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Backstage Talk On WWE Creative Frustration, Former TNA Knockout Back Working For WWE, Attendance

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0625/596621/former-tna-knockout-back-working-for-wwe-this-week/

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

- Former TNA Knockout Sarita (Dark Angel, Sarah Stock) was back at the WWEPerformance Center in Orlando this week working as a coach. WWE brought her in to teach the NXT Divas aspects of Lucha Libre.

- The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that one WWE writer expressed frustration to them this past week over how the company is constantly booking itself into corners, rarely giving the much-needed consistent wins or positive momentum that talents need.

- Below are recent WWE attendance figures:

* June 19th in Saginaw, MI drew 3,000 fans (John Cena tour)
* June 20th in Lakeland, FL for NXT drew a sellout of 300 fans
* June 20th in Grand Rapids, MI drew 2,000 fans (John Cena tour)
* June 20th in Las Vegas drew 4,700 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
* June 21st in Kalamazoo, MI drew 2,800 fans (John Cena tour)
* June 21st in Fort Wayne, IN drew 1,500 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
* June 22nd in Indianapolis for RAW drew 9,000 fans

Subscribe to The Wrestling Observer by clicking here. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus history pieces. New subscribers can also receive free classic issues.

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WWE Smackdown

WWE News: Backstage Update On Dolph Ziggler, Considering Future Without WWE?

Republished from Inquisitr

Rumors about Dolph Ziggler leaving the WWE have intensified since the report initially came out. Besides a few World Heavyweight championship reigns during WWE Smackdown’s glory years from 2010-2013, he hasn’t been featured in WWE programming since. There was the instance at Survivor Series, but the WWE didn’t use him much after that.

It’s apparent that his lack of use is a reason why he might not renew his contract and leave the WWE. In an earlier report by the Inquisitr, Ziggler used his popularity to announce his displeasure with WWE management. For a man that talented, he had every right to talk about his position with WWE.

Now, as new reports come in, nothing is confirmed as of yet. However, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter obtained information that brings new evidence to the table regarding Dolph Ziggler’s future. According to the report, multiple wrestling companies are looking at Dolph Ziggler, and he may be considering options outside of the WWE.

“People close to him have said that he’s considering what decisions to make regarding a future that doesn’t include WWE.”

“TNA, Lucha Underground and New Japan Pro Wrestling are a few companies that are most likely to be interested in signing the former Intercontinental Champion.”

Could there be a WWE without Dolph Ziggler? That’s a big possibility within the next year. The former World Heavyweight champion signed a contract with the WWE in 2004, which saw him start his career in Ohio Valley Wrestling, the former WWE developmental site. From then on, Ziggler went on to be one of the greatest in-ring competitors the WWE’s seen in decades.

Looking at his accolades allows the WWE fans to think that he’s a future WWE Hall of Fame wrestler. He’s a two-time World Heavyweight champion, a four-time Intercontinental champ, one-time World Tag-Team champion, one-time United States champion, former Money in the Bank holder and the 22nd Triple Crown Champion in WWE history.

By the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dolph Ziggler has been described as the most underrated and most improved. Those awards were handed to Ziggler in 2011. Perhaps WWE doesn’t see Ziggler in their plans in the next five years. He is 34 years old.

Now, What Culturecompiled a list of matches that Ziggler would be perfect for if he leaves the place that made him famous. Some of them have the potential to give the fans a 5-star match right away. Personally, Ziggler is a WWE guy and he belongs there. Hopefully, WWE pushes him the way he deserves. The last time a popular, underutilized star’s contract was up, he got pushed to the moon. His name is CM Punk.

[Image via wwe.com]

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Ready for Tough Enough

(Pic Credit: WWE.COM)

Will Big Show give his best?

Will Ryback Rule?

C u all Morrow

C ya all later

Brock Lesnar's WWE Battleground Opponent Revealed

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0615/596325/brock-lesnar-wwe-battleground-opponent-revealed/

Photo Credit: Ichiban Drunk

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon announced on tonight's RAW that WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins will defend against Brock Lesnar at the July 19th Battleground pay-per-view from St. Louis.

The only other match announced for Battleground as of this writing is Roman Reignsvs. Bray Wyatt.

Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.

The beast is Back

(Pic: WWE.COM)

The beast returned on Raw & gave a warning to the current reigning defending champion Seth Rollins that he is going after the title he lost at Mania & was suspended indefintely since then.

It also seems evident that the beast was brought back after a 2 months leave to bring in more hysteria & goes without fail that it the same reason why he was handed the win y'day at MITB.

Now, with Dean out of the picture & Roman busy with Bray, does this seem to be a one on one battle. Ofcourse not, The Authority will try to use all wicked ways to stop the beast atleast at Battleground. So should we expect the storyline to go beyond Battleground? Oh Yeah!! The battle will go till Summerslam & then it will be a one on one match where Suplex City will be experienced by the bitch called Seth Rollins.

Let's see how the story unfolds.

- Amit Shukla

WWE RAW Tonite

Ready for Raw Tonite.

WWE Money In The Bank: Paige Vs. Nikki Bella (WWE Divas Title Match)

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0614/596284/wwe-money-in-the-bank-paige-vs-nikki-bella-wwe-divas-title-match/

Photo Credit: Ihiban Drunk

- Renee Young is backstage with Paige. She talks about changing the Divas division tonight and ending the reign of Th Bella Twins. Paige says she's doing it for Dusty tonight.

WWE Divas Title Match: Paige vs. Nikki Bella

We go to the ring and out first comes WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella without her sister Brie Bella. Paige is out next.

They lock up and go at it. Nikki goes to the floor early on for a breather. She comes in and ends up back on the floor. Paige follows and floors her as the referee starts counting. Paige climbs on top of the barrier but Nikki catches her. Nikki slams Paige face first into the top of the barrier and she hits hard. Nikki brings it back in for a 2 count. Paige rolls to the floor and Nikki follow. Nikki rams her into the apron as fans chant for Paige. Nikki shows off with push-ups as we see the other Divas looking on backstage. Nikki with a suplex for a 2 count. More back and forth. Paige hits a huge knee to the face for a 2 count. Nikki takes back control and hits a slingshot suplex for a 2 count.

Nikki with a body scissors now. They end up on the ropes and Paige unloads with knees from the apron. Nikki still manages to drop her for another 2 count. Paige drops Nikki with a kick to the face out of nowhere but Nikki kicks out at 2. Nikki counters a move with a spinebuster but Paige kicks out at 2. Nikki is frustrated now. She blows a kiss to Paige and goes for the elbow in the corner but Paige counters and hits a high knee. Paige takes Nikki down by her leg and applies the submission but Nikki makes it to the ropes. Nikki drops Paige as we see the Divas looking on backstage again. Nikki with another 2 count.

Paige fights Nikki off with elbows and goes for the PTO but Nikki stops it. More back and forth. Nikki with a springboard kick for another pin attempt. Paige slides out of the Rack Attack and hits the Ram-Paige for a close 2 count. They end up on the floor and Brie Bella comes from under the ring for twin magic. Paige comes in from the other side and pulls Brie in. Twin Magic backfires as Paige get the roll up for the win. Lilian makes the announcement but Brie reveals what happened to the referee and he stops the decision. Paige drops Brie and sends her out. Nikki comes from behind and ends up getting the win by pinfall. The announcers seem confused about the official ruling.

Winner: Nikki Bella

- After the match, The Bella Twins leave together as Paige looks upset in the ring. They turn around and taunt Paige before heeding to the back.

Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.

Money In The Bank Updated Event Card

Via Wikipedia

No.	Matches	Stipulations
1P	R-Truth vs. King Barrett	Singles match[11]
2	John Cena vs.Kevin Owens	Singles match[12]
3	Dolph Ziggler vs.Neville vs. Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs.Sheamus vs. Kane	Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match contract[13]
4	Seth Rollins (c) vs.Dean Ambrose	Ladder match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[14]
5	The New Day (Big Eand Xavier Woods) (c) vs. The Prime Time Players(Darren Young andTitus O'Neil)	Tag team matchfor the WWE Tag Team Championship[15]
6	Ryback (c) vs. Big Show	Singles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship[16]
7	Nikki Bella (c) vs.Paige	Singles match for the WWE Divas Championship[17]
(c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match P – indicates the match will take place on the pre-show

WWE Wrestlers Share Backstage Memories Of Dusty Rhodes

Republished from WhatCulture

(Source: WWE. com)

The untimely death of Dusty Rhodes has resulted in an outpouring of grief from nearly every contracted WWE talent. The various tweets and facebook posts from the wrestlers are all indicative of a man who was vitally important in teaching the next generation of superstars.

His work at the Performance Center was particularly focused on the art of a promo. Sharing his memories of Dusty, Sami Zayn recounts a funny story about the ‘Dream’ and Kevin Owens (then called Kevin Steen). It was Owens’ first week and Dusty had a terrible habit of getting names wrong. When he called up ‘Kip Stern’ to come to the front of the class to cut a promo, Owens just stared blankly. William Regal then nudged him, “you better get up there.”

Owens has since changed his name to ‘Kip Stern’ on Twitter as a personal tribute to Rhodes.

Other superstars also took to Twitter and shared their memories –

“A sad day for WWE. One of the most innovative, charismatic Superstars of all time, Dusty Rhodes, passed away. We loved him. #ThankYouDream” – Vince McMahon, who at 69, is the same age as Dusty.

“My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.” – Ric Flair

“Dusty,thanks for signing for my first U.S. work visa,mentoring,teaching and laughing with me for 22 years.Really going to miss you.x” – William Regal

“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in their students. #DustyRhodes brought out the best in so many people. I PROMISE YOU YOUR LESSONS WILL LIVE ON!” – Jason Albert

“‘Dream’ helped me find my voice in wrestling and it’s been my biggest asset ever since. My thoughts go out to his family. #RIPDustyRhodes” – Wade Barrett

“I’m speechless hearing about the passing of @WWEDustyRhodes he has been an amazing mentor to me, and was an unbelievable person to be around” – Baron Corbin

“Thank you @WWEDustyRhodes for everything you taught me. Thank you for believing in me & inspiring me. You will be missed so much. #RIPDream” – Lana

As you can tell, Rhodes’ influence really was important to the WWE. Lana and Wade Barrett are two of the best promos in WWE today, with Rhodes being the mentor who taught them their craft. WWE lost a great human being and a major company asset in Dusty.

His career really was legendary, in an industry where ‘legend’ is used way too often, he really was one. As a major star in the 70’s and 80’s, he was one of the very earliest examples of how to be a star in the modern business. His “Hard Times” promo is widely considered one of the greatest promos ever.

He could go in the ring as well, at least in his earlier days. Towards the end of his career, his weight and injuries were always a challenge. He also wielded a world of backstage power, acting as booker for Jim Crockett Promotions in the mid 80’s. He helped to create a boom in business at first and his narratives were some of the best of that era. However, like many wrestler / bookers, he stayed active past his prime and ego played a part in his downfall. Ideas like a ‘Bunkhouse Stampede’ in urban New York were a sign of his ineptitude as booker in the later years with Crockett.

He then went to the WWF, were Vince McMahon made a joke out of him with the polka dots. It wasn’t long before he went back south, to WCW.

Rhodes final years in the business were as an exemplary role model, bringing through the next generation in WWE’s Performance Center. The final impressions that he left upon the company were significant, ensuring that he’ll always be remembered as a master of his industry.

Dusty Rhodes Passes Away

I am saddened to know that The American Dream Dusty Rhodes has just passed away. I pray that the family get's the courage to face this tough time.

Tough Enough News

Republished from Wrestlezone

Samoa Joe News

As noted, the new WWE Samoa Joe T-shirts have been on backorder, and according to PWInsider.com, the shirts will start to ship beginning June 15th.

WWE Tough Enough Contestants Arrive at Performance Center

The following photo has been posted on Twitter, featuring the 40 WWE Tough Enough contestants arriving at the Performance Center in Orlando. The 40 talents will be narrowed down to 13 finalists on the upcoming WWE Network special:

RIGHT NOW: #ToughEnough competitors arrive and congregate at the @WWEPerformCtr on Day 1 of mini-camp pic.twitter.com/Q9v9shgNiP

— WWE Tough Enough (@WWEToughEnough) June 10, 2015

Destination America Touts May Viewership

Destination America has issued the following press release:

“Destination America earned its highest-rated May ever in both Prime and Total Day among all key demos including HH, P2+, P/M/W25-54, P18-49 and M/W18-49 for Prime and among HH, P2+, P/W25-54 and P/M/W18-49 for Total Day. With brand new premieres of Impact Wrestling, Ghost Asylum and BBQ Pitmasters, Destination America also captured its Best May Ever in Total Day among P/W25-54, P/W18-49 and P2+ average delivery. The network has seen year-over year gains, earning 7% increase in year-over-year Prime P25-54 ratings and is up 8% in Total Day P25-54 rating. Destination America garnered its best Monday ever among P18-49 in ratings on Memorial Day (5/25/15) driven by popular series BBQ Pitmasters and its best Tuesday ever (5/5/15) in ratings and delivery among W25

Catch Y'all later

SPEAK TO YOU LATER

Did you Enjoy tonight's Raw?

Did you Enjoy tonight's RAW? Tell Me!!!

WWE RAW tomorrow

What will Seth Get for himself with MITB this Sunday? Will Dean attack him again?

Will Ryback accept the giant challenge?

Will Naomi & Paige get a title shot at MITB?

Wait to see WWE Raw tomorrow & get all answers!!!

Is WWE NXT getting a bigger push?

WWE NXT has given us a great new level of entertainment & a great platform for all those that aspire to become a WWE Superstar but over the last few months we have seen a lot of invasion from the NXT division to main WWE roster.

If we all take a look at the NXT invasion from last year Mania, firstly we have Paige that walked through NXT to the main roster but after her there hasn't been any Diva entry into the main roster. On the contrary we have Adam Rose who hasn't been able to make any impact on the main roster.

(Image Courtesy: Adam Rose Twitter)

Sami Zayn walked in & looked promising until he was taken away due to a shoulder injury. Now we have Kevin Owens who seems to be making a mark for himself in the main roster & ever since he defeated Cena at Chamber, stakes are running high.

I expect Owens to get into some serious fight with some major players in the main roster after he is done with the Cena Feud angle.

Let's see if WWE would become serious about their Divas Division in NXT & give them a push like they did to the Male Lockerroom.

-Amit Shukla

Are you Ready for Smackdown?

TNA Provides Update On Mickie James After Controversial Storyline From Impact

Republished from WrestlingInc

TNA Wrestling has provided an update on their website following a highly controversial angle that saw James Storm push Mickie James onto train tracks. Many suggested that Mickie James had been killed off, and the angle garnered a lot of negative attention online, even from the likes of WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross. You can see video of the angle above.

TNA released the following statement:

"On Impact this past week Mickie James thought she was coming to Nashville to meet with Country Music Executives, to further her already amazing music career. The "meetings" were set up by Mickie's friend, the leader of The Revolution, James Storm and all seemed to be on the up and up.

That is until Mickie James got to Nashville, Storm was there to greet her and told Mickie the real reason he invited her to Music City, USA and it had nothing to do with music. Storm revealed he wanted Mickie to Join The Revolution, to which Mickie was not only taken aback, but wanted nothing to do with joining The Revolution.

Then Storm walked Mickie James to the train station and that is where Storm, for whatever his reasons are, knocked Mickie James onto the tracks. While Storm's actions are despicable and borderline criminal, we have reached out to Mickie James and have not yet gotten comment. We also reached out to security at The Nashville Star Train Station who were first on the scene after James Storm left and they were able to tell us that Mickie briefly blacked out and showed symptoms of a concussion. Mickie was tested and passed all concussion field tests. Mickie was emotionally disturbed following the events.

We will do our best to keep everyone up to date and we wish Mickie a very speedy recovery. We will be following up with Mickie James to see if she plans on filing criminal charges with Nashville PD."

TNA Knockout Possibly Finished With Company, AJ Styles/New Japan Wrestling

Republished from Wrestlezone

Brooke Tessmacher Leaving TNA?

TNA Knockout Brooke Tessmacher (Brooke Adams) might be leaving the company, reports The Wrestling Observer. There are sources claiming she is done, and a recent post by Adams on Twitter has many assuming the reports are true. Adams posted: "Things change for a reason."

The tweet followed Adams changing her Twitter handle from "brookeimpact" to "thebrookeadams". She also made the same change on her Instagram account.

Brooke has not wrestled a match in TNA since the November 7th edition of Impact Wrestling. She was also not on the recent UK tour.

AJ Styles/New Japan Pro Wrestling

Former TNA star AJ Styles is expected to start work with New Japan Pro Wrestling as early as next month. While an announcement hasn't been made, The Wrestling Observer is reporting that talks between Styles and NJPW are going on and a deal will most likely get done.

Press Release: TNA Signs New Italian TV Deal After Overseas Success Of Impact Wrestling

Republished from Wrestlezone

TNA Wrestling has issued the following release: 

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING AND NUVOLARI SIGN NEW DEAL AFTER ITALIAN SUCCESS

ROME (June 1, 2015): TNA IMPACT WRESTLING and popular Italian sports broadcaster Nuvolari TV have signed a new deal to extend their successful partnership.

After a year of high ratings and a first ever live event in Italy featuring TNA Superstars, IMPACT WRESTLING will continue to be broadcast in Italy and surrounding territories including Vatican City, Republic of San Marino, Malta, Capodistria, Principality of Monaco and Italian speaking Switzerland.

IMPACT WRESTLING will premiere on Nuvolari each Thursday night at 9pm, with repeats on Sundays at 11pm. Nuvolari will also broadcast re-runs of 2014 TNA programming every weekday at 6pm, as well as the 2015 Slammiversary and Bound For Glory special events.

Fans can watch Nuvolari via digital terrestrial TV, satellite and live web streaming.

Corrado Azzolini, LT Multimedia Vice President, said: “We are really happy about renewing TNA IMPACT WRESTLING, which allows us to broadcast many more amazing matches.

“Our viewers are so excited about this great news and are looking forward to watching new TNA programming every Thursday, as well as some of the best action from last year. Nuvolari is the television channel for TNA IMPACT WRESTLING lovers in Italy.”

TNA’s Italian announce team of Alessio Di Nicolantonio and Daniele De Micco added: “We are happy and honoured to continue as the Italian IMPACT WRESTLING commentators. TNA’s popularity in Italy keeps growing day by day and the Rome event in February, hosted by local independent group EPW, was a landmark event for wrestling in Italy.”

TNA President Dixie Carter said: “Our growth in Italy has been fantastic and we are delighted that fans will be able to continue to watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Nuvolari.

“This is a partnership that extends beyond the TV screen to media and live charity events, one in Rome this past February alongside Italian sporting legends Giancarlo Fisichella and Francesco Totti.

“I cannot wait to see what the next year brings for our company, our Superstars and, above all, our fans in Italy.”

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is currently broadcast in more than 120 countries around the world. The company recently signed multi-year deals to broadcast across Africa on SuperSport, the Indian subcontinent on Sony SIX and Europe with various prestigious partners

TNA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

TNA Entertainment, LLC, is a privately held sports entertainment company represented by United Talent Agency and based in Nashville, Tennessee, specialising in television properties, events, products, merchandise and music, as well as the management and promotion of professional wrestlers.

The roster features such greats as Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, MVP, Lashley, Magnus, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Austin Aries, Gail Kim and the lovely and lethal Knockouts, through its highly successful flagship IMPACT WRESTLING weekly broadcast.

The product is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is broadcast in more than 120 countries.

 For more information, visit www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com or follow @IMPACTWRESTLING on twitter.