Veteran WWE Superstar The Miz is reportedly set to compete in the next season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.
The Miz has been cast for the 30th season of ABC’s popular reality competition series, according to PWInsider. The season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 30.
We noted before how The Miz missed this week’s RAW after he was announced to face John Morrison in the first match of their new feud, just one week after turning on his former tag team partner. Miz was not backstage for RAW and it was noted that the reason for the absence looks to be related to the upcoming Dancing With The Stars gig.
The official DWTS 30 cast announcement should be coming in the next few weeks. Singer and YouTube personality Jojo Siwa has already been confirmed as one of the celebrity participants.
The Miz, who turns 41 on October 8, celebrated the 15th anniversary of his WWE debut earlier this week, as noted here.
The Miz joins Chris Jericho, Stacy Keibler and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella as stars who competed on DWTS while affiliated with WWE.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is reportedly not being considered for a match at WrestleMania 38 from AT&T Stadium in Dallas next year.
It’s been reported that WWE has had plans for The Rock to wrestle at WrestleMania 38, likely in a match against WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, or a tag team match with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, where Reigns would team with one of the brothers, and Rock with the other.
In an update, Ringside News recently reported that The Rock is not being considered for a WrestleMania 38 role because they already have something else in mind for him – WrestleMania 39 in 2023 from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Rock is said to be a “virtual lock” for when WrestleMania returns to the Hollywood/Los Angeles area in 2023.
With Rock vs. Reigns likely for 2023, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter points to Brock Lesnar vs. Reigns being likely for WrestleMania 38 in 2022. The Observer noted this week that the Rock vs. Reigns match will take place if, when and where Rock wants it to, and that his schedule is so busy that there is no lock for anything. It was also noted that with Rock vs. Reigns being the idea for 2023, that likely means Lesnar vs. Reigns will be the top match for next year.
If WWE saves Lesnar vs. Reigns for WrestleMania in 2022, it will be interesting to see what they have Lesnar do in the next few months. Lesnar has reportedly signed a new deal that includes between 8 and 12 matches, which would carry him through early 2023 some time.
Recent reports have said WWE wants Rock to appear at the 2021 Survivor Series pay-per-view in New York City, to celebrate 25 years since his WWE debut. It’s always possible that The Rock returns to WWE TV before 2023, but he is considered to be almost a done deal for WrestleMania 39.
Tony Khan recently revealed he has spent eight figures of his own money on AEW’s video games.
Tony Khan recently revealed he has spent eight figures of his own money on AEW’s video game division, most of which will have gone on its upcoming debut console game.
AEW might still be less than three years old, but its early success makes it hard to imagine a wrestling landscape without it. Big names are joining the promotion’s ranks, and wrestlers who were relatively unknown when AEW launched are now household names in wrestling circles. Tony Khan also continues to prove he isn’t afraid to take risks to make sure AEW’s success continues to grow.
One area where Khan is very keen to make a splash is wrestling video games. The company has already released two mobile games, but its first mainline console game will be the real acid test. Khan mentioned during a recent media call that he has spent eight figures of his own money, so at least $10 million, on AEW’s video game division.
Although very little has been revealed about AEW’s first major video game, it seems likely that the majority of that investment has been on the console game. Development must be going well as Khan added he is confident he will make that money back. Since WWE and 2K don’t share specific development costs, it’s unclear how much it costs to create a wrestling game, but eight figures feels like enough that the game has to be a success.
AEW has shown off very little of the game so far. A trailer very early in development and some shots of what Darby Allin will look like in the game. However, the last we heard, Kenny Omega, who is close to the project, was hopeful AEW’s first big game will be here by early 2022.
That potential launch window was made a lot more interesting over SummerSlam weekend when WWE 2K revealed WWE 2K22’s has been delayed. The game won’t be here until March 2022 which might well coincide with the arrival of AEW’s first game. The Wednesday Night War might have ended, but six months from now we might have an all-new type of wrestling battle to watch pan out.
On Wednesday, former WCW and IMPACT star Shannon “Daffney” Spruill was on IG live threatening to harm herself and it has been learned she has passed away.
On Wednesday evening, there was real concern about the health and safety of former WCW and IMPACT Wrestling star Daffney Unger. After an Instagram Live post where she seemed emotionally distraught and was threatening harm to herself, the stream ended in a way that had many concerned. Multiple parties, friends and former co-workers including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley reached out on Twitter asking, “If anyone has a way of reaching Daffney Unger, or knows her address, please help out. She’s in a bad personal place and is threatening to harm herself.”
Updates suggested authorities had been sent to her known address to check on her well being. Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that Daffney has died.
A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner. Shimmer Pro Wrestling tweeted out an update after people were frantically trying to get to Daffney (real name Shannon Spruill) saying: “We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger @screamqueendaff. We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Daffney’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, announced her passing on Facebook and confirmed that the date of her passing was Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill… Scream Queen Daff, passed away suddenly last night. Absolutely heartbroken,” she wrote.
Wrestlers and friends have taken to social media on Thursday offering support and their condolences in the loss. Foley wrote: “I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney” He also tweeted out a phone number and contact information for a help line for those who might be struggling mentally or emotionally.
Gail Kim wrote: “So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon. Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You’re never alone.”
Big E of WWE wrote: “I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life.”
Tegan Nox wrote, “My thoughts and love are with Daffney’s friends and family! She was such an amazing influence in the wrestling community, a true pioneer for us women. RIP Daffney.
“Velvet Sky wrote: “Rest in eternal peace my sweet, sweet, Angel friend. You were such an amazing, funny, loving, caring person, and I’ll never ever forget you. I love you always, @screamqueendaff My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful soul.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family,” Impact Wrestling said in a statement issued on social media. Daffney spent three years with Impact back when it was still known as TNA. She parted ways with the company in 2011. Impact also dedicated that evening’s edition of their weekly TV show to Daffney’s memory.
NXT star Dakota Kai recalled her first time visiting the United States to tour as an independent wrestler and spoke highly of her first encounter with Daffney. “During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul [broken heart emoji] To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones,” Kai tweeted.
Zelina Vega took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text message she had received from Daffney in which The Scream Queen thanked Zelina for encouraging her. Daffney also told Zelina that she was proud of her. “She was such a kind soul,” Zelina captioned a series of photographs of Daffney. “Always wanted to help others and smile. She genuinely cared. She used to send me videos of her singing Aaliyah songs because we both loved her. I’ll miss you always.“
SmackDown’s Shotzi Blackheart tweeted about how much Daffney inspired her. “RIP Daffney thank you for being my spooky inspiration,” she wrote. “I had the biggest crush on you. I will never forget meeting you and telling you how cool I thought you were and how sweet you were to me. I scream for Daffney!”
ROH recalled how Daffney managed CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel during the early days of the company, and then made a special appearance in 2018. They issued the following statement on her passing:
ROH Mourns The Passing Of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn that Daffney (Shannon Spruill) has died. She was 46.
Spruill worked as a wrestler, manager and valet in WCW, ROH, TNA and various independent promotions during a 16-year career that began in 1999.
Performing under the name Lucy, Spruill managed The Second City Saints (CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel) during the early days of ROH.
Spruill made an appearance at Supercard of Honor in 2018 for the finals of the Women of Honor Title Tournament. After Sumie Sakai won the match, Spruill celebrated in the ring with her.
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
WWE paid tribute to Daffney with a post on Instagram, seen below, and also issued the following statement:
Shannon “Daffney” Spruill passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that former WCW star Shannon Spruill, known to sports-entertainment fans as Daffney, passed away at the age of 46.
Spruill gained worldwide recognition when she first arrived in WCW in November 1999 as Daffney, aligning herself with David Flair and Crowbar. Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.
WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
According to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds on average. Over 700,000 individuals take their own lives each year — more than twice the number of people who die as a result of homicide. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health crisis, seek assistance immediately via one of the phone numbers listed below:
Who will gain momentum en route to Victory Road? The action continues on an all-new IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV.
* Ace Austin vs. Tommy Dreamer (If Dreamer wins he will be added to the World title Match at Victory Road)
* Josh Alexander issued an open challenge to any former X-Division Champion this Thursday! Who will answer the call for a shot at the coveted X-Division Title
* The Influence vs. Taylor Wilde, Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering
* Rohit Raju and Shera vs. Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green
* Decay vs. Fallah Bahh and No Way
* John Skyler vs. Jake Something – Before the IMPACT, this Thursday at 7/6c on AXS TV as IMPACT
It’s being rumored that Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard will be taking charge of NXT production soon. The show admittedly needs a bit of sprucing up and it appears a full rebrand is on the way, with a logo change already placed on exhibit.
However, according to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, people at WWE are telling him that the new NXT will be produced by McMahon and Prichard.
“Like anything, anything can change, anything is possible but I talked a while ago about how we’re gonna have a new NXT. It’s gonna be like the old NXT. I have heard from several people now that when they go back to live shows, this is going to be a Vince McMahon-Bruce Prichard production,” Alvarez was quoted as saying by WrestlingNews.co.
It was previously reported that the show is set to undergo a full overhaul. The new logo gives credence on that front and there’s also some new music from artist Wale. When the show goes live on September 14, in two weeks’ time, fans will be treated to a new WWE Performance Center, with the lighting and colors all different. This is understood to be a result of McMahon’s insistence on moving away from the dark theme. It’s also being reported that there will be talent changes too, with the company now poised to hire younger talent and fewer indie wrestlers.
Per Alvarez, people have been speculating for years with claims McMahon had influence on the show but that was never the case, as it will be moving forward.
In regards to possible changes for the NXT roster, Meltzer noted that there is a chopping block involving names that have been in NXT for a long time. It was reported last month that NXT would focus more on younger and taller wrestlers with a focus more on developmental.
In an update, @Wrestlevotes reports that their sources say the day-to-day operation of NXT won’t be changing drastically, and that it’s still very much in the hands of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, William Regal, Matt Bloom and others.
It was also noted that the look of the weekly NXT TV produce will have a “Vince & Co.” stamp on it.
The news of McMahon and Prichard producing the weekly NXT show led to “#RIPNXT” trending worldwide on Twitter over the last 24 hours.
Due to travel issues, AEW has announced that the match between Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC has been removed from the All Out card.
One of the big matches for AEW’s All Out pay-per-view this Sunday has changed. It was announced during Wednesday’s epsiode of Dynamite that Andrade El Idolo versus PAC will no longer be taking place and the match will have to be rescheduled. Adrade teased a potential new opponent but no names have been released and it’s not clear how AEW will proceed with the angle moving forward.
Tony Khan tweeted, “Thank you to you fans supporting #AEWDynamite LIVE next on TNT! The Women’s Casino Battle Royale, which was booked on the Buy In, will now be featured on the ALL OUT ppv card. Due to travel issues, the @BASTARDPAC vs. @AndradeElIdolo bout is postponed until a future #AEWRampage”. Following the announcement, Andrade started tweeting responses to the news. In one tweet he wrote, “I just wasted my time! It’s like in boxing, when they don’t make weight, the fighter has to be fined a sum of money Or is he just not ready to face me and he wants more time!” In another tweet he asked who he’ll be facing.
I just wasted my time! It's like in boxing, when they don't make weight, the fighter has to be fined a sum of money Or is he just not ready to face me and he wants more time! @AEW#AEWAllOut#TranquilaRaza 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼💀 https://t.co/InjjLjhRjU
It’s unfortunate news for fans who were looking forward to this match. It was arguably going to be Andrade’s toughest competition to date in AEW and the prospect of these two in the ring together was exciting. This could have been a show stealing bout on a card full of top notch matches. It’s also another unfortunate break for PAC who has had some travel issues in the past and with COVId restrictions constantly changing, this was something that shouldn’t come as too shocking a surprise.
Still, when AEW learned he wasn’t going to make the show, they immediately let the fans know.
Of course, some fans had fun at WWE’s expense with the way AEW was completely transparent about the change in plans. One Twitter user wrote, “THIS ISN’T HOW A COMPANY DOES BUSINESS!” They jokingly added that AEW should have kept advertising the match, run a video promo just before the match was to take place and then tell the fans that it wasn’t happening live during the event. This, of course, was a sarcastic reference to how WWE handled the Sasha Banks situation at SummerSlam.
Ring of Honor has announced that Rush will be out of action for the rest of 2021 after undergoing knee surgery.
As noted on Tuesday, it was announced by media in Mexico, and Rush’s family, that he underwent emergency surgery in Mexico City, and that his pre-surgery condition was serious. You can click here for those details.
In an update, ROH announced yesterday that the La Facción Ingobernable leader underwent knee surgery and will be on the shelf until at least the end of this year. This comes after it was previously announced that Rush suffered a knee injury during a tag team match at ROH Glory By Honor XVIII Night 2 on Saturday, August 21.
Rush competed at ROH Glory By Honor XVIII Night 1 and Night 2 last month in Philadelphia. Night 1 on August 20 saw La Facción Ingobernable (Rush, ROH World Television Champion Dragon Lee, Kenny King, Bestia del Ring) team up for a Philadelphia Street Fight loss to Violence Unlimited (Brody King, Homicide, ROH World Tag Team Champions Tony Deppen and Chris Dickinson). Night 2 on August 21 saw Rush and Lee defeat Rey Horus and ROH World Champion Bandido of MexiSquad.
At the time of the original knee injury announcement, Rush, Lee and King were still scheduled to challenge Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Moses Maddox, Jasper Kaun) for their ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles at the Death Before Dishonor XVIII pay-per-view on Sunday, September 12. However, it was announced on ROH TV this week that Bestia del Ring will be replacing Rush at Death Before Dishonor.
ROH also announced today that this weekend’s episode of ROH TV will feature Rush, Lee, Bestia and King vs. STP and O’Shay Edwards in an eight-man tag team match, which was taped before Glory By Honor.
On a related note, it was recently reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio that Rush’s current ROH contract is set to expire at the end of this year. There is no word on if he plans to re-sign, or if he’s looking to sign with another promotion. He has been under contract to ROH since January 2019.
As noted, Rush and his family are scheduled to host a press conference in Mexico City on Thursday, where more details on his status and future will be announced.
Adam Scherr (fka WWE’s Braun Strowman) has been announced for his first post-WWE booking.
Scherr, who became a free agent from his WWE contract on Tuesday, has been announced to face EC3 on the “Free The Narrative II: The Monster In Us All” event.
EC3’s “Free The Narative II: The Monster In Us All” will be released on Friday, October 1 at midnight. It can be pre-ordered now via Vimeo for $10. You can see the trailer for Scherr vs. EC3 below.
FTN2 is the sequel to the original FTN event, which featured EC3 vs. Matt Cardona. That event is now available at a reduced price of $4.99 via Vimeo.
EC3’s official announcement for FTN2 noted that many more wrestlers will be announced for the event. The original FTN event included Moose, John Skyler, Bill Carr, Matt Sydal, and others.
EC3 describes FTN as “a series that tells original and personal stories with some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, and those yet known. ‘Free The Narrative’ is completely independent of any wrestling promotion. Set to an original score, FTN blends professional wrestling, cinema, and harsh reality in what will become the true definition of ‘creative freedom’ for an industry that desperately needs it, and any performer that truly seeks it. To #ControlYourNarrative is to ‘Tell Your Story.’ In ‘Free The Narrative’ those stories are told.”
Scherr has posted several tweets today to hype the FTN2 announcement, his first teasers as a free agent. He continues to use the “My Life My Rules” catchphrase.
“It’s time to live you own life without worrying about the expectations of others!!!! #MLMR #MyLifeRules #Rise,” he wrote. Scherr added in a tweet with the FTN2 poster, “Take control of your own life!!! Live how you wanna live. #MLMR #MyLifeMyRules @therealec3”
Scherr, who was released from WWE on June 2, has been rumored to sign with Impact Wrestling and AEW, with Impact Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore actually teasing him for Bound For Glory in October. He recently teased that he will be using “Titan” as his post-WWE ring name, but for now the former WWE Universal Champion is just going by his real name.
Scherr was previously announced for Qatar Pro Wrestling’s SuperSlam 3 show on February 26, 2022 at the Lausail Sports Arena in Doha, Qatar. He will travel to Qatar this month to sign the contract with QPW Chairman Ali Al-Marafi. Other names announced for the QPW event include EC3, Jon Moxley, Brian Cage, Sammy Guevcara, Will Ospreay, and IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Below are related posts, along with the official poster and trailer, plus the announcement issued today by EC3:
It’s time to live you own life without worrying about the expectations of others!!!! #MLMR#MyLifeRules#Rise 12:00!!!!!
From the propaganda desk of the essential character (ec3)
Are you born a monster? Or is it something you become?
After his shocking dismissal from the corporate wrestling realm, join Adam Scherr on a journey of self-discovery in his return to the ring when Scherr battles ec3 in “Free The Narrative II: The Monster In Us All.”
Available 10/01/21
(PRE ORDER NOW)
Is Scherr’s fight against ec3 and his #ControlYourNarrative mantra?
To take back #Control.
Fight for your #Freedom.
And find your #Purpose.
Or is Scherr’s fight against himself?
What will happen when this “monster” knocks on this “man’s” door?
Adam Scherr’s fight truly begins on 10/01/21.
“Free The Narrative II” will feature many more “names” and is the sequel to “Free The Narrative” ft. Matt Cardona vs ec3.
FTN is available on FITE TV and the link below for the reduced price of $4.99
Free The Narrative is a series that tells original and personal stories with some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, and those yet known.
“Free The Narrative” is completely independent of any wrestling promotion. Set to an original score, FTN blends professional wrestling, cinema, and harsh reality in what will become the true definition of “creative freedom” for an industry that desperately needs it, and any performer that truly seeks it.
To #ControlYourNarrative is to “Tell Your Story.”
In “Free The Narrative” those stories are told.
For more intel and to sign up for FTN’s email list visit
Wrestling News Blog 