News and Notes From TNA NYC Tapings

- The company has reportedly been happy with attendance at the New York shows this week. The attendance has been just about on par with the last set of tapings and if the show tonight draws well, they may end up with a bigger overall total of fans this time around. The feeling is that the recent quality of the show and positive word of mouth has helped. 

- Low Ki landed on the back of his head on the ramp taking a bump at last night's tapings. Word is that he is "OK" and it is nothing major. 

- The company has been happy with the local publicity that they have been getting for the tapings, especially how it relates to the buzz Chris Melendez received. 

- Jeremy Borash told the live crowd at last night's tapings that there would be "surprises" at tonight's tapings.

- Tommy Dreamer was working as an agent at last night's tapings. 

TNA has booked the Manhattan Center for another set of tapings in September. 

- Scott Fishman of Spike TV was backstage at last night's Impact Wrestling tapings.

- Sheri Shepard (who is friends with MVP), Jenny McCarthy and rapper Wale were in attendance at last night's TNA tapings. 


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Debuting amputee veteran for TNA garners mainstream attention

The New York Post profiled Chris Melendez, the East Harlem veteran who lost his leg in an IED explosion, today. Melendez will debut for TNA at the Manhattan Center this week at the Impact Television tapings.

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TNA Mentioned on The Today Show

TNA scored some good publicity over the weekend. The Today Show on NBC featured a piece on TNA signing Chris Melendez over the weekend. Melendez is a former Army Sergeant, who served his country in Afghanistan and was awarded a Purple Heart when he lost part of his left leg. With TNA having another three days of TV tapings in New York this week, the positive publicity is coming at the right time. 

Opinionated View- That's great to hear. The story with Melendez is awesome and I hope it works out.

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TNA Wrestling Signs American War Hero Chris Melendez to Multi-Year Agreement

TNA Wrestling is happy to announce the signing of a true American hero! Chris Melendez is a former Army Sergeant, who served his country in Afghanistan and was awarded a Purple Heart. Because of injuries suffered in combat, the brave soldier returned home a single leg amputee. Melendez, a member of the Wounded Warrior Project, had another dream to realize when he returned home. He dreamed of becoming a pro wrestler. 

Chris’ remarkable story begins as a kid growing up in Spanish Harlem. His grandmother introduced him to professional wrestling at a young age and, ever since, he has been hooked.

“The ability to captivate an audience without having to say any words is what got me hooked.” 

Inspired by his father, a Vietnam Vet, and compelled by the events of September 11, Chris joined the U.S. Army at the young age of 17. At age 19, and with only 23 days of his Iraq deployment remaining, he sustained horrifying life-threatening injuries from an IED.

“When I was able to open my eyes after the explosion I looked across the battlefield to see what I thought was a fellow-soldier in need of help. I quickly realized it was my leg.”

After being resuscitated three times and enduring numerous emergency surgeries and procedures, Melendez’s long road of recovery took him to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Through pure grit and determination, cutting edge science and technology delivered via the VA, and support from friends, family and The Wounded Warrior Project, Melendez was walking with a prosthetic within 40 days. 

In 2012, Melendez entered Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling in Florida where he trained day-in and day-out under the tutelage of Bully Ray and Devon. Now, TNA Wrestling can announce the signing of Chris Melendez to a multi-year contract. 

Still known in the locker room as “Sarge”, Melendez is set to make his debut for the company during the August 5-7 tapings at New York City’s legendary Manhattan Center. 

Opinionated View- This a really cool story. Good for TNA.

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