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Former WWE Diva Returns To TNA In Significant Management Role
Following the firing of Scott D’Amore, there have been significant backstage changes in TNA, with several people in managerial roles also departing the company. However, TNA’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment is seemingly beginning to fill these vacant roles, with it reported by Dave Meltzer on X that Christy Hemme has been hired as the new Head of Marketing. It was also confirmed Sami Callihan is now running live events, seemingly in addition to wrestling for the promotion. Initially, it appears an odd decision to hire 43-year-old Hemme, best known for winning WWE’s Diva Search in 2004, for such an important position. Yet it should be noted that the mother of five previously worked for TNA between 2006 and 2016 in multiple roles, including as part of the creative team. Therefore, she clearly knows the company exceptionally well, and with her being close friends with Gail Kim, who is a producer and member of the current creative structure, it wouldn’t be surprising if she recommended her.
Adam Cole Confirms His Relationship Status With Dr. Britt Baker
Over the past several months, it’s been rumored that AEW’s power couple, Adam Cole and Dr. Brit Baker, had broken up, although neither would disclose this publicly, deciding to keep their personal life private. However, that has now changed, as Cole has confirmed to Rick Ucchino of Sports Illustrated that he and Baker have separated, although would not they still love each other and remain friends. Cole and Baker began dating in 2017, and while both were in the wrestling business at the time, it’s understood they actually met on Bumble, with Baker not recognizing the then-ROH talent at the time. Subsequntly they would begin dating long-distance, but eventually moved in with each other in Orlando. Therefore, when Cole announced on Twitch earlier this year that he was moving back to Pennsylvania alone, many suspected the relationship was over.
Backstage News On Carlito’s Controversial Comment On Raw
During this week’s episode of Raw, Carlito caused controversy online by saying, “I gotta learn Chinese,” after Japanese wrestlers IYO Sky and Kairi Sane walked off following a segment with Adam Pearce. Subsequntly, WWE has edited out this line, which many consider problematic, from clips on social media. And now it has been reported by Fightful Select that this line wasn’t scripted, and Carlito added it himself to the disbelief of those backstage. 45-year-old Carlito was released by WWE in 2010 after he refused to attend rehab following a violation of the WWE Wellness Program. From there, he would disappear from mainstream wrestling, focusing on wrestling on independent shows and for his father’s World Wrestling Council promotion in Puerto Rico. Still, after a surprise return at the 2021 Royal Rumble proved fans remembered him, it would open the door for his full-time WWE return two years later.
Why Samantha Irvin Decided To Quit WWE Revealed
WWE fans were shocked on Monday afternoon when Samantha Irvin took to social media to announce that she was leaving WWE. However, with no reason given, speculation quickly commenced that she was off to join her fiancé Ricochet in AEW. Yet, after he confirmed on X that this wasn’t her intention, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio has reported Irvin quit WWE due to management not allowing her to do outside projects relating to her music career. 35-year-old Irvin, real name Samantha Johnson, initially spent four years as a vocalist on the Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller – Live, which led to her appearing in the 10th season of America’s Got Talent. Still, despite impressing judges, she ended up being eliminated at the semi-final stage by a public vote. Subsequntly, she would attempt to break into the wrestling business initially as a competitor by trying out at the WWE Performance Center before being hired as a ring announcer.
Ricochet Addresses Speculation That Samantha Irvin Will Be Joining Him In AEW
As soon as news broke on Monday afternoon that Samantha Irvin was leaving WWE, speculation immediately commenced online that she was headed to AEW to join her fiancé Ricochet. However, the AEW star has wasted no time in playing these suggestions down, taking to X to confirm Irvin won’t be coming to AEW. This indicates that Irvin’s future is outside of the wrestling business, with a singing career now the most likely possibility. Having moved from NXT to Smackdown and then to Raw, 35-year-old Irvin has more than proven her ability as a ring announcer. Yet it was her performance at WrestleMania XL that opened many fans’ eyes to her talent, thanks to her passionate calls that come across as if she cares about what she is watching. In fact, legendary announcer Michael Buffer would even praise her after the event by saying, “Her timing, pace, drama, energy was perfect.” Therefore, her departure from WWE and the wrestling world will be a significant loss, although the door will likely be open for a future return.
Rico Constantino Reveals How Tony Khan Shocked Him
Pro wrestling fans were shocked earlier this month when former WWE talent Rico Constantino debuted for the promotion during WrestleDream Zero Hour, appearing as the manager of the MxM Collection. And while his long-term future with the company is currently unclear, Constantino has revealed during the latest episode of his podcast that Tony Khan not only took the time to speak to him but actually shocked him by remembering his time as a contestant on American Gladiators during the early 90s. 63-year-old Constantino first found fame via the television shows American Gladiators and Fort Boyard, which led to him pursuing a pro wrestling career despite being in his late 30s at the time. Subsequntly, he joined WWE’s developmental territory, OVW, where he was prominently used, winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship three times and achieving tag team success alongside John Cena. However, unlike Cena, he wouldn’t be given a proper opportunity to become a star when eventually called up because he was given the gimmick of a stylist working alongside Billy and Chuck and then 3-Minute Warning, which limited how high he could be featured on the card.
Sting Confirms His AEW Contract Status & What He Now Does For Work
Thanks to AEW, Sting had one of the greatest retirement matches of all time earlier this year, which included his sons Steven and Garrett accompanying him to the ring and even getting involved in the bout. Still, except for an appearance at All In, he has remained absent from AEW television, making it unclear whether he remained signed with the promotion. However, during a brief interview with Kayfabe Friends, Sting revealed he remains contracted to AEW via a licensing agreement and is spending his newly found free time flipping houses. 65-year-old Sting broke into the business in 1985 under the name Flash, initially forming a tag team with the Ultimate Warrior, who was called Justice. Subsequently, they would end up going their separate ways, with both becoming massive stars for rival promotions, as Sting became WCW’s top babyface, while at the same time, Warrior was positioned as Hulk Hogan’s replacement in WWE. Yet Sting would win out when it came to longevity, as while Warrior was effectively out of the business by the late 90s, Sting wrestled for TNA, WWE, and finally AEW.
Shelton Benjamin Discloses His Other Options Before Choosing To Join AEW
Three weeks ago, Shelton Benjamin made his first AEW appearance during a backstage segment alongside MVP, where he was called the “president of our complaints department” in reference to The Hurt Syndicate. Subsequently, he would go on to defeat Lio Rush in last week’s episode of Dynamite in a highly praised match, showing he hadn’t lost a step since departing WWE. And now, during an interview with Gabby LaSpisa, he disclosed his options before signing with AEW and explained why he ultimately chose to become All Elite. 49-year-old Benjamin broke into the business via WWE’s then-developmental territory OVW in 2000 and, over the next decade, would have a great deal of success, especially after forming a memorable tag team partnership with Charlie Haas. Yet, while he departed the company in 2010 and went on to work for ROH, New Japan, and NOAH, he would get a second chance to be a WWE Superstar in 2017, teaming with Chad Gable before becoming part of The Hurt Business.
Keith Lee Comments On His AEW Absence
It’s known that Keith Lee has been dealing with an injury since 2022, and at one point, things got so bad that his highly anticipated match with Swerve Strickland at Worlds End had to be pulled at the last minute. Since then, it’s been confirmed he underwent surgery, although further updates have been limited. Still, Lee has now taken to X to thank fans for their support during his absence and stated, “We are not done,” indicating he will be able to make a comeback. At one time, 39-year-old Lee was considered a can’t-miss talent when he was part of WWE, and Vince McMahon apparently even told Randy Orton to make him look like a star when they first wrestled. Yet, it’s understood McMahon quickly soured on Lee and sent him to receive additional training, wanting to change what made him stand out in the first place. However, not long afterward, he was sidelined due to a heart condition, and his career faltered, leading to his eventual WWE release.
Jelly Roll Responds To Criticism Of His Performance Honoring Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne was honored this weekend with his second induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, this time as a solo artist. Several rock and music notables paid tribute to “The Prince Of Darkness” by performing a medley of some of his most well-known songs. One of the guests included country superstar Jelly Roll who sang “Mama I’m Coming Home.” Response to his performance was mostly positive, but a loud contingent on X bashed the singer for his take on the Ozzy classic and questioned why he was part of the ceremony. Jelly Roll took to X on Sunday, and it doesn’t sound like he’s going to be on the app much longer. “This is for sure the most toxic negative app to exist ever — PERIOD. lol,” he wrote. “This place is different man, I always heard it was the Wild West on here but man it’s insane. It’s a safe place for everyone to say mean sh*t to each other with no consequences. I’m out lol.”
Samantha Irvin Shocks WWE Fans By Announcing Her Departure From The Company
Having moved from NXT to Smackdown to Raw, Samantha Irvin has more than proven her ability as a ring announcer. In fact, following her WrestleMania XL performance, the legendary Michael Buffer would praise her by saying, “Her timing, pace, drama, energy was perfect.” Still, despite being held in such high regard, her time with the company is over, as she has taken to Instagram to post an emotional goodbye. And while she wouldn’t disclose her plans for the future, there is already speculation online that she is AEW-bound due to her fiancé Ricochet now working there. 35-year-old Irvin, real name Samantha Johnson, first found stardom as a contestant on the reality television show America’s Got Talent, making it to the semi-finals. Yet, despite her undeniable musical talent and star quality, she ended up abandoning a career in the music industry to pursue instead one in pro wrestling after being encouraged by Mark Henry, which, given her success with WWE, appeared to be the correct decision.
Iron Maiden Comments On Passing Of Former Singer Paul Di’Anno
It was sadly reported on Monday that former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno, the frontman for the band’s self-titled debut and follow-up, “Killers,” passed away at the age of 66. Both records Di’Anno appeared on are regarded as highly influential and classics of the metal genre. Iron Maiden themselves paid tribute to Di’Anno in a post via social media. They wrote: “We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as...
Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di’Anno Passes Away At 66
Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno appeared with the band on their first two seminal and influential studio records. Sadly, his record label reports that the frontman has passed away at the age of 66. “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno,” a statement from the label reads. “Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66. Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between...
NXT Star Shows Off Her New Tattoo
Natalie Holland, best known to wrestling fans as Tatum Paxley in WWE, is tipped to go far in the wrestling business. And now, having recently tied the knot with fellow NXT wrestler Javier Bernal, she has made another big decision by getting a large tattoo on her leg, which she has shared with her followers via Instagram Stories. Having been a USA Powerlifting champion, 27-year-old Paxley signed with WWE in 2021, making her debut on NXT Level Up six months later. Her career would then take off when she was given an obsessed stalker gimmick that plays to dolls. However, despite being regular on NXT television, arguably her biggest career match so far came thanks to TNA’s working relationship with WWE, as she challenged Jordynne Grace for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Against All Odds 2024.
Jim Ross Shares Health Update Following Hip Replacement
Jim Ross has unfortunately been dealing with multiple health issues over the past several years, with his two cancer diagnoses being the most worrying. Additionally, it’s known he was hospitalized with breathing difficulties, underwent eye surgery, and was also recently attending a rehab facility after breaking his right hip, which needed relating and left him walking with assistance from a cane. However, in positive news, the AEW commentator has confirmed on his podcast that he is feeling better and is, therefore, more willing to travel. 72-year-old Ross is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, having begun his career in the 1970s and becoming one of the industry’s most respected and recognizable announcers. Yet, while he has worked for multiple promotions over the years and is firmly All Elite, he still remains best known for his time with WWE, where his iconic voice and insightful comments elevated countless matches and moments.
Harley Cameron “Pulls A Rick Rude” By Appearing On Two Shows At The Same Time
Rick Rude famously appeared on both Raw and Nitro on the same night during the Monday Night Wars due to WWE’s show being taped, and in the meantime, he’d signed with WCW. At the time, this was considered a huge deal and proved the lengths Eric Bischoff would go to in order to one-up Vince McMahon. And now a similar occurrence has transpired as Harley Cameron not only wrestled on AEW’s pre-taped episode of Collision, losing to Kris Statlander, but also appeared alongside QT Marshall during Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s debut show, which was live. 30-year-old Cameron is the wife of former WWE wrestler Xyon Quinn and moved to the US with him in 2018 after he signed a developmental contract. Initially, she planned to pursue a career as a singer and model, becoming a ring girl for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. However, in 2021, she would begin pursuing pro wrestling by training at Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze’s Flatbacks Wrestling School, which led her to catch AEW’s attention thanks to her looks and charisma.
Alex Van Halen Shares Opinion Of Sammy Hagar’s “Best Of All Worlds Tour”
Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen has a new book, “Brothers,” coming out on Tuesday that covers the band’s inception through their initial split with frontman David Lee Roth in 1984. To say that Alex seems a little contentious about the Sammy Hagar-fronted era of the band is an accurate assessment with the only mention of the highly successful run in his book reading: “We had a lot of other singers over the years.” In a new interview with Billboard, Alex was asked what he thought of Hagar’s “Best Of All Worlds Tour” which was billed earlier this year as...
FOZZY Responds To Fake News About Show Attendance
FOZZY are well known for creating a unique opportunity for fans through their VIP experience. A limited number of concertgoers can see the band soundcheck and perform a mini set of FOZZY and classic rock songs, take individual pictures with the band, get merchandise autographed and even perform a song with the group. A short video clip of the band’s soundcheck experience was shared via social media under false pretenses to try to paint the group in a bad light in terms of attendance at their recent show in New York. The clip was from the VIP soundcheck and not...
Why Michael Cole Missed This Week’s SmackDown Revealed
Longtime WWE commentator Michael Cole very rarely misses shows, so when it was announced that he was absent from this week’s SmackDown due to a “special assignment,” fans worried there could be more to the situation. Subsequntly fans online would begin looking for a reason, with it soon discovered via a week-old interview with WFAN that Cole simply had a family vacation planned. Therefore, given the timeline, he should be back for next week’s episode, well-rested. 57-year-old Cole, real name Sean Michael Coulthard, began his WWE career as an interviewer all the way back in 1997 and, over the next few decades, worked his way up in the company to eventually become the Vice President of Announcing. However, in recent years, he has been reducing his backstage responsibilities to fully concentrate on his on-air role, which seems to be working out well for everyone.
Update On Sammy Guevara’s Injury Status
Two weeks ago, during a Ring Of Honor taping, Sammy Guevara was stretched from the ring after a spot was mistimed, and Serpentico landed on his face. Subsequntly, it would be confirmed Guevara had suffered a concussion, which was extra concerning as it was his second in just over a year. However, after Guevara took to social media earlier this week and posted “Good news! LFG!” on X, Dave Meltzer has reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the AEW original has been medically cleared. Despite being hailed as one of the four pillars of AEW, Guevara’s time with the promotion has been hindered by injuries and suspensions. Therefore, it was hoped that an extended run in AEW’s sister promotion, ROH, would allow him to get his groove back and reestablish himself in the eyes of fans, and thankfully, that is again possible.
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