WrestleFanFest: Backstage News (Part 3 - Final)

Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Dan Severn and Missy Hyatt are among those no longer appearing. Hall and Nash claim there were no deposits sent per their contractual agreements. Fanfest posted in response that first class plane tickets were bought for the pair, but didn't mention the deposits. Kurt Angle is missing the event due to illness as well. His airfare and pay was taken care of in advance as he was booked via the TNA office. In the case of Severn, the promoters noted that they dropped the ball on their site and were trying to make arrangements.

There are already concerns about wrestlers' pay being covered, but until the weekend ends, we won't know for sure. One story making the rounds is Roddy Piper was handed a personal check that at this point, wouldn't clear when he tried to cash it at a bank. For the sake of everyone booked and the fans that paid in advance, I hope this one ends up as urban legend, but you never know. When there are major bombs of this magnitude, all it does is sour the talent and fans on future conventions, even ones organized by upstanding promoters that have their head in the game.

In regard to Lex Luger's health, Rob Serita, who was identified as the event's marketing director, posted, "LEX IS FINE.... it's not a stroke. he was not feeling well after his morning workout so he went in for a few tests. HE IS 100% FINE!!!!!!!!" so take that for whatever it's worth. Luger was hospitalized yesterday.

We are seeking live reports for last night's live event, which apparently didn't even have a booker until some point yesterday and ended up headlined by Great Muta vs. Sandman vs. Steve Corino. I need a tape of that ASAP. There is an MMA show scheduled for tonight and Ring of Honor has a live show on Sunday. Goldberg and Steve Austin are the top names scheduled to appear this weekend.

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