After winning the first ever televised WWE Divas Search competition in 2004, Christy Hemme’s in-ring wrestling career lasted only a few more years, with Hemme retiring in 2009 with 110 matches under her belt. That wasn’t the end of Hemme’s journey, however, as she continued to be involved in wrestling in several different roles, first as a ring announcer/interviewer, and then later transitioning into behind the scenes roles, most notably serving as a member of TNA’s creative team on a few occasions over the year.

In an interview with old friend SoCalVal for “WrestlingNewsCo,” Hemme discussed transitioning away from an onscreen role into her creative duties with TNA. And to hear Hemme tell it, it wasn’t a difficult switch in the slightest.

“For me, it was a very organic transition,” Hemme said. “There wasn’t a whole lot of thinking because I saw a gap with women in the company being represented. And it wasn’t because the men weren’t doing it or weren’t thinking about it, there just wasn’t a person advocating. 

“And there was all this stuff we could do with the merchandise, there was all these stories that could be told, but no one…there wasn’t really this carved out person advocating for the women in that way. And so I just stepped into a spot. I really just started saying ‘Hey, what about this?’ and ‘What about this?’ and ‘What about this?'”

Hemme credited several people, including current WWE executive Bruce Prichard, for “rallying behind me” and giving her the opportunity to contribute creatively. Hemme and her husband then proceeded to move to Nashville, where TNA was based at the time, in hopes she could land a full-time job on the staff. 

“I really just showed up, and I just kept showing up until they finally gave me a job, because when I was moving there, there was no job,” Hemme said. “I just was that committed that I would live there to show up every day.”

If you use quotes in this article, please credit “WrestlingNewsCo” and provide an h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription

Kevin Owens Nears Key Evaluation After Neck Fusion Surgery – Kevin Owens is approaching a major checkpoint in his recovery as he nears the one‑year anniversary of the neck fusion surgery he underwent in July 2025. The former Universal Champion was forced out of action during the Road to WrestleMania last year, when it was confirmed that a serious neck injury would keep him from competing at the 2025 event.

Owens has made only limited WWE‑related appearances since the procedure, choosing to stay focused on rehabilitation. His last televised match occurred in early 2025, shortly before the injury reached a point where surgery became unavoidable.

According to sources speaking with Bodyslam, Owens is scheduled for a formal medical re‑evaluation this summer. This assessment will determine the next phase of his recovery and will heavily influence WWE’s long‑term plans for him. Another internal source noted that WWE remains hopeful he could return to active competition in late 2026, depending on the results of the evaluation. While neck fusion recovery typically spans six to twelve months, the physical demands of professional wrestling often extend that timeline significantly.

Throughout the past year, Owens has offered brief updates to fans, expressing gratitude for their support while acknowledging the challenges of the process. During a WWE digital exclusive appearance, he stated, “The recovery has been slow, but I’m doing everything I can to get back to what I love.”

Behind the scenes, WWE creative is said to have several placeholder ideas ready for Owens’ eventual comeback. However, all plans remain tentative until his Summer 2026 medical clearance provides a clearer picture of his in‑ring future.

Owens’ journey back to WWE RAW continues to be one of the most closely watched recovery stories in the company, with fans and officials alike hoping for a successful return.

Kevin Owens Nears Key Evaluation After Neck Fusion Surgery

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TNA iMPACT Spoilers from Atlanta – TNA Wrestling held additional television tapings following Thursday night’s live episode of Impact at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.

Matches were filmed for both Xplosion and Impact, with the promotion returning to the same venue on Friday night for another taping.

Spoilers from that second session have not yet surfaced, but the results from Thursday’s post‑show taping are now available.

Mila Moore vs. Myla Grace

Moore picked up the win in Xplosion action, continuing her recent momentum.

Jason Hotch vs. Ricky Sosa

Hotch secured the victory, adding another singles win to his record.

Mr. Elegance vs. Mike Jackson

Elegance scored the win over the veteran Jackson. After the match, The Elegance Brand hit the ring and attacked Jackson until ODB ran out with a chair to make the save, cracking Mr. Elegance to clear the ring.

Mustafa Ali vs. BDE

Ali earned the victory, but the celebration was short‑lived as Order 4 swarmed the YouTube star afterward. Trey Miguel ran in to help, but the numbers game still favored Order 4, who left the babyfaces laid out.

Jeff Hardy vs. Brian Myers

Hardy scored a win over Myers, but The System immediately jumped The Hardys after the match. The Righteous rushed out to even the odds, which led directly into the next bout.

Moose vs. Bear Bronson

Moose battled Bronson in a hard‑hitting match. Members of The System attempted to interfere again, but several Atlanta Falcons players sitting ringside stepped in to stop them. Moose capitalized and secured the win, celebrating with the Falcons afterward.

Stay tuned for the next set of TNA iMPACT spoilers from Atlanta.

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