Backstage News for TNA Impact Tapings
The overall atmosphere at the last set of TNA television tapings in Orlando was described as being much more different. Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff seemed more comfortable and much more humble.
The feeling is that it may have something to do with TNA President Dixie Carter with one source adding, "She's pretty insistent on keeping a positive workplace and it was getting ugly there for a while."
Lacey Von Erich Learning To Wrestle
Lacey Von Erich posted the following on her Facebook: "Just got done with my first wrestling training session in Anaheim, Cali. It was awesome! I didn't practiced that hard even in FCW! I'm looking forward to getting better. See you in the ring."
Tara Upset at WWE
On her Twitter account, Tara expressed her displeasure with being left off WWE's "Top 25 Most Impactful Women" list.
She wrote, "(It) doesn't surprise me. That's an example of my experience at WWE. Unappreciated."
She then posted a link (http://twitpic.com/17xysr) to a funny graphic spoofing the list, ranking her at No. 26.
Bret Hart Says He Will Be “Very Careful” At Wrestlemania 26
Bret Hart spoke to Canada AM regarding WWE Wrestlemania 26 recently, assuring fans that he is "very careful" about what he does and that no one need fear any physical ramifications of his match with Vince McMahon. The video, available here via CTV, also features "The Hitman" discussing the decision to make amends with WWE, relying on the same talking points he has delivered in virtually all of his recent media interviews
WWE Changed Original Plan for Guest Host Criss Angel
"Illusionist" Criss Angel, who hosted this past Monday's edition of RAW, said Sunday that he was originally slated to have a more physical role on the show. Angel posted the following on his Twitter page:
"Inside scoop - I was supposed 2 do something in the ring at Raw but a few days be4 it got cancelled 4 my safety - it would have been awesome."
School Named After Wrestler
An elementary school opening up in Milton, Ontario, Canada has been named after longtime resident (and professional wrestler) Tiger Jeet Singh after a heated debate. The board of trustees who ultimately named the school cited his philanthropy and humanitarian work as the factors that tipped the vote in his favor over that it may be inappropriate to name a school after an individual involved in a violent sport like professional wrestling. Tiger Jeet Singh has donated money to Milton's hospital and Historical Society as well as participating in toy drives, and doing other charity work in his homeland, Punjab.
To read more on this news, visit this link.
Maria Interview
In an interview with Al Norton of 411 Mania, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis discusses her surprising departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, her new album, her stint on The Celebrity Apprentice, and much more.
Kanellis says she had been in negotiations with WWE regarding her contract for approximately three weeks when they decided to terminate their partnership. She notes being caught off guard by their decision to release her.
"I think I was pretty surprised (laughing)," she said. "It was very shocking. It was the day after my birthday, I had just got done with my taxes, I knew that I was going to go home to pack and get ready for the road that weekend. I had been in talks about my contract for probably three weeks, trying to change a few things just like any human being who holds any job for any amount of time, I wanted things to get better. I was asking for things I thought were very reasonable and apparently negotiations ended and they decided they no longer wanted me."
Kanellis also discloses her mother's reaction to her release from WWE, saying she "freaked out" upon learning the news.
"It was a shock at first. I didn't have time to call my Mom. My Mom called me freaking out because it went up on the internet within a half hour and that's just common courtesy; you let employees call their friends and family rather than a mass press release that goes out to the entire world and you can't even call your Mom and tell her, "I'm ok, it's ok. I'm not freaking out." She's worried, saying "oh my God, what are you going to do? How are you going to pay for your house?" If I could have called my Mom I would have been so happy but I didn't even have time to do that."
Kanellis then says she found it strange WWE would terminate her contract when she's about to go on The Celebrity Apprentice to support the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. She then repeatedly asks why WWE would "burn a bridge" with her.
"I think what's even more strange for WWE and I worked very hard for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, which is the foundation I am supporting throughout the Celebrity Apprentice, so why would they burn that bridge with me," Maria asked. "I'm not going to burn any bridge with WWE but why would they burn that bridge with me? Maybe they just look at me like they can always make another one but I don't like to be looked at like a number. I don't think that anyone should be looked at like a number. Everybody has the right to be an individual and express their needs and I think it's horrible to send somebody away that has made so many Make A Wish kids happy, done so many things for their reading program. I've been to burn units, I've been to Iraq five times. Why would they burn that bridge with me? I know, they think they're a big company but I'm a strong spirit and I didn't like getting my bridge burned."
Kanellis also reveals whether she's interested in resuming her career in the squared circle.
"I am still trying to decide. It's a tough choice for me because I am such a loyal person but beyond that, I have so many dreams and unfortunately I don't know if I can complete those dreams if I stay on the road wresting. We'll see. I have my album coming out in April," Kanellis said. "When it comes to TNA or anyone else, I'm not closing the door. I'm leaving it open for right now and maybe when the dust settles and the whole non-compete thing runs out I'll be closer to making a decision."
TUF Ortiz vs. Liddell Up in the Air
Much speculation has been made today as to the fate of Tito Ortiz, his turn as a coach on this season of "The Ultimate Fighter", and the status of his bout with Chuck Liddell.
It was reported early today that Ortiz was forced to pull out of his scheduled bout with Chuck Liddell for undisclosed reasons. Things got stranger when it was reported that not only was Ortiz forced to pull out of the fight, but that he was forced to leave "The Ultimate Fighter" while the show was still taping. That same report had Rich Franklin stepping in for Ortiz to finish out the show and to take on Liddell in Ortiz's place at a June UFC show.
Things would get stranger still.
UFC president Dana White took to his Twitter to respond to the rumors.
"Not true! We are doing couture vs franklin not chuck," Tweeted the boss, adding an extra element of confusion to this mess.
At this point we are left to assume that either the sources that fueled the rumors were wrong or lying or that Dana White is trying to throw people off with his Twitter comments. It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out.
Randy Savage Issues Statement About His Father
Former WWE star Randy "Macho Man" Savage, real name Randy Poffo, has issued the following statement concerning the death of his father Angelo Poffo.
Official Statement of Randy Poffo Regarding the Passing of his Father, Angelo Poffo
I have always been so proud to call Angelo Poffo my father. He is a great example of a self-sacrificing, hard-working man who always put his family first. As a parent, he was tough, but always fair. He was a true leader, and I am honored to be his son.
My father has left this world, but he will never leave my heart. He has always been my hero and my mentor, and the priceless gifts he gave I will have and cherish forever.
My family and I would like to thank my dad’s fans for all the support and well wishes they have expressed this past week.
Randy Poffo
Rob Van Dam Working TNA House Shows
TNA president Dixie Carter posted the following message on Twitter:
“We have confirmed RVD for his first TNA house shows on April 22 & 23 in Macon, GA and Albany, GA. Tickets went on sale yesterday.”
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