Pia & Mark — A Wrestler Hooked Them Up!

Pia Toscano was the instigator of her burgeoning romance with Mark Ballas, and she used wrestling star Chris Jericho to help her score a date.

As TMZ first reported, Pia and Mark went out on a date Friday night and it went real well … so say our spies.

So here’s how it went down. Pia and Mark both shoot their respective shows — “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars” — on the CBS Television City lot in L.A.

We’re told Pia had her eye on Mark for several weeks, but needed an introduction. So Pia — who turns out is pretty resourceful — has a friend who is friends with Jericho, a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” Pia gave her friend a piece of paper with her phone number on it, who then passed it along to Jericho, who then passed it on to Mark.

Mark, we’re told, was more than receptive. Even though he has an album coming out Tuesday — he rescheduled a music video shoot so he could go on his big date on Friday.

Our peeps who are connected with both Mark and Pia say they both want an encore.

Source: TMZ

Cops: Wrestler Was ‘Belligerent,’ Arrest Was Warranted

A rep for the Columbus PD tells TMZ they feel they had every right to arrest former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard this weekend … saying the video TMZ posted earlier doesn’t tell the whole story.

As TMZ previously reported, Gaspard was popped by Columbus PD for allegedly jaywalking and the video of his arrest shows three officers pinning him down while he, and several onlookers, tried to tell them he did nothing wrong.

Sgt. Rich Weiner, a rep for the Columbus PD, tells TMZ the police report says Gaspard was observed by an officer walking in the roadway and obstructing traffic. He says Gaspard ignored an officer’s request to get out of the street and refused to provide the officer with ID when asked several times.

Sgt. Weiner says, according to the report, the officer then tried to arrest Gaspard, but he “broke free from the officers as they attempted to take him into custody.”

The video we posted begins sometime after that, which Weiner says “does not show the events which led to Mr. Gaspard being put on the ground and being placed in handcuffs.”

News Source: TMZ

Ex-WWE Wrestler — The SHOCKING Arrest Footage

THREE cops held ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard down on the concrete in Ohio this weekend … insisting he was resisting arrest, despite a crowd of witnesses who say Shad did nothing wrong … and it was all caught on tape.

TMZ obtained the footage — which begins moments after the 6′8″, 300 pound wrestler was taken down to the ground by Columbus PD officers who accused him of jaywalking … an accusation Shad vehemently denied.

At one point during the incident, Shad can be heard saying, “Why am I being arrested? Because I’m big and I’m black?”

One of the officers approaches the camera man and explains, “[Shad] was resisting.”

At least 3 people who witnessed the arrest shouted at the officers — insisting Shad was being treated unfairly. The man operating the camera is Strikeforce fighter Josh Barnett.

Shad tells TMZ he feels he’s the victim of racial profiling — and claims during his ride to the police station, he heard the arresting officer saying,”He’s just one more …”

Shad adds, “I don’t know exactly what to do yet, but I will fight this as much as possible.”

He continues, “I’m not doing it for the money, I have the means, I’m doing this so cops don’t think they can do this to someone else … it’s not right.”

Shad is due back in court later today. So far, no word back from Columbus PD.

News Source: TMZ

UFC Champ Cain Velasquez — Surgery Underway

UFC heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez – the man who defeated Brock Lesnar — is currently undergoing surgery to repair his damaged shoulder … TMZ has learned.

UFC kingpin Dana White confirms … Cain is at a Las Vegas hospital, where doctors are performing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder to repair a partially torn rotator cuff.

We’re told Cain isn’t sure exactly when the injury occurred … but it may have happened during the Lesnar fight back in October.

No word on when Cain is expected to return to fighting shape.

News Source: TMZ

Stacy Keibler (born October 14, 1979) is an American actress, model and former professional wrestler and valet for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

She was a contestant on the second season of Dancing with the Stars, where she placed third. Stacy has also appeared on other American Broadcasting Company (ABC) shows such as What About Brian, George Lopez, and October Road, as well as the 100th episode of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother as a bartender and on the USA Network show “Psych”. In addition, she has modeled appearing in both Maxim and Stuff magazines.

Stacy began her professional wrestling career as a part of the Nitro Girls in WCW & quickly moved on to a more prominent role in the company as the manager Miss Hancock. As Miss Hancock, Stacy was known for doing table dances, her relationship with David Flair, and a pregnancy angle. After WCW was purchased by WWE, she moved to the new company, taking part in the Invasion storyline and managing the Dudley Boyz. She also managed Test and Scott Steiner. Before her departure, she was affiliated with The Hurricane and Rosey and nicknamed “Super Stacy.”

As the Fitness Editor at Stuff magazine during 2005 and 2006, Stacy wrote and modeled for her own occasional column, entitled Getting Fit with Stacy Keibler. She has appeared on the cover of that magazine twice: in June 2005 and March 2006. Maxim named Keibler #5 in its 2006 Hot 100 issue, and #70 in its 2007 Hot 100. Stacy was named #89 in Maxim’s annual Hot 100 list in 2008. The following year, she was #77. She has declined each of two invitations from Playboy to pose in the nude for its magazine.

Source: Wikipedia

JWoww Down for a Little TNA … Wrestling

If JWoww is looking for a fight … JWoww is gonna get a fight — TMZ has learned the “Jersey Shore” starlet has just signed a deal with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

Sources close to the deal tell us JWoww — real name Jenni Farley – just signed a one-night deal to appear on Spike TV’s “TNA impact!” on Thursday.

We’re told JWoww doesn’t have a match scheduled … but she’ll “probably be mixing it up” with a couple of Jersey Shore-alike wrestlers named Robbie E. and Cookie.

But JWoww ain’t doin’ the wrestling thing for free — we’re told she’s pulling in a cool $15 grand for the night … and the two sides are working out a deal to get her to come back to the show.

… and to think, Snooki didn’t get a dime when she got hit on television.

Source: TMZ

Chyna Rushed to Hospital for Alcohol Poisoning

Chyna was just rushed to the hospital for alcohol poisoning … TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us Chyna was taken to the UCLA Medical Center … where she was admitted.

The former wrestler is now famous for alcohol problems, appearing on Dr. Drew’s “Celebrity Rehab.”

Chyna’s condition is unknown.

Source: TMZ

Former WWF Wrestler X-Pac Busted for Weed

Former TNA, WCW and WWF wrestler X-Pac was arrested in New Jersey for allegedly trying to sneak THC onto an airplane … this according to his rep.

A rep for Pac — real name Sean Waltman — tells TMZ the arrest for possession of marijuana went down last Sunday at Newark International Airport … and it wasn’t the only bad thing that happened to him that weekend.

Waltman’s rep says the wrestler got robbed the night before at a party — so he showed up at the airport the next day without ID.

We’re told the ID-less Waltman had to go through an “extensive search” — which allegedly turned up one joint.

According to the rep, Waltman was released from custody Sunday night.

Source: TMZ

Hulk Hogan Out of Hospital — That’s How He Rolls

A wheelchair-bound Hulk Hogan was released from a Florida hospital today — after hurting his back on a seashell collecting expedition — and broke the news he’s getting married … right after he shaves his legs.

According to Hulk, once he gets home he’s making his fiancee do a little manscaping … and then he’s going to “move this wedding up, and will be marrying Jennifer right away.”

Hulk’s isn’t fully healed yet.  The Keeper of the Pythons tells us he was too big for the MRI machine … so he has to go to a different hospital.

Source: TMZ

Hulk Hogan’s Back Injury — Seashell Shock

We now know why Hulk Hogan was hospitalized yesterday for severe back pain — a completely non-violent, low-impact session of … seashell collecting.

TMZ spoke to the Hulkster — who’s currently hospitalized in Clearwater, FL — and dude tells us he was picking up seashells this weekend with his girlfriend Jennifer … and the constant bending over eventually got the better of him.

Hulk — who’s had multiple back surgeries in the past — says he must have aggravated his old injuries … because the next morning he could “barely move” and had to call an ambulance.

Hulk tells TMZ the doctors believe he suffered a tear in one of his muscles — but they still need to run some tests to be certain.

As for when he’ll leave the hospital — Hulk says he could be holed up there for another two days … but at least he has his Twitter account to keep him busy.

Source: TMZ

Hulk Hogan Hospitalized Due to Back Pain

Sources close to Hulk Hogan tell TMZ the wrestling legend was taken to the hospital today because of “excruciating back pain.”

We’re told Hogan — who has had several back surgeries throughout the years — has had trouble the past few days and woke up this morning unable to get out of bed.

His girlfriend called the ambulance and, we’re told, he was taken to a local hospital in Clearwater, FL.

Sources tell TMZ Hogan is still in the hospital where tests are being run.

Source: TMZ

Ex-WWE Star Luna — Pills Found in Death Investigation

TMZ has learned … investigators claim they discovered crushed Oxycodone pills and a snorting straw inside the Florida home of former WWE star Gertrude “Luna” Vachon … where she was found dead Friday morning.

According to the police report filed by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office — and obtained by TMZ — investigators claim they found a box containing Oxycodone in Luna’s kitchen … near a pile of “blue, chalky debris next to a small straw.”

Officials also claim they discovered “multiple prescription bottles and miscellaneous unsecured pills” in the master bedroom … along with a small plate that contained more pill residue and another snorting straw.

According to the report, Luna’s mother — the person who discovered the body — told cops that Luna “often appeared ‘medicated’ as she suffered from several wrestling injuries.”

Officials tell TMZ an autopsy has been completed — and an official cause of death should be determined within the next couple of weeks.

Source: TMZ

Hulk Hogan — My Heart Isn’t Broken

Hulk Hogan had a big medical scare this week — after doctors thought they may have found an abnormality with the wrestler’s heart.

Hogan was undergoing tests for back surgery, when doctors discovered a problem with his EKG.

Sources close to Hulk tell us the back doc sent Hulk to a specialist at a cardiovascular medical center in Florida for further testing.

But this story has a happy ending — we’re told doctors ran more extensive tests and were able to determine that Hulk’s ticker is working just fine … though we’re told Hulk was “very worried” during the process.

And with his heart all hunky dory, Hulk is scheduled to undergo back surgery soon.

Source: TMZ

Tito Ortiz — No Charges Will Be Filed

TMZ has learned … the Orange County District Attorney has rejected the case against Tito Ortiz, who was arrested last month for felony domestic violence.

The D.A. tells TMZ there was insufficient corroboration to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Tito had attacked his girlfriend Jenna Jameson. That could have something to do with the fact Jenna changed her story multiple times.

As TMZ first reported, Tito was arrested for felony domestic violence on April 26 at the couple’s home in Huntington Beach, CA.

Source: TMZ

Jenna and Tito — Back on Speaking Terms

TMZ has learned Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz finally talked to each other for the first time since Tito was arrested on a domestic violence charge last week — and their conversation was “extremely emotional.”

Sources close to the couple tell us the two spoke on the phone late Monday night — and each made it very clear that they want to make things work.

We’re told both Jenna and Tito declared that they “loved each other very much” — and are each looking forward to finally seeing each other later this week.

As we previously reported, Jenna and Tito each backed off inflammatory statements they made about each other in the wake of Tito’s arrest.

Source: TMZ

Jenna Jameson, Tito Ortiz Reconcile

TMZ has learned Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz have agreed to reconcile, and the plan is for Tito to move back in the family home midweek.

Sources involved in the situation say the only reason for the delay … the automatic restraining order that prohibits Tito from having contact with Jenna does not expire until midnight tonight.

Jenna has already changed her story three times — recanting the allegation that Tito injured her, then re-instating her allegation, and taking it back yet again.

Will Jenna change her mind about letting Tito back in the house? At least two days must pass, so stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Tito Ortiz, Jenna Jameson Take it Back

TMZ has learned former UFC champ Tito Ortiz and baby mama/former porn star Jenna Jameson are withdrawing allegations that led to Tito’s felony domestic violence arrest earlier this week.

Jenna, who accused Tito of injuring her during an argument, now tells TMZ, “What actually happened has now been dramatically distorted and misinterpreted and remarks that both Tito and I made after the police arrived reflect the state of shock that we were both in.”  Translation — he didn’t hurt me.

As for Tito, we’re told he’s now backing off what he strongly insinuated … that Jenna is an OxyContin addict.  We’re told Tito’s position now is that he found two OxyContin pills in a pair of her pants pocket and may have jumped to conclusions.  Jenna says the pills were very old.  And, as we first reported, Jenna tested negative for drugs this week.

Tito’s lawyer, Chip Matthews, tells TMZ the whole thing was “a big misunderstanding.”

One more thing … Sources say Tito stands to lose $15 million if he’s prosecuted for domestic violence — the money accounts for his UFC contract as well as other businesses.

Source: TMZ

Tito Ortiz’s Ex: He’d ‘Never Hurt a Female’

Tito Ortiz’s ex-wife is as surprised as anyone over his arrest for felony domestic violence yesterday — because according to her, he would “never hurt a female.”

Kristin Ortiz — who was married to Tito for nearly 10 years — tells TMZ Tito was an “amazing person, amazing father and an amazing human being.”

Kristin also says there was never any violence during her marriage, which ended in 2005.

Source: TMZ

Jenna Jameson Alleges ‘Tito Threw Me Into the Tub’

Jenna Jameson claims Tito Ortiz got very violent — throwing and injuring her — and that he’s falsely accusing her of Oxycontin addiction because he’s “very, very desperate.”

TMZ just spoke with Jenna — while she was driving to Las Vegas — and her version of what led to Tito’s domestic violence arrest is brutal.

Jenna claims that during an argument Monday morning she, “said something very hurtful to his ego.” She alleges that Tito then grabbed her and, “threw me into the bathtub and tore two ligaments in my shoulder.”

Tito’s attorney Chip Matthews strongly denies that, saying — “He did not put his hands on her, he did not hit her, he did not do anything to her.”

Matthews claims Tito found pills in Jenna’s pants pocket — and that when Tito confronted her she had an “emotional meltdown.”

Jenna says Tito’s addiction allegation is, “completely false” and “the last nail in the coffin” for their relationship.

Stay tuned…

Source: TMZ

UFC honcho Dana White tells TMZ Tito Ortiz could be booted from the organization if the domestic violence charges prove legit.

White says, “We’re gonna be fair, but we could cut him.”

White wants to wait until the police reports are in, but the UFC can take action even before the legal process runs its course.  “Other than going on a killing spree, being accused of domestic violence is the worst thing you can have going for you,” White says.

Source: TMZ

Jenna Jameson: I’m Pressing Charges

Jenna Jameson just told our photog she plans on pressing charges against Tito Ortiz.

Jenna left her home in Huntington Beach, CA moments ago — and when our cameraman asked if she was okay, she simply responded, “No.”

Jenna left her home with her father — who we’ve learned is the person who made the call to 911.

Video to follow …

Source: TMZ

Tito Ortiz Arrested for Domestic Violence

TMZ has learned Tito Ortiz was just arrested for domestic violence at the home he shares with Jenna Jameson.

We’re told when cops arrived to the home in Huntington Beach, CA — Jenna Jameson had “visible injuries.”

Story developing …

Source: TMZ

Cops: ‘Disturbance’ at Jenna Jameson’s Home

TMZ has learned several police units have arrived at Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson’s house in Huntington Beach, CA after cops received a call about a “disturbance” this morning.

The nature of the disturbance is unclear — but TMZ has learned there is currently a Crime Scene Investigation unit on scene.

Story developing…]

Source: TMZ

Hulk Hogan: My Insurance Co. Screwed Me

Hulk Hogan has sued his insurance company, claiming it compromised his $30 million fortune in the near-fatal car crash caused by his son.

According to the lawsuit, Wells Fargo Southeast — which provided insurance for the Hogan family — only paid $250,000 to John Graziano, who is severely disabled — the result of the Nick Hogan car crash.

Hulk claims the $250,000 policy limit exposed him to personal liability in settling the case.

Hulk’s beef — insurance company reps never advised him his policies needed to be reevaluated given that he had teenage drivers who posed a greater financial risk.

Hulk’s lawsuit does not disclose how much he personally paid to settle with the Grazianos.

Hulk is suing for unspecified damages.

Source: TMZ