Hey check it out from last year... she's had a baby since this which we'd bet could already kick our ass. Thecheappop’s interview with TNA’s Jackie Gayda
By Jon Chattman
When she got married last year (to fellow grappler Charlie Haas), Jackie Gayda likely had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. She, as fate would have it, also got something pink, as in a slip. "Everybody was extremely shocked," Gayda told thecheappop recently of her and her husband's untimely release. Some seven-and-a-half months removed from it, Gayda offers no sour grapes. The 2002 "Tough Enough" Winner told us she and Charlie understand the nature of the business, and left the WWE on very good terms. As a matter of fact, the knockout, who joined TNA in November, informed us Haas has been involved in serious discussions with both TNA and WWE as of late, and is expected to re-sign with the latter soon. And, as for Gayda, life couldn't be better. The All-Ohio athlete is enjoying every minute on TNA, and is hopeful with a better timeslot, it can elevate the company, not to mention the women's division, to the next level.
JC: Hey Jackie, how's married life treating you?
JG: It's going great. I can't complain yet. [Laughs] It hasn't been a year so you might want to ask me after the year mark. Just kidding. Charlie and I, we're really blessed. We had a chance to get to know each other under the most stressful circumstances and situations. And, that's what they say married life's all about. Right now, it's going really, really well.
JC: And, it must be nice to have to be on the road all the time. The benefits of TNA, at least for now, is that there's not a lot of traveling - unlike the WWE experience...
JG: You're absolutely right. I love Orlando. And, it's really great that it's just so in and out. It's a very, very nice change to actually feel like you're at home when you're at home. The bigger time slot and more dates and everything may not be too far off in the future, but right now it's a nice change.
JC: How's Charlie doing?
JG: He's doing a lot of indie dates...doing a lot of work with New Japan, (and) just did an England show. He's trying to make the right decisions. He's looking at things in terms of longevity with career goals, for his future, and our future financially. He has a lot of offers on the plate, including WWE, and he's talking to Jeff Jarrett with TNA. I can assure you that he'll be showing up at one of the places very, very soon. I'm not giving anything away, but decisions with him and WWE are looking like they're going to merge again.
JC: That sounds great... That must be nice considering it didn't end great for you guys at WWE...
JG: You never really know why people leave or get let go, because the whole thing is based on gossip and 'he said' or 'she said.' But, we've talked to the McMahon family face to face, unfortunately at Eddie's (Guerrero) funeral. We left on great terms. It was not a bitter leave by any means. [Pauses] Everyone was extremely shocked including Vince's (McMahon) righthand men about both of us... extremely shocked about Charlie. If he goes back, it's going to be on his terms this time, and get the run he rightfully deserves. He's been kicking his ass for awhile. He's really developed himself as a singles wrestler. To go back [to] WWE, that's something that might be right around the bend.
JC: And, what about you? You joined TNA in November. Did you know off the bat that that was the right fit for you?
JG: When everything happened with WWE, I can honestly say I wasn't too sure if wrestling was going to stay much in my future. I knew that it was Charlie's livelihood. I think he'll be in the business one way or another until he's 100 years old. But, I had to weigh my options for a month or so. I wasn't sure if it was going to be TNA or just doing some indies with Charlie or a few overseas tours. I really had to weigh it out. Wrestling goes in ups and downs: one week, it's great, the next you're not too sure about things. I know I made the right decision. It's a fantastic company from top to bottom.
JC: Your signing with TNA gave the company a boost in terms of its on-air women talent. What do you think of the women's division in TNA?
JG: There isn't anything right now. Every single week, we're hoping that that changes. The good thing about it is Gail (Kim), Traci and I have all worked with each other at one time. At the same token, TNA is all about going back to storyline, and not shoving entire two [or] three months worth of a soap opera into a segment and a half, which tends to be seen on wrestling nowadays. They really want to stretch it out, but as far as the women's divison, with an hour time slot , they have to pick and choose what it is they're going to focus on. There's so many great athletes on the roster, and you can't shove 15 stories into one minute. We're just taking it one step at a time. Hopefully, we'll have a larger time slot and we can make that happen.
JC: TNA is kind of the underdog. Is it exciting to be a part of its growth?
JG: I don't even know if I'd say its the underdog anymore, but I see what you're saying. You need a starting point. Look how far TNA has come. The company's only been around for three years or so. People are interested. Every week, our ratings are going up and up.
JC: On another note, do you think you'd still would have gone into the wrestling business if you didn't win/participate on "Tough Enough."
JG: I really don't think I would've. Things happen at the right time, right place, for the right people. It was one of those things. I was in college up in Ohio getting right to my major at the end of my sophomore year. I had a million things going on. I was a track and cross country athlete, and just had a lot of stuff on my plate. Wrestling just kind of happen. I was watching RAW one night, [and] my boyfriend at the time said 'why don't you try out for this.' I kind of watched it here or there. I watched it growing up with my dad a little bit. I said 'why not.' He kind of printed out application. I threw it in the mail, and didn't think much of it. I got a call back, and one thing led to another. Wrestling is a blessing in my life. It brought me to the rest of my life - not to sound mushy. But, it's bizare and strange, it brought me to my future family.
JC: It's got to be surreal for you... this whole three-year ride...
JG: It really, really has been. But, you have to take it one step at a time with things. And, take time to look back and realize what has happened and put things into perspective. It really has been surreal: the fans, people that write in, or [I'll] hear something like 'I watched you on TV, you motivated me with your knee.' Funny thing is, I'm still just me.
JC: Yeah, you sound pretty grounded...
JG: Oh, please. Charlie keeps me grounded. Everything happens for a reason whether good or bad. You have to take life and learn from it, and hope that you don't get too big for your pants or too small for them.
JC: Lastly, what's your biggest achievement in the ring?
JG: Probably the best and most outstanding moment that sticks out is being in Wrestlemania XX. Madison Square Garden... I remember thinking 'Who am I? I won this contest, now I'm in a storyline with three other talented and beautiful women.' It really was breathtaking. You have to step back and take it in. That's the highlight of my career so far. We'll see if something can beat it. I'm sure it will. Want more of Jackie? Check JustJackie.Net
Here's thecheappop.com's interview with Matt Hyson from last year...
Because he probably weighs 150 lbs. soaking wet and can still kick your ass... it's time for cheek to cheek with Matt Hyson (formerly Spike Dudley on WWE, which was formerly on Spike TV, and Brother Runt in TNA, which is on Spike TV now) - How's that for a headline?
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com
Hey Matt, are you bitter with what happened at WWE?
Not bitter at being fired. I can handle getting let go, it's the nature of the business for talent to come and go. What I resent are the lies the office of the WWE spews at the talent. I was promised over the phone a two year extension on my last contract. Why would they promise that and a month later fire me with no explanation? Why would the office constantly re-assure me my job is safe only to fire me? What work place in the world treats their employees like that? I can honestly say I'm not bitter, just flabbergasted that they operate like that. After 5 years of literally destroying my body for the sake of the company don't I deserve, at least, a face-to-face meeting instead of a late night cell phone call? Their lack of appreciation is what's disapointing.
Do you think you'll find a new home with TNA or another company?
I'll definintely make a home somewhere. There's plenty of wrestling left in me and there are a number of companies out there. I can't point to any one promotion and say that's my new home. I believe I'll have to wrestle the circuit, as I've been doing. I'm having too much fun to commit to one place only.
Are you surprised Joey Styles is commentating for RAW now?
I wasn't aware he was until you asked. Nothing surprises me anymore.
Whats your crowning achievement in the business?
There's no such thing. I've found every time I go out to the ring it's better than the last time. Just having my first match was my crowning achievement. Every thing else is icing on the cake.
What's your general feeling about the state of the industry these days?
The business is always on a roller coaster. It goes up and down with the fans and the styles. Something works, everyone exploits it until it gets old, something new pops up, sparks everyone's interest unil it's exploited. I think the business is in the upswing. I feel the WWE has lost touch with it's fan base and is much too focussed on the "entertainment" side and has forgotten the "pro wrestling" side. This might be economically smart for them, but it leaves the industry wide open for a group like TNA to come in and steal the wrestling fans. By going back to wrestling TNA is a giant breath of fresh air to a very stale WWE product. Wreslting fans now have options, be it TNA or UFC or Indy shows. As I've hit the independants I still see the true wrestling fan out there. I believe some big changes will occur in the next year or two in pro wrestling.
Do you still consider yourself a wrestling fan?
Of course, I have hundreds of tapes. I've always been a student and I'm always watching wrestling. I do prefer old-school stuff, put I'm the biggest fan in the world.
You've accomplished so much despite being a "little guy," what's your secret?
Gravity.
That question was pretty lame, wasn't it?
No, really there's no secret. Work hard, love pro wrestling, be a pro, give it your all. That's my secret.
What question are you sick and tired of every one asking you?
What's it like to go through table? I hate that one. It F'N hurts!!! What else can I say?
Okay, thanks Matt, what does the future hold for you - in this business or out?
That's your lame question.
A bra and panties rematch between "The Fink" and Harvey Whippleman...
Starting today Sunday Night Steam is going to chronicle the biggest losers in wrestling history from A-Z. So let's begin with the biggest jobber of them all. A is for Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff. Andre is without a doubt one of the most well known faces in professional wrestling history. Dubbed "The Eighth Wonder of The World" he is perhaps the biggest athlete ever to appear in a wrestling ring. Sadly however, after a long and successful career The Giant will be remembered most for these three loses: 1)Wrestlemania III in front of 93,000 Andre takes one for the team and jobs to a guy named Hulk Hogan, the same Hogan that Andre used to slap around during the Verne Gagne AWA era. 2)Saturday Night's Main Event went primetime as Andre became the WWE World Champion only to sell the gold minutes later to Ted DiBiase. 3) It's one thing to get your head shaved but to have it done by a longtime 80's midcarder is another story(that's right Ken Patera we are calling you out).
Booty Daddy joins TNA 
... WHAT'S NEXT FOR GOLDBERG?
Martial arts and Steven Seagel for starters
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com
July 2006
Apparently mixed martial arts (MMA) is next for former wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg. The former WCW and WWE grappler will serve as a color commentator for the recently launched World Fighting Alliance's (WFA) upcoming pay-per-view event "King of the Streets," which airs live from the Forum in Los Angeles on July 22. While his career has been dominated by wrestling, Goldberg said he's always been a fan of martial arts and the MMA style and grapplers like Bas Rutten and Ron Waterman.
Goldberg said he's also psyched to join a broadcasting team led by boxing play-by-play man Barry Tompkins. The move behind the booth is just another example of how the former Atlanta Falcon is taking his career well beyond the wrestling ring. Since leaving the WWE two years ago, he's focused on film work, family (who recently became a father for the first time), and involvement in various charities. He's been featured in such films as "Santa's Slay," and last spring's Adam Sandler hit comedy "The Longest Yard," and is set to begin filming a remake of the martial arts film, "Half Past Dead," which originally starred Steven Seagal.
We recently chatted with "The Man" and asked him about the WFA, his movie career, and whether or not he'd ever jump in the ring again beit with WFA or another wrestling organization. Taking a page from the wrestling cliche book, Goldberg told us, "never say never." Having said that, one thing's clear, you won't ever see him get in a WWE ring again.
Q) Why'd you decide to get involved with the WFA?
A) My interest in the martial arts has run pretty deep for a long period of time. I own a martial arts school in Oceanside, CA. called Extreme Power. I've trained throughout my football career, wrestling career, and my normal human existence just for entertainment value of it. I find it's an area you can never have all of the knowledge. It was a no brainer. It's about time there was a viable competitor to the UFC in the states.
Q) True, but you're getting into the broadcast booth instead of competing. Why'd you decide to commentate rather than kicking ass?
A) First and foremost, I think I'm too old to be a participant. We all know I had an affiliation with the Pride organization in Japan. I did a little bit of color with them.
For me, I'm learning to reinvent myself a little more. I have a relationship with 90 percent of these guys already. Whether it be WFA guys or MMA guys around the world. I have been a fan since the inception of my wrestling career. For me to be part of the color commentary, it's the next best thing than being in there.
Q) What can you bring to the table as an announcer?
A) I can bring my insights on what I think as an objective observer. I can bring my relationship with all the fighters to forefront and give these guys some shit. Not too many other guys can do that.
Q) These days, the wrestling industry has been dubbed as stale. Do you think you can help lure wrestling fans away from the WWE and TNA?
A) I do believe my presence will not hurt by any stretch of the imagination. We are definitely looking for the crossover from the wrestling fan. I would think it's the same fan base.These guys really know what they're doing. The card that WFA has come up with for its inaugural fight is an unbelievable break out card. Any organization in the world would love to have the list of fighters they have on this card.
Q) There were rumors that you'd be joining TNA Wrestling. Will that ever come into fruition?
A) I would love to be part of somebody competing against the tyrant. There are many other business deals that have to be made for Spike TV prior to me even considering stepping in the ring for TNA. I really don't have plans to do it anytime in the near future. [But] who knows. You look at Sting, [and] he went over there. He's the one that opened my eyes to the possibility of me coming out of retirement.
Q) What do you think of the product over there?
A) I've stomached a little bit of it. They definitely need some help whether its production, whether it's talent, or a [new] timeslot.
Q) Your last wrestling match (against Brock Lesner at Wrestlemania XX) didn't go that well. Were you surprised by the fans reaction?
A) It was tough for the fans. It wasn't fair to the fans. It wasn't fair to us. Truthfully,I really didn't hear it (fans booing). I was so disappointed with what was going on...I pretty much zoned everything out. I could tell in [Lesner's] eyes as the bell rang, it was going to be a long night [and] we just kind of wanted to get out of the ring. The match definitely was not booked and publicized like it should have been. That could have been the match of the century. Obviously, we were both leaving, but you would've thought they would've put a little bit more into it seeing as how it equated to money in their pocket.
Q) Brock's a free agent now, what are the chances you could face him again in the WFA?
A) Brock is a terrific friend of mine. For me to be able to get in the ring with somebody, I'm going to have to dislike the human being as much as possible. He's too good of a guy. He really is a good friend of mine. Let's get Vince McMahon in there. You'd have to tie both hands behind my back. Guys like that are all show and no go.
Q) When asked if you'd come out of retirement, you say "never say never," but is it safe to assume you'll never wrestle in a WWE ring ever again?
A) That's a fact. I wont say never say never there. There's no question that I would never step foot in that ring again.
Q) Were there any positives in the WWE?
A) Yeah. It thought me there was good and bad in the wrestling business. The good was in WCW. The bad was my entire tenure in WWE.
6, we're guessing he attempted the combover, and failed miserably.
