TNA's onscreen screwjob of Silent Assassin was exactly what it seemed. It appears that Assassin agreed to join TNA as a way to get back into the business but began upsetting TNA staff and workers from day one, including fatally his opponent Michael Shane and Jeff Jarrett. Assassin had allegedly demanded the TNA Championship to take part in the inaugural show, just as he did with WWF Raw is War, backstage sources claiming he was promising to "make TNA like he made WWE", leading most to conclude he was not only delusional but also possibly mentally unwell. The final straw for TNA came after racist abuse he directed toward acquaintances of Michael Shane. Shane, a good friend of Shawn Michaels and other members of the WWE Kliq, including Hulk Hogan, "spoke with friends" at a party at his Queens, New York home on Tuesday following the Presidential victory of Barack Obama, the decision being taken to screw SA soon after. It seems several backstage personalities in TNA were amongst the conspiracy but Shane, along with close friend Vince Russo, were the driving forces behind it, convincing Jeff Jarrett that it would be good for business - giving TNA a needed first night boost, controversy, give SA what he deserved and maybe most importantly - put over TNA as a break from the past and a new product with new stars. Its not believes Dixie Carter was aware what was planned. As of writing, SA has severed all ties with TNA and wrestling, flying back to his native England late Thursday, apparently done with the business. While most agree he "got what he deserved", some are concerned about the message sent to TNA's talent by those who knew what was happening, citing an new lack of trust between booker and worker as their main concern, while others are fearful that one kliq has been replaced with another, centered around Vince Russo and Michael Shane who are said to hold considerable sway over Jeff Jarrett. (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Michael Shane failed a drugs test last week and had been in secret talks with TNA for some time, knowing he would be released, according to one sources backstage at Titan Towers. Shane, along with Joey Nebraska and Ashley Massaro were said to be three of WWE's "party goers", many comparing them to the original Four Horsemen in their time and all three said to have a very "old school" attitude to the on the road lifestyle. Worried at the image this was promoting after last years bad press over the Chris Benoit affair, WWE drug tested them all last week, all three failing and being given their notice over the weekend. While WWE is said to be sad at losing two of their hottest young talents, opinions backstage were mixed where both men had made "mixed impressions" amongst their peers. Jim Ross wrote in his online blog that it was "hard to see where the characters and performers eneded" in references to both Shane and Nebraska while praising both mens in ring and mic ability. Shane was also said to see himself as the "heir to Shawn Michaels" backstage, activly boasting that he led a new Kliq including John Cena, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy and William Regal. Worried that Shane would defect with the United States Championship, he dropped the belt on Raw to Jeff Hardy as his last action with the company (PWTorch)

There is some concern at the recent performances of Doomsday since he became WWE Champion, with some suggesting that he's lost the form that encouraged WWE to push him to the top. While still a big name draw, there has been some talk of moving DD down the card or into a tag team till he refinds his fire (PWinsider)

WWE are said to already be concerned by the rise of TNA, one unnamed member of the creative team describing iMPACT! as the biggest threat since the glory days of FWC in 2002. While there are currently no plans to acknowledge TNA's declaration of war on screen, should iMPACT!s ratings begin to threaten WWE, you can certainly expect a response the like of which WWE is famous for (Wrestlezone)

The inclusion of Goldust in the Cyber Sunday voting is said to be a rib on AKM after his comments this past week, several WWE Superstars having held court backstage. Shawn Michaels was the judge, William Regal represented AKM and Jeff Hardy prosecuted. (PWTorch)

On the subject of Jeff Hardy, it's said he has openly criticized Forxx, calling him behind the times and a poor wrestler, looking more toward his own quick paced style as the direction in which WWE should travel. His comments have drawn criticism from The Rock who feels that Hardy maybe overstepping his mark and not paying due respect to a former WWE Champion. There is said to be considerable heat between Hardy and The Rock at this time. (Figure Four)