WWE/TNA News: Wellness Loophole, Angle/Couture Fight, Christian

March 13, 2008

By Ryan Clark

Kurt Angle was on TAGG Radio today and discussed doing a submission match with Randy Couture this summer. Nothing is official and no contracts have been signed, but there has been talk of the bout on both sides.

According to the WWE Wellness policy (which is available on the corporate website), the company can suspend a second-time offender indefinitely if the wrestler refuses to enter a drug rehabilitation program. The policy reads: “Alternatively, in cases where the Talent appears to be in need of a drug rehabilitation program, the Talent shall not be assigned to work until the individual has successfully completed the drug rehabilitation program. However, regardless of the length of the program, the Talent’s fine shall be limited to 60 daysâ<80><99> pay.” The policy also allows WWE to continue using Jeff Hardy on television during the suspension. Television would be without pay, pay-per-views with pay, and $200 per house show event. In accordance with the policy, WWE could have Hardy appear at WrestleMania 24. Although, the stipulation is pretty much used so that the company can write talent out of storylines, and in the case of Monday’s Raw, drop championship belts.

Gametap.com has posted Christian Cage’s latest column, which includes a great story of Cage and Samoa Joe playing “Fight Night: Round 3.”

On March 29th Batista will be signing copies of his book, “Batista Unleashed” at the Virgin Megastore in Orlando, Florida in downtown Disney.

For the week of March 3-9, USA ranked #1 In the Primetime Cable Ratings For 10th Week.

I was told today by a source within WWE that 65,577 tickets have been sold for Wrestlemania. This was as of earlier today (Thursday afternoon).