http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/How_Much_Is_TNA_Paying_ECW_Talents_RVD_vs._Ly.shtml
Source: Prowrestling.net
-- It has been confirmed that the main event of next month's Hard Justice will feature TNA World Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn. It is unknown at this time whether the title will be on the line.
-- While Tommy Dreamer has been contacting ECW alumni to work Hard Justice, Director of Talent Relations Terry Taylor has handled the financial negotiations. The rumored payoff for non-contracted performers is said to range from $500 to $1,000.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Former_ECW_Star_Turns_Down_TNA_-_Details_Insi.shtmlSource: The Pro Wrestling Torch
Former ECW performer Michael Depoli (a/k/a Amish Roadkill) has reportedly declined TNA Wrestling's offer to appear at next month's Hard Justice pay-per-view event.
His reason for declining their offer is that he considers himself retired from professional wrestling and simply has no interest in returning.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Rumor_TNA_To_Hold_ECW-Only_Live_Events.shtmlPartial Source: Prowrestling.net
TNA officials have discussed the possibility of holding select house show events featuring former ECW talent in markets where the defunct promotion was most popular. The feeling amongst those pushing for it is that the ECW alumni will work cheap, thus resulting in a profitable venture for the company.
However, it doesn't appear that officials have mentioned the venture to those contacted for Hard Justice. It should be noted though that both Tommy Dreamer and Terry Taylor have asked ECW talents who have been contacted what their work schedules are like following the PPV. Tommy Dreamer is said to be the lead-man behind everything ECW in TNA these days.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Big_TNA-ECW_Update_1_-_Original_Plans_Dreamer.shtmlSource: Pwinsider.com
-- The idea to make the TNA Hard Justice PPV an "ECW" themed event happened at the Monday tapings. There was a planned direction for the ECW crew, but they along with Tommy Dreamer pitched a new direction which Dixie Carter approved. Carter also signed off on Dreamer running the show, which at this time is planned to be a "one off" ECW show. Many are impressed with how much trust Dreamer has been given by management.
-- The August 8th PPV has been renamed "Hardcore Justice: One Last Stand," and a new commercial has been sent out to PPV providers. The commercial reportedly features an ECW chant, something the company will have to be very careful about using for legal reasons.
-- As noted earlier, Tommy Dreamer has been contacting talent about doing the show, while TNA's Terry Taylor is handling the financial side of things.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Big_TNA-ECW_Update_2_-_Major_Names_To_Appear_.shtmlSource: Pwinsider
-- Talent expected to appear are Jerry Lynn, The Sandman, Sabu, Spike Dudley, The FBI, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney and Swinger. No contracts have been signed and many people booked have asked that their name be kept quiet.
-- They plan is to headline the PPV with an RVD vs. Jerry Lynn match. The plan is to announce two or three matches ahead of time, and then fill the card out via surprise, like ECW used to most of the time.
-- The show is also not the big surprise mentioned previously by Dixie Carter.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Big_TNA-ECW_Update_3_-_Heyman_Update_Backstag.shtmlSource: Pwinsider
-- Paul Heyman has nothing to do with the angle at this time.
-- The response of the former ECW wrestlers has been interesting. Some feel excited about the possibility, while others are just acting like it is just another show since they have been down this road before. Some have been extremely thankful for the chance to work the event, while some have tried to get as much as they can from the company for their appearance. One talent, who has been off of TV for years, is refusing to come in unless is was granted a multi-year contract by TNA.
-- At this time, the PPV is the only event planed with the ECW theme. But there could be more appearances from ECW alumni after the show, if they can be integrated into TNA storylines.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Big_TNA-ECW_Update_4_-_Tajiri__Super_Crazy_Tr.shtml-- Yoshihiro Tajiri and Super Crazy are booked in Japan on August 8th, and will not be appearing at the show.
-- Talent with independent bookings on Saturday will be flown into Orlando on Sunday morning. Others that can be there will be doing a Saturday meet and greet with fans at the NASCAR restaurant at Universal Citiwalk.
-- TNA is trying to take the approach of the first One Night Stand show, booking who they can to make it an authentic feeling event, including referees and managers. There has even been discussion of honoring former ECW talent that cannot be there on the show.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/Big_TNA-ECW_Update_5_-_Shane_Douglas_Return_R.shtmlSource: Pwinsider
-- Shane Douglas has been contacted to work the event, but he has not agreed to terms. Douglas is reportedly pushing the idea of wrestling Ric Flair on the show to play off of Douglas always calling him out in ECW.
http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/stories/SPOILER_-_2_Former_ECW_Stars_Set_For_Hard_Jus.shtmlSource: The Pro Wrestling Torch
Johnny Swinger will be appearing at next month's Hard Justice pay-per-view. He is expected to reunite with former tag team partner Simon Diamond in a tag match. Pat 'Simon Diamond' Kenney is an agent in TNA.
Diamond and Swinger were a most notably seen in ECW as well as TNA Wrestling. During their time in ECW, they were managed by Dawn Marie. The duo have won both the NWA World Tag Team Championship and the MPW Tag Team Championship.
No word on whether Dawn Marie will appear at the PPV as of this writing. Stay tuned as we get more.
-- There is no truth to the rumored Sandman, Dreamer and New Jack vs. Rhino, Richards and Raven match that has been reported on. We never reported that here.
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