TNA's Matt Morgan To Send DNA To Space

Posted by Ashish on 08.14.2008

Full press release...

- TNA star Matt Morgan is having his DNA sent to space. Here is the full press release.

American Gladiator Matt Morgan to Send DNA to Space

NCsoft's Operation Immortality and World-Renowned Pro Wrestler Team Up to Send Genetic Fingerprint to International Space Station

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug 13, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Matt Morgan, known as "Beast" on television's American Gladiators and a professional wrestling star for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, has signed on to have his DNA sequenced and digitized and sent to the International Space Station (ISS) with gaming legend Richard Garriott in October. Garriott will take DNA samples from select individuals on the "Immortality Drive," a storage device that he'll leave on the ISS as part of NCsoft's(R) Operation Immortality(TM) and Garriott's latest game, Tabula Rasa(R).

Morgan, who stands seven feet tall and weighs 320 pounds, has been described as "the most genetically-jacked, athletically stacked giant in the world." Early in his career and still today, Matt Morgan was given the name of "The Blue Print." He earned this name because some believe that Morgan is not just considered the "Blue Print" for how big men will be portrayed in wrestling in the future, but also because he is a "Blue Print" for the paradigm of human genetics and physical potential.

"I think the concept of Operation Immortality is incredibly exciting," said Morgan. "I've done a lot of interesting things in my life, but this certainly ranks up there as the most unique. I'm honored to be included on the Immortality Drive and look forward to being part of Richard Garriott's fascinating trip to the ISS."

"The Immortality Drive wouldn't be complete without the DNA from a human physical specimen and who better to fit that bill than The Blue Print himself, Matt Morgan," said Garriott. "I'm thrilled that Matt is on board and that an American Gladiator will be making the trip with me to space."

In addition to DNA samples, people can visit the OperationImmortality.com website and provide other materials that will be included on the Immortality Drive. Visitors can participate in weekly polls on humanity's greatest achievements, which will be included on the drive. Current Tabula Rasa players, or those who download and play the free trial, will also be able to enter a personal message for inclusion on the Drive. All Tabula Rasa players will have their character information included. And there are weekly drawings on the site for a limited number of participants to have their own DNA included on the drive.

No purchase is necessary to participate in Operation Immortality, with free trials of Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa available at http://www.rgtr.com/trial. The game is currently available at most major retailers and at the PlayNC(R) store. The retail box includes the first month of online game play. After the first month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US$14.99. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

For information about Operation Immortality, including full terms and conditions, go to http://www.OperationImmortality.com. For information on Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa go to http://www.rgtr.com.