Former WWE And TNA Star Gets Show On CBS Radio

CBS Radio issued the following:

THE TAZ SHOW: BODYSLAMS & BEYOND TO DEBUT ON PLAY.IT® BEGINNING MONDAY, SEPT. 14

Live Weekday Program Featuring Former Pro-Wrestler Taz To Be Video and Audio Streamed

CBS RADIO today announced a new original program, THE TAZ SHOW: BODYSLAMS & BEYOND, a live two-hour daily show featuring pro-wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Taz. Available exclusively for audio and video streaming on the Play.it® podcast network, THE TAZ SHOW launches on Monday, Sept. 14 and will be broadcast live Monday through Friday from 7:00-9:00AM, ET, from CBS RADIO's New York headquarters.

The program can also be accessed on-demand daily beginning at 10:00AM, ET. Live video streaming of the show will launch at a later date.

THE TAZ SHOW will be highlighted by call-ins from listeners, high-profile interviews, and Taz's distinctive opinion on trending topics, newsmakers and the biggest names across the world of sports entertainment and wrestling. The live program comes as the result of the success of Taz's podcast and replaces the weekly show which launched earlier this year on Play.it and was honored with a Communicator Award of Excellence.

Seth Neiman serves as co-host and producer of THE TAZ SHOW.

"The world of sports entertainment is well-known for its colorful characters and no doubt Taz is one of the most opinionated and passionate of all time," said Chris Oliviero, Executive Vice President of Programming, CBS RADIO. "His unique personality along with his fanatical fan base make Taz the perfect personality to help build this new content platform."

"We are happy to continue to grow our relationship with Taz, offering the best live and on-demand content for consumers anywhere," said Ezra Kucharz, President, CBS Local Digital Media. "His distinctive voice is something all fans enjoy whether they are passionate about wrestling, sports or pop culture."

Best known by his ring name, Taz is a former professional wrestler, broadcaster and award-winning podcaster. During his 25 years in the ring, he dominated various championships within the realms of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). His titles include two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, three-time ECW Tag Team Champion, three-time WWE Hardcore Champion, and WWE Tag Team Champion, among others. After his retirement from wrestling, Taz was a color commentator from 2002-15 for WWE Raw, Smackdown and TNA Impact.

UFC President Dana White fires up fans and pro wrestlers

UFC President Dana White, in responding to a tweet from a wrestling fan who wanted to watch UFC 190 and noted how WWE PPV events are only $9.99, stated that he understood and added, "but fake sh*t should be $9.99." The fan then told White to try out some time and still use the term fake to which White responded, "Not disrespecting what they do. All the WWE guys I have met are awesome people but yes it's fake."

This fired up a number of wrestling fans with the comments making the rounds, sending many tweets White's way including those within the wrestling industry.

Seth Rollins: "Guys, cut @danawhite some slack. I mean he's had a million matches, so his opinion is super valid and should be taken as gospel."

Taz: "What's fake & what's predetermined? @danawhite my body is busted up from that "fake shit" - u think u train less?"

Bully Ray: "Good thing you had "FAKE" @BrockLesnar in @ufc to be your biggest PPV draw of all time. .@danawhite Sir, "do the right thing" and apologize to THE industry that laid the groundwork for YOUR industry. Have a great show tonight."

MVP: "Money doesn't buy class Dana."

Jeremy Borash: "Legit cancelled my UFC buy for tonight. Instead sending $50 to @NikBali, a UK wrestler paralyzed during a fake wrestling match. @danaWhite."

Bull Dempsey: "Hey @danawhite, come to the @WWEPerformCtr & see what we do EVERYDAY & tell me it's fake. Send your "ultimate" fighters too. How dare you."

White then wrote the following early Sunday morning to a fan.

"I pissed off wrestling fans? I respect wrestling and the people who do it. I was just responding to an idiot. It was a joke."

The comments didn't seem to phase WWE's Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon as she tweeted out a photo with Triple H and trainer Joe DeFranco wearing Ronda Rousey t-shirts, a tweet that Dana White later retweeted following Rousey's knockout win on Saturday night.

#andSTILL #Reppin4Ronda #UFC190 @DeFrancosGym @TripleH @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/qKP3z1BWtj

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) August 1, 2015

Taz addresses his departure from TNA and confirms late pay

During his "Human Podcast Machine" podcast on Saturday, Taz addressed his departure from TNA and reports about receiving late pay from the company. It should noted that Taz did confirm he eventually received full payment from TNA after the initial issue.

On his departure from TNA this week:

"I asked for my release. I was granted my release. We parted ways mutually, professionally, the right way."

On reports that TNA was late in paying him:

"My check, for works that I had done previous, was late. I had to do what I had to do and the company was very understanding. They understood my position. They were very professional. They were very kind. They were very understanding. It was a bad situation. Business is business. I'm in this business. This is how I make my living. This is how I pay my bills and I feed my family for over 25 years. It's business."

On rumors that he left TNA because of a falling out with Josh Mathews:

"Me leaving TNA had absolutely nothing at all to do with my relationship with Josh Mathews. Absolutely nothing. I worked with Josh for a long time. Did we have a fall out? Yes we had a fall out. Why can't two guys have an argument or disagree or end a friendship and people have to speculate that is why they left?"

On reports about not going to Nashville for production work:

"The company was quite frankly apologetic. They had their reasons. And I'm not going to get into their reasons. I'm not looking to do that. And by the way...if you're looking for me to sit out here and bash take the low road TNA, that's not happening. I'm not doing that. That's not my style. That's not what I'm about. I'm not a hypocrite. I'm not going to work somewhere as long as I did - and I've waived their flag publicly in the past - while I worked for them and then I leave and bash and bury them. That's to me low brow hypocritical two-faced fake crap. That's not my style."

Taz Gone From TNA, Comments From John Gaburick

John Gaburick, TNA Executive Vice President, Creative & Talent Relations, announced today that Taz is gone from the company. This comes after recent issues stemming from TNA paying late. Gaburick wrote:

"After 5+ years TNA & Taz have mutually decided to part ways. A champ in the ring & on the mic, we wish him nothing but success!"

Taz also commented:

"Like to thank TNA Wrestling for the opportunity to apply my craft for past several years. Best wishes to them in the future."

Taz Currently At Odds With TNA Wrestling

TNA Wrestling announcer Taz appears to be at odds with the company, according to a report from PWInsider.com.

According to the report, Taz was supposed to attend a voice-over session this past Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee in order to record commentary for several weeks of Impact Wrestling tapings. However, Taz reportedly refused to fly to Nashville from New York, and the main factor is said to be the ongoing pay issues that have been plaguing TNA Wrestling as of late.

Taz has since removed any and all references to TNA Wrestling from his official Twitter page, and PWInsider.com further states that one of their sources declined to comment when they were asked about Taz's current relationship with the company.

In regards to the recording of commentary, it's being reported that Josh Mathews handled the duties himself in regards to the episode of Impact Wrestling that will air this coming Friday on Destination America; however, it was also noted that this could end up changing due to TNA Wrestling having until Thursday to hand the show over to the network.

This Day in Wrestling History

Triple H defeated Taz in the first match between a WWF(E) heavyweight Champion and an ECW Heavyweight Champion
April 20, 2000

WWE's Greatest Moments: Triple H vs. Tazz April 2000

Video: Interview with Jacob Tarr, Graduate of Team Taz Finishing Camp

Taz Opens "Team Taz Finishing Camp"

Current TNA commentator and former ECW/WWE star Taz has announced the opening of the "Team Taz Finishing Camp." It is heavily emphasized on the camp website that this is not a wrestling school or a place for beginners to start.

The full mission statement reads:

"My goal with this concept is to assist fellow wrestlers in learning the nuances they might be missing that is preventing them from grabbing & holding the attention of one of the Major Pro Wrestling companies.

I have been fortunate for over 20 years to have worked on both sides of the camera with ALL the power players who drive today's Sports Entertainment industry. This is why I am in a unique position to instruct on what you might need.

I am looking to work with the people who are "right there" but struggling with how tough it is to "make it", I BEEN there! I cannot guarantee you stardom but I can guarantee you my true dedication and knowledge of the industry and what those in power positions are looking for in their talents. Our mission is to make you a POLISHED talent in all aspects primed for the success you have earned at the NEXT LEVEL!"

Sessions are expected to begin in January 2011. For more, visit: teamtaz13.com.

TNA Removes Don West as Color Commentator

Taz replaced Don West as the color commentator at tonight's TNA Impact taping in Orlando, Fla. Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reports that West will remain with the company and received a promotion in the merchandising department.

TNA Victory Road Results

Taz debuts during the Sting vs. Samoa Joe match...More?

Taz Promo on TNA Facebook Page

TNA has posted footage on their Facebook page that is clearly a promotional video for Taz joining the company. The video features a "13" graphic, and "FTW," which was one of his slogans in ECW. You can watch the video by visiting the TNA Facebook Page.

source: prowrestling.net

Rumor Mill - Members of Samoa Joe's 'Nation of Violence' Revealed

Sources within TNA have confirmed that the members of Samoa Joe's "Nation of Violence" stable are in fact "ECW Originals" Balls Mahoney, Stevie Richards, Spike Dudley and former ECW Champion Bobby Lashley.

Taz will be revealed as Samoa Joe's advisor once his no-compete clause with the WWE expires.

source: pwpix.net

Taz Lists his Favorite Opponents; Triple H Mentioned

"I've been VERY lucky to wrestle some great stars & great guys from Undertaker, Stone Cold, Rock, Kurt Angle, HHH, Sabu, Dreamer, RVD, Team 3D, Bam Bam, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho and Edge. But honestly speaking, I had LOVED working with Chris Candido!"

Taz Issues Statment about Leaving the WWE

Taz (He hates the second "Z") issued a statment on his Facebook account about leaving the WWE:

"I want to clear up some "true & false" for all of you," Taz wrote on his Facebook page:

"True

My contract expired the end of March and I had given my notice several weeks prior.

I ask WWE for my release to pursue other interest.

I offered to call Wrestlemania while I was not contractually obligated....and offered to call the show for free to the company.

I have fulfilled EVERY obligation to the WWE, and pride myself on leaving the proper/professional way.

On my way out, from Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn and Stephanie ALL treated me great...which was cool.

I APPRECIATE all of the offers for appearances but right now I'm just doing very few appearances (if any). I'm gonna chill out and watch my kid hit baseballs.

I am done wrestling. At 41 years old, several neck and shoulder issues...not happening. I would be a former shell of myself.

I too have hated the extra "Z"

FALSE

Burnout (If anything, I'm more inspired & motivated now than ever)"

Click here to read the full statement.

Breaking News - Tazz Quits

PWInsider.com has reported that following last night’s Smackdown taping, Tazz has left WWE. His contract expired today. WWE.com is yet to mention it. With the former ECW World Champion now having left the company, it’s going to be interesting to see who calls the action with Jim Ross on future Smackdowns (or Cole if Ross returns to RAW during the draft).

Tazz: The next Calvin Klein?

When the WWE Universe sees SmackDown announcer Tazz behind the table, or reminisce about his time inside the squared circle, they may see a real tough guy from Brooklyn. However, to his son and his son's little league baseball team, the ECW Legend is a skilled graphic designer...More?