Huge TNA-ECW News Recap Part 3 - Tons Of Backstage News!

NOTE: This is a recap of all the TNA-ECW-Hardcore Justice news that we have posted over the past week. This news is ALL re-posted for those who may have missed some of it:

-- 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.

-- 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.

-- Bob Ryder posted the following about the Hardcore Justice VIP weekend on his Twitter. The VIP package is the only way to guarantee a seat for the PPV. The Hard Justice VIP weekend just got a lot more interesting! Look for a Hardcore Reunion at the Saturday night party! So far, fans from the UK, Australia, MA, DE, MD, MS, TX, CA, MI, NC, NY, KY, PA, VA, ME, and FL have signed up for HardCORE Justice VIP wknd

-- TNA Wrestling's Before the Bell preview of Hardcore Justice has been posted online. The 15-minute video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmBCe690DPk

-- TNA has opened up a website for its August PPV Hardcore Justice, at HardcoreJustice.com. So far the site has Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Mick Foley, Al Snow, Raven, Stevie Richards and Simon Diamond as appearing.

-- Lance Storm, who has been highly critical of TNA Wrestling's creative process in recent years, posted a blog on his official website saying he declined their offer to appear at next month's Hardcore Justice pay-per-view event. Here is his full statement: I was hoping to write a bigger article about the TNA: ECW Themed PPV, because I am getting bombarded with questions, but I've got a very busy schedule for the next week, so I'll just address this here and now. I was asked if I would be interested in taking part in the TNA: One Last Stand PPV. I think it was big of them to extend me the offer, considering my general opinion of the TNA product, and want to I thank them for that, but I will not be taking part. I feel it would be hypocritical of me to work the show, considering my out outspoken views of the TNA product. I have a great deal of respect for the boys who will be working the show as well as the great workers on the TNA roster, but I have no desire to be a part of the TNA creative process. As for ECW, One Night Stand in 2005 was my farewell and am content in letting sleeping dogs lie. Lance Storm

-- 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.

-- 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.

-- 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. We'll keep you posted as we get more but please take this only as a RUMOR right now.