TMZ reports Chyna is currently working with TNA on a "handshake deal" with a "very, very short leash" after she made her debut at Tuesday's Impact TV tapings.
According to TMZ's report, no official agreement is currently in place for Chyna to work beyond her two-show appearance - Tuesday's Impact TV taping and next Sunday's Sacrifice PPV.
Pwtorch.com reported on Wednesday that Chyna was brought in to replace Isis the Amazon for the role of Kurt Angle's on-air "mistress" when TNA determined Isis was not ready to wrestle on national TV.
The role required the "mistress" to team with Angle against Jeff & Karen Jarrett. TNA determined they were better off calling in Chyna - despite an eight-year hiatus from wrestling - for a quick program than featuring the inexperienced Isis.
TMZ also reports Chyna has been offered a one-year contract with the IGF promotion in Japan. The promotion regularly features U.S. stars, including wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Bobby Lashley, who wrestled in Japan last month.
Chyna's last significant wrestling appearance was in Japan in October 2002 for the New Japan promotion.
source: tmz.com & pwtorch.com
May 5, 2011
Chyna's Contract Status with TNA
McMahon Conference Call - new WWE TV Network "hybrid" format, WWE to debut new programming soon, more content updates
The biggest news coming out of WWE's quarterly conference call with investors is WWE outlining a revised plan for the proposed WWE TV Network. The current goal is to form a "hybrid" network incorporating a traditional TV distribution model with online/mobile distribution.
No timetable has been established on when the Network could roll out, but WWE has previously said 2012 is their target year.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon said they've had "very favorable reception" to the traditional TV distribution model, but the Network will likely be a "flexible hybrid" working with the likes of Netflix or distributing on Apps because the opportunities to derive revenue come from "so many different directions."
WWE CFO George Barrios said the exact manifestation of the Network is "to be determined," but they're looking forward to making use of their expansive video library to make up a good portion of the programming.
Aside from the Network plans, McMahon noted WWE will be rolling out "new live event programs" in the "not too distant future" with their current TV partners. He added it "won't be too difficult" to find a home for their expanded programming line-up.
John Cena discusses wrestler health issues, Edge's retirement, life after wrestling, his personal end point, more
While WWE was in Florida this week, WWE champion John Cena sat down with Bright House Network's Rock Riley for an interview covering pertinent topics related to the WWE lifestyle. The following are highlights of the interview:
Cena said he approaches his WWE career knowing there is an end point and he's preparing for a future beyond wrestling.
"I have an extreme realist concept about me living this dream. I know that it's entertainment and everything has an end point," Cena said.
Cena said he believes developments in this area have to do with the wrestling industry coming out of the dark ages decades behind advancements made by the NFL, MLB, and NBA in the area of protecting their players.
"Nowadays, we have talent given financial advisement, we have advisement on health care, they have to pass health exams, they're drug tested," Cena said. "You're pointing talent in more of a direction to say, 'Listen, this is the entertainment business. You have what you have while you're in it and there will be an end point, so we're preparing you for after that end point.'"
WWE Reports 2011 First Quarter Results; McMahon "Disappointed"
“Our first quarter adjusted EBITDA declined 20% reflecting mixed performance from our business lines, including the impact of the ongoing transition in our talent base, and an increase in SG&A expenses. While we understand the lead time required to develop new characters with broad appeal, we were disappointed with our financial performance and our management team is working on addressing these challenges,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our longer-term opportunities to leverage our strength as the ‘New WWE...More?
May 4, 2011
Video: Interview with Triple H - "As of right now, I'm not planning to return full-time to the ring"
TNA iMPACT! Renamed to Impact Wrestling
It was announced during the TNA Impact taping on Tuesday that there has been a name change to "Impact Wrestling," according to Dot Net readers Michael Sanregorio and Ernie Cruz. Dot Net has confirmed that the name change is for the Impact television show, not the entire company.
source: prowrestling.net
This Day in Wrestling History
Henri Deglane defeats World Champion Ed "Strangler" Lewis by disqualification in Montreal, Canada after allegedly being bitten by Lewis. Deglane then claims the Paul Bowser recognized American Wrestling Association World championship and it splits off from the main line of World champions. This match has become legendary with many speculating that Deglane actually bit himself in the locker room between falls and then hid the bite until the match restarted thus getting the DQ win over Lewis.
May 4, 1931
It was announced by Vince McMahon that Andre the Giant had suffered a broken ankle. The injury was blamed on Killer Khan, setting up a series of grudge matches after Andre recovered. WWE maintained ownership of the giant cast used to set the ankle and often displays it at their annual AXXESS events.
May 4, 1981
During an edition of Smackdown in Tucson, Arizona, Jacquelyn (aka Jackie Moore) answered an open challenge from WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero, defeating him with a low blow inside of three minutes to win the Cruiserweight Title, the first woman to do so since the belt became a WWE property.
May, 4, 2004
WWE publicly confirmed they were bringing the ECW brand back as a full-time entity and were signing talents to deals with the brand slated to debut at the June 2006 One Night Stand PPV.
May 4, 2006
The Necro Butcher's scene with Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" where they brandish a staple gun in the midst of their hardcore CZW match was nominated for the very dignified "WTF Moment" MTV Movie Award. The scene did not win, but was one of many notable mainstream media mentions for Butcher that year, including a shout-out during the Academy Awards.
May 4, 2009
Following a less than stellar run on Monday Nights, SpikeTV issued a press release that TNA Impact would be returning to Thursdays on 5/13/10. “The fans have spoken and with their input we have determined the best timeslot to maximize the TNA audience is on Thursday nights where we are confident it will be among the most-watched shows with young men,” said Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports and specials for Spike TV, in the release, which also announced the addition of Reaction, a well produced series that followed up on Impact's developments. Reaction ended up running several months and in some weeks, was better than Impact.
May 4, 2010
partial source: pwinsider.com
May 3, 2011
Triple H Comments on the WWE Name Change
Triple H had the following to say regarding the recent WWE name change to Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun:
"See, here's the thing. I think a lot of people misunderstand what we're saying. When we say we're just going to be 'WWE' now and not 'World Wrestling Entertainment,' I think people think we're walking away from our core product. That's not it all," He said.
He added: "We just do so many things very well. We're a live event production company that does live events probably better than anyone else on the globe...We do live event touring probably better than anyone else in the world. We do merchandising and marketing as well, if not better, than anyone else in the world. There are abilities for us to take those core competencies and offer them to the outside world in addition to what we do."
Hulk Hogan's Lawsuit Against Wells Fargo Dismissed
TBO.com is reporting that a Pinellas county judge has dismissed Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Wells Fargo Southeast. Hogan's claim was the insurance company didn't advise him that he was inadequately covered. Hogan had to pay out of pocket for a settlement with John Graziano's family due to lack of coverage. Graziano suffered severe brain damage following an August 2007 car accident in which Hogan's son, Nick, was the driver.
The insurance company provided proof that they did indeed notify the Hogan's that they should increase their coverage. They sent them letters in 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2007. Hogan's ex-wife, Linda, who was in charge of the couple's finances, declined each notification...More?
Rumor Mill - Kurt Angle's 'Mistress' Revealed
ProWrestling.net is reporting that Joanie "Chyna" Laurer is going to debut at tonight's Impact tapings as Kurt Angle's mistress. Laurer appeared in WWE from 1996 to 2001 and has not been on wrestling since then.
Rumor Mill - Triple H Behind Sin Cara's Move to SmackDown
WrestlingNewsWorld.com is reporting that it was Triple H, head of talent development for the company, who wanted Sin Cara moved from Raw to Smackdown. Triple H made the call to move Sin Cara from Raw to Smackdown in last week's WWE Draft. Hunter felt that Sin Cara would do better on the taped show until he gets more comfortable adjusting to the new WWE style of wrestling. Apparently Hunter has accepted Sin Cara's eventual role as Rey Mysterio's replacement; however, it is going to take some time and will not be an instant transition.
