Kurt Angle Comments On Foley/TNA, Devine On Why He Left TNA, More

SJM Concerts, which is promoting TNA's January 2009 tour of the United Kingdom, sent out a press release today, recapping Kurt Angle's media day last month at Wembley Arena. Here are the highlights:

Why He Went to TNA: "A lot of people want to know why I made the switch to TNA ? WWE it's no lie it's a monster, they are the top wrestling company and will continue to be. I wanted to serve a larger purpose and serve with a smaller company. Over the past two years the impact its had on me and me on them is amazing" Kurt continues, "In just 6 years, TNA Wrestling has done more than any other wrestling company could do in 20. Rating, shows have been unparallel. Our shows are played in 158 countries, in Australia we are the number 1 wrestling corporation out there. I also want to credit to people in England, who internationally put us on the map. We take pride in our wrestling."

Mick Foley in TNA: "It's a huge deal. Most entertaining wrestlers ever seen ? takes a lot of chances. Much better talker and add lots to company. Mick Foley has a lot of wisdom to teach the other guys. See a lot more soon coming to TNA, a lot to do with opportunity" Its not just opportunity, as it has allowed Kurt to be original; "There are no gimmicks; we are not being puppets, so the show is a little bit different. I book my own matches and it allows me to bring own creativity. I like one or ones, good vs. bad, win or lose straight up."

Doing MMA in 2009: "My health is 100% I have never felt better and I am talking to several fight companies for MMA 2009. I will have to take a few months out. I want to represent TNA and do well."

Former TNA star Johnny Devine posted a new Myspace.com blog explaining why he decided to ask TNA Wrestling for a release (which they granted him):

Well the questions are flying and the answers are few and far between so I figure I will bust out a little column for now to address the questions for my fans and friends. Yes, I asked for a release from TNA. Yes, it has been granted to me. I had until Oct 22, 09 on my contract remaining. Why you ask? Well that's a long answer with a number of reasons. All of which are personal, and need not be thrown out there. For now I will simply say that I made myself a promise early on in my career. That was: when it's no longer fun to wrestle it's time to go. And it was no longer fun for me at TNA. Now I realize that there will be many of you who will jump all over me and say things like "I would kill to have that spot." etc. But unless you have been there it's very difficult to know how you would react in the same position. TNA is a great place to work. The locker room is fun, the boys all get along for the most part. And everyone there can wrestle their butts off. But a lot of the time the guys are not allowed to show that as it's not what is right for the spot. A lot of people don't understand what does and doesn't make a good wrestling match or TV show. I will simply use myself as an example of this. Simply put, my job is/was to make others look good. Did I do a good job of this? Yes. Sometimes too good? Yes. Could I have gone out there and done shooting star presses and 450 splashes galore? Yes. Those of you who know me know I am capable of many things in a wrestling ring. Would it have made my opponents look good? No. Would it have been too flashy for my role as X Division traitor? YES! Thus I didn't do the things people wanted to see, I did my job and did the things people didn't want to see. I take a lot of pride in my job. It is my one MAJOR vice. Perhaps I have too much pride but that is my failing. I trained very hard with everyone I could to learn everything I can about the wrestling business. I still do it today and try to learn something every show, or every opportunity. The veterans who "knew" me always got questions as to the whys and how's of the business side of things. So when so much effort is put into something you are not allowed to show or capitalize on, it can get rather frustrating. And that frustration builds over time. Mine built to the level where I was no longer enjoying the little I was allowed to do. And that in a small nutshell is why I needed to leave. What's next for me now? Well school is the first thing on the list. I am going to take a broadcasting and TV production course and see if the other side of the camera is as exciting as being in front of it. Wrestling wise I will continue to work indy's and instruct at Scott D'Amore's CanAm wrestling school in Windsor Ontario. So I am not gone form the biz just looking at things a little differently. Hope this helps to shed some light for those who have asked. I If you have any other questions I can always be reached at my website www.johnnydevine.net , or MySpace at www.myspace.com/canadiandevine or emailed at johnnydevine@shaw.ca . All the best with your future endeavors and yours is truly a butt that won't quit! Be safe and stay hot! Johnny Devine