Jussier da Silva, World's No. 1 Flyweight, Coming to Tachi Palace Fights to Impress His U.S. Fans

Jussier da Silva might not have seemed like the most fearsome of future fighters if someone had watched him play with his friends growing up in Natal, the capital of a northeastern Brazilian state.

"I grew up at Natal's west zone, and my childhood was pretty good," da Silva declared online. "I used to play soccer, kite, and also me and my friends used to [wrestle] each other down at the hill. That's how I grew up."

Out of those non-ferocious activities, though, has emerged perhaps the most respected flyweight in the world. And now, fans in the United States will get an up-close look at him for the first time.

Da Silva, 25, makes his long-awaited American debut on Dec. 2 when he takes on Danny Martinez (13-3) at Tachi Palace Fights 7, an event that streams for free on MMAjunkie.com. The highly anticipated fight continues a career that so far has seen da Silva compile an 8-0 record fighting most recently in Shooto.

Nicknamed "Formiga" – which in Portuguese means "ant" – da Silva wasn't always certain that he was big enough to be a professional mixed martial artist. But, already a jiu-jitsu practitioner in the hometown where he still lives with his son, mother and sister (in the same house where he grew up, in fact), da Silva earned guidance from MMA fighters who began coming to his gym and especially from Renan Barao.

Barao, the WEC fighter who also went from Shooto to the U.S., has been one of da Silva's strongest advocates, stressing to him that he could fight because of his skill, not because of his size.

"He was already fighting, and he was always telling me to fight," da Silva wrote. "He said that although I was pretty small, I was very strong and had great jiu jitsu, so I would be fine."

A Simple Upbringing 

Da Silva enjoyed the simple games with his friends growing up in a small town with simple means.

Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Notre, a Brazilian state. The city's population has been estimated at about 800,000 and has also been called one of the country's safest cities.

Da Silva, Barao and Fabio Holanda all have come out of the city as MMA fighters, so it has made its own mark in the sport. But da Silva wasn't certain what his life would bring.

"My family was always with low money, we couldn't get everything we wanted to, but there was always food on the table," he wrote.

"The most important thing my parents were able to give to me (was) a good education and good character. They (taught) me to always make the right move and not be influenced by bad people."

By the time da Silva was a jiu-jitsu blue belt, MMA fighters began training at his gym. He had done training in submissions, and he took to the MMA fighters and their techniques.

After three years, he was ready to become an MMA fighter himself – with the help of Barao. His debut came in May 2005 at a Tremons Fight show.

"I always thought about making a living as an athlete, and I couldn't do that with jiu jitsu, so MMA had to be my next step in order to help my family," da Silva wrote.

His armbar submission earned him a first-round victory, though his fights haven't always been that easy. Of his eight victories, five have come by unanimous decision. That doesn't mean he is any less feared by the world's other flyweights, though.

They're continuing to learn more about him, in fact, after he fought outside of his native country for the first time only recently.

Coming on Strong

Da Silva was 6-0 by the time he was able to take his first fight outside of Brazil's borders.

It came against Shinichi Kojima at a Shooto show in Tokyo in July 2009. Da Silva had already won two Shooto fights in Brazilian shows, and Kojima was 10-3-5, meaning it was one of da Silva's most significant chances to make an impact.

It was a unanimous-decision victory for da Silva that gave him both confidence and recognition.

"It was the fight that put me on the map, and it was also my first fight outside of Brazil and against a Japanese guy," da Silva wrote. "I always wanted to fight a Japanese (fighter)."

Da Silva won one more fight – against Alexandre Pantoja in June – before a U.S. promotion finally came calling. In August, he signed a four-fight exclusive contract with Tachi Palace Fights.

Now he wants people in the United States to know that.

"I hope I can make people know me in the U.S. and to be able to have a better life financially," da Silva said. "(I) hope I can be paid like the sport's stars so I can give everybody in my family a better life. Also, I would love to become Tachi's champion, and to remain as the [No. 1] guy for a long time."

At Last Batista Decided To Quit WWE - - Decision Came After His Loss to John Cena on Sunday Night

It took a little longer than expected but Batista is indeed walking away from the WWE.

Originally, it was believed that he would be leaving the company in late April following the Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Instead, he stuck around another month and Monday night on WWE Raw said he was, in fact, quitting the company.


Of course, this was part of the storyline following his loss on Sunday night at the Over The Limit pay-per-view where he lost an "I Quit" match to John Cena. Batista opened the television show by coming to the ring with the assistance of two referees. However, he really was a bit banged up with a black eye and a lower back injury.

In the ring, he was placed in a wheelchair and demanded he get a rematch with Cena once he felt up to it. He was cut off then as the ring announcer introduced Bret Hart as the new general manager of Raw.

Hart proceeded to say that if Batista wanted to face Cena again for the WWE Title, he would have to first beat Randy Orton in a qualifying match. The big man said he was physically able to compete on this night so Hart declared Orton the winner by forfeit. Then the "Animal" threw a temper tantrum, quit the WWE and exited stage left.

Batista has been telling people for the past few years that he would like to leave WWE and pursue an acting career. Most people just blew it off though since he was making so much money -- believed to be upwards of $2 million per year -- as one of the company's biggest stars. Even though he talked about it, he never followed through ... until now.

He began chattering again about leaving earlier this year and was serious this time. While he is walking away, most people don't believe that Batista has left the WWE for good.

In fact, the way that fans saw his storm out after his hissy fit was done to keep the door open for his eventual return. That could be next year or two years from now. But it could also be in a few months and the WWE would welcome him back with open arms. I'll bet he gets a call every day he's gone begging him to come back. They need him even more now with Shawn Michaels retiring, Triple H banged up and The Undertaker working less than a part-time schedule due to his banged up body.

It has to be hard to walk away from that kind of paycheck but Batista knows what he has from the WWE and that he can come back any time he wants. He's 41-year-old now and wants to pursue some other interests while he can. Go for it. It's a calculated risk. Maybe he can make it big in Hollywood. But even if he doesn't, he'll at least get a nice summer off from taking bumps and having fans curse at him before returning to wrestling.

Kurt Angle Is Coming Back in Next Week's TNA Impact

Kurt Angle is expected to make his TNA return at next week's TNA Impact taping for the post-Sacrifice PPV editions of Impact.

Angle posted on his Facebook page this week that he's expected to return on the May 20 episode of Impact following the Sacrifice PPV on May 16.


Angle has been off TV since the Lockdown PPV when he took time off to heal injuries and promote his food product line.

In related Angle news, read highlights from a recent interview Angle gave to Ring the Bell radio talking about his future in wrestling, his thoughts on Impact moving to Thursdays nights, his Lockdown match vs. Anderson, and more.

"Gene Kiniski" Death is As Big As His Life - - Recalling a Legendary Wrestler, An Exceptional Athlete, And a Charismatic Wit

Gene Kiniski is as big in death as he was in life.

After the wrestling superstar died at 81 on April 14 there have been dozens of news stories and reminiscences, recalling a legendary wrestler, an exceptional athlete, and a charismatic wit.

Kiniski called himself “Canada’s greatest athlete” and there are plenty who would agree. Kiniski’s son Nick is expecting up to 1,000 people at his Kiniski’s Reef Tavern in Point Roberts for an April 25 memorial service from 1 to 4 p.m. “And he hasn’t been on TV for 40 years. That’s what amazes me,” Nick said.

Born in Edmonton, Kiniski learned amateur wrestling at the local YMCA but started his athletic career playing football, first at the University of Arizona and then for two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, Nick said, but then a knee injury put him on the bench for the season and when he was back in shape he took the more lucrative path into professional wrestling. He made his professional debut in Arizona in 1952.

Kiniski’s career may have started in the U.S. but it was in Canada that he built his fame as a bad guy. His feud with “Whipper” Billy Watson stirred crowds from coast to coast into a frenzy.

“I wrestled him 14 consecutive Wednesdays in London, Ontario and for the 14 times I wrestled him the matches never finished because it always ended in a riot and we had 14 consecutive sell-outs,” Kiniski said in a 1978 CBC interview with Peter Gzowski. “Now you figure that one out.”

Kiniski is the only wrestler to have held the championship title for both the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and American Wrestling Association (AWA), Nick said. He beat Verne Gagne in 1961 to win the AWA title and in 1966 defeated longstanding NWA heavyweight champ Lou Thesz. He also challenged World Wide Wrestling Federation champion Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Gardens, but was bested in a rematch.

In 1962 he moved to the Vancouver area and joined NWA All Star Wrestling, eventually building a home in Blaine. As the NWA world champion he wrestled throughout North America and Japan, battling well-known wrestlers such as Killer Kowalski, Bobo Brazil, Abdullah the Butcher and Johnny Valentine.

According to Kiniski’s Wikipedia entry, after agreeing to step down as world champion in 1968 and losing to Dory Funk Jr. he still continued to wrestle and win championships throughout the ‘70s.

Both Nick and his brother Kelly entered professional wrestling and sometimes teamed with their father. Kiniski also stepped into the business side of his sport, buying into the Northwest promotional territory, NWA All Star.

“He loved it. He loved being in good shape,” Nick said, describing his father as a fitness fanatic who was still doing 2,000 crunches a day well into into his 80s.

Kiniski also loved the dramatic side of professional wrestling, enjoying the show out of the ring as much as in it. In 1969, sports writer Trent Frayne is reported to have written that “As an entertainer Kiniski is one of the world’s most successful in his game, a big, quick, furious, exciting performer with a big round tough-looking kisser who comes on like a demented storm trooper.”

In online blogs several fans remember Kiniski’s signature interview style who, when approached by TV announcer Ron Morrier, would grab the mike and spin an articulate self-congratulatory speech without allowing Morrier to speak and would end with the words, “As always, Ron, thanks for a great interview.”

Fans, friends and family remember the Kiniski charisma as much as the athleticism. “Fame never really got to him,” Nick said. “He’d always just sit down and talk to you, whoever you were.”

Where he did leverage his celebrity was in learning about everything from training dogs to shoeing horses. “He loved animals and got to be good at a lot of stuff because he was famous and got to learn from the best,” Nick said.
When Nick ended his own wrestling career and bought the Reef Tavern in Point Roberts in 1988, his father would come up and tend bar, leaving many patrons with memories of being served a cold beer by their childhood icon. That’s where crowds will gather to say goodbye to him this weekend, sharing memories and enjoying some of Kiniski’s favorite things: some sun, a game of pool, and maybe someone should pick up a few gallons of maple nut ice cream.

Wrestlemania: It’s Really Weird - - Good for Economy, But Not a Sport

It’s that time of year again when half-naked men pretend to attack each other. Isn’t it heartwarming?

Wrestlemania XXVI came to the Valley Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. With it came fans from around the world.

Last year, 72,744 fans from 50 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces and 24 countries attended Wrestlemania in Houston, generating $6.9 million in ticket sales, according to World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) corporate Web site.

It is the Super Bowl of wrestling, a lucrative economic stimulator for the Phoenix area.

It’s also really weird.

Men in tights? Glorified violence? Bad acting? Is this really what we want?

Valley Metro light rail commuters are sure to have seen the Wrestlemania “wrap” advertisement, encasing a portion of one of the area’s light rail cars. The first thought that comes to mind when seeing shirtless, angry WWE star John Cena plastered onto the side of the light rail is, “Uh, I could just wait for the next train.”

Despite the financial advantages of such an event along with the attention it brings to the area, it’s hard to deny that Wrestlemania is creepy.

The annual event inevitably brings up the question of whether or not WWE wrestling is a real sport, which inevitably brings up the answer, “No.”

Wrestling requires athleticism and skill, but it’s still not a true competition. A wrestler like Triple H, The Undertaker or anyone else with a meaningless nickname is no more of an athlete than Jackie Chan; they’re all just pretending to fight.

So why was Wrestlemania held in the Arizona Cardinals’ new, space age, $455 million stadium? What’s the big deal?

Wrestlemania may not be a sport, but it’s still awesome — not awesome in the sense that we all enjoy or even respect it, but awesome enough to fill stadiums and bring millions of dollars to the area.

Beggars can’t be choosers, and while Phoenix police officers are straggling to keep their jobs, the Valley needs all the help it can get. The tourism and attention of Wrestlemania is just what the local economy needs; it won’t fix our problems, but it couldn’t hurt — other than the headlocks and body slams.

Not everyone can embrace Wrestlemania, but we can all agree on one thing: We need the money. On some level, it’s an honor to host the event.

Fantasia Barrino even sang the opening National Anthem. (I guess they didn’t think Clay Aiken would fit in.)

So if you’re disgusted by the fact that you live near the site of wrestling’s biggest competition, remember that your city government may have gained millions from it. If that doesn’t help, take solace in the fact that it’s not coming back any time soon. Note that Wrestlemania XXVII will be in the Georgia Dome and steer clear of Atlanta next year.

Former WWE Heavyweight Champion And Undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighter Bobby Lashley Signed a Multi-year Agreement With STRIKEFORCE

Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) heavyweight champion and undefeated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Bobby Lashley has signed a multi-year agreement with STRIKEFORCE and will make his debut for the world championship MMA promotion at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida on Saturday, January 30.



The 6 foot 3 inch, 250 pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, will face an opponent that has not yet been determined during the live, SHOWTIME® telecast of STRIKEFORCE: Miami, the historic, first-ever STRIKEFORCE event in the state of Florida.

In his last MMA start on June 27, 2009, the 33-year-old pulverized and scored a first round (3:17) TKO on 6 foot 5 inch, 350 plus pound goliath Bob "The Beast" Sapp with a barrage of punches in Biloxi, Mississippi. The win brought Lashley's overall MMA record to 4-0.

"I'm looking forward to fighting for STRIKEFORCE and challenging myself by taking on some of the top heavyweights in MMA," said Lashley, a native of Junction City, Kansas and resident of Denver, Colorado.

After getting his feet wet with several matches in both the WWE Raw and SmackDown! shows in 2005 and 2006, Lashley captured the WWE United States Championship by defeating rival competitor "JBL." During this stint with the league and another in 2007, Lashley wrestled several top superstars, including The Big Show and John Cena.

Lashley made his MMA debut on December 13, 2008, earning a 41 second TKO over Joshua Franklin after Franklin sustained a cut that would not allow him to continue their fight.

Earlier this year, Lashley joined Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling. In his first appearance with the league on July 30, he helped tag team matchup partner Mick Foley defeat superstars Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash.

Former WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Fatu) Known to Fans As "The Samoan Bulldozer", Passed Away on Friday At The Age of 36 Due to Heart Attack

Texas: Former WWE wrestler Edward 'Umaga' Fatu has died in hospital after suffering a heart attack. The Samoan Bulldozer faced some of the best in the business before his contract was terminated after he wouldn't go to rehab.

The tattooed giant came from a renowned wrestling family. His two brothers, Solofa Jr "Rikishi" and Sam "Tonga Kid", his cousin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and two uncles, The Wild Samoans, all wrestled professionally.

"He had his demons, but he found a lot of strength in his family. He was always a jokester, he was always playing a practical joke on someone. He comes from a long line of professional wrestlers and did his family proud," said a family friend.

Hulkamania! in Australia - - Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in Front of Australian Media

Two of professional wrestling's all time greatest superstars, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair gave the Australian media a taste of good old fashioned pro wrestling promotion in Sydney as the Hulkamania! Tour press conference turned chaotic and bloody.

Flair, the villain (aka "heel" in wrestling terms) made disparaging remarks about Hogan's personal life, and sucked punched the Hulkster, who fell off the stage.

The Australian media loved the show, and ran several headlines, giving the tour the front page publicity it had been seeking.

CraveOnline's "Heyman Hustle" website has a ton of exclusive photos from the press conference, and also an interesting look at how the media day played out in Australia. You can see those photos here: http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/photos/hulk-hogan-ric-flair-press-conference-sydney-australia-111809/page1#category

Hogan and Flair are scheduled to wrestle four times over the course of a week during the Hulkamania! Tour.

Popular Wrestler "The Great Khali" Described Sachin Tendulkar as 'India's Pride'

Popular wrestler The Great Khali Tuesday described Sachin Tendulkar as 'India's pride' and surprised everyone by singing a Hindi film song in praise of the cricket legend.

World Wrestling Federation (WWF) wrestler Khali, who was attending a function at a government school here, sang 'Tum jiyo hajaron saal...', wishing the batsman a long life.

'A batsman like Sachin Tendulkar is India's pride. He is a legend. I am his diehard fan,' he said.

The Great Khali arrived in this Himachal Pradesh capital late Monday and is slated to attend several functions.

Recovering from a knee surgery, Khali is currently pursuing an alternative career in films.

'I am presently focusing on movies. I have signed two more (Bollywood) movies and one is releasing this month,' he said.

Born Dalip Singh Rana, Khali grew up in Dhirana village, some 200 km from here. He is one of the tallest WWF wrestlers at 7 feet 3 inches and weighs 190 kg.

Former Wrestler Orig Williams, Known to His Fans as El Bandito, Dies At The Age of 77

Under his stage name, Orig Williams toured the world promoting the sport of wrestling.

He found even greater fame in the ring on the Welsh language TV programme, Reslo, shown in the 1980s on S4C, and became one of its biggest stars.

But before even entering the wrestling ring he was a professional footballer and a boxer, and later a newspaper columnist.

He leaves a wife Wendy and daughter Tara Bethan, the actress, who was a finalist in BBC TV's musical talent show I'd Do Anything last year.

"He contributed extensively to programmes and series on S4C, particularly Reslo, and was a strong, warm and exuberant personality, which made him a popular character with viewers and colleagues," said a spokesperson for S4C.

"We extend our sincere sympathies to his family."

The fighter and promoter gained his famous El Bandito name while touring America.

More recently he worked to promote young wrestlers, including organising bouts to raise money for Urdd national eisteddfod.

Urdd eisteddfod director Aled Sion added: "It is a great loss to the nation and to the Urdd.

"He was an enthusiastic supporter of the movement and worked hard to organise events to raise money for the 2008 Conwy eisteddfod, including a night of American wrestling in Llanrwst."

Born in the village of Ysbyty Ifan near Betws-y-Coed in 1932, he once described how he took to fighting when Liverpool evacuees came to stay in the area during World War II.

"We couldn't speak English, they couldn't speak Welsh, so we had fights, naturally," he recalled.

The online British wrestling site, Britannia Wrestling, describes him as "one of the best villains in the business", who "played hard and wrestled hard and had great admiration for guys who did the same".

But alongside his wrestling and promotion career, he was also a skilled footballer, playing professionally for Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town, later becoming the player/manager for Nantlle Vale.

He also was a regular columnist for the Daily Post newspaper.

Wales' Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: "I was very saddened to hear of Orig Williams's death.

"Orig was a very likeable, colourful character.

"He was a man who brought pleasure to people across Wales through his wrestling, his work on TV and radio, and also as a footballer and football manager, especially for Nantlle Vale FC.

"Wales will be a less colourful place without his unique personality."

"Smackdown VS. Raw 2010" is The Best Wrestling Game of This Generation

I’ve been a longtime wrestling fan my whole life. I’ve played the games, been to the events, met wrestlers and even gone to wrestling school.

It is my opinion that “Smackdown vs. Raw 2010” is the best wrestling game yet. It’s beautiful, deep and will satisfy even the most judgmental wrestling fanatic. As soon as you pick up the game you will notice the graphical upgrade that “SVR 2010” has received from last year. From the blood, sweat and tears to the long golden locks of HHH, THQ has really captured the detail and presentation of the WWE. THQ has added so much realism to the game that you would swear you’re watching a pay-per-view event right in your living room.

A great example is with the new Championship Scramble match: One 20-minute match with five men entering every five minutes and the last person to make a pin wins! You’ll see all the actual video broadcast of the stipulations before a new champion is crowned. Lets put it this way, if you see it on TV, you’ll see it in the game. Remarkable job.

As far as the gameplay, fans of the franchise will feel right at home. All the controls are the same but pulling off moves with a grapple using the right stick and then quickly flicking it into a different direction to pull off your move. Signature and finishers are still mapped to one button so you shouldn’t have any problem pulling off your special. THQ has also added a ton more moves this year including moves which can be done from the side of your opponent while he is down on the canvas. This is something new that we have never seen in previous games and opens up a lot as far as creativity during matches. Gone are the days of grappling at the head and feet of a prone wrestler. You can now perform side moves as well as drag your opponent around the ring to set him up for that Swanton Bomb off the top rope.

The reversal system has been simplified as well. Tired of having your opponent constantly tapping his buttons to reverse a grapple or strike? Well now everything is mapped to one button which makes things a lot simpler – but pulling off the reversal won’t be as easy as you think. You now have to time your reversal exactly and you only get one chance so this eliminates your opponent from just button mashing to block that upcoming suplex off the top turnbuckle.

One thing I did notice was the removal of the Casket Match which has always been a lot of fun to play but with the amount of extras it’s not that hard to be forgiving. Another personal favorite was the fact that all arenas are unlocked straight out of the case. No more battling crazy tasks to unlock the ECW arena or Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Some of the matches have even been tweaked to give you a much better experience in the ring. A major upgrade is the Royal Rumble match. If you are a button masher then chances are you were owning others during the Rumble in years past but this year is different. THQ has made the match much slower and more realistic by adding the feature of mini games. Depending on where you grapple your opponent you will be sent into a mini game as you battle to toss your opponent over the top rope and onto the concert floor. It’s fantastic to see two or three other wrestlers come over to help you eliminate your opponent from the Rumble just like in real life. Just like on TV, you will see three on one attempts trying to lift a wrestler over the top rope as he grabs on fighting for his life and a little more time to stay in the match.

THQ has also added the feature of storing special finishers for this match. You can use your finisher as usual to weaken your opponent or you may choose to save it to toss someone out of the ring with your actual finisher. Yes, this is as cool as it sounds.

Last year THQ promised tons of downloadable content. Well, we received about two downloads but that was about it. So what was their solution? A community server for CAW (create-a-wrestler). I know everyone loves to make their own wrestlers to take into the squared circle and battle for the gold – now you can share your champion with the rest of the world. This is basically a never-ending volume of downloadable content.

By Stephen O'Blenis

Source: EastBay RI

Clash of The Titans - - Best of The Best: Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are two of the biggest stars in wrestling today. Angle has starred in the WWE and is currently one of the biggest stars in TNA, while Jericho has starred in WCW, WWE and on the international wrestling scene.

Lately, both wrestlers have staked claim to being the best wrestler in the world today.

Both are extremely talented in-ring performers and are among the best of all-time.

Who's really the best? Let's examine the careers of these two men and you decide.

The Stats

Both Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are no strangers to title reigns. They have held multiple titles in each organization they have worked for.

Jericho experienced minimal success in WCW though he was among the most popular wrestlers with fans. He was a four-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and held the Television Title one time.

It was not until Chris Jericho signed with the WWE that his wrestling career began to skyrocket.

Already over with fans prior to his debut, Jericho rode the wave all the way to becoming the first undisputed champion in WWE history, beating Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night — to this day one of the biggest upsets in WWE history.

In addition to becoming the first undisputed champion, Jericho has four additional world championship reigns, and has more Intercontinental title reigns (nine) than anyone in WWE history. He's the fourth ever Grand Slam winner, having won every major championship in the WWE and won the Slammy Award for "Superstar of the Year" in 2008.

Likewise, Kurt Angle has held multiple titles in his pro wrestling career.

He is a nine-time world champion (technically), a multi-time tag champion, and has won the Triple Crown in both WWE and TNA. He is also a WWE Grand Slam winner, the fifth, behind Chris Jericho.

The distinct advantage Angle has over Jericho is that he is an actual Olympic Gold Medalist. Hey, at least Jericho has Fozzy.

The Skills

Angle and Jericho are considered two of the most technically sound wrestlers in the world today.

Angle obviously has a background as an amateur wrestler and those skills transferred over well to the professional stage.

Chris Jericho has wrestled all over the world against some of the greatest competition and is the more experienced professional wrestler.

Upon Kurt Angle’s debut in WWE he was instantly catapulted stardom. His corny, bubble gum charisma actually brought him a lot of success in the WWE. Now in TNA, Angle takes on a more serious role and, in my opinion, is not as charismatic as he was in WWE.

Initially, I thought Chris Jericho’s character in WCW was kind of weird. He carried some of it over to the WWE and along with his comedic antics, made himself a main event star. Like Angle, Jericho now has a more serious character but unlike Angle he didn’t lose a step. Jericho is arguably better than he’s ever been.

Both men can hold their own on the mic but the advantage has to go to Jericho. No one in pro wrestling today draws as much heat from his promos than Jericho.

The Best

One could make a case for both Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho being the best wrestler in the world today but who’s really the best?

While the answer is debatable, I have to cast my vote for Chris Jericho.

I think Chris Jericho is a better overall “sports entertainer”. He has the total package. Great in-ring work coupled with great mic skills.

Jericho has also shown growth with his new heel character. Kurt Angle has stuck with the fact that he is wrestling’s only Olympic Gold Medalist for his entire career.

While that may be a feat no other pro wrestler ever accomplishes, it doesn’t automatically make him a better wrestler than everyone else.

Jericho is clearly in the prime of his career while Kurt Angle is still at the top of his game but may be winding down. This can be evidenced by Angle sharpening his acting skills for his post-wrestling career.

Jericho also did something that maybe Angle should have done and that is taken some time away from wrestling. Jericho came back fresh and better than ever. Did Angle need a break? Another debatable question but you can’t deny that Angle has had a lot going on in his post-wrestling life.

Either way you look at it, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho are sure-fire hall of famers. They’ve held championships and have been in the main event at some of the biggest wrestling events ever.

Angelina Love's Departure From TNA - - Glimpses of Interview With Velvet Sky Conducted by Miami Herald

The Miami Herald recently conducted a lengthy interview with Velvet Sky. Candidly, the TNA Knockout gives her thoughts on Angelina Love's shocking departure from TNA, how her former partner is doing these days, the future of "The Beautiful People" going forward, and much more. Here are a few highlights from the interview:

Her initial reaction to Angelina Love's departure from TNA: "It came out of the blue," Sky said. "We did three TV tapings. She was supposed to go to [TNA's] Germany tour. The travel was booked, and the pay-per-view match was booked. It was supposed to be her and I against Sarita and Taylor Wilde.






"A week and a half after we finished the TV tapings is when I got the phone call, saying this is what happened. 'Oh my God.' TNA reassured me that Madison and I were going to keep the group going. They weren’t going to let the group die. They said we all worked so hard, and we were so good in that group. So we were excited about that.

"Angelina told both of us to keep it going strong. She said, `Don’t let anyone or anything ruin what we built.' We won't let anyone or anything ruin what we’ve work so hard to build. It’s not going to happen. Not on my time. That's real. I mean that."

How Angelina is doing nowadays: "I keep in contact with [Angelina]. She is doing OK, and she is going to be just fine," Sky said. "There was a lot of negative stuff that was said about her on the Internet like why she got fired, what’s going to happen. You can't always believe what you read on the Internet."

Whether "The Beautiful People" will have a new leader as a result of Angelina's departure from the group: "I don’t think there is a need for a leadership role in The Beautiful People. Who’s to say I’m better than her, or she’s better than me," Sky said. "I don’t think The Beautiful People ever needed a leadership role. I view us as equals, 50/50. I think we should have the same amount of promo time, ring time, whatever the case may be. It's a team."

The founding member of "The Beautiful People" also discusses her start in the professional wrestling industry, her family's tremendous support of her when she was struggling on the indy scene, how "The Beautiful People" came about, the Knockouts division, her ring outfits, and much more.

Ramesh Kumar Created History By Wining Bronze in World Wrestling Now Targetting 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2012 London Olympics

World Championships bronze medallist wrestler Ramesh Kumar today said his next target is to win a medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and 2012 London Olympics.

Kumar, who won gold in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in 2005, is happy that he has got the fruits of hard work by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a medal in a World Championships after 42 years.

"I have been working hard for the past few years for the World Championships. My hard work is getting the results. My next target is to win a medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games as well as in the 2012 London Olympics," he said.

Sexy Taylor Wilde - - Favorite Amongst The Followers of TNA Wrestling

Sexy blonde grappler Taylor has been a smash hit with the followers of TNA Wrestling - and the images below shows just why.

Taylor Wilde will team up with Sarita at tonight's No Surrender PPV event to take on The Beautiful People.

The winners will be crowned the inaugural TNA Knockout tag team champions.

But whatever happens on the night, all four are winners in our eyes.

New Sexy TNA Belts Unveiled

These sexy looking new belts will be presented to either the team of Taylor Wilde and Sarita or The Beautiful People, as they battle it out at the annual No Surrender PPV event, in the finals of a hard fought tournament.

Of course as many regular Sun Sport readers will be aware The Beautiful People's Angelina Love is done with TNA (for the time being) due to visa issues.

Although the team are still scheduled to appear at No Surrender in some capacity, so perhaps Beautiful People hanger-on Madison Rayne will fill Love's 'stylish' shoes for the time being and join with Velvet Sky.

Or will TNA have a surprise new addition to the roster, to take the currently empty slot as top female heel?

According to sources the decision to create the new tag team titles and hold a tournament amongst the companies female roster (which saw the return of former regular Roxxi to the fold), was made when the people in power noticed how often the Knockouts matches scored highly during the weekly Impact! Shows on Spike TV in the US.

These often hugely enjoyable bouts regularly outshone the rest of the programme and have won over audiences here in the UK too, where Impact! is one of Bravo's most popular shows.

New Booked wisely and using the more talented members of the division (and imported independent circuit stars), the TNA Knockouts doubles belts could well become a valuable addition to the already more established straps (Heavyweight, X Division, Knockouts, Legends, Tag Team) that the company's stars strive to hold and loyal fans love to see being defende.

WWE Champion Cena Snatched The Top Slot From CM Punk

The WWE champion Cena beat world title holder CM Punk to the top spot.

The judges said: "The Champ is here! And now he's also No.1 on the P25 after an impressive victory against Randy Orton at WWE Breaking Point.

''No matter what Orton threw at him, Cena just wouldn't quit."

John Morrison is the surprise entrant at No3 - despite not being in a match at the PPV - with Kofi Kingston in fourth spot.

Randy Orton, ECW champ Christian, D-Generation X, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry and The Legacy make up the rest of the Top 10.

Mickie James is the highest ranked Diva at No16 with Brit William Regal just one place behind her.

Former WWE Star 'Lita' Dating CM Punk In Real-Life

Despite proclaiming in a number of interviews that she wants nothing to do with World Wrestling Entertainment, Amy "Lita" Dumas has been peculiarly backstage at a few shows in recent months. The reason for this is because the former WWE Women's Champion is involved in a romantic relationship with CM Punk.

The following e-mail was sent to www.declarationofindependents.net by a current WWE wrestler who for obvious reasons, wishes to stay anonymous:

"Hey Mic, just wanted to let you know that CM Punk & Lita are currently dating which is why Lita has been backstage at many WWE shows as of late. I don't know how they met or connected, but they are dating and you can confirm it with anyone you want."

You can see image below of Amy 'Lita' Dumas entering the backstage area alongside Punk at a recent WWE show.

Source: EWRSTLING.NEWS

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WWE Friday Night Smackdown - - Hell In A Cell Poster Revealed

During last night's WWE Friday Night Smackdown, John Morrison defeated Rey Mysterio to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. This was confirmed this past Tuesday night following the TV tapings in Phoenix, AZ. Mysterio's 30 day suspension came into play regarding this decision and officially went into effect this past Wednesday. Morrison will now defend the Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler at the Breaking Point PPV on Sunday, September 13.

The promotional poster for next month's Hell in the Cell pay-per-view on the 4th has been released and it features the Undertaker.