apology. That'll come later. Ryback is in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
A video plays that hypes up Sin Cara. He'll return to Smackdown next week.
JOBBER ALERTS: Brian Edwards and Kevin Bendl, two jobbers, are in the ring with no TV entrance. They make fun of Wilkes-Barre for the many ways of saying the name. Ryback has beaten two guys before, but never at the same time.
Brian Edwards and Kevin Bendl vs. Ryback
Ryback is sporting a nasty black eye. The "Goldberg" chants cue up. Ryback pushes one down, lifts another one up in a powerbomb position, uses him to knock the other over, and he powerbombs him down. Ryback hits one with a nasty spinebuster and immediately follows up with a powerbomb. Ryback delivers a nasty lariat to one before picking them both up. Ryback lifts them both up at the same time and hits a double fisherman's suplex buster for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ryback Match Rating: N/A
Santino Marella will take on Ricardo Rodriguez, next.
-Commercial Break-
Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez
They replay the pretty funny exchange these two had on Raw. Ricardo Rodriguez then gave himself a ring introduction while rolling all his "r's". He's going to wrestle in his tuxedo. They go to lock up, but Ricardo botches it on purpose. Santino gets a headlock applied and shoulder blocks him down. They go into the ropes until Santino stops. Ricardo hits the ropes back and forth until he collapses from exhaustion. Santino then picks him up and gives him an airplane spin. They both fall down. Santino crawls under the ring, so Ricardo goes to the opposite side. Santino comes out from where he went under with the Cobra out, taps Ricardo on the shoulder, and hits him with it for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Santino Marella Match Rating: N/A
Will Sheamus apologize? We'll find out next.
-Commercial Break-
Will Sheamus apologize to John Laurinaitis?
Sheamus's music hits, and the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. Sheamus channels his inner Lance Storm and says, "If I can be serious for a minute..." Sheamus says he's been sent out here to apologize to John Laurinaitis. It's funny because in his retrospect you shouldn't have to apologize for an accident. He was simply running to the ring, and he hit into John Laurinaitis. Some people say he did it on purpose, so if that's true then it's accidentally on purpose. Sheamus takes a while before issuing his apology. Sheamus says he'd like to apologize for John Laurinaitis being a massive arse. While we're talking about his arse, if you look hard enough, you'll find Eve and David Otunga so far up there that they could probably tell you what he had for breakfast. He'd also like to apologize for everyone else who kisses his arse, like a giant 7-foot arse kisser.
Sheamus wants to talk about something important to him. Sheamus says if he had his way then he'd defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton at No Way Out.
EXCUSE ME! Vickie Guerrero comes out to massive heat. Her dear friend Eve has told her that Sheamus will face someone right now. That someone is her client, the All-American-American, Jack Swagger.
Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger w/ Vickie Guerrero
They circle the ring and lock up. They tussle around the ring to jockey for position before Sheamus gives him a clean break. They circle the ring, and Swagger takes him down with a waistlock takeover. Sheamus elbows him off and runs into a boot. Sheamus sidesteps him charging, and they have another standoff. Swagger knees him in the midsection and punches. Sheamus punches back before sending him to the ropes for a shoulder block. Sheamus goes to the top rope for a diving shoulder block for a two count. Swagger rolls out of the ring to recover. Sheamus shoulder blocks him down before throwing him back in the ring. Vickie distracts Sheamus on the apron, and Swagger knocks him off. Sheamus appears to have tweaked his ankle.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Swagger kicking away at Sheamus's ankle while Vickie laughs. Sheamus comes back with a bear hug, but Swagger gets him off. Swagger smashes the ankle off the ring post, and he DDTs the limb for a two count. Swagger applies a leg lock, but Sheamus refuses to give up. Sheamus kicks him off, and Swagger clotheslines him a few times in the corner. Swagger twists the injured leg around the ropes, but Sheamus fights him off. Sheamus sidesteps a big boot and hits a neckbreaker.
Sheamus looks intense as he gets to his feet. Sheamus hits a trio of hammer throws before going for a powerslam. Swagger slides off, but Sheamus is able to tie him up in the ropes for the clubs to the chest. Sheamus suplexes him back into the ring for a near fall. Sheamus goes for the White Noise, but Swagger fights out. Swagger takes him down and goes for the Ankle Lock, but Sheamus fights him off. Swagger sidesteps the Brogue Kick, chop blocks him, and hits the Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Swagger goes for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Sheamus flips out. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Sheamus Match Rating: * 1/4
Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, and Kane will fight in a triple threat match to determine who will face Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Way Out. We'll also hear from the Big Show on why he's changed so much.
-Commercial Break-
JOBBER ALERT: Yoshi Tatsu is in the ring with no TV entrance. They show Damien Sandow beating him down last week.
Damien Sandow begs our indulgence for a moment. He's here to help all of us. Last week, out intellectual savior was caught in a conundrum: subject the WWE Universe to a contest between himself and an unworthy opponent, a bout that would serve to only propel us further into our self-imposed ignorance, or do the honorable thing by abstaining from such a mockery so we can all continue to place him on the pedestal of enlightenment. They boo, and he asks them to remain silent while he speaks. However, he chose to depart without incident when he was accosted by the sophomoric bantering by the ignoramus that stands before him. The dunce did not grasp the concept he was trying to teach, so tonight he will impart his lesson physically. This is for the benefit, welfare, and common good of everyone. "You're welcome!"
Yoshi Tatsu vs. Damien Sandow
Sandow puts himself between the ropes to keep Tatsu away. He kicks him, knees him in the guts, and hits a Russian leg sweep. Sandow hits an arm trap neckbreaker for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Damien Sandow Match Rating: N/A
Damien Sandow celebrates with a perfect cartwheel in the ring as "Hallelujah" plays through the arena.
-Commercial Break-
Big Show addresses the WWE Universe
Big Show's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a chorus of boos. Big Show says he was fired the Monday before Over The Limit. Most people know what it's like to be fired, but he doesn't. The difference between him and us is that he loves this job. He's a giant that loves dominating people. When he lost his dream job, he didn't know what to do. He didn't have a means of supporting his family. He became despondent. He couldn't eat or breathe. He felt betrayed by his so-called friends. He felt betrayed by the WWE Universe. Not one of them, or the superstars, or the technical crew came to his defense. After all the years and things he's done, that's what he gets.
They chant that he sold out which seems to anger him. Big Show says he didn't sell out. After all he's done, this is the thanks he gets. He realized at that moment that he has no friends. He realized that he is alone in this world. Then he got the call. When you're drowning, do you really care where the lifeline comes from? He made a deal. If he helped John Laurinaitis defeat John Cena, then he'd get his life back. He got a new contract and a big, fat bonus. All Laurinaitis had to do was escape from Cena and it was all set. Big Show set the ruse for John Cena. When he threw Laurinaitis to Cena, he knew exactly what would happen next. With one punch, he knocked John Cena out cold. Then he watched Laurinaitis pin Cena for the win. At No Way Out he'll do it again. He understands that the people really never cared about him. Now he damn sure doesn't care about us.
Big Show leaves the ring, and Kane's pyro explodes. Big Show and Kane walk by one another giving a look. All of a sudden while Kane is getting ready to make the ring posts explode, Daniel Bryan viciously assaults Daniel Bryan with a chair! Bryan absolutely lays into him with the chair, probably about twenty times before the referees pull him back!
-Commercial Break-
Sin Cara returns to Smackdown next Friday.
They show a replay of Daniel Bryan assaulting Kane with the chair. Kane is still in pain, but he's insistent on taking part in the match. He seems to be favoring his left arm.
#1 Contender's Match Kane vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton
Kane and Del Rio go after Orton. Orton throws Del Rio out of the ring, and Kane big boots him down. Kane hits a low dropkick for a two count. Kane sends him to the corner and hits a clothesline. Kane tries to repeat the move, but Orton kicks him in the face. Orton hits his patented backbreaker, but Del Rio breaks up the pin. Del Rio stomps both men before punching away at Orton. Kane uppercuts Del Rio, and Orton clotheslines him out of the ring. Orton turns, and Kane clotheslines him out of the ring. Kane drives Orton into the ring apron and boots Del Rio. Orton blocks a shot into the barricade and reverses it on Kane. Orton bounces Del Rio into the barricade and bounces Kane on the announcer's table. Orton goes for his hanging DDT, but Del Rio hits him with a step-up enzuigiri. All three men are down as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kane stomping Del Rio in the corner. Orton charges into an uppercut from Kane for a near fall. Kane hits a body slam and drops an elbow for a two count. Kane punches Del Rio down in the corner, but Del Rio kicks him in the injured arm. Del Rio kicks away at Orton and chokes him with the boot. Orton drops Del Rio to the apron and dropkicks him off the apron. Kane reverses a whip to the corner and hits a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Kane goes to the top rope, and Del Rio catches him with a step-up enzuigiri. Kane falls to the outside.
Del Rio kicks and punches away at Orton. Orton avoids a running boot and punches back. Del Rio reverses a whip, but he lowers his head to eat a kick. Orton hits a pair of clotheslines, ducks a clothesline from Kane, and hits him with a powerslam. Del Rio runs into a powerslam for good measure. Orton clotheslines Kane out of the ring and clotheslines Del Rio in the corner. Orton goes for the ten punches, but Del Rio fights back. Del Rio goes to the second rope, but Orton catches him with a hanging DDT. Orton begins to stalk Del Rio, but he gets out of the RKO. Kane pulls Orton out of the ring and sends him into the ring steps.
Kane snaps Del Rio off the top rope and goes for his flying lariat, but Del Rio moves. Del Rio goes for the Cross Arm Breaker, but Kane counters into a Chokeslam! Daniel Bryan gets on the apron with the chair, and Kane chases him off. Kane goes to get back in the ring, but Daniel Bryan returns. Orton hits an RKO, but Del Rio breaks up the pin with a kick to the head. Del Rio then picks up the scraps by pinning Kane for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Alberto Del Rio Match Rating: **
Alberto Del Rio will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the World Heavyweight Championship. Del Rio celebrates up the ramp until Sheamus takes him out. Sheamus congratulates him on becoming the number one contender. Sheamus poses with the title.
Brooke Hogan Interview: Talks Meeting With Dixie, What Knockouts Could Carry KO Division, More
Busted Open satellite radio show with Brooke Hogan Host: Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman Airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 94 and XM 208 from 2-4 ET Visit Facebook.com/bustedopen for more information
Brooke Hogan on getting into the wrestling business: "I love that I get to prove people wrong, because people think 'Oh its Hulk Hogans daughter.' But I have seen behind the scenes. I have heard the meetings. I have watched the creative process. I mean I am the best intern there is. Ive been around it for so long. Me and Dixie Carter were throwing around some ideas and as I was doing that, she was like 'you know more about this than I thought you would.' So thats how the whole thing came about. My dad didnt actually even know that I was talking to her about doing this. Actually I think I gave him a heart attack."
Brooke on meeting with Dixie Carter: We have been working together for the past year and a half on my music and we would always have lunch and creative meetings about my music. But it would always turn into wrestling, and she would always tell me about what happened on the show that night. I would then throw out an idea and she would say ' I had no idea you knew so much about it.' Im like, Duh. I came from the household that the main plans were going on in. She said 'ever since Karen Jarrett left and isnt managing the Knockouts any more, we havent had anybody to wrangle them in. Im so busy on focusing on everything else, do you think while youre recording your album, you can take a day or two out of the week and come help me out the girls? So I said, Man I always said I wouldnt get into wrestling. Not because I didnt want to, because I love it, and Im not the type to worry about public opinion. I just thought it was such a humongous deal for me to get into wrestling and I knew there would be so many people hating it or loving it. Its more about helping Dixie who helped me with my music. She is bogged down with so much. Its like where do you find a woman who knows wrestling as much as I do and who has been around it so long, to be able to trust and make decisions that you would make. There is no one out there right now in the business that can kind of take the load off Dixie and trust to make the right decisions. I dont know how long this will last."
What can we expect from the Knockouts division: "I think everyone is forgetting that they have a story and they have drama in their lives. What I admire so much about TNA is right now fans think that they know wrestling. They are like 'oh everything is set up, all the storylines, all the plans, its a soap opera for men.' And its true, thats been happening for years in the wrestling business. What TNA is doing now is, and they couldnt do it without whats really going on right now, these girls, they all actually have drama happening. There are people that are divorced, both working for TNA, dating other people. There is craziness going on. Whats great about TNA is that they are going back to real life and these matches are going to be between people who really have something to fight out. If they want to hurt each other, thats their thing. But as far as Im concerned we are making this more real. Thats why Im coming in. There are personal issues behind closed doors that we need to resolve."
Thoughts on her dad Hulk Hogan: "I think when he saw TNA, he saw a baby egg that he could crack and make something of it. It takes years and years and years to grow a company like Vince McMahon. The whole time Vince was growing his company , my dad was right there next to him. My dad worked with Vince Sr, when Vince Jr came in and he asked my dad to help him. So my dad for years helped Vince run WWF. My dad was there for the whole thing. I dont think people realize that he was behind some of the creative stuff and storylines. My dad is just so seasoned. I think if TNA had 20 years under their belt, the PR, and the machine, and the publicity that Vince McMahon has, I think actually they could run neck and neck. But the thing is, its a little boutique company that they are trying to grow slowly and it doesnt happen overnight."
On what Knockouts could carry the division: "I think Velvet Sky is incredible. I think she is really, really good. ODB I think has already made a name for herself. I think she is self-sufficient. She has her little gimmick. She is a little raunchy. Thats what I love about her. But if you met Velvet in person, she is the sweetest, sweetest person. So polite. Such a sweetheart. That girl works so hard. She is dieting and training. She is wrestling in the ring even when they are not taping or filming. She is just working her butt off. I really think she deserves a push. I think she could be the next big thing in the Knockouts division."
- The Associated Press picked up the story of TNA suing World Wrestling Entertainment and former employee Brian Wittenstein on alleged breach of confidentiality concerning TNA contracts. The new report includes more comments from WWE lead attorney Jerry McDevitt, who claims, according to the AP report, that "WWE never asked Wittenstein to disclose the information and that the company fired him when he did. Furthermore, WWE told TNA officials about the breach and sent back the information Wittenstein leaked." TNA's contention in the lawsuit filed this week is that a WWE employee notified TNA of the breach three weeks before WWE officially responded to TNA. McDevitt also dismissed TNA's claim that WWE tried to lure Ric Flair "or any other wrestlers under contract" with TNA. A hearing is scheduled for June 11 in Nashville to begin sorting out the dispute.
- At this time, no one within TNA wants to talk about the WWE lawsuit, not even privately and off the record, reports PWInsider.
TNA Impact Wrestling Rating For May 24 2012 Yesterday, 10:05 PM Posted by ILWyep in Latest TNA Wrestling News & Rumors
According to PWTorch, the 5/24 edition of Impact Wrestling did a 1.02 rating with 1.43 million viewers.
On cable TV Thursday night, Impact Wrestling ranked #24 on cable TV, #13 among males 18-34, and #12 among males 18-49. As has been the case the previous few weeks, Impact Wrestling's top competition was the NBA Playoffs, which averaged 6.9 million viewers. Also, History Channel's "Swamp People" averaged 3.8 million viewers.
In the demographic ratings, Impact Wrestling rebounded from a year-low in m18-34 last week to be restored to the yearly average. Also, Impact Wrestling was slightly up in m18-49 compared to last week to be restored to the yearly average.
Fans Choose Who Devon Defends The TV Title Against On Thursday's Impact Wrestling
Quote
On Thursday's IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE on SpikeTV at the new start time of 8/7c - Devon will defend the Television Championship against the choice of the fans! Who will be the choices? Starting this Monday, visit IMPACTWRESTLING.com and we'll reveal one challenger each day. Then, voting will open at noon eastern time on Thursday, May 31st! YOU pick who Devon defends the title against that night! The power will be in YOUR hands during the LIVE television broadcast on Thursday!
Preview Thursday's Impact Wrestling: Sting Vs. Roode, Brooke Hogan's Debut, More
- It's a historic broadcast as IMPACT goes LIVE all summer on SpikeTV with a new start time at 8/7c!
- Impact will come on the air live at 8PM with the return of "The Icon" Sting to action as he faces World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode in a Lumberjack Match with the ring surrounded by TNA Superstars.
- Brooke Hogan will make her IMPACT WRESTLING debut. How will the Knockouts react?
- The countdown is on to the June 10 "Slammiversary" event - IMPACT will feature news on our big 10 year anniversary spectacular
- Plus, all of your favorite IMPACT WRESTLING superstars including General Manager Hulk Hogan, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Bully Ray, the high-flying X Division Superstars, the lovely but lethal Knockouts and more!
Here are the results for this weeks TNA Impact Wrestling.
1st Match
Gail Kim and Madison Rayne beat Eric Young and ODB.
2cnd Match
Rob Van Dam beat Gunner.
3rd Match
Devon and Garett Bischoff went to a No Contest for the TNA TV Title. A new tag team interfered but Devon and Garett cleared the ring together.
4th Match
Austin Aries beat Joey Ryan.
Bully Ray called out Joseph Park in the crowd. Ray attacked Park and beat him with a chain.
5th Match
Hulk Hogan makes Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles in the main event. Roode wins and celebrates being the longest reigning TNA champion. Hogan crashes the party and introduces Sting. Sting attacks Roode and clears out the ring. Roode vs. Sting in a Lumberjack Match is announced for next week
According to several sources within WWE, the incident with Chris Jericho denigrating the Brazilian flag at WWE's 5/24 Sao Paulo live event, and his subsequent suspension, is completely legitimate and is said to be a major issue for WWE at the moment.
WZ has learned that Jericho was nearly arrested for the incident, and several within WWE feel the incident will irrevocably effect the company's relationship with the country of Brazil.
"This was not a case of Shawn Michaels sticking a Canadian flag up his nose," a source told WZ. "This is a different era, one in which you don't do things like this. You'd think WWE or Jericho would have learned from the mistake Dave "Fit" Finlay made."
We will continue to bring you the latest information on this story as it develops.
TNA has filed a lawsuit against WWE and former TNA and WWE employee Brian Wittenstein. The company filed the lawsuit yesterday in Nashville with charges of interference with existing contracts, conversion, breach of contract, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, and violation of the Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Wittenstein is also being sued for breach of duty of loyalty.
The suit claims that Wittenstein, who worked for the company for three years from 2008 2011, gave WWE inside information on contracts and other details from his time working with the company and that WWE is trying to steal talent from the company via that information. Wittenstein was hired by WWE earlier this year but was let go in April, which TNA claims is after they were presented with the information. However, WWE did not inform TNA that they had been given that information for several weeks.
TNA claims that they were informed of the insider information on May 7th and that several days later, Ric Flair approached TNA trying to get out of his contract so he could go to WWE. The company says Flair hasn't appeared at events since. Alex Shelley, who is rumored to be heading to WWE, was not mentioned in the lawsuit.
An injunction has been issued demanding that WWE and Wittenstein return whatever confidential material Wittenstein obtained from TNA and were specifically instructed not to destroy any of the material. A hearing is set for next month.
WWE COO Triple H comes out to open the broadcast. He takes the opportunity to thank Florida's Full Sail University for becoming the new location for NXT to emanate from, then thanks the fans for coming to the show. Triple H says that NXT is the future of this business.
-WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes is introduced as the new General Manager of NXT, replacing William Regal.
-Bo Dallas defeated Rick Victor
-Conor O'Brian and Kenneth Cameron defeated CJ Parker and Mike Dalton
-Damien Sandow was scheduled to face Jason Jordan next, but cut a promo instead.
-In the main event, Tyson Kidd defeated Michael McGillicutty
HHH Gets Praise for NXT Last week's WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University were said to have ran far
more smoothly than WWE's RAW and SmackDown tapings. These are Triple H's project and there was a lot of talk about how good he ran
things.
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 34 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
Gastenboek
Druk op onderstaande knop om een berichtje achter te laten in mijn gastenboek
Numerous sources within TNA are confirming that Don West, who has been with the company from day one as an announcer before moving on to head TNA's Merchandise end during the summer of 2009, has given TNA notice that will be finishing shortly with the company.
