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WWE Rumors: Randy Orton Reportedly Lobbied To Return As A Heel
After taking some time off to heal from a knee surgery (read about that here), ‘The Viper’ Randy Orton returned back at Extreme Rules on July 15th and surprised the WWE Universe by turning heel when he kicked Jeff Hardy “down under” following his match against United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.
‘The Apex Predator’ would follow up with a vicious attack on Hardy two nights later at SmackDown Live, grotesquely using Jeff’s gauged out earlobe to drag him around ringside. This week on the blue brand, Orton opened the program by explaining his actions, blaming the WWE Universe for his change of heart with a promo that was praised by many fans.
According to the WrestleVotes Twitter account, which has become a fairly good source of information, Orton pushed to return as a heel:
Regarding Randy Orton’s heel turn, it has been something he’s wanted for a while now. Orton definitely pushed for it. I’m expecting him to be the top heel on SmackDown going forward. With him, Nakamura, Joe, Miz & Almas, SD has a strong mix of main event level heels.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) July 26, 2018
EA’s Take: I buy this one hundred percent. Randy’s definitely got some stroke due to his success and tenure, plus he’s been quite open in the past about preferring to work heel rather than babyface. I’ve been calling for it for quite some time myself, as I’ve always felt that ‘The Viper’ is at his best when he’s on the “dark side”. Every time he’s been babyface, he’s gotten complacent and just seems to go through the motions. If you’ve followed his career, you can tell when he’s giving it his all and when he’s mailing it in. The only thing with Orton is, he’s just so damn good that those who haven’t followed his time with WWE from the start may not even pick up on it. This gives Randy something he can stick his teeth into because for all he’s done to turn around his perception backstage and with the people, I think it’s pretty safe to say that “Randy the prick” is still in there somewhere.
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TNA Impact on AMC Drops to 175,000 Viewers, 0.03 18-49 Rating Amid Heavy Sports Competition
TNA Thursday Night Impact averaged 175,000 viewers on AMC last week, a 17.5% decline from the previous week’s 212,000 and the lowest audience since January 22. The show posted a 0.03 rating in the key 18-49 demo, down 25% and matching its lowest demo figure on AMC since the move.
The drop coincided with stiff competition — Impact ran opposite the NFL Draft (simulcast on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network) as well as NHL and NBA playoff coverage, leaving the program tied for 70th on the primetime cable charts. Versus the prior 10-week average (0.04 rating and 240,300 viewers), last week’s show fell 25% in the demo and 27.2% in overall viewers.
Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/tna-wrestling/tna-impact-viewership-18-49-rating-take-big-hit/.
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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Nick Hogan Open to Pursuing In-Ring Career After Viewing Hulk Hogan: Real American
Nick Hogan told the Bonus Edition of the 83 Weeks podcast that after watching the final version of Hulk Hogan: Real American he’s more open than ever to stepping into the ring if the opportunity presents itself. Hogan said he’s been knocking off ring rust, is in good shape and “would absolutely welcome” the chance to pursue an in‑ring career, and noted the docuseries — which premiered on Netflix on April 22, 2026 — helped clarify his father’s legacy.
He also praised the series for pulling back the curtain on the many facets of Hulk Hogan, from character work to charitable efforts, saying it showed how dynamic a person his father is. Nick added that the long-discussed Chris Hemsworth biopic from 2019 remains a possibility despite delays, as the documentary continues to renew interest in Hogan’s story.
Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nick-hogan-would-absolutely-welcome-opportunity-to-pursue-wrestling-career/.
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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