Check Out Some Updated **SPOILER** Photos Of Two TNA Title Changes At The iMPACT! Tapings

Birthdate: 04/15/1978 (age 36) Height: 5'9" Weight: 202 Ib He's a five-time TNA X Division Champion (his f...

Here are a few **SPOILER** photos making their way around Twitter from last night’s TNA iMPACT! TV tapings in London:

Congratulations to @RealKurtAngle on becoming the new tna world heavy weight champion #IMPACTLondon pic.twitter.com/Ctkkx7L46S

— David Michel (@dawgfatheruk) February 1, 2015

@RealKurtAngle @fightbobby thanks for a fantastic match. Congrats NEW heavyweight world champ kurt angle! pic.twitter.com/SdY4rWCd1J

— Emma knight (@HopwoodroadEmma) February 1, 2015

Photos: Kurt Angle just defeated Bobby Lashley to become the NEW #TNA World Champion #TNALondon #TNAUK #IMPACTLondon pic.twitter.com/QmD6hYG7Ru

— Jorge Romero (@Jromer0) February 1, 2015

WWE NXT Diva Carmella Reveals Her Dream Match, Winning The NXT Title, Miss Elizabeth

WWE NXT Diva Carmella recently spoke with WWE.com, here are the highlights…

On being a fan of Miss Elizabeth: “When I was a little girl, I loved Miss Elizabeth. I would dress up in my old dance costumes and my dad would carry me around on his shoulder. I thought I was a true Diva. Sometimes the craziest dreams actually turn into reality and I truly feel blessed for this opportunity.”

On her dream match: “My dream match would be with Trish Stratus. She was the epitome of a Diva and someone I looked up to as a little girl. Although she started as a fitness model, she didn’t let that hold her back. She was willing to work hard and wasn’t afraid to take risks, which is something I think we have in common. It would be an absolute honor and dream come true to step in the ring with her.”

On her plans to win the NXT Women’s Championship in 2015: “I’m headed straight for the top of the NXT Divas division. Although my road to NXT might have been different than the other Divas, I’m here to work. I put 100 percent into everything I do, and I won’t quit until I reach the top. Plus, I think we can all agree that the NXT Women’s Championship will look much more fabulous around my waist.”

John Cena Pulled From Monday's Raw - Title Change At Battleground?

Partial Source: PWInsider

- As of a few days ago, WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena was still being advertised for this Monday’s post-Battleground RAW from Miami. But now he has been removed from the advertised listings. The reason for this is because he is in the middle of filming the Trainwreck movie for WWE Films.

With Brock Lesnar set to return on Monday’s RAW, and both Cena and Lesnar being advertised for Summerslam, there is a speculation that there will be a new World Heavyweight Champion crowned on Sunday at the Battleground PPV.

This is not confirmed, but there are people within WWE that feels it's time to give Roman Reigns the title on Sunday. It's described as a “pull the trigger” moment for Reigns.

Also read: The Very Latest On John Cena Missing RAW This Monday And A Major Possible **SPOILER**

More as we get.

- Down below is the cover for WWE’s “John Cena – Greatest Rivalries” DVD and Blu-ray, courtesy of WrestlingDVDNews.com. The DVD will be released on October 14th:

The Extreme Rising Title Will No Longer Be Defended At Tonight's MCW Event

Maryland Championship Wrestling released the following press release:

EXTREME RISING CHAMPIONSHIP BELT REMOVED FROM MCW EVENT THIS SATURDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Extreme Rising World Champion and championship belt will not be appearing Saturday, July 19th 2014 for MCW in Joppa, MD thanks to Dan McDevitt and Maryland Championship Wrestling for their cooperation in this matter.

It had come to our attention that a match featuring Wrestling Superstar Matt Hardy and Luke Hawx is being promoted for the Maryland and Extreme Rising Championship World Title.

Also read: The Drama Continues With The Extreme Rising Title And Tonight's MCW Event - Statements Issued

Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling was never contacted concerning this stipulation. After communicating with Dan McDevitt of MCW, the Extreme Rising title stipulation has been removed from the match. We appreciate Mr. McDevitt's professionalism in this matter.

Extreme Rising has not sanctioned any World Title matches for its championship belt since before April 30th 2014. No one has ever defeated Stevie Richards in an Extreme Rising sanctioned title match.

STEVIE RICHARDS is –and has been the only officially recognized champion and title holder for Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling, since his winning of the title tournament dated December 29th 2012 at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA.

Presently, Oren Hawxhurst aka Luke Hawx has physical possession of the Extreme Rising World Title. Extreme Rising has reached out to Mr. Hawxhurst through our attorney, but has yet to receive our property. We had hope that a professional and amicable return of the World title to our office would be in order by Mr. Hawxshurt, but to date hasn't happened.

You may read the entire back story on the Extreme Rising Title / Stevie Richards / Luke Hawx situation here http://extremerising.com/extreme-rising-world-title-turmoil

The Drama Continues With The Extreme Rising Title And Tonight's MCW Event - Statements Issued

UPDATE x 2: PWInsider released a response from Maryland Championship Wrestling president Dan McDevitt on the earlier press release, which was issued by Steve O'Neill of Extreme Rising:

I received the Press release that you sent to me requesting my comments and wanted to respond. First and foremost I have not agreed to make any changes to my card tonight with anyone so I am really not sure where this is coming from. However I would appreciate it if you would post my response along with posting this release from Extreme Rising.

In reviewing the release there were several things that stood out to me that have made me wonder if Steve is living in the same world that we are. The first thing right away was the statement that "Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling was never contacted". Of course they were not contacted, how would they be? Do they not acknowledge that three months ago they threw the Ninja Smoke ball down and disappeared with Hundreds maybe even thousands of fans' money & many wrestlers' paydays without any explanation just days before these events were to happen. It would probably be much easier to find the body of Jimmy Hoffa than it would to find him so of course no one contacted them.

My next thought was of really just of disappointment. I have been Involved with this business for over 20 years now and I can say that I still love this business as much as I did when I started in it maybe even more so now. I truly hate everything that happens in this business that end up leaving black eyes on the business as a whole. That is why I feel truly disappointed that Steve's first public statement is about a match stipulation that is not even on one of his shows concerning a company that does not have any events scheduled in the foreseeable future. His first public statement should be to the fans that spent money on tickets, booked hotels and made travel arrangements to attend shows that never happened. It should have also been to all of the people that believed in him and the wrestlers that took his dates over others and lost money for which they most likely use to feed their families. Rather than being worried about who is recognized as the champion, he should be more concerned with making right with all of the people that were done wrong.

Concerning the stipulation for tonight's MCW Championship TLC Match between Matt Hardy & Luke Hawx my only concern is that it is for The Maryland Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Championship. If Matt & Luke want to bring other championships, The deed to their houses, a Mountain bike, A gift card to Target and a partridge in a pear tree and put them all on the line tonight than that is on them.

I hope that clears things up Mike, Let me know if you need anything else. If anyone would like more information on tonight's event they can visit our website @ www.MarylandWrestling.com

Dan McDevitt President Maryland Championship Wrestling

UPDATE: Steve O'Neill of Extreme Rising issued the following press release:

EXTREME RISING CHAMPIONSHIP BELT REMOVED FROM MCW EVENT THIS SATURDAY

Also read: The Extreme Rising Title Will No Longer Be Defended At Tonight's MCW Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Extreme Rising World Champion and championship belt will not be appearing Saturday, July 19th 2014 for MCW in Joppa, MD thanks to Dan McDevitt and Maryland Championship Wrestling for their cooperation in this matter.

It had come to our attention that a match featuring Wrestling Superstar Matt Hardy and Luke Hawx is being promoted for the Maryland and Extreme Rising Championship World Title.

Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling was never contacted concerning this stipulation. After communicating with Dan McDevitt of MCW, the Extreme Rising title stipulation has been removed from the match. We appreciate Mr. McDevitt's professionalism in this matter.

Extreme Rising has not sanctioned any World Title matches for its championship belt since before April 30th 2014. No one has ever defeated Stevie Richards in an Extreme Rising sanctioned title match.

STEVIE RICHARDS is –and has been the only officially recognized champion and title holder for Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling, since his winning of the title tournament dated December 29th 2012 at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA.

Presently, Oren Hawxhurst aka Luke Hawx has physical possession of the Extreme Rising World Title. Extreme Rising has reached out to Mr. Hawxhurst through our attorney, but has yet to receive our property. We had hope that a professional and amicable return of the World title to our office would be in order by Mr. Hawxshurt, but to date hasn't happened.

You may read the entire back story on the Extreme Rising Title / Stevie Richards / Luke Hawx situation here http://extremerising.com/extreme-rising-world-title-turmoil

ORIGINAL: Below is the current lineup for Maryland Championship Wrestling's 2014 Shane Memorial Cup set for later tonight...

Royal Ramblings: Losing It - The WWE Title

Here's our latest from the Huff Post UK, we'll have a review of Jericho is London up early next week. Do follow us on @royal_ramblings

On Monday night's WWE Raw show, reigning champion Daniel Bryan was stripped of his World Heavyweight Championship belts. The resultant match to determine a new champion will be held at the next pay-per-view Event, Money In the Bank.

As many readers will know, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship has been around for a long time and is the oldest and most prestigious within the company. There have been 44 separate champions and as you might imagine, this is not the first time the title has had to be vacated. 

The first controversy relating to the title came during a reign not officially recognised by the WWE. Antonio Inoki, whom we discussed in our last blog, defeated then champion Bob Backlund in Japan in late November 1979. A re-match the week later was declared a no-contest because of interference from another wrestler and Inoki refused the title (allowing his reign to go unrecognised) and it was subsequently declared vacant. Backlund won a Texas Death match to recapture the title in December 1979 but would eventually lose the title when his managed forfeited a match to the Iron Sheikh. 

Perhaps more shockingly, Andre the Giant sold his title to the Million Dollar Man, having won a match against Hulk Hogan by way of a bribed referee. The title was vacated by order of WWE's president Jack Tunney and later won by 'Macho Man' Randy Savage. 

A few years later, the title was to be vacated again. The Undertaker had beaten Hulk Hogan at 1991's Survivor Series with the assistance of Ric Flair. Given the outside interference, a rematch was ordered for the subsequent pay-per-view at which Hogan recaptured the title with the aid of the ashes from Paul Bearer's Urn. Given these dual controversies, Jack Tunney vacated the title which was won by Ric Flair at the subsequent Royal Rumble. 

Also read: Daniel Bryan injured while still being WWE World Heavyweight Champion, now what?

There have been occasions on which a title win has been overturned in the same evening or during a particular match. This was the case for Rob Van Dam who beat the Undertaker and Chris Jericho, whom beat Triple H. Both their wins were overturned in an evening. More recently, the Rock was afforded a second chance to defeat CM Punk at 2013's Royal Rumble when his match was re-started by Vince McMahon following interference from 'The Shield'. Vince himself, having become the oldest wrestler to win the title, vacated it after only a week. 

Other storyline title vacancies have provided great drama for viewers. Stone Cold Steve Austin had to vacate his title in 1998 after he was pinned simultaneously by the Undertaker and his storyline brother, Kane. A re-match between the 'Brothers of Destruction' at the Judgement Day Pay Per View was deemed a no-contest when Stone Cold, as the guest referee, performed a double count-out and declared himself the winner. He was 'fired' and the Rock later won a title tournament. In a 2011 storyline similar to one in the Ring of Honour promotion, CM Punk won the title and then walked out on the company. In the intervening weeks both Rey Mysterio and John Cena won the title but Punk returned to beat Cena and his reign is deemed to have lasted throughout this period. 

Daniel Bryan is no stranger to losing the title. He won at the 'Night of Champions' in 2013, only to be stripped of his belts by Triple H, citing a fast count by the referee. Bryan's mentor, HBK, would later betray him and help Randy Orton to win the title during a re-match.

Bryan is also not unique in having had to forfeit a reign through injury. Shawn Michaels lost his title to a knee injury in 1997 and John Cena his, to a pectoral muscle tear ten years later. Another notable injury-related forfeit was  from Dave 'The Animal' Batista, whom tore his left bicep. 

Perhaps then, if nothing else, Daniel Bryan can at least be content that he has added to the annals of WWE title history. No doubt he will be working hard on his recovery, to ensure that this is not his final chapter.

Today In Pro Wrestling History (6/13) The Bash, ECW Is Back! X Division Title Born & More

Former Million Dollar Champion Mike ‘Virgil/Vincent’ Jones turns 52 today.

One-time WWF Tag and Hardcore Champion Headbanger Thrasher turns 45 today.

Former WWF Intercontinental and Tag Champion Jacques ‘The Mountie’ Rougeau turns 54 today.

1982: ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia lost his battle with cancer aged just 45.

1990: NWA Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush was held at the McAllister Field House in Charleston, South Carolina. 4,100 were in attendance to see The Junkyard Dog defeated Ric Flair via DQ (Flair retains the NWA World Title)

1993: The very first WWF King of the Ring PPV was held at the Nutter Center, in Dayton, Ohio. 6,500 were in attendance to see Bret Hart won the King of the Ring Tournament, defeating Bam Bam Bigelow in the final. This also marked the final appearance in the WWF for Hulk Hogan.

1999: WCW’s The Great American Bash was held at the Baltimore Arena, in Baltimore, Maryland. 11,672 were in attendance to see  Kevin Nash defeated Randy Savage via DQ to retain the WCW World Title.

Also read: Today In Pro Wrestling History: Final Bash, 2007 Draft, ECW One Night Stand

2002: NWA-TNA announced plans to debut the X-Division title.

2004: The final WWE Bad Blood event was held at the Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, Ohio. 9,000 were in attendance to see Triple H defeated Shawn Michaels in a Hell In A Cell Match.

2006: Paul Heyman awards the revived ECW World Title to Rob Van Dam.

2006: ECW airs on Syfy for the first time. This also marked the debut of Kelly Kelly.

2009: Austin Aries defeated Jerry Lynn, & Tyler Black in a 3-Way Elimination Match to win the ROH World Title.

2010: TNA Slammiversary VIII was in the Impact Zone, in Orlando, Florida. 1,100 were in attendance to see Rob Van Dam defeated Sting to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title in the main event.

Ambrose Sets Title Record + Rollins Hypes Extreme Rules

-- Dean Ambrose is now the longest-reigning WWE United States champion since WWE brought the belt back in 2003. He has held the title for 344 days, the longest since previous record-holder MVP.

-- Seth Rollins posted a message on Twitter, hyping his Extreme Rules PPV match with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns against Evolution. He wrote:

6 days. Evolution vs. The Revolution. Cage the animal, cut the head off the snake, and change the game. #riseup pic.twitter.com/RZ6AzV6S7R

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) April 28, 2014

TNA World Title Match Confirmed For Thursday's iMPACT!

TNA announced the following on their official website for this week's edition of Impact Wrestling:

"HUGE NEWS: ImpactWrestling.com has learned that Eric Young has informed TNA officials that he plans to defend his World Heavyweight Championship on Thursday's huge IMPACT broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c! After retaining the gold in a war against Magnus at Sacrifice, Eric Young wants to be a true fighting champion and will put the gold on the line on Thursday! Read the official IMPACT preview below - check out the footage of Eric Young with JB after IMPACT went off the air!"

You can check out a video preview for this week's show below:

Thursday on IMPACT - The Fallout From #TNASacrifice

WWE To Strip Paige Of The NXT Women's Title

WWE has filmed a segment that will be added into tonight's NXT show where NXT General Manager JBL strips Paige of the NXT Women's Title. The angle will be that she cannot hold both the NXT Women's and WWE Diva's Title at the same time.

They will start an angle at tonight's TV tapings (likely a tournament) in Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida to crown a new champion. Paige won the title in June of 2013, winning a tournament to become the first ever NXT Women's Champion.

WWE's Reaction To Eric Young's Title Win, SummerSlam

Source: F4WOnline.com

- We noted before that WWE is now referring to their pay-per-view events as "special events." SummerSlam is still being billed as a "pay-per-view" so that's likely the plan for the bigger events.

- People within WWE are said to be "incredibly amused" by TNA putting their World Heavyweight Title on Eric Young in a knock-off of Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX. Nobody has any problem with Eric Young as a worker or a person as much as they think the booking is ridiculous.

Why Seiya Sanada Won The X Division Title, Samo...

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer-- Former Director of Public Relations for TNA Steven Godfrey is writing a series of columns at SB Nation about his time working for the company. The first one discusses the creative process, his frustrations with trying to get someone that the online audience loved pushed within the company and how the more popular a talent is with the Internet audience and more. You can check that out at this link.-- The reason that TNA gave the X Division title to...

The Title For Y2Js Next Book + Naomi Update (P...

-- Chris Jericho's third book is set for an October 13th, 2014 release date. The title of the book will be The Best in the World: At What I Have No Idea.-- Naomi posted the following on Twitter today…Broken bones heal...I will be back, you will face me, and I WILL WIN THE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP @WWEAJLee pic.twitter.com/kd4t0fskJC— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) February 24, 2014

Eddie Edwards Reacts To TNA Tag-Team Title Win,...

-- TNA will be returning to Georgia in April for the following dates…* April 3rd - Bell Auditorium in Augusta* April 4th - Centreplex Coliseum in Macon* April 5th - Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton-- Eddie Edwards posted the following on Twitter…The #Wolves came to @IMPACTWRESTLING on the hunt for gold, tonight we captured it! Thank you for all the kind words! pic.twitter.com/aeLuDybVDO— Eddie Edwards (@TheEddieEdwards) February 23, 2014Here i...

Backstage News - Plans For WWE Divas Title At W...

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

As things stand presently, there are no official plans for the WWE Divas Championship at WrestleMania XXX. The original plan, before Naomi suffered the eye injury at RAW, was for the Funkadactyl to face AJ Lee for the title. While not official, the likely scenario would have seen Naomi win the title as part of a story line for the second season of the "Total Divas" reality show. Even though those plans may be off the table, there is a good chance that Naomi's injury and recovery will be used as part of a Total Divas story line.

As far as Naomi's role at WrestleMania XXX is concerned, after the company received word last week that she will not need surgery, there is still time to factor her into plans for this year's WrestleMania.

Naomi is expected to be out of in-ring action for four-to-six weeks. She won't be able to appear on television unless she drives to RAW, as the pressure on her eyes from a flight would be dangerous.