Engine overheating

My engine is continuously overheating for some odd reason. I saw there was a coolant circulation issue, no heat was coming from my AC. So I changed the water pump, circulation problems still arose, so I removed the thermostat. Coolant seems to be getting through the engine now, but everything is still overheating. The radiator is absorbing the heat, the engine is extremely hot, my temperature gauge seems to be moving no where, oil levels are completely fine. I also hear a ticking noise coming from somewhere under the hood, maybe from the engine especially when I use accelerator. I have removed thermostat, flushed the radiator, bled the air from coolant circulation system, etc. Still overheats, still hear a ticking, hear a gushing sound when operating the AC. What is going on with my car?