WHAT’S MY NAME?!?! TNA continues to make inroads into the mainstream consciousness, this time getting attention for baseball villain A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox’s tussle with St. Louis Cardinal David Eckstein at Sunday’s Turning Point PPV. Today, the Chicago Tribune carried an account of the incident, which saw Pierzynski shove the World Series MVP inside the ring. Pierzynski, who was accompanied by the former Demon of WCW – and current White Sox strength and conditioning coach Dale Torborg – said it was just a matter of releasing some frustration. “Dale and I were a little upset that they got the big entrance, yet we just got introduced from the (seats). Plus, they got the (entrance) music and we didn’t,â€? Pierzynski said. “It was a little disappointing. We got a little jealous.â€? Torborg also got into the action by hitting Eckstein’s brother Rick, a minor league coach. The dastardly duo tore-up Eckstein’s new inspirational children’s book, “Have Heartâ€? prior to the dust-up. Eckstein, however, seemed no worse for wear after the “altercation.â€? “It was a thrill to be out there. As a kid, I always enjoyed wrestling. All that went down, wow, that was unbelievable. Things got a bit heated with A.J.,â€? said Eckstein. “When you step into the ring, you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. I can handle playing in front of 45,000 fans, but going out in front of the TNA wrestling fans who always want to see action, I was nervous.â€? To read more about Pierzynski and Eckstein’s day jobs, you can click here, here and here.

OH, NO! NOT JOE! Speaking of TNA, word has it Samoa Joe was hurt at last night’s TNA iMPACT TV tapings, reportedly tweaking his knee during a match for the second episode. As of yet, there is no word on the severity of the injury. The last thing TNA needs right now is for Joe to be on the sidelines nursing an injury, just as they are beginning to build some momentum: Joe is easily their most-over performer (outside of former WWE champion Kurt Angle).

NEW STRATUS-PHERE OF CELEBRITY? Talk about trading in one circus for another: former WWE women’s champ/diva Trish Status’ move away from the world of the WWE and professional wrestling has landed her smack dab in the middle of a bevy of B-list celebrities. Status was sworn in last week as a reserve officer for the Muncie, Indiana police department – as part of a new CBS television show called “Armed and Famousâ€? that is set to air in 2007. The reality show will see Status – along with other “starsâ€? such as former CHiPs’ officer Erik Estrada, Jack Osbourne, La Toya Jackson and Jackass’ Wee Man – carry a badge and gun in the enforcement of Muncie laws along with actual members of the city’s police department.  Approximately 200 people packed the Muncie City Hall auditorium to witness the swearing-in. How long do you think before Status’ is taking her clothes off for Playboy? Wait – did I say that out loud? What I meant to say was, “Good luck in your new career, Trish.â€? Seriously. Really.

HART DEFIANT, AGAIN - Former WWE World Champion Bret Hart recently told a Sirius radio audience that his WWE Hall of Fame appearance (and subsequent Wrestlemania snub) came as a result of Hart refusing to acquiesce to a Vince McMahon “order� to appear at the event. Hart said he agreed only to appear for the Hall of Fame ceremony, and never agreed to appear as part of the event. In Mr. Mal’s opinion, the more Hart pulls these kinds of stunts really only hurts his reputation, not WWE owner McMahon’s. A lot of fans were looking forward to seeing Hart as part of the in-event salute – which Hart apparently felt not important enough to participate in. Grow up, Hitman. You will never have a bigger fan than Mr. Mal, but this kind of stuff is growing old – fast. Vince didn’t kill your brother, and Vince sure as hell was not the only one to blame for the Montreal fiasco. Your fans wanted to thank-you for giving them a fantastic tenure in the WWF/WWE. Your arrogance has now robbed them of that chance.

NAUGHTY TORRIE NEEDS A SPANKING - WWE diva Torrie Wilson is currently featured in a spread in FHM. For those who have already seen what Torrie has to offer (and don’t feel like plunking down more dough to see more of the same) she also tosses out various “insights� during an accompanying interview such as, on the subject of pranks, “One time Chloe (her dog) pooped on the floor and I put it next to someone else’s bag—it really smelled terrible. Chloe also peed on Mickie James’s sweater once—but Mickie deserved it.� In addition, for those interested, “I love board games, especially Scattergories, Twister and Taboo. Taboo is always a little more fun when you’re drunk.�  For those who crave even more from Torrie, click here. For those with a taste for boardgames a little more mat-friendly, click here, here or here.

- Mr. Mal Occhio

Original illustration appears courtesy of www.iband.com