Whatever Happened To "Tough Enough" Winner Maven Huffman? - His Current Job In New York City

Former WWE wrestler Maven Huffmanâ€"one of two winners of the inaugural season of Tough Enough on MTV in 2001â€"is currently working as a bouncer at a sports bar in New York City. Mixed martial arts journalist and wrestling fan Ariel Helwani confirmed this tidbit on his Twitter account.

"Just walked by a bar that former Tough Enough winner Maven was bouncing. Told him the Rumble spot was awesome. He didn't seem pleased," wrote Helwani on Friday night.

He added further, "I swear. He seemed embarrassed someone recognized him."

A second person relayed a very similar story online last month in a post on TheColi.com message board, noting that he crossed paths with the former WWF Hardcore Champion at a bar in New York City (Midtown 1015 at Sutton Place). This individual recognized the bouncer as a professional wrestler and found out it was indeed Huffman upon asking.

"[Huffman] was a huge dikk he was kind a pushing me away the whole time, but i had told him man I remember when you eliminated undertaker in RR, he didnt care lol," wrote the message board user. "Dude seemed bitter for me even bringing up his wrestling past."

After being released from his contract with WWE on July 5, 2005, Huffman found himself on multiple television shows; a cast member on the VH-1 reality show The Surreal Life, and host of programs on the Home Shopping Network and BET J. However, the former schoolteacher's life took a rough turn in 2012 as he was arrested in Florida for "doctor shopping." TMZ.com reported in April of that year that he allegedly went to multiple pharmacies to fill prescriptions for painkillersâ€"he gained more than 1,000. Huffman subsequently agreed to participate in WWE's "Former Talent Rehab Program" to defeat his drug addiction, which he successfully completed.

"I owe the WWE my life for helping me through this situation," said Huffman in June 2012. "I have the clarity and focus that comes with sobriety and will never let my family, friends, and fans down again."

While Huffman was in rehab, the trophy he was awarded for winning Tough Enough ended up in a storage unit in Virginia (his home state), until he stopped paying the bill. The contents of the unit went up for auction last November and was sold for $100. The person who bought the unit discovered the trophy and immediately reached out to Huffman to return it, but didn't hear back. It then surfaced on eBay and was sold for $600 to a wrestling fan in California.

The official YouTube account of WWE published Maven's entrance video two weeks ago, which can be viewed above.

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Author's link: >see Maven's Mugshot Following Arrest On Drug Charges

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WWE Live Event Results From Dallas (9/28): CM Punk Vs. Heyman & Axel No DQ Match, Bryan Vs. Orton

Thanks to WrestlingINC.com reader Jose for sending in these results from last night's WWE live event in Dallas, TX:

There was a good amount of people at the show. The floor, lower level, and mid sections were filled to capacity. The upper level was empty except a couple people here and there. Justin Roberts was the announcer/host of the night.

* Santino Marella beat Fandango with the Cobra. Santino did his usual funny spots and kept failing to jump from the mat back to his feet. Santino won with his Cobra. Santino received great crowd support and Fandango even got a "you can't dance" chant.

* Natalya beat Brie Bella with the sharpshooter. It started as a dance off with Brie "dancing" first. Then as Natalya was dancing Brie attacked her from behind starting the match. Not to much crowd reaction to the match.

* Dean Ambrose beat Zack Ryder with a front DDT and retained the US title.

* The Big Show beat Antonio Cesaro via chokeslam. Cesaro was accompanied to the ring by Jack Swagger. After the win, Brad Maddox came out and told Show he will fight Jack Swagger and it would be next.

* The Big Show beat Jack Swagger via knockout. Brad Maddox then came to the ramp again and said he had one more surprise. He stated that Big Show will have to sit ringside for the main event Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton and cannot interfere in the match or he will be suspended and fined.

Intermission was next, and they were pushing the pics signed by Randy Orton and CM Punk at the merch table.

* The Shield beat Tons of Funk and The Miz & Kofi Kingston in a three-team match to hold on the Tag Titles. Miz's shoulder was wrapped from his injuries. Prior to the match Kofi slapped hands with every fan on both sides of the ramp which was awesome. He did plenty of high spots to please the crowd.

* CM Punk beat Curtis Axel & Paul Heyman in a No DQ match. It was going to be a 2 on 1 handicap match. Heyman and Axel came to the ring where Heyman stated he has bad news that the crowd would love. He stated that it has been changed to a no DQ match. Punk won with the GTS as Heyman ran away looking like a walrus. Weapons used: chair, kendo stick.

* Daniel Bryan beat Randy Orton with running knee. After Daniel won and was celebrating the Shield came and attacked him. The Miz came for the save but he to got beat down and all Big Show did was watch. Kofi then came out to the same fate as the Miz. The Big Show had enough and went in the ring for the save. Show stuck his hand out to shake Daniels but instead Daniel hugged him and the crowd went home happy.

Biggest Pops:
CM Punk
Daniel Bryan

Most Heat:
Paul Heyman

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WWE Live Event Results From Huntsville (9/28): Gabriel Beats Sandow, RVD Vs. Del Rio

Thanks to WrestlingINC.com reader Donald Boudah for sending in these results from tonight's WWE live event at the Von Braun Center Arena in Huntsville, AL:

There was a large crowd at at the Von Braun Center Arena.

* The opening match was Damien Sandow vs. Justin Gabriel. Back and forth match ending with the 450 splash and Gabriel picking up the victory! Good first match and crowd is extremely into it.

* Up next is Jinder Mahal vs. The Great Khali. Khali gets in some early slaps and misses a boot in the corner. Mahal chops the leg and goes to work on the knee. After a waste of time coming off the ropes, Khali reverses and gets the big chop in and picks up the win.

* Divas championship on the line with Alicia Fox vs. AJ Lee with (w/ Tamina). AJ comes in making fun of Alicia and gets caught with a drop kick. AJ goes to the outside to regroup and catches Alicia coming back in. AJ is all over her several 2 counts. After some interference AJ catches the Black Widow and Alicia taps.

There was a pre-taped promo from Alberto Del Rio, who says fans will be chanting "ADR."

* Time for Big E Langston vs. Dolph Ziggler in a fan choice match. 2 out 3 or street fight. Street fight wins and a "Lets go Ziggler" chant breaks out. They lockup and Big E shows him his power. After Dolph gets the advantage, Big E gets on the mic and says he is leaving if we don't shut up. As he goes to leave, Dolph chases him down and they take it to the aisle. Dolph gets him back in the ring and gets a kendo stick, but gets caught coming back in. Big E picks up the kendo stick and goes to work. After some back and forth action Dolph hits the Zig Zag and it's over. Great match!

Intermission

* The Prime Time Players defeated Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater in a back and forth match.

* Next is a six man tag with The Usos and R-Truth vs. The Wyatt Family. The crowd is really into this match. Bray Wyatt comes out and sits in his rocking chair and we start with a handicap match. Usos and Truth get the early advantage. After Luke Harper gets the advantage, Bray comes in. Great back and forth match with the Wyatts winning.

* Time for the main event featuring RVD vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship. RVD gets a huge reaction! Del Rio messes with a kid ringside and rips up his sign. We get underway and it is all RVD. Del Rio keeps running out of the ring. RVD goes after and gets caught. Del Rio goes on the offensive. He hangs RVD upside, but misses and hits the post. After some offense, RVD misses Rolling Thunder and catches a back cracker. Del Rio goes for the Shining Wizard and misses. He grabs his belt and goes to leave. RVD brings him back and goes for the Frog Splash and Del Rio moves. He then hits RVD with the belt and gets DQed.

After the match, Del Rio gets a chair and RVD kicks it in his face. After a frog splash, Damien Sandow comes out, but RVD kicks him in he face and gives Sandow a frog splash. RVD's music hits and the fans go home happy.

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Ken Shamrock Open To WWE Return, Joins Tito Ortiz In Twitter Fight With Dana White

- Ken Shamrock noted on his Twitter that he would like to return to WWE, but that Vince McMahon "is the man who can set it up."

- Shamrock and UFC President Dana White also took to their rivalry to Twitter last night, which featured a cameo from TNA / Bellator star Tito Ortiz. In a nutshell, Dana White wants the $175,000 that he is owed from Shamrock stemming from a lawsuit between them that was settled in 2010, while Shamrock feels that Dana doesn't respect the fighters and stiffed him on the UFC 40 payoff. Tito Ortiz agreed with Shamrock. You can check out some of their tweets below. A couple of them are a little out of order, but you get the idea:

Shamrock: Hey I got a idea I keep saying that ufc is not being truthful about what's being made and they say everything but what I am accusing them of one simple way to stop this is to open the books and prove me wrong and I will say I am sorry how does that sound. PROVE ME WRONG I DARE YOU, god bless - Ken shamrock ... I set the record straight and gave you your dues Tito. - http://t.co/zvbyiBTdcs

Ortiz: #truth I got paid on our PPV 40

Shamrock: that bald bully pulled the 99K on me. He went on record the other night threatening me.... makes me sick the other night insulting me and frank and insulting you. He needs help badly

Ortiz: as u said it all come around. Karma is a B

White: tell him [Shamrock] he's a f--king deadbeat and to shut up and pay the money he owes. Got some big balls talking s--t when he owes me big $

Shamrock: tell him [White] to come get it. - sick of his bullying - he is the 2013 version of A Slave driver... @OkamiYushin got cut today? @jonfitchdotnet got cut!! @riddletuf7 banished!! @JohnCholish @TwasEbersole @kongo4real

White: pay your debt u deadbeat! you better start selling some of those McShamrock shake s--t or whatever the get rich quick thing u r workin on is. love a scumbag who talks s--t who lies and tries to steal and then loses and doesn't pay his debt. I'm a "bully"? U r scum

Shamrock: Dana the drink is good. I will send you a box. Very very healthy... he constantly disrespects me & my brother. He insults Tito every week and said randy did everything to Hurt the UFC

White: freaks think u deserve respect cause u have been getting ur ass beat since 1996? There is nothing about u that deserves respect...

Shamrock: DW that's not true. What happened to the humble, smiling, happy kid from Boston? ... you have become very very condescending. This is not who you were pre zuffa

White: do u owe me money Ken? Yes or No?

Shamrock: DW, you owe me $ from UFC 40. 99k buys? You forgot that conversation? I still send everlasting positivity from above for you... don't forget where you came from Dana. I hope you find peace in life and may god bless you

White: The UFC Shamrock was in went out of business TUF made UFC. Tito wasn't even in UFC during TUF1

Ortiz: ya because you tried to sign me to a s--t ass contract... Facts are facts. Until @ufc open the real books and show the profit you all will never know. Wish fighters would say the truth. Integrity

Shamrock: TUF 3 was your best season hands down DW I guess you forgot the TUF Season 3 and the hard work Tito and I put in for the company? DW, insult me constantly, but I will still send god's love to you.

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WWE SmackDown Results: Orton Destroys Miz, "No" Daniel Bryan, Ambrose Vs. Ziggler And More

Welcome to our ongoing results of tonight's WWE SmackDown. You all can chime in with your thoughts throughout the show.

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- SmackDown begins with a cold open straight to the arena from Milwaukee, WI. Lilian Garcia introduces HHH to the ring. JBL and Michael Cole stand as JBL applauds the COO. Hunter welcomes us to the show and talks about all the internet criticism about "favoritism" and the "abuse of power." He says WWE Superstars are unable to accept their own failures and blame management instead. He says he and his wife are OK with that burden and will continue to do what is best for business. He says people still complain even after the 11 on 3 match on Monday. He shows a clip ending with Daniel Bryan standing tall to close the show.

The Miz interrupts and joins HHH in the ring. Miz is also in a suit. Hunter says Miz is a prime example of someone who fails and blames someone else. HHH shows footage of Miz "choking" against Randy Orton from 2 weeks ago. Miz coldly stares at HHH as Hunter patronizes him. Hunter says he even gave Miz a platform to speak his mind on MizTV and shows that footage of Miz getting KO'd by The Big Show. Miz says that was a setup, what with Hunter and Stephanie's good cop/bad cop routine. HHH makes Miz repeat what he called his wife on Monday. Miz says, "castrating witch" but says he should have changed the 'W' to a 'B.'

Triple H says he will give Miz another shot at retribution and give him Orton tonight. Hunter asks if Miz thinks he has time to fly his private jet to Cleveland and pick up his parents so they can watch from the front row. He wonders if Cleveland has an airport big enough for a G5. Hunter makes Miz vs. Orton official and leaves the ring.

- Alberto Del Rio is on his way out.

R-Truth vs. Alberto Del Rio

Truth is in the ring as we return from a break. ADR makes his entrance. Skull Shirt Guy is in the audience again. We see footage of ADR attacking Rob Van Dam on Monday.

ADR starts off with intense kicks in the corner. He sends Truth into the corner and charges forward but Truth moves and ADR connects with the steel post. Truth takes control and hits a modified suplex into a Stunner for 2. Truth misses in the corner and ADR connects with a kick to the face and gets the quick win.

Winner by pin: Alberto Del Rio

ADR attacks Truth with a cross armbreaker as Truth taps frantically. RVD and Ricardo hit the ring for the save. RVD takes it to ADR with a steel chair and busts him open with a chair dropkick to the face.

- HHH and Vickie Guerrero look on in the back. Vickie thinks they should make a special stipulation for the RVD/ADR match at Battleground. Hunter says they will make it a Battleground Hardcore Rules Match, "right out of the old ECW handbook."

- The Prime Time Players are on their way out. They stop in the hallway and get a couple of production assistants to do the Millions of Dollars Dance. Titus blows his whistle and corrects their form and they get it right.

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TNA Impact Results: Dixie Gives Hulk An Ultimatum, Bully Kicks Out Another Member, Aries - Sabin

Welcome to our WrestlingINC.com Live TNA Impact Viewing Party. We will be providing live ongoing coverage of tonight's Impact, while you all can chime in with your thoughts throughout the show.

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- Impact begins with a recap of last week. After another loss, what's next for Magnus and The Main Event Mafia? What about Aces & 8s? Plus, more on the AJ Styles/Dixie Carter saga.

- Dixie Carter arrives in the back to boos. She is stopped by Sting but she ignores him and looks at her phone. Sting asks her about AJ Styles. She fixes his suit like his mom would and tells him not to worry about Dixie Carter.

- Bully Ray and Brooke make their way to the ring. (Brooke's outfits equal ratings.) Bully talks about how Dixie is in AJ's head and he thinks it is great. Bully says Dixie is correct in that she made AJ. He asks if we know who he is... The A&8s music hits and the remaining members come to the ring. Knux cuts a promo on him. He says Bully worries more about his Ho than he does his Bros. Bully warns Knux not to call her a Ho. Of course, the fans start chanting. Knux says that they will take care of club business tonight against the Main Event Mafia; the 3 of them, not Bully. Bully says his patch says President and he makes the rules. He says if they lose the match against MEM, it will be "lights out" for one of them; meaning they will be out of the club. He and Brooke leave up the ramp.

- Mike Tenay with Taz welcomes us to the show. Chris Sabin faces Manik tonight for the X Division Title.

- We go to the locker room where Joseph Park is lathering for a shave in the mirror. He is stopped by Eric Young and ODB. He is worried that Park will cut himself and "turn into a monster." Park doesn't know what EY is talking about and says he is worried about him. EY puts the razor up to his face and ODB tells him to not even think about it because she likes the beard.

- Gail Kim and The Bro Mans come to the ring for the 6-Person Tag as we go to a commercial.

Joseph Park, Eric Young & ODB vs. The Bro Mans & Gail Kim

EY, Park, and ODB make their entrance after the break and we go to footage of last week where Park went crazy on Bro Mans. Kim and ODB start off. Kim tags Robbie E after a short stare down. ODB tags Park who overpowers and no-sells Robbie. Park slams Robbie and gets 2. Park gets triple teamed in enemy territory and Jessie Godderz works him over in the corner and hits a beautiful dropkick. Park catches his balance from a sunset flip attempt and goes to sit-down splash on Jessie but he moves. Robbie tags in for more punishment on Park. Park manages a Samoan Drop and tags EY. The ref didn't see the tag and doesn't allow it. Kim tags in and kicks Park in the legs. Park shakes his finger in her face a la Hulk Hogan. Taz tells us that this is an inter-gender match.

Park with a double clothesline to Bro Mans and makes the hot-tag to EY. EY hits a double crossbody to Bro Mans and continues with the fast-paced flurry. He makes the cover on Jessie but Kim breaks the count. ODB tosses Kim to the floor. Robbie gets in ODB's face and she smothers him in her breasts. Park tosses Robbie to the floor. EY drops Jessie; Park hits a splash from the 2nd turnbuckle; EY hits the top rope elbow and tags ODB who hits a splash for the win.

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WWE NXT Recap: Triple H Replaces Rhodes As GM, Ohno Returns, New Tag Title Contenders, More

Brad Maddox is shown backstage. Tyler Breeze walks up and says he has an idea. As he starts to tell him, CJ Parker walks up and shakes Brad's hand. CJ and Breeze fight over them both wanting to be a part of the tag team division. Maddox tells them to shut up and places them together as partners.

There will be a little tournament thing (they called it a turmoil) to determine what team is the number one contender to Graves and Neville.

Tag Team Turmoil â€" Match 1
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. Tyler Breeze and CJ Parker

Enzo and Parker start things off. They lock up and chain wrestle briefly. Parker airplane spins Enzo. He slams him to the mat and Enzo stumbles around. Parker hit a pair of flying knees to Enzo's chest in the corner. Cassady tags himself in. He hits Parker with a huge spinning slam thing to advance his team.

Winners: Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady

Tag Team Turmoil â€" Match 2
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. Scott Dawson and Alexander Rusev

Cassady and Dawson start things off. Dawson tries to kick Cassady, who catches his foot. Cassady hits a big knee to the gut and clubs Dawson to the mat. Dawson fights back with a back elbow. Rusev comes in and Cassady hits a big boot. Enzo comes in and Rusev hits a Samoan Drop. Dawson comes in and kicks Enzo in the gut. He strikes Enzo repeatedly in the corner. Dawson drapes Enzo across the center ropes in the corner and kicks him in the gut. Dawson whips Enzo and lands a huge Spinebuster. He raises his arms and Enzo catches him with a quick roll up for the win.

Winners: Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady

Rusev hits Cassady out of the ring and attacks Enzo after the match.

Tag Team Turmoil â€" Match 3
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Ascension

The Ascension come out while Enzo is laid out in the ring. Back from commercial and Cassady is checking on Enzo in the corner. He turns around to a big clothesline from O'Brian. Victor comes in and hits Cassady with an uppercut. He strikes Cassady in the corner. O'Brian comes back in and attacks Cassady in the corner as well. Victor comes in and gets a two count. He chops Cassady into the corner. Victor charges Cassady, but Cassady hits a back elbow.

Victor fights back and tags O'Brian in. O'Brian hits four running shoulder knockdowns. Cassady counters with a big boot. Enzo comes in and O'Brian hits a flapjack. O'Brian hits Cassady off the apron. He tags in Victor and The Ascension hit their sweep kick/corkscrew flying forearm finisher for the win.

Winners and number one contenders: The Ascension

Bayley vs. Sasha Banks (with Summer Rae)

Renee Young is on commentary for this match. The crowd chants loudly for Bayley and Banks covers her ears, telling the crowd to shut up. They lock up and Bayley backs Banks into the corner. Bayley gives Banks a double high five and Banks comes out of the corner, slapping Bayley repeatedly in the chest. Bayley drop toe holds Banks and goes to work on her arm. Banks fights out and whips Bayley into the corner. Bayley grabs onto the top ropes in the corner and leaps up, but Banks grabs her by the legs and pulls her to the mat.

Banks gets a two count. Banks slams Bayley's head to the turnbuckle. Banks hits a snap mare and then locks in a body scissors with a headlock. Bayley fights out and Banks hits a vertical Suplex. Bayley comes back and strikes Banks in the corner. She hits a leaping forearm and a couple knockdowns. Banks his another chest slap. She locks in a wrist lock, jumps up top and then dives off, flipping Bayley into the corner. Banks charges and Bayley moves. Bayley hits a belly to belly for a near pin fall. Renee Young mentions that Bayley calls it the Hugplex.

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Booker T Goes Behind Final WCW Nitro, Colt Cabana On Daniel Bryan's Success, Cena - CapriSun

- The latest episode of Behind The Match features Booker T defeating Scott Steiner for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final episode of WCW Monday Nitro. You can watch it in the video above.

- The Daily Star has an interview with Colt Cabana at this link, who discussed his WWE run, being a journeyman wrestler and more. He also talked about Daniel Bryan's success in WWE.

"I remember watching Daniel Bryan and Sheamus and even though it was 18 seconds, just watching Daniel go down that aisle, as I was watching that I was thinking of the times where I've wrestled with him in front of 30 or 50 people and those memories and those road stories and these travels that we've had," Cabana said. "It was weird that it was a moment to me, as it was his moment, but selfishly I took that moment to be proud of my friend."

- Capri Sun issued the following press release regarding their new national promotion involving John Cena:

Capri Sun Roarin' Waters Teams With WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Ortiz, Gabby Douglas And Stephen Curry In Multi-Platform National Promotion

"Kids vs. Pros Playground Throwdown" to Feature Desktop Game, Sweepstakes and National Televised Event

Capri Sun Roarin' Waters, a refreshing low-calorie flavored water beverage, is offering kids a chance to compete against their sports and entertainment heroes in the "Kids vs. Pros Playground Throwdown," a national promotion launching today. The campaign invites kids to go head-to-head against WWE® Superstar John Cena, baseball pro David Ortiz, champion gymnast Gabby Douglas and basketball star Stephen Curry in a number of fun ways - including a nationally televised playground competition.

Now through Dec. 31, specially marked packages of Capri Sun Roarin' Waters feature codes that unlock a free online game at caprisun.com/KVP. Players can thumb wrestle with John Cena, walk the beam against Gabby Douglas, swing for the fences against David Ortiz and shoot to score against Stephen Curry. The site also includes a sweepstakes with hundreds of prizes that include autographed swag and Grand Prize trips to compete against the pros in an epic field day. The finale playground event will take place in early 2014 and will be televised nationwide. Capri Sun Roarin' Waters will support the promotion through a television and social-media campaign featuring the Pros preparing for the Playground Throwdown.

"We know kids are fearless when it comes to competition, even if it means competing against some of the world's best athletes," said Greg Guidotti, Senior Director of Ready-to-Drink Beverages for Kraft. "Capri Sun Roarin' Waters is delivering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids to compete against their heroes on their own turf. So we're laying out the challenge to our Capri Sun fans…enter a kid, come out a victor!"

Parents and kids can learn more about the Kids vs. Pros sweepstakes, the free online game and the Playground Throwdown at caprisun.com/KVP.

Capri Sun Roarin' Waters is a refreshing low-calorie flavored water beverage the way kids want it. It contains 30 calories per serving, with no artificial colors or flavors, and is available in six great flavors: Berry, Fruit Punch , Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Fruit, Wild Cherry.

QUOTES FROM THE PROS

David Ortiz: "I love a little friendly competition, so I'm excited about the Capri Sun Playground Throwdown. I am also proud to be part of Team Pros because we are used to winning and are ready to play hard!"

John Cena: "Being a WWE Superstar, I face tough competition each and every day, so I'm prepared to join David, Stephen and Gabby on Team Pros in the Capri Sun Playground Throwdown. Team Kids better be ready!"

Stephen Curry: "I spent a lot of time on the playground as a kid so I think I'm ready for anything the kids can throw my way at the Capri Sun Playground Throwdown. It's going to be fierce competition out there, but I'm confident in my team's ability to bring home a win."

Gabrielle Douglas: "Being a champion gymnast requires an intense training schedule, but it's definitely going to take all I've got to prepare for the Capri Sun Playground Throwdown. Team Pros is definitely in it to win it though, and I think we're going to give Team Kids a run for their money."

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UFC Main Event Off Due To High School Reunion?, Jon Jones Update, Anderson Silva - Weidman Poster

- Nate Diaz is expected to fight Gray Maynard for the third time in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale this November 30, but according to the Stockton native, the bout may now be in jeopardy -- due to a high school reunion.

"@ufc Cant make it november 30th ive gotta high school reuinion i have to tend too...," Diaz posted to his Twitter earlier this week.

Whether or not the younger of the fighting Diaz brothers is trolling, UFC president Dana White told a group of reporters earlier this week, via MMAJunkie.com, that he isn't surprised by the fighter's behavior and isn't counting it as an official statement.

"I'm shocked," White said. "The Diaz Brothers are doing something crazy? I'm shocked. I heard about it yesterday. Somebody told me about it. But I haven't talked to (UFC matchmaker) Joe (Silva) or Nate or anybody. I don't even know if it's true... I don't take Twitter for news. It's not an official statement."

- Though early reports from Jon Jones' camp following his five-round battle with Alexander Gustafsson over the weekend indicated that the champion's foot was "shattered," Bones tweeted today that the damage was only superficial and that he'll be on the road to recovery in no time.

"Just got back from a MRI, Great news! my foot is not broken or fractured.. Focusing on a full recovery," tweeted Jones.

- The UFC has released the poster for the much anticipated Anderson Silva - Chris Weidman rematch, which you can check out below:

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Retro Wednesday: A 'Mega-Powered' Explosion

As noted in a previous Retro Wednesday article, Hulk Hogan was stripped of the WWE Championship on an episode of The Main Event as a result of a controversial count. Andre the Giant won the championship, and subsequently relinquished it over to Ted DiBiase. This did not stand, as DiBiase was stripped of the title, forcing it to be held up.

The new champion was crowned through a tournament held at WrestleMania IV. In the finals, which pitted Randy Savage against Ted DiBiase, Andre the Giant constantly interfered during the match. This caused Savage to command Elizabeth to go backstage and get an equalizerâ€"Hulk Hogan. Evenutally, Hogan fulfilled his role as the equalizer, and assisted Savage in becoming the world champion. This formed the team who were later coined as the Mega Powers.

Although the uberly weird handshakes would show a bit of reluctance, the team soared in popularity in 1988, defeating the team of Ted BiBiase and Andre the Giant, known as the Mega Bucks at SummerSlam. Despite their popularity, the team began to show some dissension. Particularly, due to Savage's jealousy of how friendly Hogan and Elizabeth were becoming.

This all came to a head on an episode of The Main Event that aired on February 3, 1989. During a tag team match against the Twin Towers, Big Bossman and Akeem, Savage became irate due to Hogan leaving the match to aid an injured Elizabeth who was escorted backstage. Hogan returned to the match, but did not receive the support of Savage, as he slapped Hogan and left the ring. Hogan won the match, but the boiling point of Savage reached a zenith.

The breakup became official when Savage and Hogan engaged in a heated argument in the medical area backstage. A frustrated Savage began to accuse Hogan of having "jealous eyes" and felt that he was trying to take Elizabeth away from him. While Hogan rejected these accusations, Savage still remained stubborn and attacked Hogan with the WWE title.

The culmination of this breakup led to a match between the two at WrestleMania V, in which Hogan won his second WWE Championship.

The Hogan/Savage feud has to go down as one of the best angles in WWE history. The time spent on this program was not rushed, a tag team was formed, followed by a heel turn and a culmination at WrestleMania with two of the biggest names of all-time. Moments like these truly defines the art of storytelling from a pro wrestling standpoint.

Sound off with your thoughts below.

Author's Link: Which faction was worse: Truth Commission or Oddities?

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Photos: WWE Releases 'The Best Of Madison Square Garden' DVD Set Tomorrow

"The Best of WWE at MSG" hits stores tomorrow. You can get the best deals online here - $21.99 on DVD at this link, or $24.96 on Blu-ray at this link.

You can watch the official trailer in the video above. The set is a compilation of over 20 matches and moments from WWE at The Garden. That's backed up with new interviews from wrestling personalities involved including Bruno Sammartino, Vince McMahon, The Rock, Triple H and Trish Stratus.

Get a first look at the DVD version before it hits stores with the photos below.

The MSG DVD releases tomorrow; get yours from Amazon by clicking here.

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((breaking News)) 10-disc WWE Raw Episodes Collection Dvd Box Set

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Triple H On Why He Was Chosen To Be WWE COO, Meet The Shield, NXT, More

- WWE posted a video at this link featuring Michael Cole conducting a storyline interview with Triple H. During the interview, Triple H discussed his feud with Daniel Bryan and noted that he was doing what was best for the company. He also said that there will be a town hall with all of the WWE Superstars on this week's episode of SmackDown (click here for spoilers) where Superstars can air their grievances. He also discussed the responsibility he was given as WWE COO.

"Why am I the person that was chose to do that?" Triple H asked, in regards to being appointed COO. "Ask Vince McMahon. Was it because I was the best candidate? Because I have the best mind for the business? Whatever that reason is... it doesn't change the fact that I'm the COO of this company and I am charged with making those decisions."

- The Vandalia Leader has an article about a fan winning the recent WWE - Doritos contest. As part of the promotion, the winner and his friends attended SummerSlam and met Hall of Famers Sgt. Slaughter and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat.

- NXT presents a live event Thursday night at the Tampa Arena in Tampa, FL at 7:00pm. We would appreciate a report for the show, so if you are attending it, please send us a report by clicking here.

- The Shield will be appearing at the Steiner Sports Store located in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY, this Sunday from 11am - 1:00 pm. You can get more information at this link.

Follow Raj Giri on Twitter at @RajGiri_303. Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.

Final Card For Sunday's WWE Night Of Champions Pay-Per-View

Photo: Nicole (@nicole_rose_54)

Coming out of last night's SmackDown, here's the final card for Sunday's WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view:

WWE Title Match
Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton

World Heavyweight Title Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Alberto Del Rio

WWE United States Title Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose

WWE Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Brie Bella vs. AJ Lee

WWE Tag Team Title Match
Winners of Kickoff Pre-show match vs. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns

Handicap Elimination Match
CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel

#1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil Pre-show Match
3MB vs. Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro vs. The Usos vs. Darren Young and Titus O'Neil vs. Tensai and Brodus Clay

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News For Tonight's WWE RAW - Night Of Champions Fallout, Will HHH Test Bryan?, Dusty, More

Tonight's WWE RAW takes place from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio with the fallout from Night of Champions.

No matches have been announced for tonight but Dusty Rhodes will be appearing to "talk business" with Stephanie McMahon. Matches advertised locally include CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman plus six-man action with Big Show, Mark Henry and Rob Van Dam vs. The Shield.

WWE is focusing on the following points for tonight's show:

* Will Triple H test WWE Champion Daniel Bryan?

* Can Dusty Rhodes revive his son's career?

* Is Ryback the newest "Paul Heyman guy"?

* Does Rob Van Dam have Alberto Del Rio's number?

* Who can stop The Shield?

We are looking for correspondents for tonight's show, so if you are attending it, please contact us by clicking here.

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Randy Orton Gets Attacked By Fan At WWE Live Event In South Africa

Source: PWInsider

There was a scary moment at today's WWE live event in Cape Town, South Africa, as Randy Orton was attacked by a fan following his match against Big E Langston, according to multiple eye-witnesses via Twitter, and PWInsider.com.

"Fan just attacked @RandyOrton! Wtf! #WWECapeTown#WWECapeTown (night 1) @WWE," wrote a Twitter user by the name of Richard Kruse.

According to at least three more accounts, the fan leveled Orton in the groin (via low blow).

"Whoever low blowed @RandyOrton tonight is real scum! Sorry Randy, please don't let it affect your view of the people here in SA #WWECapeTown," wrote a user.

Orton retaliated against the fan as he was being dragged out of the ring by arena personnel by kicking him in the head.

According to another user on the website, some fans who purchased tickets to the event included a meet-and-greet with various WWE Superstars following the event. However, due to the incident, it did not take place.

A user complained to the official Twitter account of GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, the company that hosted the event, with the following: "@GrandWestSA your security sucks! And I feel cheated out of my R600 I payed to interact with wwe superstars."

Update 9:21 PM ET: WWE sent us the following statement regarding the incident:

"Tonight Randy Orton was violently attacked from behind by a South African fan, who is currently being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton's injuries are unknown at this time."

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See Photos Of Randy Orton With Mickie James

Jerry Lawler Says Spot With Dolph Ziggler Was A Partial Cause For His Heart Attack

Jerry "The King" Lawler appeared on the latest episode of The Steve Austin Show and discussed his career, how he became a commentator, the best promos in the business and more. During the episode, Lawler also discussed his heart attack on RAW last year. Lawler had wrestled in a tag match earlier that night where he teamed with Randy Orton and faced CM Punk and Dolph Zigger. Lawler noted that a series of elbows from Ziggler during the match were a "partial cause" of his attack.

During that match, Ziggler, who Lawler called "an amazing young talent," did a spot where he dropped ten straight elbows on Lawler's chest. Lawler said that Ziggler was landing with all of his weight, and joked that he remembered thinking, "jeez, this guy's trying to kill me."

Lawler went back to commentary and collapsed at the announcers table during the next match. Lawler said that he remembered watching the match and blinking his eyes, and it was "literally two days later."

"Honestly, and I talked to my cardiologist about it, and he said, 'absolutely, the trauma to my chest from those elbows could have been hard enough to knock your heart out of rhythm,'" Lawler said. "It would start slowly, and then get more and more and more out of rhythm until it just seized up."

Lawler noted that he's feeling 100% now and wants to talk to Vince McMahon about having "a match or two on RAW" again. You can download and listen to the full episode at this link.

Sean Davis contributed to this article. Follow Raj Giri on Twitter at @RajGiri_303. Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.

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Dean Ambrose Talks About The Shield's Goals, A Feud With CM Punk And Being With WWE

WWE United States Champion Dean Ambrose recently spoke to TheMonitor.com to promote this weekend's WWE live events in Hidalgo, Texas. Here are some highlights:

What is the goal of The Shield within the company?

Ambrose: Our goal, from a personal standpoint, is to work harder than everyone else day in, day out. Get up earlier, train harder and work harder in the ring. This business is ours for the taking and we can take it and we're going to. And if anyone has a problem with that, then, too bad. Also, I wouldn't call us cheaters, I would call us winners. We're not mercenaries, we're not thugs. We just do what's best for business by whatever means possible. That's all kind of up to you to make your own decision about whether that's good or bad.

Do you still kind of find it amazing that you used to watch wrestling from home and now you're (a part of it)?

Ambrose: It's still very hard to wrap my brain around. I was in a main event overall last night, and that doesn't sink in. I always expected to be here, from day one … it was just a question of when, but it was going to happen. And from the minute I got (to WWE), I expected to be in main events (I'm not in main events all the time, I'm still climbing the ladder). I try to stay pretty humble. Just being in the locker room with guys that I watched on TV; getting advice from Arn Anderson or William Regal, that kind of stuff is really cool to me; getting to work really closely with Triple H, it's, no pun intended, a trip. It's weird because you dream of being in this world one day and then you are and then it's just everyday life … and it's like, 7-foot (Big Show) walks into catering and it's like, "What's up, Show?"

If you could meet anyone in the ring...

Ambrose: I've had the opportunity to wrestle pretty much everybody, a huge litany of stars … and in my crystal ball, I see myself and CM Punk crossing paths and colliding. … It's not anything that's boiling right now.

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Official Press Release With New Details On The Next Half Of WWE Total Divas

- E! sent out the following press release on Thursday:

E! and WWE's TOTAL DIVAS to Return 11/17

Six new episodes of "Total Divas" debuts on Sunday, November 17, when season one of E!'s breakout hit series continues to take viewers inside the lives of the biggest female names in WWE: Nikki and Brie Bella (WWE Divas "The Bella Twins"), Nattie (WWE Diva "Natalya"), Trinity (WWE Diva "Naomi"), Ariane (WWE Diva "Cameron") and WWE Divas-in-training Eva Marie and JoJo. The action will pick up with some newlywed drama for Nattie as her new husband has trouble seeing his wife in the ring with WWE Superstars for a living. Nikki will be moving in with John Cena, who just suffered an injury, and is surprised with a "co-habitation agreement," while her twin sister Brie is having trouble finding common ground with her WWE Superstar boyfriend Daniel Bryan.

Meanwhile, Ariane's health issues escalate, which means her tag-team partner Trinity has the opportunity to prove she has what it takes to be a strong solo Diva. The newbies will continue their climb in the business of WWE with Eva Marie pushing buttons with every step she takes.

The first eight episodes of season one, which concluded in a dramatic mid-season finale on Sunday, September 15, averaged 875K A18-49 and 1.4 MM total viewers, making it E!'s most-watched freshman series since Summer 2011. The highly buzzed about new series also ranked as the #1 most social Reality Show on Sunday night. Season one continues Sunday, November 17 at 9 PM.

The mid-season finale of "Total Divas" on Sunday night showcased the rocky road to the alter for WWE Diva Nattie and her WWE Superstar husband Tyson Kidd. An appearance by a blast from Nattie's past delayed the nuptials but after a few tears and heated exchanges, the duo tied the knot in front of their closest friends and family - with the exception of Nikki Bella who chose meeting her boyfriend John Cena's family for the first time over the wedding of her close friend. The tension between the two Divas over wedding attendance was put to rest during the 'Total Divas After Show' when Cena apologized for making Nikki choose him over Nattie.

Meanwhile, viewers also saw Trinity rush Ariane to the hospital for some inexplicable stomach issues and the feud between the WWE Divas in training, Eva Marie and JoJo, came to an all-time high that ended with the girls moving out of their new apartment. Their growing resentment opened the After Show when Eva Marie called out JoJo for Being a "child" and claiming that taking care of a little girl was not what she signed up for.

"Total Divas" second half of season one picks up on Sunday, November 17 at 9pm ET/PT on E! with six new episodes that will continue to explore the lives of the biggest female names in the WWE.

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Jerry Jarrett Says TNA Focusing On Ex-WWE Talents Is A Mistake, Talks Dixie Carter & TNA's Future

Inside The Ropes have launched a VIP service this week and one of their new shows is Lets Get Creative where they talk to wrestling bookers and writers. In the debut show, they spoke to Memphis promoter and TNA Founder, Jerry Jarrett. Here's a portion of what Jerry had to say about TNA:

On Dixie's non-wrestling background and how that effects her running a wrestling company: "You've got to have an unabiding respect for the business or it's impossible to be successful. When I was in the wrestling business, me and the wrestling business were intertwined. I ate it, slept it, dreamt it. The wrestling business was my mistress. Dixie saw her first match after she had ownership, I think and I know for a fact she has little regard for the tradition or the history of the business. So, if you don't know what brought you to the dance, how are you supposed to learn from it and build on it. After all this years, it's pretty obvious that I'm right. TNA today is as closed to being a non factor in the business as you can get."

Thoughts on TNA's focus on ex-WWE talents: "That's one of the mistakes they made. They can't seem to get past the fact that when you bring in guys that WWE has let go, fans are going to see them as yesterday's soup. But of course you have to have someone who knows how to cultivate and create talent otherwise you have no choice but to use whoever's available, thats named talent. It's pretty obvious that they don't have anybody that knows how to create talent. I'm guessing, because I haven't seen the show in 2-3 years, but I'm sure there's talent there that could be superstars. Truth, Ron Killings was in TNA and then you saw when he went to WWE how Vince made him into a superstar. In the wrestling business, it's really not any secret, it's understanding that if you're making a movie. what are the ingredients you need? A compelling storyline, a great producer/director and great talent. You mix those ingredients and you get great cinema. But if you take this great star or talent and put him in a stinking movie with a stinking producer director, what do you get? and the wrestling business is a dance between the promoter or booker or writer and the talent. They have to be on the same page and they both have to be good."

TNA's future: "I am amazed, because when I was there, Bob Carter called me at least two to three times a week and said "I can't lose any more money, Jerry" and I said, "You're needing to talk to your daughter, not to me. She's running the place." So I'm amazed that they are in business. I think at this point, it'safe to say that TNA will continue to be subsidized by Bob Carter until he dies. Then I think TNA will go the way of ECW and the territory days."

To hear the full two hour plus interview where Jerry talks through his entire booking career from Memphis to WWE to TNA, along with over 100 hours of content in archive shows and interviews, click here.

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Author's link: See Photos Of Cm Punk In TNA-$

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Santino Marella Reveals His Goals In Wrestling, Talks Battle Arts Academy, Return To WWE, The Cobra

Former WWE Intercontinental, United States Champion and Tag Team Champion Santino Marella joined "2012 Award Winning Best New Show" the Rack Thursday Night. In a nearly 15 minute interview, he discussed his newly opened Battle Arts Academy and some of the goals he have for the complex as a whole, how he came to use the Cobra and its background, where he favorite place to work is, his goals within wrestling, what the weirdest thing a fan has done for him, if he ever discovered who was following him of Friday the 13th (on Twitter) and much more. To listen to the interview, click here. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

His Battle Arts Academy: "It's a hybrid place, and what I mean by that is multiple facilities all under one roof. We have a full MMA training center; we have striking and grappling every day at both the recreational levels and the professional levels. We have professional wrestling, strength and conditioning programs. We have a smoothie bar and retail store in the front; we have nutritionists and professional trainers, everything really. And also with kids classes and after school programs, it's awesome.

It was a little bit delayed, construction was delayed. I wanted to open in July and thought I had ironed out all the bugs, before I went back out on the road with the WWE, but you know everything takes a little longer than it's supposed to so just as I was scheduled to go back out on the road is when we opened. So, I went home for a couple of days and tried to catch up and just implement our policies and procedures and made sure everyone was following the procedures put in place. So that's the kind of stuff; I'm in touch when I'm on the road with everybody here, making sure everything is running smoothly and that people are happy.

One thing we did is that we have awesome trainers, so I know that the quality of our coaching and training is going to be top-notch. We have Mr. Ishikawa, from Japan, who came here just to be an instructor here; he's amazing. We have an awesome women's kickboxing instructor names Nichelle Laus, who has competed for 13 years and was a police office and mother of 4. We didn't just get a kettlebell instructor, we got Tony Wallace who is called 'The King of Kettlebells'. Everybody we have here is just top-notch and the facility is absolutely beautiful; it came out just brand new and it's well thought out and designed. There's very little wasted space and it's bright and open; the reviews that people give when they come in is that they love it. So, we're happy."

His goals for the Battle Arts Academy: "We have a lot of goals, that's one of our things here. We want to produce top fighters, but we also want to have an awesome kids program and what is equally important to us is just recreational level fitness; we want people to come here and get into the best shape of their lives and be the most confident they've ever been. We want our high school level athletes to improve their performance with Olympic weight lifting and boot camps and strength and conditioning. We're doing a reality show here; we want people to break that barrier and have their first ever amateur fight in the octagon and prepare for it. It's a lot of mental and spiritual training here and what I mean by that is the fighting spirit has to be trained so that when you reach your limit, you reach your plateau, to dig deep and embrace that plateau and that is what it's all about. That's when you can go home and say 'Man I did something today that I couldn't do before'. You just improve right in from of your own eyes and that's when you realize anything is possible with super hard work and really good mentor and stuff like that. We do, we have world champions, national champions from all various martial arts and wrestling, giving all this incredible knowledge to the fortunate community; I always say I wish I had this place when I was growing up.

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TNA Impact Results: Dixie & AJ Pipe Bomb, Big Heel Turn, New Champion Crowned, MEM Vs. EGO

Welcome to our WrestlingINC.com Live TNA Impact Viewing Party. We will be providing live ongoing coverage of tonight's Impact, while you all can chime in with your thoughts throughout the show.

Please help spread word of tonight's coverage. Twitter users, please share this page by clicking the 'Share' button below:

Keep hitting REFRESH on your browser to get the most up-to-date results.

- Impact begins with a "Moments Ago" with Magnus. He talks about coming up short in the BFG Series. He is interrupted by Bobby Roode and attacked from behind by Daniels and Kazarian. Officials show up to separate the melee.

- We go to video package recapping this year's BFG Series.

- We go to crowd shots as Tenay welcomes us to the show. Magnus makes his entrance. Magnus takes the mic in the ring and says he is physically beat up from being in the BFG Series. He says he believes AJ Styles is the best in the business. Magnus has a problem with EGO interfering in his match. He says St. Louis is Mafia country. Magnus says they just jumped him and dares any one of them to come down here right now and face him one on one. He takes off his shirt and Kazarian answers the challenge. Magnus starts to stomp Kaz in the corner but Daniels also runs down and they double team Magnus. Magnus overtakes them but Roode comes down and the dissection begins. Sting's music hits and he and Samoa Joe hit the ring as EGO bails out. Sting says he wants a 6-Man Tag tonight. MEM chases EGO to the back.

- A video package for AJ Styles' BFG win is shown and his promo from last week calling out Dixie. They will meet face to face tonight.

- Jeff Hardy faces Manik next.

- Chris Sabin with Velvet Sky gives an unmasked Manik-with his back to the camera, a heelish pep talk. He says Perkins should thank him for winning the X Division Title. TJ Perkins leaves and Sabin tells Velvet he wants to take a closer look at the match. Hardy makes his entrance as we go to a commercial.

Jeff Hardy vs. Manik

X Division Champion Manik makes his entrance on the other side of the break. Sabin and Velvet Sky take seats at ringside. The bell rings and they lock up. Back and forth counters to a stalemate. Hardy hits a head scissors and takes Manik out of the ring. Hardy flies off the apron with a clothesline and takes Manik out. Hardy sends him back in and connects with a mule kick after Manik catches his boot. Hardy misses with his double boot in the corner. Manik hits a drop toe-hold to the bottom rope and springs in but misses with the dropkick. Hardy with Whisper in the Wind for 2.

Manik hits a modified GTS and gets 2. Sabin and Velvet look-on. Hardy with a Twist of Fate. He goes up top and hits the Swanton and gets the pin.

Winner by pin: Jeff Hardy

Hardy helps Manik up and they shake hands. Hardy leaves the ring. Sabin enters the ring and applauds Manik and raises his hand. Sabin blindsides Manik and starts to stomp him. Hardy runs back in for the save.

- We see Dixie Carter arriving from Earlier in the Day. She blows off the interviewer when asked about AJ Styles.

PAGE:   [ 1 ]   2   3 »

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WWE SmackDown Results: Daniel Bryan & Usos Vs. The Shield, Triple H Announces Title Match, More

Welcome to our ongoing results of tonight's WWE SmackDown. You all can chime in with your thoughts throughout the show.

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Keep hitting REFRESH on your browser to get the most up-to-date results.

- A video package kicks off SmackDown with Triple H's interview about the finish for Night Of Champions and the end of RAW.

- Lilian Garcia introduces Vickie Guerrero who is in the ring. She wants to introduce "the laughing stock of the WWE." She mentions Bob Backlund and CM Punk's all-time title reigns and compares it to Daniel Bryan's. She introduces Bryan to the ring. Bryan says he would rather be champion one day than to be a corporate suck-up for his life. Vickie tells Bryan to tell the truth about being in cahoots with Scott Armstrong. Bryan says the truth is that he kneed Orton in the face and the ref could have counted to 20 because Orton was knocked out. He says he has no idea why Armstrong did what he did. Vickie says she hopes Bryan never becomes the face of WWE. Bryan says it's good she doesn't have any real power.

Vickie shows the pictures of all the superstars who ran in to save Bryan at the end of RAW. She makes a Handicap Gauntlet Match where each superstar will face The Shield until defeated. Bryan is part of the 11 superstars and Vickie says she is saving him for last. She gives an evil laugh in his face and leaves the ring. Bryan sells somber frustration on his face and Cole says things keep getting worse for Daniel Bryan.

- Naomi is in the ring after a break. Natalya is on commentary and Cameron is at ringside. Cole apologizes for Natalya's headset problems on Monday and Natalya says at least AJ isn't out here. AJ Lee makes her entrance and kisses her title. We get one of those old-school in-set promos from AJ. She says she will single-handedly defeat all the Divas.

AJ Lee vs. Naomi

Naomi's new gear is awesome. AJ tosses Naomi to the apron and she flips on her feet. Naomi springs off the ropes but AJ catches her with a kick in mid-air and gets 2. AJ with a reverse elbow for 2. Natalya tells Cole that the last time she faced AJ, Natalya won. I thought it was the other way around. Naomi lands a kick to AJ's head and gets 2. Naomi goes on a flurry and hits an atomic drop and a booty bump for 2. Naomi goes for a side slam but AJ transitions into the Black Widow and Naomi taps. Natalya says she did not tattoo the date she won the Diva's title because she is not crazy.

Winner by pin: AJ Lee

AJ and Natalya have a stare down as we go to break.

- We see footage of Santino's defeat of Antonio Cesaro from 2 weeks ago.

- Zeb Colter, Jack Swagger and Cesaro are in the ring. Colter cuts a promo on that "foreigner" Santino. Santino's music interrupts the last part of "We the People."

Santino Marella vs. Jack Swagger

Swagger takes control and welcomes Santino to America. Swagger with knees to the gut in the corner. Santino does a cartwheel and a split to create some space. He wins with a backslide.

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Matt Striker Talks Vince McMahon As A Boss, Booker T Replacing Him, TNA, Savage, His WWE Departure

I recently spoke with former WWE star Matt Striker. In the second and final part of the interview below, Striker discussed commentating, if Vince would yell at him on commentary, being replaced by Booker T, Vince as a boss, "Macho Man" Randy Savage not being in the WWE Hall of Fame, his WWE departure, TNA and much more.

You can check out the first part of the interview here, where Striker discussed being a wrestling fan growing up, wrestling while teaching and getting outed, signing with WWE, how he became a commentator, competing at Wrestlemania 23, ECW and much more.

Also, you can check out Striker in action this weekend as he faces WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler at this Saturday's Wrestling Under the Stars II at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY. Bell time is 7 p.m. You can also follow him on Twitter @Matt_Striker_.

Wrestling INC: After the ECW brand folded and you were on Smackdown, you were getting more and more commentary gigs and your roles were increasing. Were you getting much feedback backstage about how things were going?

Striker: The feedback is when your name is on the sheet the next week, you know you did a good job. I'm not one of those guys, and I've watched a lot of guys, you'd be surprised, a lot of guys that you see on TV now that walk around confident, like top, top talent. They'll come back through the curtain and they'll just be looking with puppy dog eyes for Vince to give them a thumbs up. I always found that so sad. You got to know how good you are. You know if it was good or not out there, because if you don't then you're not a pro. So I would know when my broadcasts were good and it would inspire me to try to be better, and I'd know when they were bad. I didn't need to go and get a lot of feedback. When they want you to know something, they'll come get you and say, hey listen, this is how it's going to be now. Okay.

Wrestling INC: I know a lot of talent have talked about how difficult it can be having Vince McMahon yelling through the headset while they're on commentary.

Striker: I think that is a myth that the Internet has helped perpetuate and I'm sure guys like Mick and Taz have different relationships with Vince. Everyone likes to think that they know what goes on in those headsets. I will say to you right now, Vince never screamed in my ear. Ever. He gave me passionate instruction, but that man never shouted at me, talked down to me, treated me poorly. So, I just feel a responsibility that people should know that the Vince that they read about in a lot of the interviews, that's not the Vince I experienced. Maybe because I wasn't close enough with him as Mick or Tazz were, but I never had Vince screaming at me. I don't know what it was. Maybe he felt bad for me or maybe he was afraid of me because he knows I'd come and punch him in his face [joke]. But I doubt that.

Wrestling INC: So how was Vince as a boss?

Striker: He's the most benevolent, generous man I've ever met in my entire life and he has enough money to do whatever he wants, but all he cares about is the product. He's more like you and I and the fans than people give him credit for. He's a fan! Think about it. He has to be the ultimate fan if he puts all of his money into this product, to making these movies, to making these video games, these action figures. He's the biggest fan of them all. He's a great boss to work for.

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WWE Superstars Recap: JTG Vs. Santino Marella, Drew McIntyre Vs. Kofi Kingston

Santino Marella vs. JTG

They lock up and shove each other around the ring. They break up and tie up again. JTG tries for a shoulder knockdown, but Santino doesn't move. JTG locks in Santino's head and tries for another shoulder knockdown to no avail. Santino comes at JTG kicking, but JTG dodges. JTG whips Santino and Santino powerwalks across the ring. JTG tries to hit a clothesline, but Santino counters. Santino laughs at JTG and JTG shoves Santino. Santino comes at JTG in Cobra stance, but JTG hides behind the ref.

JTG hits Santino from behind and then hits a belly to back neck breaker. JTG slams Santino's head into the turnbuckle and then chokes him on the middle rope. JTG locks in Santino's head and takes him down to the mat. Santino tosses JTG off, but JTG hits Santino in the throat. JTG slingshots Santino while under the bottom rope. JTG goes up top and attempts to drop a knee, but Santino moves.

Santino drops his headbutt and puts the Cobra on. JTG dodges and locks in a sleeper. Santino gets out and hits the Cobra for the win.

Winner: Santino Marella

Then, Daniel Bryan being stripped of the WWE Title from RAW is shown.

Next, a recap of the match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is shown, followed by the Dusty Rhodes segment from RAW.

Drew McIntyre (with Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater) vs. Kofi Kingston

Collar and elbow tie up. Kofi shoves Drew off to the corner. Kofi locks in a waist lock. Drew reverses and locks in Kofi's arm. Kofi reverses and wrenches Drew's arm behind his back. Drew fights out with a back elbow and strikes Kofi in the corner. Drew goes for a powerbomb, but Kofi reverses into a hurricanrana. Kofi hits an arm drag and locks back in Drew's arm. Drew gets to his feet and clubs Kofi in the back. He locks in a standing side head lock. Drew hits a shoulder knockdown. Kofi comes back with a crossbody and a dropkick that sends Drew into the corner.

Kofi leaps on Drew and punches him in the face multiple times. Drew tries to fight out, but Kofi hits a monkey flip. Drew rolls to the outside for a breather. Back from commercial and they kick each other at the same time. Drew sets Kofi on top in the corner. Drew hits what looks like an Alabama Slam, only with Kofi facing out rather than towards Drew's back (not sure what the actual name is). Drew kicks and strikes Kofi in the corner. Kofi battles back with gut strikes. Kofi gets a pin attempt. Drew strikes him to the mat and stomps on his head. He then chokes Kofi on the bottom rope.

Drew distracts the ref and Slater hits Kofi. Drew then locks Kofi in a submission on the mat. Kofi gets to his feet and reverses a clothesline attempt into an inside cradle. Drew kicks out and hits a dropkick to the head. Drew attacks Kofi in the corner. He goes to the apron and kicks Kofi in the head. He pulls Kofi over the bottom rope and hits his chest. Drew gets back in the ring and charges Kofi in the corner. Drew goes up top and hits a clothesline for a near pin fall.

Drew goes up top again. Kofi hurricanranas him off. Kofi hits his chest strikes, followed by a dropkick and a leaping clothesline. Kofi hits the Boom Drop and signals for Trouble in Paradise. Slater distracts Kofi and Drew hits a body avalanche. Drew whips Kofi. Kofi counters and kicks Drew out of the ring. He then kicks Drew through the ropes and sends him back in the ring. Mahal gets up on the apron. Drew charges Kofi. Kofi moves and Drew stops to avoid hitting Mahal. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise to the back of Drew's head for the win.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Then, Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns is shown to end the show.

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** SPOILERS ** TNA Impact Wrestling Results For Tonight

Thanks to WrestlingINC.com reader Cody Drennen for sending in these results for tonight's Impact Wrestling, taped after last week's show in St. Louis, MO:

For starters, we got there early and were the first ones at the door. The guys that sells TNA stuff came out and told us that we could meet Dixie Carter if we brought her figure for $40, which we said no as I think it was too much for a figure. He also said that you could get your picture taking with the TNA World Championship. He was selling 12 of them and really only sold about 5, if that.

TNA Xplosion

* Kazarian defeated Chris Sabin. After the match Sabin, who was with Velvet Sky, looked really ticked off.

Impact Wrestling results for 9/19

During the second taping, no backstage interviews were shown to the live crowd.

* Jeff Hardy defeated Manic with the Swanton Bomb. After the match, Jeff Hardy shook Manic's hand. Chris Sabin, who was watching from ringside with Velvet Sky, went in the ring and raised Manic's hand as well. He then attacked Manic, and Jeff Hardy went running back to the ring as Sabin left and took off running with Velvet.

* ODB defeated Mickie James to win the Knockouts Championship. It was a good Knockouts match.

After the match, Eric Young and Joesph Park comes out to celebrate, but were interrupted by Bromans. They go back and forth and Robbie E says that he understands why EY is celebrating since he is married to that "thing," but Park has no right to celebrate. He said that those three are the weirdest threesome ever. Park took the mic and told him to shut up and to not talk about EY or ODB like that. He then told them to change their clothes as they are defending the whole city of St. Louis tonight. Robbie E then challenged him to a match, which was accepted by Eric Young.

* After about a three second match, Eric Young rolls up Robbie E up for the three.

* Robbie E then challenged Park to a match, which lasted another 3 seconds and again, ended with a roll up. After the match, Bromans attacked both Eric Young and Joseph Park. Park started transforming into Abyss and took Bromans out with a Black Hole Slam. EY then brought Park back to his normal self.

Magnus comes out next and says he wants anyone of EGO to come out and fight him. Kazarian comes out and Magnus gets the better of him. Daniels comes out quickly and they double team Magnus, but Magnus takes over. Bobby Roode comes out and they triple team Magnus until Samoa Joe and Sting run out for the save. Sting then challenged EGO to a six man tag team match tonight.

* Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez come out next, followed by the TNA Tag Team Champions, James Storm and Gunner. Chavo tells them that his doctor won't let him wrestle due to injury. Gunner tells them that he doesn't care, and that he wants to fight someone tonight. He then looks at Hernandez and asks, "what about him?". James Storm smiles and says that he is going to go sit in the corner, watch him fight and drink some beer. Gunner won with his finisher.

* TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bully Ray is out next with Brooke Tessmacher and the rest of Aces & Eights. Bully said that he is glad that Mr. Anderson is out of TNA and that he should have known better. Bully says that there is one person that he wants to thank for retaining the World Heavyweight Title. He goes one by one talking about each member of the group. He then says that that one person he wants to thank is Brooke. He goes and gives Brooke a kiss. In the background, Knux is there showing that they did the triple powerbomb to Anderson last week. Garett Bischoff took the mic and said that it was a group effort and that they are the reason he is TNA Champion. Bully told Garett and Wes to shut up and that they would be nothing without him. Knux was behind Bully. Bully turns around and starts kissing Brooke again and Knux asks, "what about me?" He told Bully that for the past year and a half, when Bully was in trouble, they would bail him out. He then said it was supposed to be "bros before hoes." Bully didn't like that and warned Knux not to call Brooke a hoe ever again and shoved him. Knux took off his cap, but Bully got scared and left the ring with Brooke while the other members stayed with Knux.

PAGE:   [ 1 ]   2 »

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Retro Wednesday: The Night The Wrestling World (Could Have) Changed

In 1960, Verne Gagne envisioned a wrestling promotion outside of the National Wrestling Alliance, which ran a number of territories across the United States. This goal was a success, and the American Wrestling Association was formed.

This business venture led to the AWA becoming one of the most popular wrestling organizations in the 60s and 70s. In the 80s, AWA began to go down the totem pole concerning popular wrestling organizations, with Jim Crockett Promotions and the World Wrestling Federation becoming the two best in the country. However, many future world champions developed their craft in the AWA, including Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Leon White (Vader) and Yokozuna (as Kokina Maximus), among others.

One future world champion in particular that became a top name for the company was Hulk Hogan. Originally debuting as a heel, and managed by Johnny Valiant, Hogan portrayed a narcissistic, "alpha male" character. Soon after, Hogan became a babyface, and embarked on a feud with champion Nick Bockwinkel.

The two faced off for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship on April 18 of 1982. The end of the contest saw Hogan winning the match and becoming world champion.

So we thought.

Unfortunately, due to manager Bobby Heenan's protest of Hogan using a foreign object, he was forced to relinquish the title and it was given back to Bockwinkel.

A similar scenario happened just a year later, where Hogan won the match in a no disqualification match to unofficially win the title for the second time. However, due to Bockwinkel being sent over the top rope, Hogan was forced to give up the championship again. Hogan mentioned in the Spectacular Legacy of the AWA DVD that there actually was a negotiation dispute between he and Verne Gagne over his commitments to competing in Japan.

One can wonder how the wrestling business would be today if Gagne would have complied to Hogan's requests, which would have allowed Hogan to be the face of the AWA. With the level of popularity that Hogan brought to the AWA, it is a good topic of discussion to favor whether the company would still be around or not. Key elements to consider is that AWA was still very popular in the late very early 1980s, andâ€"most importantlyâ€"Vince McMahon would have not obtained Hogan for his second run in the WWE in 1984, commencing the phenomenon we know as Hulkamania.

What do you think would have happened if Hogan became the face of AWA? Would it have been around longer than 1991? Would the WWE be as popular as it is now? Sound off below.

Author's Link: Night of Champions Review on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show

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Jim Ross Blogs On His Retirement From WWE, Says He's "Not Going Away"

Source: JR's BBQ

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on jrsbarbq.com discussion his retirement. Here is part of what he wrote:

"It's been quite a day. September 11, 2013 was my last day in WWE.

Its hard to believe that It was over 20 years ago when i debuted in WWE at WM9 & my first ever WWE assignment was doing play by play w/ the great, Bobby Heenan and the unpredictable Macho Man Randy Savage.

Time flies when one is enjoying one 's dream job. Heck, it only took me 19 years ti make it to the NFL of sports entertainment. Overnight sensation, right?

So, at the age if 61 it's time to close this chapter of my life and begin exploring new, adventures while my health is great.

I wouldn't have changed a thing in WWE except I wish that I'd been able to avoid some health issues along the way. That was the hand that I was dealt and I simply refused to fold it.

Other that health issues my 'run' in WWE has exceeded my wildest dreams.

I was fortunate enough to have a key role in arguably one of the most interesting and compelling eras in our business's history.

Hmmmm....perhaps a book is in order some day. Time will tell. Now I actually have the time to write the autobiography many have asked about over the years.

For the record, I'm not purchasing a rocking chair so I'm not "going away." I have many interests & I plan on exploring them all."

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WWE 2K14 "Hulkamania Runs Wild” Era Match Listing And Screenshots

2K today announced the arrival of the "30 Years of WrestleMania Mode" match list for WWE 2K14, which will be revealed in five parts this week. The first matches revealed are part of the "Hulkamania Runs Wild" era, which includes 10 matches from the first-ever WrestleMania event in 1985 through WrestleMania 9. You can check out the full list of "Hulkamania Runs Wild" era matches, with screenshots, below:

WrestleMania 1: Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd

WrestleMania 2: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WrestleMania 3: Ricky the Dragon Steamboat vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth)

WrestleMania 3: Hulk Hogan (c) vs. André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan)

WrestleMania 4: Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth and Hulk Hogan) vs. Ted DiBiase (with Andre the Giant)

WrestleMania 5: Randy Savage (c) vs. Hulk Hogan

WrestleMania 6: The Ultimate Warrior (Intercontinental Champion) vs. Hulk Hogan (WWF Champion)

WrestleMania 7: Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter

WrestleMania 8: Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Ric Flair (c) (with Mr. Perfect)

WrestleMania 9: Bret Hart (c) vs. Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji)

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WWE Touts Viewers, Trish Stratus On Why She Left Wrestling, Locker Room Dedicated To The Rock

- WWE sent out a press release stating that the company "amassed" 20 million viewers over the past week, which includes RAW, SmackDown, Total Divas, Main Event and WrestleMania 29 on NBC. Of course, if that were unique viewers, it would mean that more people watched WWE programming last week than any other show on broadcast television. Just taking a quick look at the numbers, RAW did 4.18 million viewers, SmackDown did 2.7 million, WrestleMania 29 on NBC did 1.9 million, and Total Divas did 1.5 million. I don't have the numbers for WWE Main Event, but if we're being generous and give it 1.5 million viewers, then that's a total of 11.78 million viewers. However, counting each hour of RAW separately brings the total to the 20 million figure. Again, that is total viewers, not unique viewers.

- Variety published a story based on WWE's press release at this link. The Variety story stated that WWE reached 20 million "unique" viewers, which is ridiculous.

- ESPN has an interview with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who discussed life after pro wrestling. In the interview, Stratus revealed why she left the business.

"People thought I retired to start a family, but I was just ready to leave the business," Stratus said. "Athletically, I achieved everything I wanted to, and I'd worked with everyone I wanted to. I was really fulfilled. It felt right."

- South Florida Sun Sentinel writer Michael Casagrande tweeted the photo below of the new Miami athletics facility, which features a dedication to The Rock in the football locker room. The Rock had donated $1 million to the Miami football program in 2007.

buckzilla contributed to this article. Follow Raj Giri on Twitter at @RajGiri_303. Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.

Photos: Randy Orton & Triple H Featured On WWE SummerSlam 2013 DVD Releasing Tomorrow

WWE releases the SummerSlam 2013 DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow. You can get your copy of the DVD for only $14.96 by clicking here to Amazon.com.

This year's SummerSlam was headlined by John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship, and "The Best vs. The Beast" CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar.

In addition to the full pay-per-view event, the DVD includes the Dean Ambrose vs. Rob Van Dam US Championship match from SummerSlam Kickoff. The Blu-ray edition contains the same bonus match plus several matches and segments from the episodes of Monday Night Raw and Smackdown leading into the PPV.

Below are photos of the SummerSlam 2013 DVD. The cover artwork features a shot of Randy Orton and Triple H taken at the the climax of the event.

The DVD releases tomorrow; get your copy from Amazon by clicking here.

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Author's link: ((unmissable Deals!!)) WWE Offering "buy 1 Get 1 Free" Dvds & Brs

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Zach Gowen Talks About His Match Against Vince McMahon And A Potential WWE Return

V2Wrestling recently interviewed former WWE Superstar Zack Gowen. Here are a few highlights:

His match against Vince McMahon:
"Vince himself, during the match, asked me to give him some stiff shots. Basically I was just giving him some wrestling punches and he yelled at me in the middle of the match. He goes 'Zach, f---ing hit me for real'. And then I got scared because I didn't want to punch Vince in the head, but I realized that he's not a wrestler, and he can't really sell or register what I'm doing if I'm not connecting with him. so I took that as a very cool opportunity. I got carte blanche to punch Vince McMahon as hard as I could in the face and I did that repeatedly! To me that felt really good. But that came from Vince himself, that's what he wanted because it was best for business...that was surreal and Vince is a maniac and I love him to death, and I'll love him for as long as I live, and he saved my life. But he's a maniac."

If he'll ever return to WWE:
"I am super content for the first time in my life. I get to be my own boss and take my own bookings, and I wrestle who I want to and how I want to, and there's such personal freedom and to me that equals happiness. To me, money and fame don't equal happiness. and my goal in life is to be happy ... I've had talks with WWE, and they've increased over the past few years. The thing about me is I have to be presented in a very specific manner for my story to work, and I have to be happy with what I commit to."

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Dana White Talks BJ Penn Fighting Demons, How Edgar Fight Came About

Source: Fox Sports

After suffering consecutive lopsided defeats to Nick Diaz and Rory MacDonald, it appeared as though MMA luminary B.J. Penn would be stepping away from the sport for good. Few people voiced their support for that possibility more loudly than UFC president Dana White. So, it came as a surprise to many when it was revealed that Penn had talked White into a comeback fight against his twice-previous opponent Frankie Edgar.

In a Google Hangout hosted by Mike Chiapetta and Adam Hunter earlier this week, the UFC president explained how the surprising match up came about.

"B.J. Penn sends me a text that says, 'Dana, I want to fight Ben Henderson.' So, I immediately pick up my phone and call him, and he doesn't answer. This was two days ago," White said.

The UFC president went on to reveal that he intended to talk Penn out of it, with plans to cite the fighter's wealth, legendary status and loving family as proof that the 34-year-old would be better served keeping the gloves off.

"So then B.J. calls me, like, 45 minutes later. He's like, 'Hey Dana, I didn't answer your phone call because I don't want you to talk me out of this. I know how you are. I know what you're going to say, and you're going to talk me out of it.' I was like, 'You're damn right I'm going to talk you out of it.' He says, 'The reason I want to fight Ben Henderson is because I believe if I beat Ben Henderson, you'll give me a shot to fight Frankie Edgar.' I'm like, 'Frankie Edgar?' And he goes, 'Yeah, I want this Frankie Edgar fight worse than anything. Those two losses, he's the rock in my shoe. He should've never beat me. That guy can't beat me. I can beat him.'"

From there, all it took was a phone call from White to Edgar -- who eagerly accepted Penn's challenge -- and plans were set for the two to meet upon the conclusion of their coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter 19. Though Penn's last several bouts were at welterweight, his rubber match against Edgar will take place in the featherweight division.

As for why The Prodigy would want to return to the ring despite enjoying all of the accomplishments White listed, the UFC boss believes it has to do with regret over talent unexpressed and potential unachieved. Simply put, he believes Penn still feels he has something to prove.

"B.J. is one of these guys who, I think, is fighting some demons right now, in that, if he could go back and do it all over again, I think he'd do it differently," he said.

Penn and Edgar will coach season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter, which will air in April, and will fight at a currently undetermined event upon the season's conclusion.

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Impact Wrestling Review: No Surrender Not So Friendly To Mr. Anderson, But Certainly To AJ Styles

Wait... that was two years ago.

Well, onward to 2013, the feud between Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson is quite different. Nowadays, both are the top two members of the Aces and Eights group, but for a number of weeks, have not been seeing eye to eye concerning the direction of the club. As a result, Anderson was granted a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at the No Surrender television special.

The show also presented the finals of the Bound for Glory series tournament.

AJ Styles vs. Austin Aries was actually much slower than expected. The match revolved around an excessive amount of counters, which became a bit annoying. The match picked up toward the end, with Styles defeating Aries to advance to the finals.

Magnus vs. Bobby Roode was a solid match. The two showed a great deal of chemistry together, making the match have an old school feel to it. With the soon-to-be demise of the Aces and Eights, the Main Event Mafia feuding with the Extraordinary Gentlemen's Organization would be a good spot to put all of those wrestlers after Bound for Glory. Unfortunately, before then, we may see another multi-person tag match between MEM and Aces and Eights.

The timing of Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson in the line-up was a bit odd, but rationally thinking, it could have been for the purpose of not losing any luster for the BFG series finale. Overall, the match was good, especially with the stipulation added. Anderson had a few close calls, which is good booking to draw that kind of suspense. The spear through the table that ended the match was a fantastic spot, and Anderson showed a valiant effort even with the remaining members of Aces and Eights attacking him.

The post-match piledriver has to be a set-up for something in the future, possibly Anderson returning at Bound for Glory to cost Bully Ray the title. Whatever the reason may be, it appears as if Anderson may fully revert back to his old gimmick.

The James Storm/Gunner and Chavo Hernandez segment showed the dismal state of the tag team division. Chavo and Hernandez is a decent team, but they should not be the top contenders in the division. Moreover, it appears as if Chavo Guerrero is starting to show some heel mannerisms again. So, with Bischoff/Brisco, Bro Mans and Bad Influence, I suppose TNA needs another heel tag team... or not.

AJ Styles vs. Magnus was a very good match, that the St. Louis crowd did a wonderful job creating a high energy atmosphere that resonated through the television screen. Throughout the match, both wrestlers looked like they had a shot to win the series, but it was fairly obvious that AJ Styles was going to win it all. I just hope that the weird entrance he has does not last until Bound for Glory. Not very creative, and he should choose one gimmick or the other.

Was the AJ Styles BFG series win predictable? Sound off below.

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