Source(s): WrestleZone.com, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Several people who were backing Austin Starr in his political riff with TNA management are said to be disappointed in how he handled himself with them. In a recent interview, Jeremy Borash said that he lobbied for Starr to be hired and now regrets doing it based on Starr’s recent conduct and attitude. On the other hand, Alex Shelley, who has been equally frustrated at times, has been better at handling himself with TNA management. He’s not thrilled with how TNA books his character, but he doesn’t complain about it, not to mention that he always does what they tell him to do.
Jay Lethal is currently pleased with his “Black Machismo” gimmick. He believes that he recently talked to Macho Man Randy Savage himself on the phone, who said he saw the gimmick on television. According to Lethal, Savage appreciates the gimmick’s presentation and sees it as a tribute, not a ripoff/joke. However, there are some doubts that he didn’t really talk to the real Randy Savage because his raspy voice isn’t that difficult to imitate. On the other hand, Lethal claims that he got in contact with Savage through a common friend who is known to have ties with Savage, so the belief is strong that he talked to the original Macho Man Randy Savage.
Ricky Banderas is scheduled to make his TNA debut at the 6/19 iMPACT! tapings according to WrestleZone.com. He was the WSX wrestler who threw a fireball at Vampiro’s face, which resulted in MTV pulling the episode from its original airdate.
TNA sent a text message to Mobile subscribers that The Naturals (Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas) are still with TNA. “The Naturals were released from their TNA contracts, but will still work with the company,” the message stated.