Browsing: Fame

By Ella Jay

Oct. 19, 2025 1:41 pm EST

TNA

Last weekend, TNA Wrestling honored three Knockouts with Hall of Fame inductions, two of whom were Angelina Love and Velvet Sky of The Beautiful People. During a recent interview with “Velvet Ropes,” Sky opened up about the dreamlike feeling of accepting her respective place as a part of the 2025 TNA Hall of Fame class.

“It’s so surreal to me,” she said. “It’s very humbling. I mean, you get into wrestling hoping to get your name out there, hoping to be noticed by one of the major TV companies. It’s like that was good enough for me, just making it to TNA, being recognized and doing what I did with Angelina’s Beautiful People. Then taking it a step further and having this honor be like the highest honor of one’s career and getting inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and having our legacy forever be cemented in TNA history is like what is this life? It’s amazing and I’m just so humbled and so grateful.”

With the additions of Lacey Von Erich, Madison Rayne, and Billy Gunn, The Beautiful People dominated the late 2000s and early 2010s in TNA Wrestling. Together, the group enjoyed one reign as Knockouts Tag Team Champions. Individually, Love earned six reigns as Knockouts Champion, while Sky held the title for two runs.

Per Love and Sky’s request, TNA executive Tommy Dreamer inducted them into the Hall of Fame during the ceremony, held right before the Bound For Glory pay-per-view on October 12. In the case of Mickie James, her own HOF induction was preceded by an emotional speech from Lisa Marie Varon, known to TNA fans as Tara.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Velvet Ropes” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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The 21-year-old Tigers shortstop posted a .991 OPS across three levels this season, coming back from injury to log 101 hits in 88 games and walk 13 more times than he struck out. Along the way, he found his power stroke and upped his home run total from five a year ago to 19 against more advanced pitching—something that helped him climb all the way up to becoming Baseball America’s No. 2 overall prospect.

It was, by just about any measure, a season to remember for one of the game’s best prospects.

But as he reflected on the past season during his stint in the Arizona Fall League, McGonigle made one thing clear: Thereâ€s still work to be done.

“I struggled with defense this year,†McGonigle said. “Thatâ€s why Iâ€m here. Iâ€m really trying to lock in on that. I struggled with throwing, range—even just routine ground balls, sometimes I have hiccups on. Iâ€m trying to find the right foot patterns to approach different ground balls and just make every single play thatâ€s hit at me.â€

That kind of self-awareness and work ethic has defined McGonigle since his amateur days. It’s part of what the Tigers valued when they selected him 37th overall in 2023.

A polished, lefthanded bat with a mature approach at the plate, McGonigleâ€s offensive reputation preceded him long before he entered pro ball. He consistently barrels pitches, shows plate discipline beyond his years and has proven he can handle advanced pitching at every stop so far.

But while the bat has translated seamlessly, McGonigle’s defensive development is still an area requiring improvement. Though his arm strength is considered an above-average tool, his lateral quickness and overall consistency in the field remain a work in progress. The Tigers have recognized it—and so has McGonigle.

“This is the biggest offseason for me,” he said.

And so, Detroit challenged McGonigle with an unfamiliar assignment this fall: more reps at third base. It’s a position heâ€s played in-game just once—way back during the clubâ€s Spring Breakout exhibition in March.

Helping to guide that transition is a name synonymous with Tigers defensive excellence in Hall of Famer Alan Trammell. The legendary shortstop has worked closely with McGonigle throughout his career, serving as both mentor and infield coordinator.

“He was all in,†Trammell said of McGonigle’s new defensive assignment. “Heâ€s one of the top prospects. He could say ‘Why? Whatâ€s wrong with me playing shortstop?’ But thatâ€s not who he is. Heâ€s open to anything to help the organization win. That tells you a lot about Kevin McGonigle.â€

So far, McGonigle has soaked up every bit of insight he can from his sessions with Trammell, treating each one like a masterclass in infield play. Throughout the season, heâ€s focused on refining the small but crucial details—the kinds of things that separate solid defenders from great ones.Â

Heâ€s learned techniques like how to handle deep throws from the backhand side—if you’re going to miss, aim for the grass to give the first baseman a long, manageable hop—and he’s worked on setting his base properly, learning to generate power from his legs instead of relying solely on his arm so that his throws carry more velocity and stay on target.

“Heâ€s a sponge,†Trammell said. “Since the day he signed, heâ€s been really engaged. Thatâ€s one of the key attributes I always look for in young players. Heâ€s already a pretty darn good defensive player, but thereâ€s always room for improvement, and he knows that. He wants to be great.â€

They’re subtle adjustments, but McGonigle knows they can make all the difference over the course of a season—and a career.

“Being surrounded by people like Alan Trammell has helped a lot,†McGonigle said. “Heâ€s helped me so much through my first years of pro ball. Sitting down and listening to guys like him will help you further your career. I try to hone in on the little things they teach, and thatâ€s whatâ€s gotten me better since the day I was first drafted.â€

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Mickie James will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory on October 12. Many people feel this was long overdue and now her husband, Nick Aldis has honored James and explained why she deserves the induction.

Nick Aldis took to Twitter and shared a heartfelt message to honor his wife, Mickie James, before her TNA Hall of Fame induction, praising her amazing career and impact on wrestling.

Aldis said Mickie went through many challenges and unfair treatment in her career but never complained or played politics. Instead, she kept working hard, learning and improving herself every step of the way.

“Tonight, TNA recognizes Mickie James for her extraordinary contributions to TNA and to Professional Wrestling by way of her induction into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Key word: CONTRIBUTIONS.

This woman has endured hardships, setbacks and unfair treatment at different times in her career that would have put a lot of people in therapy for the rest of their life, but she didnâ€t complain, she didnâ€t bitch and she didnâ€t play politics. She laced â€em up tight and kept moving forward.â€

Aldis called her a true professional who earned respect through hard work and dedication. He said people who talk about the growth of womenâ€s wrestling should always remember women like Mickie, who helped build it with their skill, pride and passion.

Aldis also mentioned her incredible achievements, including being a five-time WWE Womenâ€s Champion, Divas Champion, and five-time TNA Knockouts Champion, making her the only woman to ever hold all those titles. He said she has made every woman she wrestled with better.

“Moved on to another territory. Learned a new hold. Reinvented herself.

Because sheâ€s a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER first. Trained correctly, dues paid in full. Treated no different than the boys, because she is “one of the boysâ€.

When you talk about “evolving†womenâ€s wrestling, or if youâ€re a woman kicking ass and making a ton of money today, just remember to put some respect on the names of the women who actually laid the groundwork and showed the proof of concept; women who stood ten toes down and took pride in their craft first; their work in the ring, their promos, their gimmick. Their beauty and femininity were a part of the package, not the whole act. Mickie James is absolutely one of those women.

When you get in this business, the veterans teach you to leave the business better than you found it. In the case of Mickie James, mission accomplished. 5 x WWE Womenâ€s Champion, Divas Champion, 5 x TNA Knockouts Champion. The only woman in history to hold all those championships. And most importantly, has made every woman sheâ€s been in the ring with better. Thatâ€s what it means to be great.â€

Aldis finished by saying Mickie James deserves every Hall of Fame honor she gets and stated that she bar got raised when she came along. He added that she is also very attractive.

“The bar got raised when she came along. Maybe Iâ€m biased. Or maybe Iâ€m just right. Sheâ€s a no-brainer for every Hall of Fame. Sheâ€s also fine af. Back woods or up town 😘 #HardcoreCountryâ€.

Mickie James†induction into the TNA Hall of Fame is more than just a personal achievement. It celebrates her incredible career and the way she helped raise the standard for womenâ€s wrestling across many generations and companies. So itâ€s definitely a no-brainer for her to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and fans are happy for her.

What do you think of Nick Aldis†touching tribute to Mickie James? Do you agree that sheâ€s one of the most influential women in wrestling history? Share your thoughts and congratulations for Mickie below!

October 12, 2025 11:07 am

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The Beautiful Peopleâ€s inductor has been revealed.

In an interview with Gabby LaSpisa, Tommy Dreamer revealed that he would be the one inducting Angelina Love and Velvet Sky this weekend at Bound for Glory in Lowell, MA.

“They asked me. It was a big honor, so there you go,†Dreamer said.

It was also announced LaSpisa would be the host of the ceremony, which will be held prior to Bound for Glory. Earlier on Monday it was revealed that Tara, aka Victoria in WWE, would be inducting Mickie James.

The Beautiful People were a major part of the Knockouts division in TNA throughout the 2010s, mainly consisting of Love and Sky but also featured Madison Rayne and Lacey Von Erich at one point. Together, Love & Sky held the Knockouts Tag Team titles twice, while Love held the Knockouts title 4 times.

Hereâ€s a look at every TNA Hall of Fame inductee since the honor was established in 2012:

• 2012: Sting
• 2013: Kurt Angle
• 2014: Team 3D (Bully Ray & D-Von)
• 2015: Jeff Jarrett, Earl Hebner
• 2016: Gail Kim
• 2018: Abyss
• 2020: Ken Shamrock
• 2021: Awesome Kong
• 2022: Raven
• 2023: Mike Tenay & Don West, Traci Brooks
• 2024: Rhino, Bob Ryder
• 2025: Mickie James, The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky)

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The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky) will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame this month, and now fans know who will be doing the honors. During a conversation on Gabby AF, Tommy Dreamer revealed that he will be inducting the duo as part of this year’s all-female class of inductees.

In the interview, Dreamer highlighted the importance of the pair, and his personal connection to The Beautiful People.

“Angelina Love was actually my first hire in professional wrestling. Velvet I’ve known forever, and just to see their journey and what they’ve done is awesome.”

The ceremony, set for October 12 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, will be hosted by Gabby LaSpisa. Mickie James will also be inducted, and it has been confirmed that Victoria/Tara will be inducting James as part of the ceremony.

The vain faction vowed to cleanse the TNA roster “one ugly person at a time.†In TNA, Love is a six-time Knockouts Champion, a title Sky held twice. The group also held the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles, often defending the gold with other members via the ‘Freebird Rule.â€

Now, Angelina Love and Velvet Sky will join Sting, Kurt Angle, Raven, Rhino, Abyss, and others as WWE Hall of Famers. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from TNA Bound for Glory 2025.

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Tommy Dreamer is stepping up to honor two of TNAâ€s most iconic Knockouts.

During a conversation on Gabby AF, Dreamer revealed that he will officially induct Velvet Sky and Angelina Love—collectively known as The Beautiful People—into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame this Sunday at Bound for Glory.

The ceremony, set for October 12 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, will be hosted by Gabby LaSpisa, who also confirmed her role alongside Dreamerâ€s announcement.

This marks a massive moment for the Knockouts division, as Sky and Love join Mickie James to complete the first all-female Hall of Fame class in TNA history. The trio will be honored during Bound for Glory, where theyâ€ll each deliver live speeches in front of the crowd.

James personally selected Lisa Marie Varon—known to WWE fans as Victoria and to TNA fans as Tara—to induct her. In her own words:

“Someone who was pretty synonymous with the whole introduction of Hardcore Country. And I think that we made some incredible, historic moments together — and that would be our dear friend, Lisa Marie.â€

There were early concerns about Varonâ€s WWE Legends contract causing issues, but TNA approved the request, continuing its open-door policy with WWE talent.

Together, The Beautiful People revolutionized womenâ€s wrestling in TNA. Inspired by the pop culture aesthetic of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, they blended vanity, charisma, and dominance. Their motto? “Cleanse the TNA roster one ugly person at a time.†That attitude helped them capture multiple Knockouts Tag Team and singles championships, and now itâ€s earned them a permanent place in TNA history.

Tommy Dreamerâ€s involvement in the induction just adds another layer of legitimacy to the moment. As someone with deep ties to both talent and the companyâ€s legacy, his presence speaks volumes.

Are you excited to see Tommy Dreamer induct The Beautiful People into the TNA Hall of Fame? And do you think this all-female class signals more overdue honors coming soon? Drop your thoughts below.

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Fans of Victoria have advocated for her WWE Hall of Fame induction, but it hasnâ€t happened yet. Now, the former WWE and TNA Womenâ€s Champion will induct Mickie James into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame this weekend.

On Sunday, October 12, Mickie James will be honored at Bound for Glory 2025. Lisa Marie Varon, who was known as Victoria in WWE and Tara in TNA, will handle the induction.

During an interview with So Cal Val, Mickie James spoke about selecting Lisa Marie to induct her.

“Someone who was pretty synonymous with the whole introduction of Hardcore Country. And I think that we made some incredible, historic moments together — and that would be our dear friend, Lisa Marie.â€

Mickie James had the decision-making power, and she chose Varon herself. She wasnâ€t sure if Varonâ€s WWE Legends contract would cause a problem, but TNA quickly approved the request. After all, the company continues to have a working relationship with WWE.

James and Varon are longtime friends and former podcast co-hosts of GAW TV. They were also rivals and partners in the Knockouts division. The Knockouts will be a main focus of this yearâ€s Hall of Fame, as The Beautiful People, Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, will also be inducted.

Since its creation, the TNA Hall of Fame has honored Sting in 2012, Kurt Angle in 2013, Team 3D with Bully Ray and D-Von in 2014, Jeff Jarrett and Earl Hebner in 2015, Gail Kim in 2016, Abyss in 2018, Ken Shamrock in 2020, Awesome Kong in 2021, Raven in 2022, Mike Tenay, Don West, and Traci Brooks in 2023, Rhino and Bob Ryder in 2024, and Mickie James along with The Beautiful People, Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, in 2025.

Bound for Glory takes place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts. The main event will feature Trick Williams vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship. We will have full coverage here at Ringside News.

Whatâ€s your take on this decision for the TNA Hall of Fame? Will you be watching the show? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

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It has been announced that former WWE and TNA Women’s Champion Lisa Marie Varon, known to fans as Victoria and Tara, will be the one to induct her long-time friend and rival, Mickie James, into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Bound For Glory pay-per-view this Sunday, October 12, in Lowell, Massachusetts. The choice is a fitting one, as the careers of the two women have been intertwined for decades, featuring memorable matches and feuds in both WWE and TNA.

The news was revealed by Mickie James herself during a recent interview with WrestlingNews.co’s SoCal Val. She explained why she chose Varon for the prestigious honor.

“Someone who was pretty synonymous with the whole introduction of Hardcore Country. And I think that we made some incredible, historic moments together — and that would be our dear friend, Lisa Marie.â€

James also noted that she personally requested Varon for the induction speech. She was initially unsure if Varon’s WWE legends contract would create an issue, but the request was quickly approved by TNA, which has a close working relationship with WWE. This year’s TNA Hall of Fame class is a celebration of the Knockouts division, as The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky) will also be inducted alongside Mickie James.

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Babe Ruth, Josh Gibson, Roberto Clemente … and the Erie Moon Mammoths?

The Minor League Baseball alternate identity cooked up by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver attracted attention from all over the sporting world this summer, and now the team has earned prestige, too. The Erie Moon Mammoths are in the Hall of Fame.

In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Oliver himself has donated a signed Moon Mammoths jersey — the No. 91 uni top he donned on the show and during the Moon Mammoths’ debut on July 19 — and the item is now on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.

Next to the jersey is a placard reading, “On July 19, 2025, the Double-A Erie SeaWolves debuted as the Moon Mammoths. The unusual nickname came about thanks to John Oliver, who chose the club as the winner of a rebranding contest he announced on his HBO show, ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.’ The comedian wore this jersey as he threw the first pitch to honor the club’s alter ego.”

Oliver also donated a signed cap and a Moon Mammoths squishy — the Detroit affiliate’s giveaway item for July 19, at least one of which sold for more than $200 on Ebay the next day.

In another sense, it was an identity over 10,000 years in the making. When announcing the contest, Oliver promised that the rebrand would be done “in the spirit of your team, city and league in which you belong.”

True to his word, Oliver and his team dug into Erie’s local history and discovered a Woolly Mammoth. More specifically, they discovered the discovery of a Woolly Mammoth.

In 1991, an Erie-area citizen named George Moon was scuba diving in nearby Lake Pleasant and discovered the shoulder blade of a wooly mammoth, and 80 percent of that mammoth’s skeleton was recovered. The incident took hold in the imaginations of Oliver and his staff, which unveiled mascot Fuzz E. Mammoth during the on-air announcement. And Oliver’s jersey number — 91 — was inspired by the year of Moon’s mammoth discovery.

During the July 19 debut, Oliver had a hand in just about every aspect of the game experience. In addition to throwing out the first pitch, he worked at a concessions stand, joined the TV broadcast, sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and walked the stands as a vendor.

The rebrand was a mammoth-sized success for the SeaWolves, who suited up as the Moon Mammoths several more times over the course of the season. When “Last Week Tonight” aired its segment on the game, the show revealed that the club sold four years’ worth of merchandise in three weeks’ time.

So, will you be able to catch the Moon Mammoths in action in 2026? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, you can catch them in Cooperstown.

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Velvet Sky and Angelina Love, collectively known as the Beautiful People, will soon be TNA Hall of Famers, an honor only a select few have obtained so far. During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, the duo discussed their influence on TNA Wrestling and how they proved more popular than some of wrestling’s greats. Love said:

“Kurt Angle was in TNA. Sting. Christian. Hall. Kevin Nash. Booker T. Theyâ€re all there. And we were getting the highest-rated segments.â€

Love recalled seeing on a weekly basis that she and Sky had the highest-rated segments, describing the feeling as “unbelievable.” Sky added that rather than being jealous or resentful, the men on the roster were thrilled to see the pair shine.

“The guys werenâ€t like, ‘These girls are stealing our shine.†They were like, ‘Hell yeah, girls. Hell yeah!â€â€¦ We had the support of everyone.”

Sky and Love will be inducted at Bound for Glory 2025 alongside Mickie James, marking the first-ever all-female class of inductees. All three are former TNA Knockouts Champions and worked multiple times with one another.

Though known as the Beautiful People, the influence the pair had on TNA proves they were much more than titilation. TNA Bound for Glory 2025 will take place on October 12, 2025, at Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts.

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