Impact Rating, UK Star Gets TNA Tryout, Impact Preview

- Thursday night's episode of TNA iMPACT! Wrestling drew a 1.17 cable rating, with 1,597,000 viewers.

The show ranked #35 among cable TV showson Thursday, #18 among the male 18-34 demographic and #12 among males 18-49.

- TNA held tryouts at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham before this week's live event. One of the wrestlers trying out was Marty Scurll, a friend of Magnus.

- TNA has announced the following for next week's iMPACT! Wrestling, which will tape from the UK:

• The return of Hulk Hogan to Impact
• Sting will name Bobby Roode's opponent for the World Heavyweight Title match at Against All Odds
• Tara vs. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim in a non-title match
• The feud continues between Garrett Bischoff and Eric Bischoff

The Miz Wants To Face LeBron James At 'Mania, Takes Shot At Ultimate Warrior

The Miz sat down with Metro in a "no holds barred" interview to discuss the Royal Rumble, idols, music, his reality television background, the best thing he ever received from a fan and more. When asked who he would choose to face at WrestleMania if it could be anyone, he replied NBA star LeBron James.

"I'm from Cleveland, Ohio. LeBron said he was going to bring an NBA Championship to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland suck at most sports, but finally we had this basketball savior, and what does he do? Backstabs us and goes to Miami Heat! Miami is where Wrestlemania will be, so I’d like to face him," he says.

The Miz also revealed that his favorite wrestling stars growing up were Ultimate Warrior and The Rock.

"When I watch his matches now I go 'oh those were disgusting', but growing up it had to be Ultimate Warrior," The Miz says. "I used to put streamers on my arms as a kid, run around with his make-up on me driving my mum nuts. Then in the Attitude era it had to be The Rock."

The full interview is available here.

Ryder's Show Moving, Otunga Talks Court Room Return, SmackDown Fist

 The latest "Bring it Back" feature on WWE.com calls for WWE to bring back the original SmackDown set, featuring the "big fist" above the entrance ramp. You can read the article at WWE.com.

- Zack Ryder’s “Long Island Iced Z!” YouTube show is moving to the official WWE Youtube channel next week.

WWE will be launching new "webisodes" on February 1, 2012 as part of their partnership with Google/YouTube.

-- As reported earlier this week, David Otugna returned to the court room on Thursday as a lawyer. The WWE website features an interview with Otguna following his recent legal victory. Otunga had this to say about his legal career:

“I actually worked as a full time trial lawyer in Boston while in my third year at Harvard Law School. Most people couldn’t have handled trying to graduate from the most prestigious law school in the world while trying cases full time, but I’m obviously not most people.’

“I don’t have time for a full caseload because I’m a globally recognizable WWE Superstar and Official Legal Counsel to Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim Raw General Manager, Mr. John Laurinaitis. But I like to stay sharp.”

“I’ve tried twenty cases and I’ve won them all. I have a perfect record. What else would you expect from someone like me?”

The Rock Talks About Needing Police Protection From Stalkers

During an interview with Inquirer.net to hype the release of his new movie "Journey 2," The Rock reveals that he requires police protection every few months because of stalkers. Rock said:

"I go through cycles - it comes about every eight to ten months where I have a stalker fan that starts to require the local police to get involved, and it’s interesting because they’re generally women who eventually just want some attention. It’s the pecs (laughs),"

Despite all the crazy women who take their love of The Rock 3 or 4 steps too far, Rock said he did not have any problems when filming Journey 2 in Hawaii, where he grew up:

"But in Hawaii (where "Journey 2" was filmed), the fans are just wonderful. I grew up there, and personally it was such a pleasure to bring our movie there, what it did for the locals and the local businesses in Hawaii was just my way of giving back."

Hulk Hogan Says The WWE HOF Is Missing A Top Name; His Wrestling Status

Hulk Hogan commented on his wrestling status during an interview with TalkSport.co.uk promoting Impact Wrestling's "2012 Maximum Impact IV" Tour in the United Kingdom.

"I'm not actively on the roster as far as jumping in the ring every night. But, I just love the business and I just want to be around and be part of it," Hogan said.

Other highlights from the interview:

* Jeff Hardy is not on this year's tour, but is planned for the next one. Hogan pegged Hardy and AJ Styles as "future stars" of TNA.

* On Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's acting career, Hogan remarked, "I opened the door and he power-talked through it."

* Hogan said Randy Savage is the top wrestler missing from the WWE Hall of Fame.

The interview is available here.

CM Punk On Ending His Relationship: Calls His Ex A "Complete D-Bag"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0azpC68C2c&feature=player_embedded#t=1s


WWE Champion CM Punk appeared on "Holberg's Morning Circus" morning radio show on 98 KUPD in Arizona and opens up about a "relationship that ended in August."

Punk, who had been romantically linked to WWE diva Beth Phoenix, told the hosts, "I just ended a relationship."

When asked about whether he's upset about the relationship ending, he said:

"No, it doesn't hurt at all. It pisses me off to watch people you love and admire become complete douchebags... People just flake. I guess I realized that it doesn't matter who it was as long as someone was her boyfriend."

Dolph Ziggler Talks His Rise To The Top and Defeating CM Punk on Sunday

- WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler spoke with the Evansville Courier & Press to promote this weekend's wWE Supershow there. Here are the highlights:

Becoming WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble:
"I think I'm in the best shape of my life, I think I look like a million bucks, I think if anyone were to represent this company as WWE champion, I don't think I can think of a better person who has been carved and cut out of stone to actually fit this bill."

"I feel I'm the best wrestler right now in the WWE. I'm planning on beating CM Punk this Sunday, taking the WWE championship. And you know what? I'm going to make him give me his shirt that says 'Best in the World' afterwards, too."

His rise to the top in WWE:
"It's been a slow, gradual build that they've started to realize I'm one of their go-to guys. I'm going to continue to build on that and be their absolute go-to guy. I want this championship, and I want to hang on to it for a very long time."

Tentative Card for WWE's WrestleMania 28 with Seven Matches

 Based on early talk, here's what looks to be the tentative card for WrestleMania 28 so far:

The Rock vs. John Cena

WWE Title Match
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

Triple H vs. The Undertaker

Big Show vs. Shaquille O'Neal

World Heavyweight Title Match

Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Divas Match

Update on Mr. Anderson, Sting Comments on Retirement Rumors, More

- Sting, who recently launched his Twitter @Sting, was asked by a fan about retirement rumors this weekend. He replied:

"Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated"

Sting also wrote the following to Hulk Hogan:

"It's never too late for Hulkamania! Tag Team? Hmmm....."

- Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, Dixie Carter and her husband were in attendance for the Nashville Predators hockey game on Saturday night.

- Mr. Anderson has been out of the TNA storylines because creative reportedly has nothing for him. Anderson hasn't appeared on Impact Wrestling since late November.

Tonight's RAW Supershow, Cena Congratulates Champs, Henry & Batista, More

 John Cena congratulated the new WWE Tag Team Champions Epico and Primo on Twitter last night:

"Apparently we have new tag team champs..and I died in a car wreck. 1 of those is true. Congrats primo and epico"

- Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler was spotted at the Golden Globe Awards this weekend with her boyfriend George Clooney.

- WWE Superstar Mark Henry was hanging out with Batista backstage at the Wu-Tang concert in Austin, Texas this weekend. The two ended up hanging out with Wu on their tour bus.

- Tonight's WWE RAW Supershow will take place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Advertised for tonight is CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kane vs. John Cena. Jack Swagger vs. Zack Ryder for the WWE United States Title is set for tonight's show but may not happen with the Zack Ryder injury angle. A rematch for the WWE Tag Team Titles will also take place with new champions Primo and Epico defending against Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston.

This week's show also has celebrity potential as Perez Hilton will be the guest ring announcer for an un-announced Divas match and Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) will be in the arena but likely not appearing on TV.

Theme Song for WrestleMania, THQ Statement on Reports, WWE-MSG Matches

- There were reports this weekend that top WWE licensee THQ had canceled its planned 2014 release schedule to save money and that they were looking to sell the company. They issued the following statement last night, mentioning WWE '12:

"THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO. As part of the ongoing review of our business, we have made decisions to ensure that the company is strategically addressing the most attractive markets. As we have previously announced, we have dramatically reduced our commitment to the kids' boxed games sector which leads to a significantly more focused release schedule moving forward. Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business. We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry.

Additionally, we are thrilled with the great performance of Saints Row: The Third, which on a like for like period in North America has tripled in sell-through from Saints Row 2. In addition, WWE ’12’s worldwide sell-through sales are up almost 40% year-over-year for the same sales period with fewer platforms. According to NPD, for the month of December and the 2011 year, THQ was the #5 publisher overall, #4 third party, with reported sell through growing over 18% in a market that was down almost 6%. And coming up next, we have two great titles for the first half of the year including UFC Undisputed 3 and Darksiders 2."

- Matches advertised for WWE's March 18th show at Madison Square Garden in New York City are John Cena vs. Kane in a Last Man Standing match, Dolph Ziggler vs. CM Punk for the WWE Title, Mark Henry vs. Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan for the World Title, R-Truth vs. The Miz, Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase plus appearances by Chris Jericho, Zack Ryder, Santino Marella and others.

- Cohen sent word that the theme song for WrestleMania 28 will be "Invincible" by Machine Gun Kelly.

Tag Team Match for RAW Tonight, Durbin at WWE Event, Christian vs. Sheamus

- James Durbin of American Idol fame was in attendance at the RAW live event in Oakland, California yesterday.

- Matches announced for the SmackDown live event in San Francisco, California on February 11th include Christian vs. Sheamus, Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton in a steel cage match and Big Show vs. Mark Henry vs. Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Title.

- Epico and Primo will defend their WWE Tag Team Titles against the former champions Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne on tonight's RAW Supershow from Anaheim, California. Kofi wrote on Twitter last night:

"Well. You can't be a multiple time champion without losing. Tomorrow, RAW in Anaheim. We will have our rematch."

WWE Stars Getting New Themes, JR Predicts the Rumble, Mark Henry, Rock

- Mark Henry wrote the following to his "haters" on Twitter last night:

"A push is what smarties say. I took my title,and will slap piss out of anyone who says different. better I feel the more will go in da hall. I don't tweet a lot mainly because of the dumb,week,stupid things I read. To all those who respect my work an sacrifice This is for you. To the haters Welcome To The twitter Hall of Pain. (evil laugh) I know u hear it."

- Jim Ross predicts that Randy Orton could win this year's WWE Royal Rumble main event. He wrote this weekend:

"Royal Rumble next to impossible to predict. My best 'guess' is a healthy Randy Orton @ home in St Louis. Big IF on RKO's physical status."

- Look for WWE Superstars Wade Barrett and Ted DiBiase Jr. to get new theme songs soon.

- The Rock was featured on FOX yesterday before the NFL pre-game show. Rock plugged his new "Journey 2" 3D movie which hits theaters on February 10th.

New WWE Tag Team Champions Crowned At Live Event

New WWE tag team champions were crowned at Sunday night's live event from Oakland, California.

Primo and Epico defeated Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston at the show to win the titles.

Primo and Epico's manager Rosa Mendes tweeted the following after the match:

"Guess who the new tag team Champions are!!??WE ARE!!! WE BEAT AIRBOOM in Oakland!! I will remember this day forever!"

WWE on Why Fans Cheer for John Cena and Why They Chant Cena Sucks

- WWE's website has a two-part article up asking why do fans cheer for John Cena and why do they chant that he sucks.

Here are a few reasons they list on why fans cheer Cena:

* He follows his own mantra
* He's an inspiration
* He thinks of the children
* He likes Zack Ryder and he isn't The Rock

It appears they have disabled the article on why fans chant Cena sucks but here are a few of the reasons they had listed:

* You're tired of his shtick
* He's Hulk Hogan all over again
* You think he can't wrestle
* He hogs the spotlight

Daniel Bryan Day, Horseman Has Words for Vince McMahon, Ted DiBiase

- Mayor Cawley of Yakima, Washington declared this past Friday to be "Daniel Bryan Day" in honor of the World Heavyweight Champion.

- WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase will be appearing at the Outlaw Burger Company in Evansville, Indiana on January 28th from 3-4pm.

- Mike Mooneyham of The Post & Courier spoke with original Four Horsemen member Ole Anderson this week about the group being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Here's what Ole had to say:

"Vince McMahon hates my guts, and I don’t like him. So that’s all there is to it. To be a part of that, anyone with a brain knows who the first Four Horsemen were. It was me and Arn and Ric and Tully Blanchard, and J.J. Dillon was the manager. So if they don’t know that, they don’t know anything about wrestling anyway. So what’s the difference?"

"Vince McMahon is never going to call me. I hate his guts just like he hates mine. It’s no big deal."

"I can’t go anywhere anyway. I’m so screwed up from the multiple sclerosis. I’m in a wheelchair right now, and that thing kills me after a little while and then I have to lay down. That’s my routine. How would I get there? By car? I couldn’t do that. By airplane? I just couldn’t get there."

"I told Vince McMahon to go (expletive deleted), and I wouldn’t change my mind now."

WWE Looking for Announcer, More on WWE Pulling CM Punk from UFC, The Rock

- The Rock completed filming on "Snitch" this weekend. Apparently the movie is scheduled to be released in 2013.

- WWE has a new job listing on WWE-Careers.com for an On-Air Announcer to be the "Face of WWE's Live Event Promotions." The job is based in Stamford, CT at WWE headquarters from Monday through Wednesday and requires one travel day per month. This job came open after Jack Korpela recently departed the company.

WWE has also removed their job listing for the head of the Network.

- As noted earlier, Vince McMahon reportedly pulled WWE Champion CM Punk from escorting Chael Sonnen to the Octagon at UFC's January 28th show on FOX from Chicago. Apparently Punk was also told that he shouldn't even be in attendance at the show. Punk was told at Monday's RAW and one source close to the situation described it as Vince just being in one of his moods. Sonnen reportedly got it cleared with UFC and Punk had it cleared with WWE but when it became a news story, WWE changed their minds.

Update on FCW's New Diva, Swagger Clashes with Jericho, Papa Shango

- Former WWE star "The Godfather" Charles Wright will be bringing back his Papa Shango character for a rare appearance at the Pro Wrestling Syndicate Super Card 2012 event on March 9th in Rahway, New Jersey. Shango will be posing with fans and signing autographs. For more information, visit prowrestlingsyndicate.com.

- After it was reported last week that new 19 year old FCW Diva Britani Knight may be held in WWE developmental for some time because of her age, her mother Sweet Saraya told The Norwich Evening News that WWE may fast-track her daughter to the main roster. She said:

"She is the first 19-year-old girl from Europe to venture into FCW, and I think they’ll fast-track her."

- Chris Jericho came out for a segment at last night's RAW live event in Sacramento, California but was interrupted by Jack Swagger. Swagger ended up in the Walls of Jericho to end it.

Matches to note at last night's RAW live event saw Brodus Clay defeat Tyler Reks and "Ryback" Skip Sheffield beat Alex Riley.

Vince McMahon Makes Gossip Pages, Otunga Getting Married, Matt Hardy News

- Matt Hardy will be appearing at Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling's Halifax County Brawl on January 28th from South Boston, Virginia. Other names announced include Lex Luger, The Barbarian and The Rock & Roll Express.

- Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson appeared on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno this weekend and confirmed that she and fiancee David Otunga would be getting married later this year. Hudson talked about Otunga working for WWE and their son David Jr. wanting to be a wrestler, noting that he knew the wrestling moves better than "Big David."

- The Greenwich Times had a blurb on Vince McMahon this past week after the WWE boss was seen riding around in a new Bentley. They wrote:

"WWE Chief Executive and Greenwich resident Vince McMahon was seen behind the wheel of a charcoal-colored Bentley with dealer plates on Railroad Avenue in Greenwich last week."

Angelina Love Hopes To Get The Knockouts Belt Soon, Sarita Returns To The Ring

-- Angelina Love, who holds the record for most TNA Women's Knockout Championship reigns with five, hopes to add another reign to her supreme record.

"Deff hoping soon!" she tweeted in response to when she will get another championship run.

Love has not held the title since dropping it to Tara on October 10, 2010. Once arguably the company's premiere female star, Love ended 2011 in a slump. She has not won a televised singles match in over seven months—her last victory taking place at the May 30, 2011 Impact Wrestling taping. Her television role was also deemphasized in favor of Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, Velvet Sky and Winter. However, a return to prominence could be on the horizon as she competed in three matches at this week's television tapings in Orlando, Florida—following almost two months of inactivity.

-- Sarita competed in a tag team match at Friday's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event in Mexico City, Mexico, her first bout since taking a scary fall during a two out of three falls tag team match on November 22, 2011. According to TheCubsFan.com, she looked fine during the match.

Meanwhile, Sarita was left off this week's TNA television tapings.

Hulk Hogan Teasing Return To Impact, TNA Star Undergoes Throat Surgery, More

-- Hulk Hogan, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since the episode of Impact Wrestling following Bound For Glory, suggested on Twitter that he will be on hand for the January 28, 2012 double taping at Wembley Arena in London, England.

"There is gonna be some IMPACT in the UK,HULKAMANIA is coming and you know what happens we it's running wild Brother!!!" Hogan tweeted Friday.

-- Robbie E appears at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S.12th St. Allentown Pennsylvania on Saturday from noon until 2:00 p.m. For more information contact prowrestling1@aol.com.

-- Eric Young underwent surgery on his throat Thursday, his fifteenth operation since 2004. He noted on Twitter that he plans on working out at the gym today.

Randy Orton Pulled From WWE Shows, Virgil Spending A Week At Kmart, More

-- Randy Orton, who is currently recuperating from a herniated disc, has been pulled from advertising for next week's Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California and SmackDown in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nonetheless, he is still booked full-time beginning with the January 23 Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona.

-- Tickets went on sale this morning for WWE's 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida on March 31. The event could be sold out by the end of today. As of this morning, all lower level seats were gone with the only seats left in the balcony upper level.

-- Former WWE Superstar Virgil is appearing at the Kmart located at Schulykill Mall Rt 61 & I 81 Frackville, Pennsylvania every day at noon through Thursday. Call 570-874-3660 for more information. The week long fest began Friday.

Stephanie McMahon Wants To Stop Bullying, Iron Sheik On WWE Legends' House

-- Former WWE talent Harry Smith became the first Resistance Pro Heavyweight Champion Friday night in Chicago, Illinois. He defeated The Almighty Sheik and Kevin Steen in a three-way match. Resistance Pro was formed last year by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan.

-- Evan Bourne appears at Best Buy 7017 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Sty Louis, Missouri on Jan. 28 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Call 314-487-4999 for more information.

-- Stephanie McMahon, who WWE is attempting to push to the media as a major corporate executive, is briefly profiled in SportsBusiness Journal. Quite like husband Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, McMahon wants to eliminate bullying: she lists that and launching the WWE Network as her goals for 2012.

Speaking of the WWE Network, she says "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik and Dusty Rhodes will be a part of WWE Legends' House. Rhodes, however, stated this week on Twitter that he will not be appearing on the program.

WrestleMania Not Coming To Dallas, Maxine Back In Black, SmackDown In Ohio

-- Dallas Observer asked Dallas Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels if WWE's signature event, WrestleMania, will be held at Cowboys Stadium within the next two years.

He said, "We can't host WrestleMania the next two years because of NCAA Regional in '13 and Final Four in '14. We've talked with them and gave it a shot but couldn't make the schedule work."

-- The March 13, 2012 SmackDown taping will be held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

-- WWE will hold a Raw live event at Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida on March 23, 2012

-- Maxine has dyed her hair back to its natural black color. She wrote on Twitter, "Back to the real me."

CM Punk Pulled From UFC Appearance Next Weekend

Next Saturday night (1/28), UFC presents its second live event on the FOX network from Chicago, Illinois.

Champion CM Punk was scheduled to appear at the show and accompany Chael Sonnen to the octagon for his fight against Mark Munoz. That is - until WWE Chairman Vince McMahon stepped in.

The news of WWE's champion appearing at a major UFC event the night before the Royal Rumble got a lot of people talking and was reportedly an arrangement set up between Punk and Sonnen themselves. Punk confirmed to MMAfighting.com on Friday that Vince squashed the appearance.

WWE is holding a Supershow live event from Evansville, IN that night, although Punk is not advertised for that show.

Next weekend's UFC on FOX show will be headlined by Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis, with Sonnen vs. Munoz serving as the show's co-main event.

Tonight's Impact Matches, Update on TNA Attendance, Hogan Has Surgery, More

- TNA has released new Genetic Giant t-shirts for Matt Morgan.

- TNA got some publicity from Vibe Magazine for rapper Rick Ross appearing at the Genesis pay-per-view. Ross is shown in the magazine giving the finger to Zema Ion.

- According to TMZ, Hulk Hogan had to have emergency dental surgery this week to remove a metal tack that had been left in his mouth from dental surgery he had back in October where teeth implants were put in. Hogan's mouth got infected and antibiotics weren't making it better so this week he had the emergency surgery.

- Matches for tonight's TNA Impact Wrestling include Mickie James vs. Madison Rayne in a cage match, Matt Morgan & Crimson vs. Robbie E & Robbie T in a non-title match, ODB vs. Winter, James Storm vs. Kurt Angle in a #1 contender's match and Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode for the World Heavyweight Title in the main event.

- In a correction from last week, the December 30th TNA live event in Poughkeepsie, New York did not draw 1,600 fans. The actual attendance was 1,400.

- The TNA live event on January 6th in Westbury, New York drew 1,650 fans.

Raw Segment Draws Lowest Rating In Several Years, Ex-Diva Appearing On Fallon

-- On Monday's Raw, Eve made her way to the ring ready to battle Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, but instead of The Glamazon's entrance theme playing, the arena went red and Kane's music played. United States Champion Zack Ryder ran to the ring to try and help her escape to his car, which suspiciously had a flat tire. As reported yesterday, the segment lost 544,000 viewers to score a 2.39 cable rating. F4WOnline.com adds that it marks as the lowest-rated quarter hour for a non-holiday episode of Raw "in perhaps a decade."

-- WWE Hall of Famer "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase appears alongside Mickie James at Frank & Son Collectible Show 16549 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California on January 14 from noon to 2:00 p.m.

-- Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler is scheduled to be a guest on Friday's edition of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The talk show program airs at 12:35 a.m. Eastern/11:35 p.m. Central on NBC.

-- WWE.com has published a photo gallery chronicling Kane's "Path of Destruction."

Diamond Dallas Page Comments On WWE Run - Says He Dropped The Ball

Speaking to The Sun, Diamond Dallas Page says he has no regrets over the failed 2001 angle that saw him play a stalker who creepily tracked The Undertaker's wife.

"It's amazing to me how many people it bothered. They knew that I was a top guy and they didn't use me correctly, but I agreed to it originally and that was a mistake," Page says.

"Vince and Shane McMahon told me coming in that they had this great idea and I was going to be working with their number one babyface. I didn't really like it because it was about me stalking someone else's wife. I would look across the table at Kim [Page's ex-wife, who posed for Playboy] and nobody could compare. It was ridiculous, it took out the believability factor."

He continues, "I get fans telling me they were upset with how WWE treated me but I say, 'Dude, let it go!' I already achieved everything I ever dreamed of."

After retiring from the squared circle, Page developed the wildly successful Yoga for Regular Guys Workout (information available at DDPYoga.com). The three-time World Heavyweight Champion says he recently cut a marketing and distribution deal with Warner Brothers that "would blow your mind."

"But I'm only smart enough to cut that deal because I dropped the ball with WWE when I came in," Page adds. "I dropped it, I don't blame Vince. I've got a lot of respect for Vince and everything he has done for the business.

"There are so many guys that have negative, bad feelings after they retire. You've heard them. I'm not living that as I lived a dream on so many different levels."

The full-length interview is available here.

Latest on WrestleMania 29 and 30, More on Ric Flair and the WWE Hall of Fame

- As noted before, WrestleMania 29 looks to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

The idea was recently brought up within WWE to have WrestleMania 30 held in Texas and not New York City at Madison Square Garden. That idea was shot down because the feeling is that WrestleMania has to be held at MSG every 10 years.

- Most people within WWE are expecting Ric Flair to show up at the WWE Hall of Fame this year, regardless if TNA lets him or not.

It's believed within WWE that officials have already been "tipped off" that Flair will be attending based on the fact he was included in the video package and press release.

World Title Match Announced For Thursday's Impact, Sarita Returning To The Ring

-- ImpactWrestling has announced that Jeff Hardy will be getting another shot at Bobby Roode's World Heavyweight Championship this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a rematch from Sunday's Genesis pay-per-view.

In another Genesis rematch, "Cowboy" James Storm will square off against Kurt Angle in a match to determine the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.

Matt Morgan and Crimson are advertised to compete this Thursday against Rob Terry and Television Champion Robbie E.

-- Sarita stated Wednesday on Facebook that she will be wrestling at this Friday's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event at Arena Mexico. The TNA Knockout has not competed since taking a scary fall during a two out of three falls tag team match at the same venue on November 22, 2011. She slipped on the top rope while attempting to dive and fell flat on her face onto the wooden floor. She was placed on a stretcher while the match continued and subsequently hospitalized.

Promotional Poster for TNA's Victory Road Pay-Per-View with Sting

- Below is the promotional poster for TNA's Victory Road pay-per-view, courtesy of Dixie Carter's Twitter today. The poster features Sting's split personality. Victory Road takes place on March 18th from the Impact Zone in Orlando.

5 Minutes with Angle, Sting's Final Wrestling Appearance in the UK, Xplosion

- Here's a "5 Minutes with Kurt Angle" video from MAIN EVENT TV in Australia:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=txdivQZYJvg

- Robbie E. vs. Douglas Williams was taped on Tuesday night in Orlando for TNA Xplosion. Xplosion matches taped on Monday were Velvet Sky vs. Angelina Love and Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen.

- TNA is advertising Sting's final-ever wrestling appearance in the UK for their tour there later this month. TNA has also announced that besides taping two episodes of Impact Wrestling in London, they will tape footage for Xplosion and other footage at the Nottingham and Manchester events.

Mike Tyson Appearing At Wrestling Convention, Randy Orton On WWE Magazine

-- Mike Tyson has been announced as a vendor guest for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California. The WrestleMania XIV celebrity will be doing photo-ops for $99. Autograph prices have yet to be announced.

-- The Yakima Herald-Republic has published an article promoting this Friday's Raw live event at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Washington. It is titled "It's not fake, it's scripted."

T.J. Tranchell writes, "This is a good time to have the "wrestling's fake" conversation. I don't disagree with the idea; I disagree with the semantics. People get seriously injured. Owen Hart died. Let's change the wording. Wrestling isn't fake, it's scripted. In general, the outcomes are predetermined. You don't bet on professional wrestling the way you'd bet on a boxing match."

-- Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the February 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. The headline reads "THE VIPER TARGETS WRESTLEMANIA." Also featured is Triple H's guide to the Elimination Chamber and a poster featuring The Rock.

More on Ric Flair and the WWE Hall of Fame, Early Talk on WrestleMania 29

- WWE announcing Edge for this year's Hall of Fame in Miami would indicate that Toronto will not host WrestleMania 29 next year. Toronto had been discussed but news came out today that Dallas, Texas and Cowboys Stadium is being considered for next year. The idea would be to use Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar and perhaps The Undertaker's retirement as the big outside draws. Toronto was expected to see Trish Stratus and Edge go into the Hall next year if it hosted WrestleMania.

Regarding Ric Flair, this will be the first time WWE has ever inducted someone contracted to a rival promotion into their Hall. Sources indicate that Triple H called Ric Flair on January 9th, before RAW aired and informed him of the Horsemen induction. Flair was at the TNA Impact tapings in Orlando.

It appears key people in TNA weren't aware of the induction until it aired on RAW. As of January 10th, no officials in TNA had spoken to Flair about it. Ric Flair and Vince McMahon do talk so the idea of inducting the Horsemen was likely brought up in the past. It's been discussed internally ever since WWE made amends with JJ Dillon and Arn Anderson alone was expected for the Hall of Fame in Atlanta last year.

WWE wants Flair to be there and likely wants him to be involved in the Network when it launches.

Recent WWE Attendance Figures, Update on FCW's New 19 Year Old Diva, More

- The December 12th, 2011 Slammys RAW had 281,000 homes or 8.7% of the total viewers watching on DVR or tape delay. The December 19th show had 367,000 homes or 11.1%.

- Here are some recent WWE attendance figures:

* December 12th Slammys RAW from Norfolk, VA drew 6,369 fans for $202,240

* RAW on January 6th in Jackson, MS drew 7,000 fans for $200,000.

* RAW on January 7th in Tyler, TX drew 4,500 fans for $120,000.

* RAW on January 8th in San Angelo, TX drew 4,500 fans for $140,000.

* SmackDown on January 7th in Montgomery, AL drew 3,500 fans for $110,000.

* SmackDown on January 8th in Baton Rouge, LA drew 3,500 fans for $120,000.

- 19 year-old new FCW Diva Britani Knight, working as Saraya, may be held off the WWE main roster for some time because of her age. WWE has had an unofficial policy of late to not put anyone on the main roster until they turn 21. This is one of the reasons why Bo Rotundo, who is now 21, wasn't featured on the earlier seasons of NXT.

Latest on Shaq Appearing at WrestleMania, Royal Rumble Matches, Lesnar-WWE

- Matches booked but not yet announced for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view include John Cena vs. Kane and Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight Title in a three-way. At one point, there was talk of doing Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes.

- Word is that basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal is either very close to signing or has already signed a deal for WrestleMania 28. WWE creative has been told to come up with ideas for him.

Regarding Brock Lesnar, nobody has been told to come up with anything for him and when one person asked Vince McMahon that if Lesnar did come in, would Paul Heyman be part of the package, Vince said Heyman wouldn't. The feeling is that if any talks are happening between WWE and Lesnar, it would be kept very quiet and creative would be kept out of the loop until the time is right.

News on Beth Phoenix's Title Reign, Maryse Update, JR Comments on Flair & Ole

- Jim Ross wrote the following this afternoon in regards to Horseman Ole Anderson not being inducted with the others and Ric Flair appearing:

"Don't know status of Ole Anderson re: WWE HOF. Knowing Ole, he likely could care less. Will Flair be @ ceremony? Wouldn't surprise me. TBD."

- Maryse will be appearing at the WrestleReunion convention this coming March during WrestleMania weekend in Miami. She also has announced an appearance at the Legends of the Ring convention this June from New Jersey and the 2012 Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago this August.

- WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix noted on Twitter this afternoon that she is 100 days into her current reign. Beth won the title from Kelly Kelly back on October 2nd, 2011 at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.

Randy Orton Update, Shane Helms Undergoes Surgery, Calvin Raines' Debut

 Randy Orton's physical rehabilitation on his back appears to be going well, as the Orton family is headed on a vacation this week. Orton tweeted on Tuesday:

"Alanna's passport just came so we are ready for our family vacation! Tomorrow we're off to the Bahamas!!"

-- Former WWE star Shane Helms underwent another surgery on this morning morning. Helms tweeted:

"Still groggy and can barely see the keyboard, but surgery was successful. On my way home now."

Helms has undergone several surgeries since he was injured in a motorcycle accident on May 5, 2011 and noted on Twitter that he hopes today's surgery is the final one. He stated in a recent interview with prowrestling.net that he plans to return to the ring later this year.

-- As previously reported, FCW wrestler Calvin Raines made his WWE debut at Sunday's SmackDown live event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Raines partnered with Drew McIntyre in a tag team match against Ezekiel Jackson and Trent Barreta. Some background information on Raines, he is a former student at Team 3D's wrestling academy. He was actually released at one point for showing up late to FCW events and getting new tattoo work without first getting clearance from WWE.

Velvet Sky Comments On Rumor That Management Thinks She's Too Provocative

Velvet Sky stated on Busted Open (which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.) that TNA Wrestling officials clarified to her an online rumor published on various wrestling websites last month indicating that they view her unfavorably: it's untrue.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported in December that much of Karen Jarrett's degrading on-air dialogue toward the wrestling starlet is based on how certain company officials legitimately perceive her. She immediately dismissed the rumor on Twitter, "LOL that RUMOR is so far from the truth. Don't believe everything you read people..." She explains further on Busted Open.

"Honestly, I don’t know where that came from but I’ve spoken to the office. I get along with everyone great in TNA. As far as I know. If they have a problem with me then I don’t know, especially when it comes to the office. I’ve always been very respectful of the office and vice versa," Sky says.

"I never had a problem with anyone in the office or in creative. That rumor is exactly what it is...a rumor. I don’t know where it started. The office talked to me about it and clarified it to me that it wasn’t true, and don’t believe it, it’s ridiculous. I didn't believe it in the first place. When that rumor first started, I’m like where did that rumor come from? I get along with everybody. No one thinks that about me. No one thinks I’m too provocative."

Kurt Angle Says 2011 Was A Subpar Year For TNA, Names The Next Main Eventers

Kurt Angle appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

2011 for TNA: "I think that 2011 was a subpar year, I think We did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. The most important thing I would say is the lack of communication within the writing and creative team. When you have a written show and you present that to everybody and then they start changing things and it becomes a watered down version of what the writer wanted in the first place. Now you don’t know which way to go. We do have a lot of chefs in the kitchen. I think that is the hardest part for our company because when Vince Russo is writing the show and you have Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff and a few other people and other TNA writers changing it up the last second which I don’t disagree with what Hogan says, I agree with him 100 percent.

"But we need to regroup earlier, maybe a week earlier and get it done, change it up, make sure we have the right changes so that we can keep going with the story the right way. So I think 2011 was a confusing year, so this is what we are going to capitalize on in 2012. We are not going to make the same mistakes. I think Hulk Hogan will get with to Vince Russo quicker, I think Eric Bischoff will get with Vince Russo quicker. We will get the show written, get it done a week earlier instead the day of the show, and changing it up. It was just very frustrating. Because I’m a little bit of part of everything in TNA and I watch what’s going on and sometimes I get a little frustrated when I see what Vince Russo is trying to do and I see what the outcome is."

Bound For Glory: "We literally had a change in 2011 at Bound For Glory right before the match in the main event. In other words, somebody was supposed to win and it got turned to me winning that night. It worked out for the better, I’m not going to lie to you. So the change was good, but literally we didn’t hear about it until that night and me and Bobby Roode was like What?! I’m winning?! I have a torn hamstring and I can’t even wrestle."

Samoa Joe: "We have not done Joe justice. Whether it had to do with an attitude problem an attitude change. In wrestling you have to play by the rule book. Joe was a little bit of a rebel. I think that might have hurt his cause. I believe Joe is rational. I think we can still make Joe a big star again. I think Joe is a full time main eventer. I think we need to do it now because if we don’t do it now it will never happen."

The next main eventers: "AJ Styles was there for a while. And then we pulled him down which I didn’t agree with. Now we got AJ up there, Jeff Hardy is here, Robert Roode, James Storm. We’re starting to get to a point where these guys are going to start full time and Kurt Angle and Sting can dwindle off and retire. That’s what we need to happen and that’s what’s happening now and I’m glad because I don’t want to leave TNA and leave an open spot there. I cant wrestle forever. As a matter of fact I am already talking retirement. It’s about making guys and putting them in my spot and making sure they are secure there before I leave."

Story on Otunga & Hudson, JR Comments on Richie Steamboat Debuting, More

- A fan asked Jim Ross on Twitter today when Richie Steamboat will make his debut on the WWE main roster. Ross, who has been evaluating talents in FCW, wrote:

"When hes ready. Hes getting closer."

Ross also was asked why Matt Striker replaced him in hosting the Monday Night Wars segments on WWE Classics. He replied:

"Was never told."

- A Zack Ryder "Broski Banner" poster will be available in the February issue of WWE Magazine.

- There was a story in the National Enquirer this week that claims Jennifer Hudson wants WWE Superstar and fiancee David Otunga to quit professional wrestling.

Velvet Sky Coming To The U.K. For TV & Dinner, Angelina Love Auctioning Boots

-- After stating on Twitter that she had pulled from TNA Wrestling's upcoming tour of the United Kingdom due to "storyline changes," Velvet Sky has been confirmed for the Jan. 28 double Impact Wrestling taping at Wembley Arena in London. It has also been confirmed that she will be having dinner with the winner of Challenge's "Win Dinner With Velvet Sky" contest.

"YES!! @velvelholler will be in the UK to have dinner with our lucky @challengetv contest winners. She can't wait!!" TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter tweeted Monday.

Sky added, "It's true, I WILL now be on the LONDON tv taping! Also I'll still be doing the dinner with the winner of the challenge tv contest! C u soon!"

The competition closes Thursday at 23:59 p.m. To enter, click click here.

-- Angelina Love is auctioning off a pair of worn wrestling boots on eBay. The five-time Women's Knockout Champion wore the boots numerous times while performing for TNA Wrestling from 2008 to 2011.

Hulk Hogan Advertised for TNA Against All Odds, Celebrities at Genesis PPV

- Rap star Rick Ross was backstage visiting at last night's TNA Genesis pay-per-view and was shown during the show at ringside watching the matches.

- Celebrity chef Robert Irvine was also shown in the crowd. He is engaged to Knockouts Champion Gail Kim.

- TNA's next pay-per-view Against All Odds will take place on Sunday, February 12th. It's interesting to note that Hulk Hogan, who has not appeared in the storyline in some time, is being advertised for Against All Odds.

Preview For Thursday's Impact Wrestling - Opening Segment & Match Advertised

Don't miss Thursday's TNA IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the aftermath of the "Genesis" Pay-Per-View as the road to the February "Against All Odds" begins! If you can't watch it on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don't miss any of the Total Nonstop Action!

Here is a preview of Thursday's broadcast:

- Bobby Roode is STILL the World Heavyweight Champion, having beaten "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy in controversial fashion at Sunday's Genesis, earning a disqualification by attacking the referee! The World Champion told us he plans to open Thursday's broadcast to discuss his PPV win over Hardy! HOWEVER, what will Sting have to say about what happened? Will the General Manager Sting deal with Roode and his actions?

- How will "Cowboy" James Storm react to losing to Kurt Angle at Genesis? Obviously, Storm will be hellbent on revenge after what went down at the PPV, with Angle taking the easy way out to beat his nemesis after a low blow and kick to the head! Will Storm unleash hell on Angle this Thursday night? Plus, is Kurt Angle now next in line for another shot at the World Title?

- Also at Genesis, "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan and Crimson retained the Tag Team Championship against Samoa Joe and Magnus - but the champs won't get any rest! Morgan and Crimson are scheduled to compete this Thursday on IMPACT!

- Plus, sources tell us AJ Styles is coming to IMPACT and he wants answers from Kazarian about what he did last week! Also, will Eric Bischoff speak out concerning the return of his son, Garett Bischoff?

All this and much more on Thursday's IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c!

Update on TNA's London Tapings, Angle Takes Down FOX Host, Impact Rating

- The January 5th episode of TNA's Impact Wrestling scored a 1.11 cable rating with 1,595,000 viewers.

- TNA star Kurt Angle appeared on Fox & Friends Friday morning to promote TNA Genesis and his quest for the 2012 Olympics. Angle ended up taking co-host Brian Kilmeade to the mat, as you can see in the video below:



- The first-ever TNA Impact Wrestling tapings in London, England will take place at Wembley Arena on Saturday, January 28th. All of the top TNA stars including Sting will be making the trip overseas for the tapings, held during the 2012 Maximum Impact Tour. TNA will be taping two Impact episodes that night.

Warrior Responds to Kevin Nash's Challenge, Hulk Hogan Weighs In and More

- The Ultimate Warrior has posted the following video in response to Kevin Nash's challenge for a MMA fight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw2_JC1Hu5M&feature=player_embedded

Nash replied on Twitter:

"Helwig goes Dr. evil on me. What does he want, 1 billion dollars? How about this Jim, you pick the time and place for free and fun."

"i thought i was listening to the vagina monologues"

Regarding the challenge, RF Video has offered Nash a venue in Miami during WrestleMania weekend if they want to fight. The Dragon Gate USA promotion has also offered Nash and Warrior a venue.

Hulk Hogan, who recently had an online feud with Warrior, threw his two cents in on Twitter:

"in a real fight Nash will destroy the Underdog Worrier. HH"

News on Monday's RAW, Beth Phoenix Comments, Chyna Working on Wrestling Porn

 Caller.com is advertising WWE Champion CM Punk vs. The Miz and Kane vs. John Cena for this coming Monday's RAW Supershow from Corpus Christi, Texas.

- Beth Phoenix wrote the following on Twitter yesterday after TV host Chelsea Handler responded to her challenge this week:

"I appreciate @chelseahandler being honest about being too scared to accept my invitation.Who wouldnt be? And now, on to perform for my fans! Thank you to the @WWEUniverse for ur undying loyalty to myself and all of my fellow superstars and divas. Ill always give u my best."

Beth also expressed disappointment in former Strikeforce Women's MMA Champion Cyborg Santos testing positive for steroids:

"So disappointed in Cris Cyborg. What a let down to women that looked up to her. #noshortcuts"

- Former WWE star Chyna is filming a new adult movie called "Ring Queen" that will be a pro wrestling parody. The movie, produced by Vivid Video, will feature a wrestling ring, a Titantron and many stars parodied including Stephanie McMahon. The movie is scheduled for a March release.

Jack Swagger Discusses His Future and the WWE United States Title

- WWE Superstar Jack Swagger spoke with Caller.com to promote the upcoming RAW live event in Corpus Christi, Texas. Here are a few highlights:

His future:
"You're definitely going to see an evolution of the All-American American. I'm not going to be satisfied until Jack Swagger is back at the top of the mountain."

Having his eye on the United States Title:
"The All-American American was born to be the United States Champion. (Ryder's) really molded himself into championship material to cool off his momentum is going to be kind of tough. I'm going to get in there and throw my weight around a little bit and show him how to wrestle."