October 14, 2011
Photo: Stephanie McMahon at the National Press Club Discussing WWE Global be a STAR Day
TNA to Launch New International Brand
TNA hired Dave Lagana not to work on the existing Impact Wrestling series, but to take part in a brand new project the company will be launching later this year in India. The new project will be a weekly series for the Indian market that will not be utilizing the TNA brand name, PWInsider.com has exclusively learned.
Sources indicate that the project, which has been spearheaded by Jeff Jarrett, will be taping for a week in December with an additional week of tapings also scheduled for January 2012.
The project will be a completely separate entity from TNA - both in terms of the creative team and the roster of talents. Joining Lagana and Jarrett on the creative end of things will be Dutch Mantel.
Former TNA referee Rudy Charles has also been very involved in the development of the project's roster. The word we are getting is that they have cultivated a potential roster of former WWE/TNA/WCW/ECW types as well as independent talents that have not had major television exposure. I do not know if any talents have been signed as of this writing.
Sonjay Dutt, who was in India last week with BG James to scout talent, will also be a major part of the project. The project had well over 100 potential Indian talents try out and of those, ten were selected and will be brought to the United States to train as pro wrestlers and be part of the new series. Obviously, James will not be involved as he has taken a position as a WWE Producer on a probationary basis.
The new series will air in India on The Colors Network (known here in the United States as Aapka Colors in the U.S), a Viacom-owned network that launched in 2008. Endemol, a major international television production and distribution company, is also involved with the project.
One would think the series would find its way to the United States and other markets as well in some fashion, but nothing is confirmed in that regard. Colors is, however, carried on a number of satellite systems, including the Dish Network.
Dave Lagana Joins TNA As Director Of Creative Writing
Either TNA has taken some smart pills, or they unknowningly stumbled upon a gold mine in the creative staff. Dave Lagana, former member of the WWE Creative team, and owner of the site IWantWrestling.com, has joined TNA as the Director of Creative Writing. This is the second signing that TNA has recently done, the first one being the acquisition of former WWE writer Bruce Prichard.
Lagana will leave his current standing in Ring of Honor Wrestling in order to undertake his new endeavor. The following is from his blog, explaining his new job.
I leave Ring of Honor Wrestling to tackle new challenges. I’ve accepted a position as Director of Creative Writing with TNA Wrestling. My duties will be to focus solely on the development of new wrestling shows beyond the Impact Wrestling show. I’m excited to see what the future holds and thank everyone for the support over not only the last nine months of this site but through my entire career...More?
Hulk Hogan Comments on Robert Roode, Jeff Hardy, & More
“Nah, he’s (Robert Roode)not ready. He’s not the next guy. Ya’ know, they might think he is. Dixie Carter might think he is. The whole world might think he is. He’s not the next guy. If I had to bet money on anybody and really be serious about betting money on anybody, I’d say Jeff Hardy is the next guy if he keeps his act together. Um, that’s what you gotta to have, man. This is much more than being a wrestler, this is crossing barriers, medias, ya’ know media barriers, and, and entertainment barriers of all kind. Getting your character down verbally has 90% to do with getting over. I just have a very strong feeling Kurt Angle’s going to clean his clock performance wise, and carry the match, and basically remains the champion. He’s training for the Olympics. He’s had some up and down moments, and I think this is not gonna be a down moment for Kurt Angle, so I’m betting that farm on him."...More?
What would you name WWE’s first reality show, featuring our Divas?
WWE Network promises to deliver the most interactive TV experience ever. We’re asking you to help us name our Divas Reality Show. A reality show that welcomes you aboard the private Divas tour bus as it travels from venue to venue. Cameras will roll 24/7, capturing the unscripted bonds, battles, and behind-the-scenes drama that only our WWE Divas can deliver when their public and private lives merge on the open road.
What would you name WWE’s first reality show, featuring our Divas?
1. WWE Divas Hot Wheels
2. WWE Divas Road Trip
3. WWE Divas Heels on Wheels
4. WWE Divas Joy Ride
5. WWE Diva Detour
You can vote by clicking here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Frank Gotch defeats Fred Beell in St. Joseph, Missouri
October 14, 1911
Lou Thesz defeats Buddy Austin in Los Angeles, California to win the WWA World Heavyweight Title
October 14, 1966
The Assassin defeats Jose Lothario in Shreveport, Louisiana to win the Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Title, ending Lothario's second reign as champion.
October 14, 1978
Shawn Michaels is beaten up outside Club 37 in Syracuse, New York.
October 14, 2002
Captain Lou Albano passes away
October 14, 2009
October 13, 2011
ESPN Examines Scott Hall’s Descent From Wrestling Superstar To Broken Man
Scott Hall’s struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction will be profiled on next Wednesday’s episode of E:60 on ESPN. A preview clip has been released featuring comments from Eric Bischoff.
The Wrestler – Scott Hall
At the height of professional wrestling in the 90′s, Scott Hall was adored by millions, his name chanted by loyal fans. Today, he has hit rock bottom. E:60 follows his descent from superstar to a broken man battling alcoholism and drug addiction, but still trying to hold onto the glory he once found in the ring.
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
