Recap of Kurt Angle’s appearance on the Busted Open satellite radio show on Sirius 92 and XM 207.

This interview was pretaped before the announcement of TNA Impact becoming Impact Wrestling, and before the news that Brock Lesnar had to pull out of his upcoming UFC fight because of his condition.

Angle on his Olympic comeback: “I started training two weeks ago. I’m not allowed to really talk about but I’m gonna make a formal press conference in August. I will be training with my nephew who’s never tried out and it’s gonna give him that opportunity to realize his dream….to not say ‘What if? Why didn’t I try?’ So him and I had a long two hour conversation one night and we were very serious about it. I mentioned it on WTAE in Pittsburgh and it just went out like wildfire. I’m very serious about it. I am going to do it and I believe I have a very good shot.”

Angle on whether he still have the passion for wrestling: “I love wrestling. I will always love wrestling, but now for me, it’s a job. My responsibility is to have the best match on the card every time I go out there and I usually do. That’s my job, and I get paid very well to do it, and I don’t want to quit wrestling because that’s getting me to where I can get my Angle Foods where I need it to go. It’s also getting me so I can train for the Olympics. TNA is going to give me time off to train. If I make the Olympic Team, obviously I’ll have to leave for 3 months to train in Europe. So TNA has been a blessing for me to be able to do this. I don’t think I could have done it in the other company.”

Angle on whether he’s still the best in the business and whether he still loves pro wrestling: “I could retire. I made enough money to sit back the rest of my life and retire, but I do love it. I know that if I left now, I would miss it significantly. I am signing a new deal with TNA right as we speak. It’s another three and a half year deal. It will be part time, I’ll be doing very few house shows, I’ll be doing a number of TVs and I promised I’ll do all the pay-per-views. My wrestling will calm down. I’ve been more of a TV/PPV schedule and a lot less of the house shows. I’d rather wrestle six days a month than doing what I’m doing right now which is 18. With WWE, I was probably doing 18-24 so I’m almost as busy as I was then and I went to TNA to back off so we came to an agreement that I should definitely be taking off house shows and be able to rest and recuperate.”

Angle on the Jeff Hardy incident at the end of the Victory Road PPV: “That was an unfortunate situation where I think Jeff realizes it now. Whatever he did…this is something that’s been talked about many times. Jeff made a mistake. If he was going to take any form of, let’s say, sleep medication… he probably should’ve waited an hour before he did that. Jeff made a bad decision and he’s learned from it.

“Jeff has been clean for the last month and he wants to come back and he’s ready to come back and I believe that he won’t make that mistake it again. But it did happen. I felt really bad. I felt bad for TNA, I felt bad for Jeff, I felt bad for the company. Jeff Hardy is an amazing wrestler. I have nothing bad to say about him, actually I love the kid. I wrestled Jeff at his best and I wrestled Jeff at his worst, and it’s night and day.”

In the days following the announcement that UFC heavyweight figher Brock Lesnar has been forced to pull out of his upcoming fight, Lesnar’s close friend Paul Heyman will be working with UFC to promote the upcoming pay-per-view that Lesnar was previously scheduled to headline .

Paul Heyman will be working on the new UFC Countdown series to promote the next month’s UFC 131 show, which will now feature a #1 contenders fight between Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar’s replacement, Shane Carwin.

Heyman, who previously worked with the Strikeforce MMA promotion (now owned by UFC) to promote last year’s EA: MMA video game release, will be working hands on with Shane Carwin to help Carwin’s mic skills.

As much as UFC tries to distance itself from the theatrics of pro wrestling, it is impossible to deny the marketability of a top fighter who can supplement his fight game with effective verbal skills.

At this point, this is just a one-time gig and there are no reports of Paul Heyman working with the UFC on a full-time basis, but this is interesting news nonetheless.

TNA Sacrifice Results
Sunday, May 15, 2011
From Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Results by: Kendra Bunyon of WrestlingNewsWorld.com

Video mostly of RVD and Sting, many of their matches, them working out, etc.

Tag Team Match
- Mexican America vs. Ink Inc.

Hernandez, Anarquia, Sarita and Rosita out to the the ring. The Knockouts all dressed up as if for clubbing. Moore and Neal out to the ring, Neal waving an American flag. The fans behind them. USA chants and the match starts.

The start:

Anarquia and Moore start reversing holds in the center of the ring. Moore with an arm bar, takes Anarquia down and stomps the arm. Anarquia with side headlock on Moore, then shoulder block drops Moore. Sweet arm drags to Anarquia and Moore keeps him on the mat with an arm bar.

Mid-match notes:

Anarquia slams Moore to the mat by the back of his mohawk. Anarquia pushes Moore’s shoudler’s down. Hernandez runs in and attacks Moore as Rosita distracts the ref. Hernandez tags in. Moore takes Hernandez down, then a leg drop to the back of Hernandez’s head for two. Neal tags in. Moore him tosses Neal onto Hernandez. Neal on Hernandez until Rosita distracts and Hernandez plays dirty. Anarquia and Moore tag in. Moore flies in from the corner for crossbody for two.

Moore slides out, ties Anarquia up in the apron, then a springboard moonsault on Hernandez outside. Sarita rushes the ring and slams Moore back by his Mohawk. Anarquia pulls Moore up, tags out. Hernandez gets Moore up on his shoulder, holds Moore’s neck/head down as the shoulder grinds into Moore’s back. Moore slammed to the mat for two. Anarquia tags in, they double team Moore, but Anarquia only gets two. Moore set up top but fights out. Moore hits a moonsault crossbody block on Anarquia. Hernandez tags in, gets kicked in the head. Neal tags in and takes both down. double axe handle, then a kick. Each heel in a corner.

The finish:

Neal ducks Hernandez and Anarquia takes the blow. Moore takes Anarquia out. They set up for the mooregasm, but the Knockouts get involved. Hernandez gets Neal up for the border toss.

Sorry, wasn’t a border toss. Hernandez slammed Neal down hard and got the three.

Taz and Tenay talk about the matches slated for tonight.

JJ helps Karen to the ring. Taz commented on Karen’s heel on the uninjured. Karen’s pictured injured ankle was the left foot, but the walking cast is on her right foot. JJ talks about how great Karen is. Sometimes there’s dangers in being her, she handed out orders to the staff. ‘Bullshit!’ chants. JJ told them not to use filthy language. The Queen slipped and fell on a JJ action figure. The doctors performed an MIR and x-ray. She has a grade 3 sprain and her ankle is broken in two places. They’re as disappointed as the fans are. There won’t be a JJ and Karen versus Chyna and Angle. It’s the doctor’s decision. Doctor’s orders are doctor’s orders. Enjoy the show.

Foley to the ring. JJ thanked him for coming out and booking a new match. Foley said he saw the x-ray, but other things could be seen like sex, race and size. Karen’s not a six foot six African American male. Foley says this is a wrestling ring and wrestling takes place in them. Wrestling matters. Karen claims she has nothing to wear. Foley says he knows Karen’s not a wrestler, so he talked to Jollene and she’ll have something for Karen to wear facing Chyna. ‘Chyna’ chants. Foley says that she should see the outfit. Karen’s going to get her ass kicked all over the Zone, but will look so good doing it. Have a nice day!

Winners: Mexican Americans

Borash with Kendrick. Kendrick says the world is nothing more than language. It’s the inward being expressed outwardly. The X Division should be something clammored for by the best on the planet, but the good old boys are using it as filler. Kendrick’s there to put the X division back on its path.

Singles Match
- Robbie E vs. Brian Kendrick

Robbie and Cookie to the ring, posing and being posers. Kendrick out in his white trunks and robe.

The start:

Kendrick sit in the center of the ring and meditates with Cookie screeching at him through it all. Rob sends her from the ring. Rob pulls the hood off and eats a foot to the face. Rob rolls out, Kendrick flies out onto him. Kendrick up top, crossbody onto Rob. More meditation, but then into a drop toe hold and flying forearms. Kendrick up top, but kicks Rob as he’s rushed. Flying clothesline off the top. Rob out, so Kendrick out and tells Cookie God has a plan for her, kicks Rob in the gut, then back in. Kendrick up top, but Rob sends him flying outside.

Mid-match notes:

Kendrick back in only to be stomped. Kendrick whipped into a corner and hits the mat. Rob grinds his foot into Kendrick’s face. Head hold from Rob and Kendrick’s mouth is bleeding. Knee to Kendrick for two. Rob, from the second ropes drops an elbow for two. Cookie distracts and Rob uses the robe to choke Kendrick. Rob clotheslines Kendrick from the ring. Suplex to Kendrick outside the ring. Cookie grinds her foot into Kendrick’s face as Rob distracts in the ring. Earl back to counting Kendrick out. Rob out for another suplex, but reversed. Rob into the apron, then taks a kick. Flying kick from Kendrick, but then Kendrick eats the corner.

The finish:

Kendrick gets his second wind, hits a standing dropkick to Rob for three.

Winner: Kendrick

Cookie tends to Rob as Kendrick gets new age on Earl. Rob then is afraid of Kendrick’s touch, as is Cookie.

TNA Knockout Women’s Championship Match
If Mickie wins, Tara’s contract with Madison gets nullified and Tara is free to work in TNA.
- Mickie James (c) vs. Madison Rayne

Borash with Tara. Tara says she’s torn. Rayne got her back into TNA, but she’s been treated like crap. Borash asked who Tara wants to win this match. Madi in and cut Tara off, doesn’t matter. Madi doesn’t want Tara out there, she’d better not cost Madi the match.

Showing the setup and feud between Madison and Mickie.

Madison out with a huge tiara and she almost lost it. She in new ring gear with lots of sparkles and illusion fabric. Mickie out in her regular cowgirl outfit.

The start:

They about locked up and Tara’s music hit. She comes, Madi from the ring screeching at her. The ref is counting Madi out. Madi eats a baseball slam, but then Mickie into the stairs head first. Into the ring Madi pins using the ropes and the ref stops her. Madi pins again and only gets two. Mickie starts fighting back with punches. Madi reverses a whip, but eats an elbow. Mickie ends up with her legs on the top rope, slammed back by her hair for two. Madi chokes Mickie in the ropes.

Mid-match notes:

Madi and Tara argue outside. Mickie fights back, but Madi gets a neck breaker. Tara won’t hit Mickie when Madi tells her to. Two pin attempts by Mickie, then the ref takes a bump. Kick to Mickie’s knee, then Madi out and pulls the loaded glove. Tara rips the glove off Madi’s hand. Mickie sets up for her finisher, but rolled up. Madi holds the pants, but can’t do it. Clotheslines to Madi, then a flapjack.

The finish:

These press to the ref as Madi moves. Mickie counters Madi and is about to finish her, but tara in with the glove. Madi screeches at Tara to hit Mickie. Tara pulls back to hit Madi, Madi on her knees, begging Tara not to. Tara punches Madi, then pulls the ref to count the three!

Winner: Mickie

Borash with Fortune.

Kaz rips on Max.

AJ doesn’t understand Dreamer, it’s bad like AJ hanging out with Flair! He will wrap a chair around Dreamer’s head.

Bobby rips on Matt’s head games. AMW is dead and gone. BMI will be walking out Champs.

Storm tells the kitty cat he shouldn’t have come back. Sorry about your damn luck!

TNA X Division Championship Match
- Kazarian (c) vs. Max Buck

Max out to the ring. Kaz out to good pop.

The start:

They lock up, muscle each other around, arm bars back and forth.

Both flip out of the holds. Shoulder block to Max. They run the ropes, front facelock on Kaz. On ‘boring’ yell. Drop toe hold,t hen front facelock on Max. Max rushes Kaz but eats corner. Dropkick to Max. Kaz floats over, then slams Max back. Max kicks Kaz through the ropes. Max flies through the ropes and nails Kaz with both feet.

Mid-match notes:

Blows to Max, but he comes back with a jawbreaker. Max chokes Kaz on the bottom rope. Max pins for two. Knees to Kaz’s back. Max taunts Kaz, then nails a blow, but Kaz sets Max up top and some blows. Kaz hits a gutwrench on Max, both down.

Sick clotheslines from Kaz, but Max comes back with kicks and blows. Max sets up for a monkey flip, but Kaz took him down. Kaz off the ropes with a legdrop for two. Max counters Kaz, but Max fights back. Neckbreaker on Max for two. Max counters Kaz, gets kaz up and flings him back first into a corner. Max pins again, but only two. Max is frustrated. Kaz’s legs up on the corner, Maz hit a DDT. Max off the corner with a sick 450, but Kaz kicks out.

The finish:

Max taunts Kaz with a face slap. Kaz blocks a suplex, then lifts max onto the top rope, hanging him up there. Kick to Max’s head. Kax comes over the top rope, flying, takes Max down outside with a powerbomb off the apron! Kaz only got two. ‘This is wrestling’ chants. Kaz came back with a shining wizard for three.

Winner and STILL TNA X Division Champion: Kazarian

Abyss with Borash who’s ready to fight. Crimson might have planted Janice in his back, but he’s still here. Barbed wire, still going. Glass, still going. RVD knocked out his teeth, still going. Borash, those teeth were delicious! Crims’ undefeated streak ends tonight!

Feud and setup for Abyss versus Crimson.

Singles Match
- Abyss vs. Crimson

Abyss out to the ring, showing off his lack of teeth. Crimson out to face him.

The start:

They stare across the ring. ‘Crimson’ chants.

Shoulder blocks, neither drop. Choke grabs from both. Forearms to Crim’s back, many drop him. Crim’s whipped, but comes out with a shoulder block. Crim clotheslines Abyss from the ring. Abyss pulls Crim from the ring. Forearms to Crim’s back. Crim sends Abyss into the barrier, then blows on Abyss. Crim rushes Abyss, but eats ring post.

Mid-match notes:

They stare across the ring.
‘Crimson’ chants.

Shoulder blocks, neither drop. Choke grabs from both. Forearms to Crim’s back, many drop him. Crim’s whipped, but comes out with a shoulder block. Crim clotheslines Abyss from the ring. Abyss pulls Crim from the ring. Forearms to Crim’s back. Crim sends Abyss into the barrier, then blows on Abyss. Crim rushes Abyss, but eats ring post.

Blows to Crim, then Abyss sends him into the stairs, shoulder first. Abyss rolls him into the ring, admonished by ref. Abyss splashes Crim in a corner. Crim whipped hard, then hits the mat. abyss rips at Crim’s face.

Crim tries to fight back, but no luck. Abyss still wrenching Crim’s head. Crim up with blows, running the ropes and a double clothesline! Both are down.

Abyss up first, but blows from Crim. Clothesline, then corner splash on abyss. Swining neckbreaker on Abyss for two. Crim is frustrated, gets the fans clapping. Crim rushes Abyss, but eats corner. Big chokeslam on Crim for two.

Abyss from the ring, hunting under, then pulls out Janice! Abyss back into the ring. Abyss raises it to the ref who flees. Abyss yells at Crims to get up, but Crim ducks and spears Abyss for two. Crim rushes Abyss and eats a big boot. Abyss pulls Crim up for shock treatment, but Crim gets free and hits a DDt for two. Abyss leaves the ring to get Janice. Abyss hangs Crim up top. Abyss into the ring, then climbs the corner. Abyss splashes Crim, but only gets two.

The finish:

Abyss is frustrated. Crim pulls himself to his feet. Red sky and Crimson pins Abyss for three!

Winner: Crimson

Setting up Matt Hardy bringing Harris in to they can go after BMI.

TNA Tag Team Championship Match
- Beer Money (c) vs. Matt Hardy & Chris Harris

Matt Hardy to the ring. Wildcat Chris Harris Joins him. Tenay talks up AMW.

Beer Money out to great pop. Storm pours some of his beer into a fan’s mouth. Much trash talk before the bell…

The start:

Harris and Storm look ready to start ‘Braden Walker’ chants.
Harris tags out. Matt on Storm hard with blows in a corner. Earl makes Matt back off. Face buster, then bulldog on Matt.
Roode tags in, they double team, Roode gets two.

Mid-match notes:

Harris tags in and on Roode hard, Roode comes back with blows, then forearms. Cheap shot on Matt. Snap mare on Harris.
Matt tags in. Slam from Roode and Storm tags in. Wishbone on Matt’s legs. Matt with a big slap on Storm, then a cheap on on Roode. Harris tags in. Matt holds Storm, but when Storm goes after him Harris flees. Storm on Matt hard, but then turns into a faceful of beer from Harris.

Matt on Storm hard, gets two. Headlock on Storm as the fans get stomping. Storm whipped, but gets a foot up. Facebuster on Matt.
Both tag out.

Clotheslines from Roode. Roode is whipped and comes out with a huge clothesline. Flying slam on Harris. Matt rushes in but easily removed. Suplex on Harris for two.

Storm wants in, but Matt takes him down outside. Full nelson slam on Roode for two. Matt tags in and hits a side slam on Roode. Flying elbows from Matt to the Roode’s back. Side bearhug on Roode. Roode elbows Matt and out. Blow to Roode. Harris tags in and they both slam Roode back into a corner. Harris taunts Storm, kicks Roode and tags out. Forearm to Roode’s back, but came back with an elbow to Matt’s mouth. Roode can’t reach Storm to tag out.

Side bear hug, but Roode free. Harris tags in. Roode kicks Harris off and tags out.

Storm on Harris hard with blows. Forearm from Storm, then Thesz press on Harris and then many blows on the mat. Earl makes him stop. Harris sends Storm over the top, but Storm easily skins the cat. Through the ropes dropdown DDT on Harris. Matt rushes in, Roode takes him out and follows. Storm hits his inverted DDT from the corner, but only two.

Roode in, but Matt stops the double team finisher. Side effect to Roode, but takes a back stabber. Harris takes Storm down, but then eats a spinebuster from Roode. Double snap suplex to Matt.

The finish:

The call for Beer Money. Storm doesn’t want the BMI finisher, but the old AMW double team leg drop finisher. Storm pins Harris for three as Matt had wandered off.

Winner and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: Beer Money

Singles Match
- Tommy Dreamer vs. AJ Styles

Ray screaming at Borash about being uncomfortable with Ray. Borash asks about Dreamer, business or personal? Ray asks why he cares. Ray knows why Dreamer’s doing what he’s doing. Borash doesn’t need to know. Ray says he can smack Borash at any moment, do whatever he wants and can do it because he can. AJ represents everything Ray hates about pro wrestlers. He Twitters, video games, not what a real wrestler like Ray. He doesn’t drink and chase women. Ray pushes Borash away. He didn’t end AJ’s career, but he will take AJ out. The he’s going to take out Fortune. Then he’ll take AJ’s wife out, in hell’s Kitchen, the way Ray wants to.

The start:

Dreamer to the ring looking rather pissed off. AJ out to face him. AJ yells at Dreamer int he ring. They lock up, but neither can get an upper hand. They lock up. Fireman’s carry on AJ. AJ works on Dreamer’s arm. Dreamer to the ropes and yells to the ref to get AJ off, the ref says it’s no DQ. AJ finally releases and tells Dreamer to wrestle! Blows to AJ. Snap mare to Dreamer, then a kick in his back. Blows to Dreamer in a corner. AJ runs at Dreamer, but takes a huge kick. Kicks to AJ in a corner.

Mid-match notes:

Snake eyes to AJ for less than one. Elbow drops to AJ, then Dreamer gets one. Chinlock on AJ. Dreamer whipped, AJ sent over the top. They run the ropes. AJ nails two clotheslines, then Dreamer out and AJ flies out on him. Blows to Dreamer outside. AJ takes a drink and douses Dreamer in the face with it. Dreamer stops AJ from slamming his head into the stairs, AJ ends up eating them. Dreamer crotched on the barrier. AJ slides under the barrier, springs off the barrier and flies at Dreamer!

They fight up into the crowd. Chops from AJ and finally Dreamer sent off over a small wall. AJ gets down there and Dreamer sends AJ into the wall. Dreamer takes the ‘Impact’ off the wall and hits AJ with it. Dreamer sends AJ through the railing. AJ’s busted open a little.

Back to ringside and Dreamer goes under the ring to pull out the weapons. Dreamer gets a can through the ropes, but AJ dropkicks it into Dreamer.

AJ out and gets a table into the ring. AJ slams the table onto Dreamer, but only gets two. AJ sets up the table, part way. ‘We want fire!’ chants. Dreamer slammed shoulder first into the post. AJ runs up the ramp of the table to fly onto Dreamer. AJ Slams Dreamer’s head into the table for two. ‘This is awesome’ chants.

Big DDT on AJ, but AJ’s beet were under the ropes. Dreamer pulls out a fork and goes for AJ’s eye. AJ stops him and fights back. Big kick to the back of Dreamer’s head. Dreamer eats a can, falls across the broken table. AJ sets up the other end of the table, but takes a body shot from Dreamer. Dreamer gets AJ up, but he wiggles out. Pele.

The finish:

AJ sets up Dreamer, but Ray in with a chain to the back of AJ’s head. Daniels in to chase Ray out.

Piledriver on AJ onto the table (Dreamer going to his bum) for three.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Recap of the feud between Angle and JJ/Karen.

Mixed Tag Team Match
- Jeff Jarrett & Karen Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle & Chyna

Hemme announces ‘girl on girl, guy on guy action’ in this match.
JJ and Karen to the ring. Karen in a sparkly tank top with a part of the back cut out and black stretch pants. She looks pissed!
Angle out first. Karen screeches at him.

Chyna comes out to join him.

Chyna’s in red, white and blue to match Angle. She looks pretty good and the fans seem happy to see her. The smile out at Karen and JJ.

Karen and JJ argue outside the ring.

JJ hugs Karen, then into the ring. ‘Angle’ chants are loud! Angle’s laughing hard! They lock up. Side headlock on JJ. Shoulder block to JJ. Side headlock take over on JJ. Angle keeps JJ down on the mat. Poke to Angle’s eye.Huge hip toss to JJ followed by snap suplex.
Chyna tags in.

Karen won’t get into the ring. The ref points to Karen, then argues with her. ‘Chyna’s gonna kill you!’ chants. Karen climbs up and in as she was being counted out.

The start:

JJ rushed in from behind and attacks Angle. Chyna back on the apron. Back elbow to JJ. JJ up for a Thesz press, but takes a powerbomb for it.

Mid-match notes:

Angle picks up Karen over his shoulder, JJ chop blocks and both go down. Angle face over the second rope takes an upper cut. Cross body to Angle as fans really want Chyna.

JJ lands on Angle in the ropes, but then up and nails JJ with a clothesline. More chants for Chyna. Blows back and forth, Angle gets the upper hand until eating a foot in a corner. Belly to belly on JJ for two. Germans, three of them on JJ.

Straps down, but JJ counters. Angle reverses the stroke. Ankle lock, but JJ free. Angle slam for two as Karen screeches at JJ. Chyna is pacing. JJ over to his corner as Angle tries to get JJ to tag. Mule kick on Angle, but he was able to tag out.

The finish:

Two suplexes from Chyna on JJ! Chyna then stalks Karen around the ring. Karen in and backs into Angle. Karen turns to see Chyna. Chyna splashes Karen in a corner. Chyna drags Karen into the center. Double underhook slam, in a DDT way. Ankle lock on Karen by Chyna. JJ stops JJ from tapping out. Ankle lock on JJ, Karen taps out!

Winners: Kurt Angle & Chyna

Recap of RVD not losing the strap, Sting coming in and winning and how RVD deserves a rematch.

TNA Championship Match
- Sting (c) vs. Rob Van Dam

Anderson is the first person out in a #4 Green Bay jersey. He says he’s going to announce to do a little scouting. ‘Asshole’ chants. This asshole hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mr. Anderson… Anderson (very quickly).

RVD first out to the ring as Anderson’s already getting sarcastic.
Sting out to face him.

RVD poses with Sting’s belt, then gave it back to Earl to hold high.
The bell rings, then bounce around a bit. Conflicting chants for both, RVD’s got louder. RVD and Sting speak closely, then step back.

The start:

They lock up. Side headlock on RVD. RVD pushes out but takes the shoulder block. Sting runs the ropes, then drops down to pin RVD quickly, but only for two.

Mid-match notes:

RVD ducks a clothesline then takes Sting with lower body scissors. RVD backs Sting into a corner with blows. RVD flips away from Sting and rushes back into a knee. RVD rolls in on Sting, but pushed down, no monkey flip. RVD has to roll from the ring to regroup, change Sting’s momentum.

RVD back in and rolls Sting up with a school boy for two. Then another roll up for two. RVD with a high kick takes Sting down. RVD with a foot under Sting’s chin under the ropes. RVD over the top drops a leg on Sting’s throat. RVD limps a bit outside, working something out. RVD in and pins Sting for two.

RVd on Sting with kicks in a corner. RVD whips Sting, then rushes, but Sting moves and RVd ends up flying up and out over the top rope and lands hard/badly. RVD limps some more. Sting out and goes for a stinger splash, but RVD moves and Sting gets nothing but barrier. RVD has people move, then goes for a leg drop, but Sting moves and RVD gets nothing but barrier. Sting with kicks on RVD’s left thigh. Earl pleads with Sting to go back to the ring. Sting sends RVD into a wall. Sting tries again, but RVD reverses. They’re both down.

RVD slams Sting’s face into the top of the wall. Up in the stands RVD hits a drop kick on Sting and both go down. Back up and RVD back kicks Sting down the stairs to the concrete. RVD flies off the top of the stairs, landing on Sting, both going down.

They both go over the barrier, Sting makes it into the ring first. Earl starts to count RVD out. RVD on the apron and hangs Sting up top. RVD up top and flies at Sting, kicking with one leg. RVD goes for rolling thunder, Sting gets his knees up.

Big blows from Sting, then a couple clotheslines. RVD whipped, but a spinkick stops the stinger splash.

Leg drop from RVD, but Sting avoids the five star. Scorpion death drop from Sting and it’s over.

Winner and STILL TNA Champion: Sting

Video of the high points of the match, all up through the stands and to Sting’s win. RVD raises Sting’s arm in the ring, then they hug. Anderson’s heading for the ring. RVD has left, Sting awaits Anderson.

Anderson stares at Sting. Sting stares back.
Nothing is said or done, just staring.

TNA and Spike TV sent out the following press release to announce the official rebranding of TNA’s weekly television show:

SPIKE TV AND TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING RELAUNCH FLAGSHIP PROGRAM AS ‘IMPACT WRESTLING’

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and Spike TV announced today that TNA’s flagship program would be rebranded as IMPACT WRESTLING, beginning Thursday, May 19 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on SPIKE.

With the debut of “TNA iMPACT!” in 2005, TNA and SPIKE have partnered to bring U.S. television audiences the most exciting professional wrestling in the world today. TNA iMPACT! has been averaging 1.8 million viewers this year and ranks among the top programs on cable with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 in its timeslot. In 2011, TNA is up 11% in HH rating vs.Q1 2010 and 9% in viewership of persons 2+.

“While the name change is subtle, it is also very powerful. TNA is proud to be in the wrestling business, and not afraid to say it. And, to emphasize our commitment we have added the word ‘wrestling’ to our already well-known ‘iMPACT!’ brand,” said TNA chief marketing officer Al Ovadia.

In addition to rebranding IMPACT WRESTLING, TNA is launching the tagline, “WRESTLING MATTERS,” a statement that reflects every aspect of TNA Wrestling, from program content to marketing to live events.

“We wanted a branding initiative that was scalable and could extend across all platforms,” added Ovadia. “We asked our fans what it was about professional wrestling that they found most compelling. We learned it was no single aspect, their passion for wrestling was all-consuming. Whether it’s the in-ring action, backstage brawls, the feuds or classic dramatic conflict of good vs. evil, it’s the entire experience that makes ‘wrestling matter.’”

“TNA is a proven ratings winner on Thursday nights for Spike, delivering a consistently large audience of hard-to-reach young men,” said Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports and specials, Spike TV. “We feel the new IMPACT WRESTLING branding message will resonate with our audience who crave the action-packed wrestling that only TNA can provide.”

Effective immediately fans can visit www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com for exclusive news and content on the stars of IMPACT WRESTLING. Fans can also access over 300 hours of TNA programming at www.TNAOnDemand.com.

Here are some highlights of Hulk Hogan’s appearance on The LAW radio show over the weekend:

Wrestling One More Match: “Well it’s a calculated risk, it’s not like ‘Oh my God he’s an idiot with all the back surgeries he’s going to wrestle in Brantford and if he gets knocked down he’s in a wheelchair’ – it’s not that story. If I do get in the ring it’s a calculated risk, these guys are professionals and instead of being body slammed someone can hit me in the throat, rake me in the eye, I can crumble down to the ring or take a bump on the back of my neck and shoulders and not hurt my lower back. There are a lot of ways to do it and if you think of the risk versus reward, it does matter, it’s a pretty foolish thing to think about wrestling after eight back surgeries but then there’s also the love of the business and how I love being around the guys, the fans and you guys so I’m torn between what really makes sense and what I feel. It probably has a lot to do with ego, which I try not to get involved with, I like to take ego when it comes up and put it on the wall and go back to what makes sense so it doesn’t make a lot of sense when you ask the question but it’s a consideration at this point.”

TNA Struggling To Get Viewers To Order PPVS “A lot of it has to do with awareness and the fact that we can get to the people. If I go into my hotel room in Chicago there are certain cable networks that are on like USA Network – there is no Spike TV. I mean a lot of it depends on who you can get to and who you can reach there is a lot more than ‘the fans aren’t buying it’ there is more to the equation and that’s a very shallow statement and that’s not a fact. The people that see it are buying it, there just aren’t enough people seeing it. That’s what it is – it’s creating awareness, a marketing plan we have to work with Spike TV and boost them up the ladder. I don’t know how many cable networks there are in the States if it’s 25 or 35 but in the paper it shows you who the top ten are so if we can get Spike up to that number one position the whole equation would change on how many people are buying it and change the equation and someone wouldn’t say ‘no one is buying it’ well the people that are seeing it are buying it so it’s creating that awareness to make people more aware that the product is there and that they can get it and when they walk into a hotel in Brantford that Spike is available.”

Catch The LAW every Sunday night at 11pm EST on The Score on Sirius 158

On Sunday, former 1996 Olympic gold medalist, and current TNA superstar, Kurt Angle publicly re-confirmed his commitment to making an amateur wrestling comeback in hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics. On his official Twitter page, Angle addressed the negative publicity surrounding his Olympic wrestling announcement back in April and reiterated that he is definitely getting ready.

“much negativity goin round @ Olympic comeback.I truly am getting ready.Don’t compare it to my Ufc- mma attempts.”

Two years ago, Angle, now 42, stated that he wanted to enter the world of MMA especially after the success he saw former collegiate and WWE wrestler Brock Lesnar having in the UFC. Rumors popped up that Angle was trying to get into the UFC. Unfortunately, his MMA aspirations never materialized and he ended up staying in TNA. However, many MMA critics blasted Angle for his foolish talk. Angle also revealed on Sunday that he tried negotiating with the UFC but they couldn’t come terms.

Kurt Angle won the Olympic gold medal for the heavyweight weight class at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Even more amazing was that Kurt did this with a broken neck as he suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck during the Olympic trials.

Soon after his Olympic success, the WWE offered Angle a wrestling contract. However, Angle rejected the offer. But in 1998, Angle changed his mind and signed an 8 year contract with the WWE. Angle would go on to have huge success with the WWE and became an even bigger star. Unfortunately, the 6 time world champion left the WWE in 2006 after contractual difficulties.
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Angle would go on to become a 4 time TNA world champion and put the small wrestling promotion on his back. Angle helped to propel TNA into the #2 wrestling promotion in America, eventually attracting other top stars like Mick Foley, Rick Flair, and others. Currently, Angle is in a feud with Jeff Jarrett and they will wrestle in a tag-team match at the upcoming Sacrifice PPV on May 15th.

U.S. beats Russia, 5-2 in freestyle wrestling in Beat the Streets Gala in Times Square

Henry CejudoNEW YORK, May 5, 2011 – With an opening victory from 2008 Olympic champion Henry Cejudo and an inspired performance throughout the lineup, the United States defeated Russia in a freestyle wrestling dual meet in Times Square on Thursday.

The event was held in Duffy Square in New York City , located in the historic Times Square setting. Thousands of people packed the seats and stood around the raised stage, as thousands of others watched on a large screen overlooking the scene. The event was held as part of the Beat the Streets Gala, a fundraiser for local wrestling programs.

“Times Square. America. Wrestling. That was the difference today,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. “The training, the confidence, the relaxed atmosphere. The team energy was good. We were intent on winning today. They were going to get this. They would not be denied.”

Cejudo won his first time on the mat since his dramatic victory at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing , China . He stopped Junior World bronze medalist Rasul Mashezov, 2-0, 4-3 at 55 kg. He had a key three-point move late in the second period to claim the period and capture the match.

“I feel like a wrestler again. It’s a good start. I’m not where I was in 2008 but I will get there. I want to do it again for my country. I am a patriotic American,” said Cejudo.

Russia rebounded at 60 kg/132 lbs., with Rasul Murtazaliev defeating 2009 U.S. World Team member Shawn Bunch, 3-0, 3-0.

The U.S. took a lead in the next match, one which it would never surrender. 2010 World Team member Brent Metcalf stopped Magomedmurad Gadzhiev of Russia, 1-0, 4-1, 1-0. Metcalf scored the winning the winning takedown in the third period of a competitive bout.

At 74 kg/163 lbs., 2010 U.S. Open champion Jordan Burroughs won his first match ever facing a Russian opponent, stopping Aniuar Geduev of Russia, 1-0, 2-1. Burroughs was able to get his effective double leg attack to work against a strong opponent.

Russia closed the gap to 4-2, when X Junior World champion Andrey Valiev of Russia defeated 2009 World silver medalist Jake Herbert, 3-1, 3-2 at 84 kg/185 lbs. Valiev won the key positions in a close match.

The U.S. victory was clinched at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., when 2009 U.S. World Team member Jake Varner stopped Shamil Akhmedov of Russia, 5-0, 0-1, 4-0. Varner had a strong third period to put the match away. Akhmedov defeated Varner by injury default in a bout in Russia earlier this year, when Varner was unable to complete the bout.

The final U.S. win came at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., when 2009 World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev swept Barsag Kesaev in two straight periods, 3-0, 3-1. Dlagnev avenged an loss to Kesaev earlier this season in Russia .

The USA vs. Russia dual meet was being billed as The Battle on Broadway, with “New York Is Wrestling” as the theme of this year’s event. The event was free to the public, and was streamed live on TheMat.com and Flowrestling.

Each year, the Beat the Streets Gala is held to celebrate wrestling and raise funds for Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc., the successful program which has provided wrestling opportunities for thousands of middle school and high school students in New York City .

A card of eight exhibition matches featuring young athletes who wrestle in the Beat the Streets youth program, as well as high school wrestlers from the Public School Athletic League was held prior to the match. Results will be posted shortly at TheMat.com.

2011 BEAT THE STREETS GALA
Duffy Square – Times Square at 46th Street in New York , N.Y. , May 5

USA 5, Russia 2
Battle on Broadway in Times Square
New York, N.Y., May 5, 2011
55 kg/121 lbs. – Henry Cejudo ( USA ) dec. Rasul Mashezov, 2-0, 4-3
60 kg/132 lbs. –. Rasul Murtazaliev ( Russia ) dec. Shawn Bunch ( USA ), 3-0, 3-0
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf ( USA ) dec. Magomedmurad Gadzhiev ( Russia ), 1-0, 4-1, 1-0
74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs ( USA ) dec. Aniuar Geduev ( Russia ), 1-0, 2-1
84 kg/185 lbs. – Andrey Valiev ( Russia ) dec. Jake Herbert ( USA ), 3-1, 3-2
96 kg/211.5 lbs. –Jake Varner ( USA ) dec. Shamil Akhmedov ( Russia ), 5-0, 0-1, 4-0
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev ( USA ) dec. Barsag Kesaev ( Russia ), 3-0, 3-1
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
- Vince Lombardi

NEW YORK, May 3, 2011 – For those who can’t come in person to New York’s Duffy Square this Thursday night when the USA meets Russia at “The Crossroads of The World,” there will be other ways to witness this one-of-a-kind freestyle wrestling dual meet.

The event will be held in Duffy Square in New York City, located in the historic Times Square setting at 46th Street. The event is free to the public and will also be shown on the single largest facing LED screen in Times Square.

The USA vs. Russia freestyle wrestling dual meet will begin at 6 p.m., following a card of exhibition matches featuring young athletes who wrestle in the Beat the Streets youth program, as well as high school wrestlers from the Public School Athletic League and the Catholic High School Athletic Association, which will begin at 3 p.m. MEDIA AVAILABILITY FOR THE TWO TEAMS WILL BE WEDNESDAY AT 2:00 AT THE NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB.

FOX College Sports will provide a taped-delayed broadcast of the “Battle on Broadway,” with Jason Bryant of USA Wrestling handling play-by-play and Olympic champion Rulon Gardner doing the color commentary. Gardner will be one of a host of elite athletes attending the event Thursday. Others include: Olympians Dan Gable, Jeff Blatnick, Kurt Angle, Tom Brands and Kendall Cross, as well as NCAA champions Anthony Robles, Bubba Jenkins and Darrion Caldwell. Current UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, NFL stars Justin Tuck, Antonio Garay, Marcus Colston and Willie Colon and celebrities Billy Baldwin, Matthew Modine and Nate Parker will also be on hand.

There are already four airdates scheduled, starting on Saturday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time and Sunday, May 22 at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. As many as 20 airings are expected. If you are unsure what channels in your area carry Fox College Sports programming, check your cable or satellite provider’s listings.

There will also be a pair of live webcasts provided by popular wrestling websites.

TheMat.com will provide a live stream from the event, with veteran wrestling announcer Scott Casber and USA Wrestling National Teams Director Mitch Hull on the microphone.

Flowrestling will also webcast the event live, with Joe Williamson and Mark Bader making the call.

Each year, the Beat the Streets Gala is held to celebrate wrestling and raise funds for Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc., the successful program which has provided wrestling opportunities for thousands of middle school and high school students in New York City.

The Beat the Streets Reception and Awards Ceremony is set for the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway in New York City, starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance by country music legend John Rich at the function.

2011 BEAT THE STREETS GALA

New York Is Wrestling

Battle on Broadway

Duffy Square – Times Square at 46th Street in New York, N.Y., May 5

USA vs. Russia Freestyle Dual Meet matches

55 kg/121 lbs. – Henry Cejudo (USA) vs. Rasul Mashezov (Russia)

60 kg/132 lbs. – Shawn Bunch (USA) vs. Rasul Murtazaliev (Russia)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf (USA) vs. Magomedmurad Gadzhiev (Russia)

74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs. Aniuar Geduev (Russia)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Jake Herbert (USA) vs. Andrey Valiev (Russia)

96 kg/211.5 lbs. –Jake Varner (USA) vs. Shamil Akhmedov (Russia)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev (USA) vs. Barsag Kesaev (Russia)

BROADCAST TEAMS

Fox College Sports: Jason Bryant and Rulon Gardner

TheMat.com: Scott Casber and Mitch Hull

Flowrestling: Joe Williamson and Mark Bader

ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS

The Mission of the Beat the Streets Wrestling Program is to expand and develop wrestling in the New York City Metropolitan area from the youth through the Olympic level. Our dream is to provide opportunities for boys and girls in the activity of wrestling, building lifelong skills. If you share this mission and would like to volunteer to help, please contact info@beat-the-streets.org.

By Rich Mancuso

Yes, I watched Monday Night RAW tonight and when the telecast ended, I too, extended a Happy Birthday greeting to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Now we are not accustomed to seeing a WWE superstar, that is, if the Rock still is, provided such an occasion. Reality it was for sure and well deserved!

I recall meeting the Rock, years later, at the MTV Music Awards in New York City. This was after many years of not knowing who “Little Dwayne” was. You see, there was a time when Dwayne wasn’t The Rock. He used to attend shows with his father Rocky Johnson. Little Dwayne needed to be watched while his father went in the ring.

And so, years later, at the awards, I get the stare. The sun glasses came off. His finger pointed at me to come over to him. “You…You..You…Rich Mancuso,” he said. I wondered? Why would The Rock call me over? “You.. You… don’t remember,” he would say. “You used to take me by the hand and me and you watched my father in the ring,” he said.

Yeah, that was not Little Dwayne. It was now The Rock. And he was it his best. Little did I know that it was Little Dwayne all grown up, the WWE superstar and later a prominent motion picture character that has come home to WWE, this time for the year- long buildup to the WrestleMania main event in Miami Florida next April with John Cena.

And it is indeed The Rock who will once again carry the WWE Empire of Vince McMahon the next year. He is home, as McMahon proclaimed Monday evening. A deserved tribute for the Rock’s 39th birthday in Miami and of course John Cena with the championship belt made it known that he has arrived once again with the title. And the WWE title now has to go through Cena.

Again, I would like to see how WWE writers are going to keep this suspense going with Mania, 11 months from now. It is unprecedented to stage a main event so far off, but The Rock is one person that can keep it going. That is, assuming, Cena does not get hurt and if they don’t flip-flop the title on and off Cena. It’s a gamble and if anyone can pull it off it is the creative team at WWE, even though the product has lost some interest with their bizarre angles. Let’s face it, The Rock back on WWE programming, is better than watching Michael Cole each and every week make himself look like a fool.

So that was the real Dwayne Johnson getting a serenade of Happy Birthday wishes from the WWE Universe in Miami. His mother, proudly at ringside with other family and good friends, and it was real. You could see The Rock gloating, almost fighting back the tears.

He has done so much for the business over the years. There were times when The Rock had his doubters. Even Vince McMahon and the creative team gave it a chance. Dwayne Johnson and McMahon devised the character. The Rock became one of the biggest wrestling superstars of this new entertainment era of pro wrestling.

There was never resentment. The “Boys” in the locker room welcomed him, not because he was the son of a legend. There was talent, and the character and finishing move have entertained fans and other superstars since its inception. And now The Rock is home for the limited run of WWE programming engagements leading up to his match with Cena that will surely surpass every WrestleMania to date.

Yes, The Rock had a Birthday bash on Monday Night RAW. And he made it one heck of a spectacle for two hours. Happy Birthday Dwayne Johnson, or is it Little Dwayne, and many more!

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

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Austin on being part of the first big event after 9/11 (Smackdown in Houston on Sept. 13, 2001…..tied in with the news that Osama Bin Laden was killed): “Well, the first show back was an interesting day at the office just because that’s when Vince just said ‘Hey Steve, we need to go back to work. A lot of people are going to come down on us but we gotta get this thing moving again and go forward because that’s what you do.” There was just a lot going on there. A big gray cloud over all of us. Why this happened and how it happened and everything that went on. It was a little strange obviously. It was a weird period, that’s all I can say about it. It was a long time ago and it was a weird period, but you have to do what you have to do.”

Austin on Edge’s sudden retirement and similarities to Austin’s neck problems: “Well, I don’t know all the particulars about Edge’s health, but I guess it’s a neck problem. Spinal Stenosis, it means you ain’t gotta lot of room for your spinal cord to move. So that puts him in harms way by taking too many bumps or taking the wrong bump, so it’s a good decision he made. Sad day at the office for millions and millions of Edge fans and WWE fans.

“I remember a long time ago, when my good buddy “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff had to get out of the business and he looked at me…..Me and Paul were always straight shooters with each other and really good friends….and he goes ‘Steve, let me tell you something. There is life after wrestling.’ And there is, you just gotta go out there and find it and Edge will. He’s a bright kid, always has been, he’s still young, has got youth on his side, good looking kid and smart, so he’ll be fine. That’s just the way it is. When its time to close a door and open up another one, you gotta do that.”

Reaction to hearing WM 28 Main Event a year in advance and making it work: “They’re gonna have to make it work. It’s a hard build to make work. Rock’s hot and heavy right now in the moviebusiness, he’s doing great…..and Cena is the number 1 guy, I’m sure he would love to work with a guy like Rock. When you got that big a window of time, it’s gotta work, and if anybody can make it work, it’s Vince. He always wants to do something big at every single Wrestlemania there is and that’s the big thing that he made was…..this next Wrestlemania. He’s a lot smarter than I am, so more power to him and good luck. I wish both guys well.”

On wrestlers having personality or lack thereof and if the guys in the back were upset that he showed his with the Stone Cold character: “To this day, they (creative) might give you something because they don’t think you can come up with anything better or they feel their idea might be better than yours. Vince is a businessman. He don’t want to sit there and make every single decision that’s gotta be made. At the corporate level that’s his job because he’s the leader of that ship….he’s the captain…..it’s his baby, but hell, he wants everyone to go out there.

“If John Cena, the number 1 guy in the business, goes up to Vince and goes ‘Vince, I got a damn good idea, this is how to make me better and more hotter than I already am’….Vince is gonna listen to him. If Joe Blow who’s jerking the curtain in the first match says ‘Vince, I got a hell of an idea that’s gonna make me a main eventer, Vince is gonna say ‘Let me hear it’. It ain’t about them labeling you anything and making you stick to it. You gotta come up with something…..it’s show business.”