Hailey's Newsies Issue 51 - August 21st 2009

Due to some personal issues, Youtube's Favorite TNA Knockout does not have a new round yet, and my efed ADW will have to wait also. But here are some news!!

Batista Cleared

The WWE main event scene is about to get a little boost.

Batista has been cleared by his medical team to start working out again. The 40 year old superstar has been out of action since June. He needed time off to have surgery to heal torn triceps. The injury occurred at the Extreme Rules pay per view, which was just 2 months after he returned from another big injury.

The four time former World Heavyweight Champion is scheduled to do a show down in Florida Championship Wrestling at the end of August. It's unlikely that he would be wrestling on the show. However, there is a chance that he could get physically involved to see how his injury has healed up.

Upon his return, Batista is expected to be utilized in the main event scene again. WWE has been using various combinations of John Cena, Randy Orton, and Triple H in the main event scene for a bit of time now.

ROH Paychecks Bouncing

In a situation eerily similar to what we saw when the original ECW was going out of business, paychecks issued by Ring of Honor have been bouncing. Several of the wrestlers that tried to cash their checks were told that there was insufficient funds in the ROH account to cover the amount on their checks.

For the checks to bounce, that must mean that the company is extremely low on cash right now.

Cary Silkin, the man who took ownership of the company after founder Rob Feinstein, was able to secure some money to cover the checks that he issued to the wrestlers. No word yet on how he was able to secure the money.

For those of you that don't remember, shortly before ECW folded, Paul Heyman was having trouble paying the wrestlers. Several wrestlers have came forward and stated that they went several months without being paid.

With rumors floating around that ROH could be very close to shutting down, any incident involving money is going to add more fuel to the flame.

Another Snuka in Wrestling

The class of second generation wrestlers has grown by one more.

Sarona Snuka-Polamalu, the daughter of the legendary Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, has decided to get into the wrestling business. She will start her training soon under the guidance of Afa (from the Wild Samoans), who is widely regarded as one of the best trainers in the business.

She played college basketball at Umpqua Community College up in Roseburg, Oregon. Snuka-Polamalu currently lives down in Florida with her two daughters. Being in close proximity of Florida Championship Wrestling is always a good thing for people looking to get into the business.

Snuka-Polamalu doesn't necessarily have the look that WWE normally looks for in their female wrestlers. However, the company still does value second generation wrestlers for their marketing appeal. That's why there are several second generation stars down in their developmental training center.

Summerslam Hat

WWE has released a brand hat for Summerslam. Looks pretty cool.

http://www.wweshop.com/Product_detail.asp?productId=02-00646

Burke's Debut Match

Elijah Burke's future with TNA has been made just a little bit clearer now.

The former WWE star is set to make his official in-ring debut for TNA at the upcoming Hard Justice pay per view. As of right now, he's scheduled to take part in the X division match where the wrestlers all have to try to escape the cage.

The other wrestlers scheduled to take part in the Steel Asylum match are Suicide, Chris Sabin, Amazing Red, Alex Shelley, Jay Lethal, Daniels, and Consequences Creed. The winner of the match will become the number one contender to Homicide's TNA X Division Championship.

When rumors of Burke's signing with TNA was heating up, wrestling fans debated on how he was going to be utilized. Many felt that he was going to be used as a singles wrestler in TNA's underrated midcard division. However, it now looks like the company will utilize him in the X division first.

Ross Shoots on Keirn

Jim Ross has taken a verbal jab at the man that is in charge of the WWE developmental territory.

Over the weekend, Steve Keirn made some remarks about UFC that gained quite a bit of attention. At a wrestling convention, wrestling fans asked Keirn about how he felt about UFC taking fans away from WWE. The former NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion responded by calling UFC a "fad" that will be out of business within 5 years.

Those comments made Keirn look especially bad. It looks even worse because UFC has been beating professional wrestling as of late in television ratings and pay per view buyrates.

Ross, through his personal blog, decided to call out Keirn for making such an absurd statement. He stated that the comment came off just as bad as poorly executed wrestling comedy, which is basically the old school wrestling fan in Ross coming out.

Spike Wants More TNA

If Spike TV gets what they want, then we're going to be seeing more of TNA on a weekly basis.

Reports have surfaced that the network has been in serious negotiations with executives from TNA. Spike TV wants the wrestling company to produce more weekly programming for television. It's been said that they want to give TNA another hour or two of programming each week.

The three options that are being discussed are as follows.

• X Division Show
  
  The show would be completed centered around the X division wrestlers. If this show gets green lit, then TNA has an opportunity to bring in new fans by simply letting these guys get in the ring and impress. They can also use this show as an avenue for which the X division guys can show off more of their personality and character.
  
• Knockouts Show
  
  Due to the impact that the Knockouts have on the ratings (they generally are among the highest rated segments on TNA iMPACT!), it makes all the sense in the world that the network would want to see a show centered around these gorgeous and talented ladies. It would be rare to see a wrestling company doing something that WWE is unable of doing.
  
• Spin Cycle
  
  Jeremy Borash is easily one of the funniest personalities in all of professional wrestling. He's got a great sense of humor that can be seen through the backstage segments, his Twitter account, and on TNA's internet show, the Spin Cycle. The show is also excellent for showing the comedic side of the wrestlers (usually in non character mode).
  

Spike TV wants at least one of these shows to be produced. There's rumors floating around that they're even considering a 3rd TNA show as well.

Morgan Reveals WWE Start

Matt Morgan took a much different route than most wrestlers who have tried to get their foot into the WWE doors.

During a recent interview with Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun, Morgan revealed that he had to set up his own "chance meeting" with Vince McMahon in order to get a shot with the company. The former NCAA Division I college basketball player had a friend who was working for WWE magazine help him set things up.

The friend invited Morgan up to WWE headquarters. Morgan was informed that McMahon routinely worked out at the gym at WWE headquarters. Morgan would spend weeks working out at the gym in hopes of meeting McMahon. His first visit to the gym enabled him to meet Stephanie McMahon and Jim Ross' wife, both of whom suggested that he visit the gym on Fridays to improve his chances of meeting the Chairman.

McMahon finally showed up at the gym. That was the opportunity that Morgan needed. The man now known as the Blueprint walked up to McMahon and told him that he wanted an opportunity. McMahon was impressed by his size and instructed him on what he needed to do next.

From there, Morgan hooked up with other people involved with WWE.

New Christian Shirt

WWE has released a brand new shirt featuring Captain Charisma himself.

http://www.wweshop.com/Product_detail.asp?productId=01-10931

Kurt Angle Arrested

On Saturday morning, Kurt Angle was arrested in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a bevy of charges. He was charged with harrassment, driving on a suspended license, and possession.
According to reports, he was harrassing a woman who also worked as a wrestler for TNA. The incident occurred at a Starbucks, where the woman claimed that Kurt Angle was driving around the block.
While it hasn't been 100% confirmed yet, the majority of people are under the belief that the woman is Rhaka Khan. The two have been dating on and off for quite some time now (they were spotted at the Comic-Con convention in San Diego together not too long ago).
Apparently, the relationship had gone sour, and Rhaka Khan had a restraining order against the former Olympic gold medalist.
Police officers also stated that they found a capped syringe and two vials of HGH. Kurt Angle has informed them that he does have a legal prescription for this and he does have proof.
Quite a Saturday morning for Kurt Angle, to say the least.

Since the big Hard Justice pay per view is taking place on Sunday night, the first question that comes to mind is how this arrest will affect things.
Kurt Angle has been booked in the main event triple threat title match against Sting and Matt Morgan for quite a few weeks now. For him to not be able to make the match, it could prove disastrous for TNA.
Fortunately, though, it does appear that Kurt Angle will be able to make it out to Orlando for the pay per view. The scheduled TNA World Heavyweight Championship match will go on as advertised.

In case you've been living underneath a rock (is that even possible?), the headlines for the past few weeks have revealed that Jeff Jarrett is currently involved in a relationship with Karen Angle; the relationship has caused all sorts of issues for TNA's front office.
Kurt Angle's arrest isn't going to change Jeff Jarrett's spot with the company whatsoever. He's still going to be punished for what he did. The belief is that Dixie Carter has bought out all of the shares that Jeff Jarrett had owned.
It also won't affect Jeff Jarrett's ability to return to the company as solely an in-ring performer. Dixie Carter has reportedly offered him a chance to return without any backstage powers whatsoever.
The only thing that this arrest affects is how the public views the story.
If Kurt Angle is painted as an abusive husband/boyfriend, then Karen Angle is going to gain just a little more sympathy from the internet wrestling community.
However, that still won't change how Jeff Jarrett, a member of management that had an affair with an employee's wife, is viewed.

Don West Removed

TNA has decided to shake up their commentating team.

Long time color commentator Don West has been removed from the commentating team. West has been TNA's color commentator for the last 7 years. While he's been removed from the commentating booth, he will remain with the company in another capacity. West has received a promotion in the merchandising department.

Replacing him will be Taz, who recently left his position as the color commentator of Smackdown. There were rumors of him replacing West when it was first revealed that the former ECW Heavyweight Champion was signing with TNA. No word yet on how this move will affect Taz's on screen role as Samoa Joe's manager.

Play by play announcer Mike Tenay will remain at his position.

New TNA/Spike Deal

TNA fans can rest easy tonight, knowing that iMPACT! is going to remain on Spike TV for the next 3 years.

Reports have surfaced that TNA and Spike TV have inked a brand new deal. It's supposed to be a three year deal that ensures that TNA will have a television presence.

The two companies have been negotiating for much of the last week or so. Spike TV has been trying to convince TNA to produce another television show to air on the network. It's been said that TNA will produce a show that will either focus on the X division wrestlers or the Knockouts division; there are also reports that it could be the Spin Cycle, which is currently their internet show hosted by Jeremy Borash.

TNA has yet to make an official announcement about the new deal, but they should be doing that very soon.

Tara Still Training For MMA

Tara (formerly known as Victoria in TNA) is still intent on pursuing a career in MMA.

The former WWE Women's Champion stated in a recent interview that she still is training for a career in MMA. Tara is hoping to make her MMA debut some time in 2010. The 38 year old Knockout has targeted Strikeforce as the company that she's hoping to make her debut with.

Tara already has a manager for her MMA career. She is represented by JT Stewart, who also manages former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin. Stewart believes that Tara has a lot of marketing potential because of her wrestling background. He also believes that women MMA is gaining in popularity. Stewart points out that Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar have paved the way for Tara.

Stewart and Tara both agreed that Kim Couture, the former wife of UFC legend Randy Couture, would be a great debut matchup for the former TNA Knockouts Champion.

Tara's contract with TNA does not prevent her from pursuing a career in MMA. The company actually supports Bobby Lashley's MMA career. They also were willing to be flexible with Kurt Angle had he pursued an MMA career as well.

Back to School: Cena

This back to school special package is perfect for the little John Cena fans.

http://www.wweshop.com/Product_detail.asp?productId=50-05356

Undertaker vs Punk

Looks like CM Punk is going to be in for the biggest fight of his life.

Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, was approximately 6 years old when the Undertaker made his professional wrestling debut. He was roughly 12 years old when the Undertaker started his legendary WWE career in 1990.

Fast forward 18 years, and the lifelong wrestling fan from Chicago, Illionois is almost set to enter into a feud with the future WWE Hall of Fame wrestler.

Reports have surfaced that WWE is currently working out plans for a feud between the Undertaker and Punk upon the Dead Man's return from a hiatus. Management wants to tease the return subtly (a discussion has been made about having the lights flicker during Punk's matches).

As of right now, there's been no confirmation as to whether or not the World Heavyweight Championship will be involved in the feud. However, the belief is that the title belt will be involved, and the feud will be the main event of the Smackdown brand.

Angle's Side of the Story

There's always more than one side to every story. Thus far, we've heard Trenesha Biggers' (who works in TNA as Rhaka Khan) side of the story. Now, we're hearing Kurt Angle's side.

In a recent interview with a radio show, Angle was finally given the opportunity to explain the situation from his point of view. As expected, it differs quite a bit from Biggers' story. Just for clarification, Angle did not mention Biggers by name (as required by the courts).

According to TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Biggers asked to borrow his car to go to the store on a Saturday morning. Rather than going to the store, though, she instead went to the police and filed a PFA (protection from abuse) against Angle. Soon after that, the police arrived at Angle's house and made him leave the premise so that Biggers could return.

Angle did leave as he was instructed to. Biggers soon followed him out of the house. Shortly after, she called the police and informed them that Angle was stalking her. That led to Angle being arrested for stalking.

According to reports, Angle and his lawyers do have some surveillance footage (he lives in a gated community) of Biggers following him out of the home.

Hardy Towel

Look in the clearance bin, and you'll find this Jeff Hardy towel for 30% off.

http://www.wweshop.com/Product_detail.asp?productId=50-04600

DX Will Continue

Fans of Degeneration X can rejoice now, knowing that their favorite duo will be around after this Sunday's Summerslam pay per view.

While many had originally believed that Shawn Michaels and Triple H were being paired together just to help boost television ratings for Raw and the buyrates for Summerslam, it turns out that management wants to keep them around for a little bit longer than that.

Reports have surfaced that the program between Legacy and DX will continue past Summerslam. The two teams have already been booked to face one another in a cage match at a television taping after the pay per view. There's also word that management is looking to come up with a match at the upcoming Breaking Point pay per view.

Power 25 Divas August 15th 2009

22 - Gail Kim
Finally getting her chance to shine, this Raw Diva immediately capitalized on a huge Diva Four Way No. 1 Contender's Match and earned a future golden opportunity against Mickie James.

19 - Mickie James
The Divas Champion lost in tag team action this week, but wasn't the one who got pinned. What Mickie James really has to concentrate on is her future Divas Championship opponent Gail Kim.

16 - Michelle McCool
The Women's Champion has been out of action lately, but we know we will be seeing her soon. Hopefully her mind is on defending her title as there are many Divas that want that gold.

Almost made the list
The Hart Dynasty: Smith, Natalya and Kidd
Although things haven't been going great in recent weeks, a win over World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy puts them back on the map.

Melina
When Michelle McCool gets back in the ring, she better be ready for this former Women's Champion.

Sources: WrestlingRevealed, WWE.com

it will be awsome and lol at the dude dissing ufc
i think if they want to give tna a one or two hours extra a week
whats wrong with giving them say an hour show on the knockouts and then another hour show for the x

LL "THE GREAT" wrote:

i think if they want to give tna a one or two hours extra a week
whats wrong with giving them say an hour show on the knockouts and then another hour show for the x

that would be a good idea if they did that.

they dont even need to worry about ratings either they could do the shows on a wednesday and saturday in the impact zone

I wont miss Don West's annoying voice.

TNA needs a 2nd show or another hour of Impact!

If Tara did MMA, I'd definitely watch.

I dont care about the Angle/Rhaka drama anymore. Although I do wish his ass would get pulled from tv. He annoys me. I think he needs a psych evaluation.

3 hrs of Impact? *shoots self in leg

Dead, you'll be watching NFL, though. lol

yeah, when the thursday games in the regular season starts. WCW had Nitro be 3 hrs before, and it wasnt that good

Well with TNA adding another title belt i think they need something. unless they are magically going to stop interviewing everyone on the roster lol

they need another weekly show or another hour. Hopefully a weekly show on Tuesdays or Wed. so i'll have something to watch.

nah they wont stop having 100 minutes of promos, its against their religion

i dont think they mean an extra hour of impact do they
i thought they meant an extra hour show some other day like a B show like Raw and ECW are

LL "THE GREAT" wrote:

i dont think they mean an extra hour of impact do they
i thought they meant an extra hour show some other day like a B show like Raw and ECW are

yeah it's going to be a second weekly show. not another hour of Impact.