Umaga/Hardy Injury Updates, Styles On Richards Release, Ortiz Update, More
? Joey Styles has posted a blog on the WWE Fan Nation site regarding yesterday's release of Stevie Richards, who he has been friends with for over fifteen years.
? WWE.com has put up a profile page on ECW star Ricky Ortiz. Ortiz remains undefeated on WWE television at 3-0. ECW's New Superstar Initiative is apparently back in effect as Theodore Long told him in a backstage segment during last Tuesday's ECW that he will be wrestling a brand new ECW Superstar on next week's show.
? According to WWE.com, SmackDown star Umaga underwent surgery this week to repair his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Umaga was injured at a SmackDown house show in Johnson City, Tennessee last week when he fell out of the ring onto his knee. He will be out for four to six weeks.
? As noted earlier tonight here on the site, Jeff Hardy reportedly suffered a broken neck at Tuesday night's SmackDown/ECW taping. He was scheduled to do an autograph signing at a Best Buy in Rockford, Illinois yesterday, but Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase replaced him. Hardy was also advertised for last night's house show in Rockford, but did not appear. WWE.com is still advertising the Jeff Hardy vs. MVP match for tomorrow night's SummerSlam pay-per-view.
? IGN.com conducted interviews with Candice Michelle, the recently released Stevie Richards, ECW backstage announcer Lena Yada, Chavo Guerrero, Tommy Dreamer, John Morrison, and The Miz at last Saturday's WWE SummerFest event in Venice, California. Regarding her upcoming return, Candice said, "When I got to meet up with Candice Michelle, I told her that RAW needed her now more than ever, and she replied, "...you know Mickie's been doing a really good job of holding down the Women's Division over there. I really can't wait to get back. Just to see everybody, help her out and maybe [get] some revenge. I've got some issues still to take care of. I need to take care of what happened with Beth Phoenix and you know what, I'm going to get my title back."
? According to a number of readers, the Edge and Vickie Guerrero segment that closed out last night's edition of SmackDown was not shown to viewers in the UK. Two other backstage segments he was involved in were completely cut out from Sky Sports' broadcast as well.
? Once again thanks to all who have sent birthday wishes today! It means a lot! I'll be on a boat cruise with the lady tomorrow morning but will be back in time for SummerSlam tomorrow night.