Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
TNA is in negotiations with MMA star Bob Sapp, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. TNA has offered him an initial four-month deal, in which Sapp would be paid $2,500 per match. TNA wants Sapp to work a program with Kurt Angle, and then later with Samoa Joe. Sapp is paid about $35,000 per match for Hustle (he is under contract with Hustle for one year), and has received a seven figure offer from WWE. It appears WWE has been in talks with Sapp once again. Apparently, WWE and Sapp had serious talks a few months ago. There was talk that WWE would promote Sapp as a combined MMA/pro wrestling star.
Sting, who turns 49 years old in March, has either verbally agreed to a new contract, or the belief is that they are close to an agreement. WrestleZone.com is reporting that it is said to be a new one-year deal. He will do some TV, most PPV’s, and hardly any house shows. Dixie Carter sees him as a wrestler who makes TNA look more major league and whose name will help them land more licensing deals.
WrestleZone.com has a story up noting that Shane Douglas came out of hibernation at last Saturday’s IWC show in Elizabeth, NJ. He gave one of his patented, long-winded, “shoot-like” promos, this time ripping on TNA, Dixie Carter and Vince McMahon. He also ripped on TNA booker/writer Dutch Mantel, complaining about his comedy booking in front of the crowd. He said the best idea Mantel could come up with was Eric Young wearing a chicken suit. Douglas said 53 of his closest friends are now dead and that Vince McMahon has done nothing to help things or make the schedule better. The indy promoter originally brought Douglas to the show to do angle with one of the promotion’s wrestlers. However, the indy wrestler he was supposed to be feuding with, Bubba the Bulldog, put Douglas over for all he’d done the business after Douglas’ promo. The whole locker room then came out and applauded Douglas. TNA booked Samoa Joe & Eric Young on the same show, and TNA typically hates stuff this, so it could affect future relations between them and the indy promotion.
