William Shatner Talks About His Relationship With WWE, How Vince McMahon Would Fit In On Star Trek

William Shatner recently spoke with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated Extra Mustard‘s Week In Wrestling, taking part in this week’s Five Questions segment.

Shatner talks about his relationship with WWE; you can read a few highlights below:

William Shatner talks about how his relationship with WWE began:

I had written, produced, and directed TekWar, which was a detective story from the future. One of the publicists said, ‘I can get you on WWE out of Texas, and they’re on the hour before TekWar goes on and it will be great publicity and a great intro. So I went down there and tossed Jerry Lawler out of the ring. Thank God he jumped as high as he could with only a little assistance from me, and out of the ring he went. I had the best time with the entire wrestling world. Since then, I’ve loved coming back. I introduced Jerry Lawler at the Hall of Fame, and got booed. The people didn’t want to see a Hollywood fake in there, they wanted to see a real person. But I’ve had the best time with them, and they want me to come back and do a number of projects, and I’m looking for the time to do it.

Shatner explains how the “William Shatner Sings Superstar Entrance Theme Songs” came up, and his favorite WWE theme he performed:

Someone from WWE asked me to do it, but it was one of those things where sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. It turned out to be great fun. My favorite song was John Cena’s. He is a guy I know, and since Lawler is retired now, Cena is my favorite wrestler, even though he’s more of an actor now.

Would Vince McMahon fit on the Starship Enterprise?

Vince McMahon would have been great on the Enterprise. We talk every so often, and he had a writer that I knew and cared about and I’d worked with. That writer has since died, but he was responsible for a lot of the best plot lines. McMahon has created a form of entertainment that is very amusing, and it is both antiquated and brand new.

Former WWE Women's Champion Returning To The Company At 'Takeover: Toronto'

WWE NXT General Manager William Regal announced at tonight's TV tapings that Mickie James will return to the company at "Takeover: Toronto" on November 19th during Survivor Series weekend.

The former Women's Champion will be facing NXT Women's Champion Asuka.

Stephanie McMahon is featured in Variety's "Power of Women" Report

As seen below, Stephanie McMahon is featured in Variety's "Power of Women" report. They wrote the following on her:

As a member of the first family of Wrestling — she is the daughter of chairman & CEO Vince McMahon — one would expect showmanship to be in McMahon's blood. But it was her business savvy that made her a true superstar for WWE. The exec credits her experience with WWE as a valuable teaching tool for her success behind the desk.

"Live television, in front of an arena filled with thousands of people teaches you a lot about psychology, poise, and thinking on your feet," she says.

McMahon went on to head WWE's creative writing team. Now as the WWE's first-ever chief brand officer, McMahon is a key figure for the organization, a global brand ambassador and spokesperson who builds partnerships and growth opportunities for the group. "[I became] responsible for generating awareness and positive brand perception for WWE," she says. "In this role I have the ability to contribute in a bigger way than I ever have before; educating consumers and the marketplace on the true value of fulfilling our mission of putting smiles on people's faces." In addition to her pivotal role within the WWE, McMahon, along with husband Triple H, helped create Connor's Cure, a campaign designed to fund pediatric cancer research named for an 8-year-old fan who died of medulloblastoma cancer. The effort leverages the popularity of the WWE by using its audience to raise awareness. "Connor's Cure began at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where Connor was treated, and we have now expanded our efforts nationally by partnering with The V Foundation. To date, we have raised more than $1 million and helped more than 100 families."

Magnum TA On The 30th Anniversary Of His Career Ending Accident And How He Never Quit

Tomorrow, October 14th marks the 30th anniversary of the car accident that ended Terry Allen's professional wrestling career. In an EXCLUSIVE interview on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling, the man known as Magnum relives the tragic accident that abruptly cut short what could have been one of the greatest wrestling careers of all time. In this preview clip Magnum TA shares with John and Chad how he has overcome such adversity and gone on to live a long life following an incident that he rightfully admits he was lucky to be alive following. Tomorrow also is the release date for Highspot's BRAND NEW documentary on the life and career of Magnum TA entitled 'I Never Quit' the Magnum TA story available on DVD and digital download. The full episode of TMPT will be available on Friday as well.

Why is Magnum not "bitter" about the fate he suffered and his career being cut short:

"I like to think God has a plan for everybody's life. I am a man of faith and I don't go preaching the gospel like some of my friends have that I admire but I've tried to live my life by a certain creed and when the rubber meets the asphalt and with some of my friends who I have grown to respect the proof is in the pudding of what you deduce. This life goes by in a nano-second. I had the privilege of doing something that not 1% of this population in the whole world would come close to being able to achieve and had I got to be multi time World's Heavyweight Champion and twenty times this and that or the other and all that stuff it really at that point in time is just self-gratifying because it becomes ego driven. You get great enjoyment in it and entertaining people and all that, (but) it hit me when I was in that hospital. I had been given the honor of playing this hero and this character that I had been able to develop and bring to the world and all of a sudden I've got hundreds of thousands of people that really cared about me, about Terry Allen, about Magnum TA as a human being."

"It hit me that we all, whether we realize it or not; if you are on TV every Saturday night are role models who impact the lives of others and I decided right then and there that I was going to do everything in my power to not let this thing beat me. I've always been and tried to be a man's man and tried to show a certain work ethic and I wanted to be in real life some semblance of what I had been able to represent to those wrestling fans. I felt that was my way to give back because people come to wrestling to escape reality and they are able to live their dreams vicariously through you and now they all see one of their heroes fallen and we all have things in life that we can't control but it is what we choose to do with that adversity that really defines us. So I decided that I truly was not ever going to quit or give up and that I was far from perfect and made countless poor judgments and decisions over the past thirty years but no matter what I will not quit and not give up."

Bret Hart Apologizes to Michael Hayes for Comments He Made About The Fabulous Freebirds, Also Apologizes to Triple H and Seth Rollins

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart had some harsh words for The Fabulous Freebirds in a recent Forbes interview, and below is an excerpt of what Hart had to say:

“Why have they been overlooked when you can induct the Freebirds, who never did squat in WWE? Ever. Never drew any money, never did anything. When I remember the Freebirds, they were all drunk and passed out at the gate at one of the airports in my first day in WWF. None of them even made the show that day, they were too drunk to make their plane.”

Hart has since apologized to Michael “PS” Hayes, as he posted the following on Facebook:

I’d like to take this opportunity to formally apologize to Michael Hayes. A while back I made comments about the Freebirds not being as worthy of being in the WWE Hall of Fame as others. It was unfair for me to dismiss their contributions to the industry and they certainly did great things in Texas with the Von Erich Family. Michael Hayes always treated me with great respect, as did Terry Gordy, Ronnie Garvin and Buddy Roberts and I’m sorry if I disrespected any of them with my comments. Furthermore I apologize to both Triple H and Seth Rollins for any hurtful comments I made on my podcast. The reality of all this is the reason I quit doing podcasts in general, because they’re for the most part an outlet for negativity, and have left me with a reputation as being angry and bitter. I’m not, I’d spoke candidly and openly but it’s no excuse for minimizing other wrestlers or their contributions. In saying all that, I still believe Jim the Anvil Neidhart of the Hart Foundation, including Owen, Brian Pillman, Davey Boy Smith, The Dynamite Kid, Jimmy Hart, The Rougeau Brothers, The Killer Bees, The Demolition, Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, and One Man Gang all deserve their place in the WWE Hall of Fame. My apologies to all. Bret Hart x

Billy Corgan Reportedly Suing TNA

TNA President Billy Corgan filed a lawsuit against Impact Wrestling, parent company Impact Ventures LLC, TNA Chairman Dixie Carter, TNA Chief Financial Officer Dean Broadhead and Dixie's husband Serg Salias in Chancery Court in Nashville on Wednesday.

A temporary restraining order was approved and Corgan filed a bond to support it today. A hearing for a temporary injunction has been scheduled for Thursday, October 20th at 11:30am local time. Corgan has requested a six-person jury to decide the case.

TNA Sale News: WWE Loses Interest Again, Huge Dixie Carter Heat, TNA Executive Contacted WWE, More

Regarding the TNA sale, Aroluxe and Billy Corgan are still involved in trying to make the purchase but one unidentified party that was previously involved is no longer interested as they do not feel a deal is worth it. WWE has also apparently lost interest as they have backed out.

The most recent set of Impact Wrestling tapings were the first that saw Billy Corgan have the final say in creative decisions. However, nothing long-term has been decided on, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, but changes have to happen imminently. We noted before that Dixie Carter was in attendance for the tapings and did hold a talent meeting but she wasn't there for the final days of the tapings and was reportedly having meetings with The Fight Network, which also owns a small stake in TNA.

Things between Dixie and Corgan have reportedly gone really bad and things are said to be "super heated" between Dixie, Corgan, Aroluxe and John Gaburick. It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Dixie has made a real mess of the company between borrowing money and putting up various stakes in the company just to get quick funding. It was said that the company is in a "disastrous position" right now. There is also heat on Dixie for deals not getting done and nearly falling apart.

TNA still owes money to many people and continues to deal with other financial issues but right now they're not faced with another deadline for money until January and that's when they have some international TV revenue coming from.

There's still no word yet on where TNA got the money for the most recent tapings but it was not WWE, which has been rumored. Some higher-ups in TNA still don't know who funded the tapings but speculation is that it was one of the three minority owners - Corgan, Aroluxe or The Fight Network.

Regarding WWE no longer being interested in the tape library, Gaburick did go to WWE's Kevin Dunn with the idea of a package where WWE would hire Gaburick if he got them the tape library deal. Dunn reportedly went to Vince McMahon with the idea but it looks like the deal won't be happening. The Observer notes that WWE's involvement has been up and down for weeks.

WWE fires back at banned beauty: Spreading lies about drug test

In a statement released to the New York Post today, WWE responded in the strongest possible terms:

“Saraya-Jade Bevis tested positive for an illegal substance, not a prescription drug. In addition, WWE is providing world-class medical care for her in-ring injury.”

This continues the very public battle between the two sides, one that doesn’t appear as though it will end anytime soon. Paige had previously stated she has no plans on leaving WWE.

Paige Tweets Update From New York City, Paige’s Brothers Comment on Her WWE Suspension and Claim She’s Facing Career Ending Surgery

Nancy Grace Has Heated Exchange With Radio Hosts Over Wrestler Deaths, Walks Out Of Interview

Former HLN host Nancy Grace is no stranger to pro wrestling fans as her show covered various wrestling related deaths over the years. Most recently, wrestling fans called for Nancy's show to be canceled back in 2014 when she brought on Diamond Dallas Page for an interview and tried tying all wrestler deaths to steroid use. Page later told RadarOnline that Grace ambushed him:

"I was asked to go on her show and talk about Warrior the man. I was even given bullet points from her producers about the topics we would discuss. After seeing the topics which were pretty basic. I felt it would be great to go on and discuss the legend he was and how I got to know him. With that being said, I wanted to share a story that when Warrior came back to wrestling back in the WCW days he sat myself and Bill Goldberg down and said he was watching all the fun we were having and wanted to be a part of it again. To hear him tell me that was the coolest thing. The Ultimate Warrior returning to wrestling because he was watching our stuff? How awesome is that! Fast Forward 18 years later to this past weeks WWE Hall of Fame speech. I mean The guy gave my DDP YOGA a shout out like four times during his speech simply because he was happy it was helping people and obviously he didn't have to do that. It just goes to show the man he was. What hurts is the fact that I couldn't say thank you to him for it. I went looking for him but couldn't find him. I wanted to call him but never got the chance. That's the Warrior that I wanted to discuss on her show. However, it's clear I was ambushed. Everyone has been asking me what would I say to Nancy Grace now after she had me on. The answer is easy. I don't need to say a word. Look on all the social media sites, the fans are saying it all!! I will not change who I am because of the way others act. Its just not me. However lesson learned."

Grace, who recently left HLN, appeared on The Jim & Sam Show with Jim Norton and Sam Roberts earlier today and walked out of the interview after a heated exchange. Roberts, who is a big wrestling fan, brought up Nancy's interview with DDP. The exchange that followed went like this:

Roberts: You took a lot of heat too, for the report you did when The Ultimate Warrior died and you brought on DDP the wrestler, and you were talking about wrestlers dying of steroids and drug overdoses, things like that. When steroids weren't involved in The Ultimate Warrior's death...

Grace: No they were not.

Roberts: And on the people you listed, you listed a whole bunch of wrestlers that had died before they were 40. Some of the wrestlers you listed, one of them had fallen from the ceiling, one of them had been shot, there were all these guys, all these names...

Grace: I don't think it was ever said that those guys died from steroid overdose.

Roberts: No, but you said that there's...

Grace: Early deaths and untimely deaths in wrestling history.

Roberts: But you established the argument that there's drug abuse and steroids, then you said... here's a list of wrestlers that died young. So you didn't say that's why they died...

Grace: I really believe that professional wrestlers are not protected. I think everybody gets a big kick out of watching them and whether the wrestling is real or not, people love watching it. I think that those wrestlers, those women and men that go in the ring are not protected. I don't think anybody is ever looking out for them and I think that they are used badly.

Roberts: So if that was your intention and of course I can believe you on that, you're telling me that, what goes through your mind when a lot of wrestlers see your report and come back at you with venom, saying you're not representing us, you're not telling our story and what you're portraying isn't happening.

More?

WWE Tribute to the Troops Comes to Washington, D.C.

WWE today announced that the 14th annual WWE Tribute to the Troops event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Verizon Center in Washington D.C., marking the first time the event will be held in our nation’s capital. While in D.C., WWE Superstars will spend time with members of all five branches of the military. WWE began Tribute to the Troops in 2003 as a way to honor our servicemen and women and their families. Tribute to the Troops will air on Wednesday, Dec.14 on USA Network.

In the long-standing tradition of the USO supporting and entertaining our troops at home and abroad, WWE brings together the best of sports, entertainment and pop culture, with celebrity appearances and performances from music’s most popular acts. Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

While in Washington D.C., WWE Superstars will spend time giving back to military personnel and their families. Activities will include a Be a STAR anti-bullying rally, as well as hospital visits and outreach initiatives at various installations throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, servicemen and women and their families will be given complimentary tickets to attend Tribute to the Troops.

"We are so excited to partner with WWE on Tribute to the Troops, an event that truly has become a holiday tradition for our service members and their families," said Elaine Rogers, President and CEO of USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore. "What better way to thank our active duty military members and their families for their service than by providing them with an amazing evening of fun and entertainment."

"First I would like to thank the USO and WWE for all the support they have given our servicemen and women," said Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. "The National Capital Region is the political and military center of gravity for the United States with an infrastructure vital to the global interests of the nation, and I believe is an ideal location for the upcoming Tribute to the Troops because of the large number of military personnel and their families that live and work in the DC-Metro area. I know that our service members are big fans of WWE and are excited to participate in this wonderful event."

"For the 14th year, WWE is honored to give back to American military personnel and their families for their commitment to and sacrifice for our country," said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. "Our servicemen and women work tirelessly and selflessly for our freedom, and it is an honor to continue the Tribute to the Troops tradition for them this year in our nation’s capital."

Bill Goldberg Returning to Monday NIght Raw

Last night on WWE Raw Paul Heyman challenged Bill Goldberg to fight Brock Lesnar anytime, anywhere in WWE.

Goldberg subsequently posted the following on Twitter, noting he will be on WWE Raw next week to respond to the challenge:

Booking my flight to answer that big mouth @HeymanHustle 's challenge next week in person on #MondayNightRaw #WhosNext? #seeyathere @WWE

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) October 11, 2016