Month: April 2019

WWE NXT UK Superstar Eddie Dennis Out Of Action, Undergoing Surgery

WWE NXT UK Superstar Eddie Dennis is back on the shelf with an injury.

Dennis took to Twitter to reveal that he is dealing with a left pectoral tear. He will be undergoing surgery today, and will be out of action for at least 6 months.

“Last Thursday I had my MRI results back which confirmed that my left Pectoral has torn off the humorous and surgery is required. I am having said surgery tomorrow at 11.30 with the wonderful Dr. Polyzois. Following surgery I will begin a 6 month rehab process,” Dennis wrote.

The big man from Wales apparently suffered the injury in late March. He spent some of 2018 out with an injury as well. Dennis lost to Dave Mastiff in a No DQ match at the NXT UK “Takeover: Blackpool” event back in January.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Next NXT TakeOver Event Likely To Be Moved Due To Saudi Arabia Show, WWE Staying Quiet On The Event

WWE has yet to officially announce their next event in Saudi Arabia, although it’s rumored to take place on Friday, June 7th.

Triple H had officially announced in March that the next Takeover event will be on Saturday, June 8th from the San Jose State University Event Center in San Jose, California, which would be one day after the Saudi Arabia event. Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that he has been told that Takeover will most likely be moved. WWE will be taping NXT television this Wednesday and Thursday which would run through Takeover, so a final decision will most likely be made by then.

Despite the rumored Saudi Arabia event being less than six weeks away, WWE has been keeping very quiet about it. On last Thursday’s earnings call with Vince McMahon and WWE Co-Presidents, George Barrios and Michelle Wilson, Saudi Arabia was never mentioned by name by WWE brass. When asked about WWE’s second quarter and if the Saudi Arabia event would be part of it, Barrios gave a brief response.

“We’re going to stay away from guiding on specific elements of the quarter,” Barrios said, “So obviously, we’ll talk about it once we report.”

When asked again later in the call about when the Saudi events would be taking place, Barrios replied, “We’re not going to talk about that again, so our guide obviously reflects the best assumption, best knowledge we have right now.”

WWE has put tickets on sale for RAW and SmackDown live events in California on Sunday, June 9th in Stockton and Fresno, two days after the expected Saudi show. The Undertaker, who is expected to face Elias at the Saudi event, is also still advertised for the Niagara Falls Comic Con that Sunday.

Brian Cage Talks Injury At Impact Rebellion, If He’ll Be Out Of Action

Impact Wrestling announced after last night’s Rebellion PPV the new Impact World Champion Brian Cage was rushed to the emergency room after sustaining an injury during his match against Johnny Impact. Earlier today, Cage joined Busted Open to give an update after taking a spanish fly from the ramp down to the floor.

“Right when we hit, I’m rolling and the pain shoots down through my leg,” Cage said. “It’s a feeling I’ve never had before in my life. I’m instantly thinking, ‘ruptured disc or whatever. My back is f—ed, I’m going to have to have surgery or something.’ Then I’m thinking, ‘Maybe it’ll go away,’ and just trying to enter the ring after that moment, I’m bleeding and what not.

“Rolling into the ring, turning my hip over hip and trying to get up, I felt like there was no strength there and the pain shot down my leg again, and I’m like ‘crap.’ But it felt almost a little bit better, so maybe it will subside here in a second, like a flash thing. Then I think was in the corner and I evaded Johnny, and there was no movement, like, I couldn’t. I felt so slow and robotic in my mannerisms and movement because of the pain.”

Cage then said he shouldn’t be out of action for long as he was diagnosed with severe inflammation and a bone bruise. At worst, a small fracture, but there’s not much he can do for that aside from rest.

“Yeah it doesn’t look like I’m going to be out,” Cage said. “[The Doctor] goes, ‘I think you’re going to be fine, you have severe inflammation and a bone bruise, there could be a small fracture there. I would like to rule that out, however, if there is a fracture, I don’t seeing it being any major fracture. Even then, you can’t do much more for that, just err on the side of caution.'”

You can listen to the full clip below.

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and Busted Open Radio

WWE Stomping Grounds Replacing Backslash PPV

The first-ever WWE Stomping Grounds pay-per-view has been announced for June.

Stomping Grounds, which WWE recently filed to trademark, has been announced for June 23 from the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington.

WWE Backlash was originally scheduled for the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA on June 16, but Stomping Grounds is the replacement. The San Diego show is now a non-televised live event.

Stomping Grounds tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am local time. The pre-sale begins this Wednesday at 10am local time. Tickets start at $25 and will be available through Ticketmaster.

The Tacoma Dome is advertising Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton for the pay-per-view, but that could change as we get closer to show time. WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, Charlotte Flair and RAW & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch are also advertised.

You can check out the promo for the event below:

https://twitter.com/TacomaDome/status/1122914319270682624

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Photos & Videos From W.W.A. Show In Evansville, In 4/27/19

Below are some photos and videos from Saturday nights World Wrestling Alliance (W.W.A.) show in Evansville, In.

Michael Elgin Made His Impact Debut Last Night At Rebellion

Last night at Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion pay-per-view, Brian Cage defeated Johnny Impact for the Impact World Championship.

After the match, Michael Elgin made his Impact debut to confront Cage. Cage held up the title and told him anytime. Elgin punched him in the face, hit a spinning powerbomb and held the title for a moment. Elgin had finished up with NJPW on April 1.

As noted, Brian Cage was rushed to the hospital afterwards.

Firefly Fun House Director On Thought Process Behind WWE Vignettes, Compares Bray Wyatt To Will Smith

On his podcast, Wrestling Reality with Justin LaBar, Wrestling Inc.’s Justin LaBar had a chance to speak with Jason Baker, who directed Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse videos that began airing earlier this week. Wyatt has only worked a handful of live events going back to last July, but WWE is obviously looking to gear him up for a return through these vignettes.

In regards to the Firefly Fun House segment, Baker ran down his involvement and the creation of the puppets.

“I directed the segments,” Baker said. “I helped create the puppets over at Tom Savini studios. Tom Savini, Pittsburgh legend. I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to be Tom’s right-hand man for about 6 years. He’s the guy who got me introduced with WWE and allowed me to run with it. It’s been a really fun experience ever since.”

Baker said he wanted the presentation of Wyatt to be a monster hiding right out in the open, which he feels is scarier than any over-the-top style of monster.

“To me, personally, growing up before I got into special makeup effects I went to school for psychology,” Baker said. “All the monsters you see in real life, they look normal. If you looked at a picture of Ted Bundy and didn’t know that was Ted Bundy, you would probably think that looks like a nice guy. I mean John Wayne Gacy was a pillar of his community. True monsters hide right out in the open. They look just like you and me. To me, that’s more terrifying than any monster you can see on a film.”

Getting a chance to work with Wyatt, Baker was impressed with how involved and forward-thinking he was with the character, saying Bray’s level of thinking was on par with other big actors he’s worked with.

“Bray’s great, man,” Baker responded. “He’s intense. He’s always thinking. Then he’s thinking past what he’s thinking. What’s that old saying, ‘There’s a razor’s edge between genius and insanity’—that man walks that razor’s edge constantly. Very, very smart. Smarter than a lot of people give him credit for. Great to collaborate with. You think you’re going to throw an idea at him, he comes back with eight. You think you’re going to hit him up with a piece of trivia knowledge, he sees your trivia knowledge and raises you. He’s a unique, unique human being. Been an absolute pleasure and honor to collaborate with this gentlemen.

“Someone who puts such a thought process into his craft. I’ve had the opportunity to work on films with Russell Crowe, and Tom Cruise and Will Smith and bunch of others working here in Pittsburgh film industry. His mindset for his character development is on par with those guys. It’s a sight to see and something to behold. I was thoroughly impressed with how much dedication he brings to his art and craft.”

Baker also confirms the names of the puppets in the videos, talks props we’ve seen on WWE TV he helped make and more on Wrestling Reality with Justin LaBar. Download the podcast anywhere you can or listen at WrestlingReality.libsyn.com.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Announced New Streaming Service

Impact Wrestling announced its new streaming platform, Impact Plus, which will be available on May 1. The service will feature the promotion’s library as well as exclusive events. This service will replace their current GWN streaming service. More information will be out next week.

Brian Cage Rushed To Emergency Room After Impact Rebellion Match

Last night, Impact Wrestling announced Brian Cage was rushed to the emergency room after winning the Impact World Championship against Johnny Impact at Rebellion.

According to PWInsider, Cage suffered a legit injury, most likely to his back. The injury happened after Cage was on the receiving end of a spanish fly from the ramp down to the floor. After that spot, Cage moved very slowly throughout the match, although he was able to finish it and then take a powerbomb afterwards by the debuting Michael Elgin.

Cage tweeted out a photo of him at the hospital and commented on his night.

“Not how I wanted or ever imagined this incredible night would end,” Cage wrote. “I’ve chased this moment and have dreamt about this my entire life. And to have this be the outcome, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t break my heart.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling “Rebellion” Results 4/28/19

Six-Pack Scramble: Petey Williams vs. Jake Crist vs. Aiden Prince vs. Ace Austin vs. Cousin Jake vs. Eddie Edwards – Winner: Ace Austin

Josh Mathews and Don Callis talked about Impact Plus, a new streaming service for the promotion, which will have the promotion’s library along with new events.

Rohit Raju (with Gama Singh & Raj Singh) vs. Scarlett Bordeaux (with Fallah Bahh) – Winner: Scarlett Bordeaux

The Rascalz (Dez, Wentz & Trey) vs. Moose & The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) – Winners: Moose & The North

Impact Knockouts Championship: (C) Taya Valkyrie vs. Jordynne Grace – Winner: Taya Valkyrie 

Backstage, Melissa Santos asked Gail Kim what made her decide to come back in the ring to face Tessa Blanchard. Kim says even though she enjoyed her current role, she says Blanchard wouldn’t listen to her and she’s doing this to teach Blanchard a lesson in respect.

Impact X-Division Championship – oVe Rules: (C) Rich Swann vs. Sami Callihan (oVe is barred from ringside) – Winner: Rich Swann via Submission

Melissa Santos talks with Tessa Blanchard and tells her what Gail said about teaching Blanchard a lesson in respect. Blanchard is tired of hearing about that, she knows about respect and talks about her family’s achievement in pro wrestling. Blanchard says she respects what Kim has done, even before there was an evolution. All of that went away though when Kim costed her the Knockouts Title. Blanchard said Kim is going to learn a lesson regret. Tully Blanchard suddenly shows up and says he’ll be at ringside to watch her match and tells his daughter to continue walking her own legacy. “You beat Gail Kim,” Tully says before heading off.

Tessa Blanchard vs. Gail Kim –Winner: Tessa Blanchard via Submission

Post-match, Blanchard goes out and hugs her Dad. He says to go back in and shake Kim’s hand. Blanchard goes in, looking like she’ll beat up Kim so more, but they shake hands. Kim gives her a hug, says some words to her, and Blanchard cries. Blanchard raises up Kim’s hand and heads to the back. Crowd with a “Thank You, Gail!” chant as she celebrates a little bit before heading to the back.

Impact World Championship (Special Guest Referee Lance Storm): (C) Johnny Impact vs. Brain Cage – Winner and new Impact World Champion: Brian Cage

Post-match, Michael Elgin makes his Impact debut. He confronts Cage, the two jaw a bit before Elgin punches him and hits a spinning powerbomb. Elgin holds the title for a moment before laying it on Cage and heading it to the back.

Impact Slammiversary will take place on July 7 in Dallas, Texas.

Impact World Tag Team Championship – Full Metal Mayhem: (C) Lucha Bros vs. LAX – Winners and new Impact World Tag Team Champions: LAX

Post-match, Konnan checks on everyone and talks with both teams. He asks them if they are going to squash this. Both team end up hugging and raises up their arms. The Impact locker room empties out to give respect to the two tag teams. LAX celebrates.