Month: April 2024

Kenny Omega Blasts Rossy Ogawa – ‘He Puts Underage Girls In Very Revealing Swimsuit Calendars’

Kenny Omega has some concerns regarding STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa launching his new Marigold promotion.

As many of you know by now, Ogawa was fired from STARDOM by parent company Bushiroad after he was accused of trying to poach talent. Earlier this week, Ogawa announced his new promotion Marigold. The company will be holding its first show on May 20th.

Taking to his Twitch channel, Omega expressed his concerns about Ogawa. The AEW wrestler also revealed that he stands by Asuka’s comments last year regarding STARDOM being “created to destroy [her] personally.”

You can check out some highlights from the Twitch stream below:

On Rossy Ogawa and his new promotion: “From someone who lived it, breathed, who has very close friends in the industry. I don’t necessarily mean the wrestling industry, I mean the industry. The government issued press. The information they know. I’m just going to leave it at that. I would say don’t be so quick to listen to praise for that individual because someday, I’m not sure when it will be. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but someday, people will know the truth. What they do with that truth, I don’t know. Will they share it? Maybe. A lot of the higher ups in Japan, they know exactly what.”

On his comments potentially being taken out of context: “My comments on Rossy are whatever. There is nothing to say. I just think, eventually… I don’t care about Rossy being an E-Drone. That’s no big deal. He’s done… that’s not even the tip… just you friggin wait. If you are still interested in wrestling and you’re listening to the stories and reading stuff. When it finally comes out. I will say one thing, there are a lot of people who refuse to work for him for the very same reason. Some of those people are in WWE. Some are in AEW. They have a very good reason. It’s not just, ‘I decided to wake up and not like this guy.’

“If you want to know along what lines they tread amongst, the dude just flat out said, ‘we’re looking for girls ages 13 to 21 that don’t have a boyfriend and aren’t married.’ We already know he puts underage girls in very revealing swimsuit calendars and books. I wish that’s all he did. Let’s put it that way. I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything. I’m not going on record to say anything. I don’t want lawyers barking at my door. That’s why I don’t want to say anything. I don’t have any sort of video evidence, I just have the good word of people who are very close. I’m outside of it. If those people feel like commenting or saying something, whatever. For now, I’ll say that people going to Marigold, good luck. I hope you have a great time. I hope it works out for you. For me, I would be very hesitant. I would be very hesitant. That’s all….My only comment, I’m with Asuka. That’s it. We are bros. Always have been. She has her reasons and they are probably the same ones as mine.”

Source: eWn

Report – Mike Santana Returning To TNA At Rebellion 2024

A former AEW wrestler could be headed back to TNA Wrestling this weekend.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that free agent Mike Santana is negotiating a potential return to TNA Wrestling.

Santana is believed to start at TNA Rebellion 2024 tomorrow night.

It is worth noting that TNA teased a mystery debut for tomorrow’s pay-per-view event during a press conference on Thursday.

Santana will reportedly work a per-date deal with TNA upon his return.

The AEW alumnus previously worked for TNA, when it was Impact Wrestling, from 2017 to 2019. Santana and his former tag team partner Ortiz were part of LAX in TNA.

Source: eWn

WWE Releases Some Talent

Three WWE talent releases were reported as Friday’s episode of “WWE SmackDown” was airing. Jinder Mahal, Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn were all released by the company. Prior to the outlet’s report, both Mahal and Li posted cryptic messages to X (formerly Twitter), with Mahal saying “I quit,” and Li releasing a lengthier statement thanking the WWE, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and the “WWE Universe.” Quinn has not posted to X since March 8.

WWE has released Indus Sher’s Veer and Sanga, adding to the releases of Jinder Mahal, Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn last night. Both have taken to the X social media platform to confirm their release, after it first being reported by Fightful Select. “When it comes to the honor and respect of Indians, sacrifice comes first. Good Bye WWE,” wrote Veer. Sanga posted, “I will die but I will not bow down. Neither me nor my India.”

Even though Mahal posted that he had “quit,” his departure as actually confirmed as a release to Wrestling Inc. Fightful Select reported they had not heard of any memos being sent to talent regarding the releases. Li, Mahal, and Quinn all have 90-day non compete clauses, which Mahal alluded to when he changed his X bio to read “Free Agent – 90 Days,” alongside a fire emoji.

Xia Li posted a more lengthy statement, thanking WWE, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and the “WWE Universe.” In her statement, she mentioned being proud of being the first female Chinese talent in the company and how grateful she is. She also thanked the coaches, staff, and her colleagues during her time with WWE as well. Li’s last match with the company came at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on April 15, when she was defeated by Natalya on “WWE Main Event.”

“This journey with WWE has been wonderful, and I sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of it. This is not the end, but a new beginning!” Li wrote. “Let’s embrace more exciting moments together!”

Li’s last match in the company was on the April 15 episode of “WWE Main Event” in Canada, where she lost to Natalya. Jinder was most recently the subject of a series of posts on X by AEW President Tony Khan, comparing Mahal’s booking against former World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in comparison to AEW’s HOOK against World Champion Samoa Joe. Mahal went on to be defeated by Rollins in their title match. Quinn’s final match with WWE was during a “SmackDown” taping on January 3, when he was defeated by Bron Breakker.

Veer and Sanga were both part of the Andre the Giant Memorial battle royal during “WWE SmackDown” ahead of WrestleMania 40 weekend. Alongside Jinder Mahal as Indus Sher, the pair had only returned to “WWE Raw” in May 2023 after a stint in “WWE NXT,” and were focally used during WWE’s Superstar Spectacle event in their home nation of India. They had been in the pool of competitors looking to qualify for the Tag Team Championship ladder match at WrestleMania, but lost to Awesome Truth in just over three minutes. 

Some on social media have taken issue with the fact that all of WWE’s departures reported thus far have been people of color. Xia Li made history in 2017 when she became the first Chinese woman to compete in the company, and Jinder Mahal was notably the first WWE Champion to come from Indian descent. Xyon Quinn, while Australian, is of Samoan-Irish descent.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Head Tony Khan Reacts To Warning From Oklahoma State Athletic Commission

Earlier this week, news emerged that the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission had sent a warning to All Elite Wrestling after the company had violated its ban on intergender wrestling. In particular, OSAC raised issues with a December 20, 2023 match between Nyla Rose, a transgender wrestler, and Alejandra Lion, a cisgender wrestler. As a result, the OSAC has threatened to take “punitive action” if AEW sanctions another match between a transgender and cisgender athlete in the state of Oklahoma. On the AEW Dynasty media call, AEW President Tony Khan addressed the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission’s warning, asserting that he, and the entire AEW family, firmly support and embrace Nyla Rose.

“I was disappointed by the Commission’s position and by that warning,” Khan said. “I don’t think we did anything wrong. I’m really, really shocked by it. I don’t think there should be discrimination against transgender wrestlers or transgender people at all. They have rights, and to that end, I absolutely stand by Nyla Rose. AEW stands behind Nyla Rose and all transgender people who want to play sports. This is wrestling. There is nothing wrong with it. Nyla Rose is a great wrestler. She’s been a great world champion and I love Nyla. I love working with Nyla.”

“… She deserves the same chances as everybody else,” Khan continued. “And if the AEW locker room, which consists of people from all over the world, all kinds of different backgrounds, all different beliefs, if everybody in the locker room can embrace Nyla, I would hope that the Oklahoma Commission could do the same thing.”

As AEW continues to support Rose, Khan pointed out that Rose has been as equally supportive toward AEW, and its diverse roster of talent. Khan also reiterated that Rose remains an important part of AEW’s history, as she stands as one of the talents brought in during the company’s first year of operations, and the second-ever AEW Women’s World Champion.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to AEW

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/19/2024

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on FOX, from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship number one contender’s match: LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Naomi
  • SmackDown Tag Team title number one contender’s match: The Street Profits vs. Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Angel & Humberto vs. The Authors of Pain

TNA Airs Cryptic ‘Lights Out’ Video At Rebellion Press Conference Teasing New Arrival

During Thursday’s press conference to promote Saturday night’s TNA Rebellion pay-per-view event, a cryptic video aired that appears to tease a new arrival.

As the presser came to an end, a teaser video played showing a montage of images, saying that it’s “Lights Out” at the show.

You can check out the video below:

https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1781109918965072289

has announced that DJ Ashba and Lars Frederiksen will be appearing at the pay-per-view event.

Ashba will perform the National Anthem at the show, while Frederiksen (Rancid) will accompany Spitfire to the ring for their Knockouts Tag Team Championship match against DECAY.

Source: eWn

Erick Rowan Believed To Be Returning WWE

Erick Redbeard, previously known as Erick Rowan, sparked discussions among fans when it was revealed that he had withdrawn from various independent bookings, including one for East Coast Pro Wrestling (ECPW). The reason cited was “new contractual obligations,” leading to speculation that he might be returning to WWE.

Later reports indicated that Rowan had been in Pittsburgh recently, a common city where WWE sends talent for medical evaluations before signing them.

This has caused fans to speculate Rowan is returning to WWE to be aligned with Bo Dallas when he portrays Uncle Howdy. Dave Meltzer reported the following in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

“Joseph Ruud, 42, who has been wrestling on indies as Erick Redbeard, but best known as Erick Rowan, pulled out of all his upcoming dates citing signing a new contract that would prevent appearing. The natural speculation would be WWE, with the idea of a connection with the returning Bo Dallas. WWE did not confirm that as they wouldn’t officially but within the company there was that expectation.”

Backstage Update On Drew Gulak’s WWE Status

No Quarter Catch Crew has been missing a member as of late, as faction founder Drew Gulak has been missing from WWE programming, and presumed dead in storyline. Even his name has disappeared from the No Quarter Catch Crew entrance graphics on “WWE NXT.” On the latest “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer said the reason for his absence is Ronda Rousey’s recent allegations that the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion put his hands on her clothing without her consent.

“What I was told was that there was no conclusive thing,” Meltzer said. “The witnesses were not conclusive…but Gulak was bad publicity, so he got whacked.” Rousey alleged that Gulak grabbed the drawstring on her sweatpants, while Gulak is adamant he merely missed a handshake and tried to turn the awkward situation into a joke. As it stands, Gulak is still with the company, though Meltzer thinks that could change soon.

“I don’t know that he’s been fired but when I asked it was like ‘Well, if he hasn’t been, he probably will be,'” Meltzer chuckled. “It’s not looking good for him.”

No Quarter Catch Crew is currently feuding with The D’Angelo Family, with Tony D’Angelo claiming the Catch Crew hired The Family to take out Gulak and never paid for the hit. Gulak wasn’t just pulled from “WWE NXT,” as the former 24/7 Champion was also pulled from various WrestleMania Weekend events, including the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, where Gulak was reportedly set to sit near a friend of Rousey’s.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Janel Grant Spokesperson Buries Two High Profile WWE Names For Vince McMahon Association

After he resigned from WWE this January, very little regarding the happenings of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had emerged. That changed Wednesday, when an NBC news story gave a glimpse at McMahon’s life since his resignation, particularly in how he’s handling Janel Grant’s lawsuit against him, a lawsuit that accused McMahon of sex trafficking and abuse. The story also shined a light into McMahon’s private life, including the revelation that McMahon has remained in contact with two key WWE figures in the form of John Cena and TKO board of directors member Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Shortly after the story on McMahon emerged, a spokesperson for Grant reached out to Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston with a statement regarding Johnson and Cena maintaining a relationship with McMahon. Posted on X, the statement called Johnson and Cena “shameful” for maintaining a relationship with McMahon despite the allegations against him, and that “behind-the-scenes support is louder than any public statement could ever be.”

https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1780697405152719142

The statement, as well as the revelation of Cena and Johnson’s continued association with McMahon, comes shortly after both wrestlers played integral parts in WrestleMania 40, an event seen by many as an attempt by WWE to distance itself from McMahon. Appearing as a regular through WrestleMania season, Johnson competed at Night One of WrestleMania 40, teaming with Roman Reigns to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, before interfering during Rhodes and Reigns’ match on Night Two. Cena also interfered during the match and even briefly confronted Johnson moments before Rhodes emerged as the victor.

While Johnson hasn’t publicly acknowledged McMahon since the latter’s resignation, Cena has spoken about McMahon’s ongoing situation in both 2023 and 2024, receiving criticism both times for showing McMahon support. Neither Johnson nor Cena have responded to the statement from Grant’s spokesperson at this time.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

TNA Impact Preview 4/18/2024

It’s the final stop on the road to TNA Wrestling’s spring pay-per-view extravaganza, Rebellion! Don’t miss an all-new TNA iMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for Insiders.

  • Nic Nemeth and TNA Champion Moose to appear
  • TNA Tag Team Championship: Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards (c) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns
  • X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali & Grizzled Young Vets vs. Rhino & Deaner & Jake Somethin
  • Rosemary vs. Jody Threat
  • Alexander Hammerstone vs. Little Guido
  • Joe Hendry vs. LSG