Author: John Bass

Lucha Underground Season 4 Update, Talent Exclusivity Will Be ‘Relaxed’

lucha underground talent exclusivity contracts

The executive producer of Lucha Underground has acknowledged it wasn’t fair to keep talent off TV for up to a year between seasons, so he claims their exclusivity going forward will be “relaxed.”

Eric Van Wagenen told the Masks, Mats & Mayhem show that they’ll be easing up on where people will be allowed to work because no one on their team expected LU to have a hiatus that lasted over one year and it isn’t beneficial for either sides if a wrestler is kept off TV for that long.

“The Lucha Underground LLC partners are going to do a talent exchange with Impact, with Ring of Honor, with NOAH in Japan, Stardom.” Wagenen continued, “This is all under Dorian’s control, but we’re definitely gonna start letting our guys branch out. We’re gonna try to help negotiate relationships with other promotions so that our guys can get more TV exposure.”

He also noted that they were initially territorial … but due to the relationship with Impact Wrestling, they’ve now realized it only helps their company.

In regards to unhappy talent though, the Lucha EP says they’ve had release requests and they’ll be happy to grant them once the characters can be written out of storylines.

As for Rey Fenix and Pentagon Dark, Eric says he believes they’ll be back for Season 4.

Check out the full interview below:

Ric Flair To Appear At WWE’s Upcoming Starrcade Event

ric flair starrcade appearance

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair helped make Starrcade a popular thing in wrestling and it’s why he’ll be front and center at WWE‘s upcoming live event with the same name.

WWE.com says they’ve now confirmed Flair will be part of the show and the report notes that he won his second of sixteen World Championships at the very first Starrcade.

Ric’s daughter Charlotte Flair is scheduled to wrestle Natalya in a cage match for the SmackDownWomen’s Championship, so it seems safe to assume he’ll accompany her to the ring.

Some of the other matches taking place will be AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal, The Usos vs. The New Day vs. Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler and Dash Wilder vs. Dustin Rhodes.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Earlier this month we reported that Charlotte Flair stated in a interview that her father would be appearing at Starrcade.

David Otunga And Jennifer Hudson Split, She Files Protective Order

Image result for David Otunga and Jennifer Hudson

David Otunga‘s relationship with Jennifer Hudson is over and the singer has filed a restraining order against the WWE announcer — but his lawyer released a statement claiming it’s a custody tactic.

The couple’s split, and subsequent protective order, was first reported by People. TMZ followed it up with a report which includes a statement from David’s lawyer Tracy Rizzo.

“David Otunga has been trying to negotiate the terms of an amicable parenting agreement with Ms. Hudson for several weeks now.” The statement continues, “However, when it became apparent to Ms. Hudson that Mr. Otunga would be the parent granted residential care of the child, as a result of Mr. Otunga being the child’s primary caregiver while Ms. Hudson pursues her career all over the world, Ms. Hudson decided to file a meritless Petition for Order of Protection in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute.”

Rizzo adds, “As a result of Mr. Otunga’s career in the WWE, Ms. Hudson felt that she could give an award winning performance in court to portray herself as the victim.  Mr. Otunga has never abused or harassed Ms. Hudson or their son.”

Jennifer Hudson’s rep told People.com that the order was filed in the best interest of their child.

Even though Jennifer doesn’t accuse him of it, David’s lawyer says he wanted to make it clear that the announcer never got physical with his fiancee.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Impact Wrestling Preview 11/16/17

* Impact Global Championship: (C) Eli Drake vs. Petey Williams

* Impact Tag Team Champions oVe & Sami Callihan vs. LAX w/Konnan

* Knockouts Champion Gail Kim with a special announcement

* Impact Grand Championship: (C) EC3 vs. Fallah Bahh

* Lashley and American Top Team

* X-Division Champion Trevor Lee, Taiji Ishimori & Caleb Konley vs. Sonjay Dutt, Desmond Xavier & Garza Jr.

2018 WWE Survivor Series Location Announced

Image result for Survivor Series 2017

WWE announced today that Los Angeles, California will host the 2018 Survivor Series weekend, which includes the Survivor Series pay-per-view, NXT Takeover, Monday Night RAW and SmackDown, all taking place at the STAPLES Center over four consecutive nights.

WWE issued the following:

Los Angeles to Host WWE® Survivor Series® in 2018WWE® (NYSE:WWE) today announced that Los Angeles will host Survivor Series® Weekend in 2018 with Survivor Series, Monday Night Raw®, SmackDown® Live and NXT® all taking place at STAPLES Center over four consecutive nights.

2018 Key Dates:

* Saturday, November 17 – NXT TakeOver

* Sunday, November 18 – Survivor Series

* Monday, November 19 – Monday Night Raw

* Tuesday, November 20 – SmackDown Live

Additional details about these events, including ticket on sale information and travel packages, will be announced in early 2018.

Survivor Series 2017 takes place this Sunday, November 19 from the Toyota Center in Houston. The event, which streams live around the world on WWE Network, will feature: Universal Champion Brock Lesnar™ vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles™; Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss™ vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair™; Kurt Angle™, Braun Strowman™, Samoa Joe™, Finn Bálor® and Triple H® representing Team RAW vs. John Cena®, Shinsuke Nakamura®, Randy Orton®, Shane McMahon® and Bobby Roode™ representing Team SmackDown; Becky Lynch®, Naomi®, Carmella™, Tamina® and aSuperstar still to be namedvs. Sasha Banks®, Nia Jax™, Asuka™, Alicia Fox® and Bayley™; and much more.

Konnan Announced As Head Writer For New Lucha Libre Project, Ex-Impact Producers Involved

Related image

Aroluxe Media announced yesterday that Carlos “Konnan” Ashenoff will lead the writing team for its upcoming Lucha Libre project.

For those who may recall, Aroluxe was funding episodes of Impact in exchange for ownership shares in TNA and at one time tried to purchase the company.

Konnan currently runs The Crash in Mexico and is featured on Impact Wrestling with LAX.

Former TNA wrestlers Ron and Don Harris are also involved with Aro Lucha.

Below is is details on the announcement:

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Arolucha, Inc. announced today that Carlos “Konnan” Ashenoff will lead the writing team for its upcoming Lucha Libre project. Effective November 1st, 2017, Konnan will lead the writing team to produce character-driven, authentic, and original storylines for the Aro Lucha world of Lucha Libre.

Konnan is regarded as one of the brightest and most creative minds in the wrestling and sports entertainment industry. Spanning over 3 decades, Konnan’s career has ranged from professional wrestler and on-screen talent, to color commentator, booker and creative consultant. He has worked for nearly all major professional wrestling organizations including AAA, CMLL, WCW, Impact, and WWE.

“When you’re creating an authentic Lucha Libre product in the United States, I’m not sure if there is any other person you want at the core of your company than Carlos, (Konnan)” said Jason Brown, CEO or AroLucha, Inc, “He brings an authenticity and a knowledgebase to the project that is unmatched.”

Konnan is best known to his legion of fans as one of the biggest box office draws in the history of Mexico. Breaking attendance records as the main event in virtually every major city, including Mexico City and Los Angeles. Although his success as a professional wrestler launched Konnan’s career, his lasting impact on the industry continues through his own Mexico-based promotion, The Crash Lucha Libre, where he is co-owner, lead writer, and executive producer. Konnan has a keen eye for talent, bringing to light the likes of Rey Mysterio and Psychosis, and more recently Penta Zero M and Rey Fenix. He continues to influence and foster young talent through his perpetual support of Hispanic performers within the professional wrestling industry.

“Carlos loves this industry. He has given his life to professional wrestling and there is no one else that we could see as a better partner within the US,” said Ron Harris of Aro Lucha.

For more information visit arolucha.com.

Press Contacts:

For AroLucha, Inc
Luis Quintanta
social(at)arolucha(dot)com

About AroLucha, Inc.

Aro Lucha is a high energy, family-friendly Lucha Libre promotion based in the United States. Its principals have produced over 200 hours of network television, specifically in the professional wrestling arena. They are focused on bringing authentic Stars, Characters, and Storylines to their fans through live events, social media, and digital content. Aro Lucha is a company that fans can be proud to support.

WWE Releases James Ellsworth

Image result for James Ellsworth

WWE announced today that they have released James Ellsworth.

WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar James Ellsworth. WWE wishes Ellsworth the best in all of his future endeavors.

 

WrestleMania 33 Generated Record $181 Million For Orlando Region

WrestleMania 33

WWE issued a press release announcing that WrestleMania 33 generated a record revenue of $181 million for the Orlando region earlier this year in April.

WWE issued the following today:

WrestleMania® Generates Record $181 Million for Orlando Region11/15/2017

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE® (NYSE:WWE) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced today that WrestleMania 33 generated $181.5 million in economic impact for the Orlando region this past April, according to a study conducted by the Enigma Research Corporation. This marks a new record for WrestleMania’s economic impact and the sixth consecutive year that WrestleMania generated more than $100 million in economic impact for its host region.

Over the past 11 years, WrestleMania has generated more than $1 billion in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event. WrestleMania 33 also generated approximately $22.7 million in federal, state and local taxes.

“On behalf of the residents of the City of Orlando, I would like to thank the tens of thousands of WWE fans that converged on our city to be part of WrestleMania Week,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The week-long series of events boosted our economy by bringing guests to our restaurants, shops and hotels, and also benefited our city through community outreach initiatives. We look forward to welcoming WrestleMania back soon.”

“This historic result would not have been possible without the support of Mayor Dyer, the Central Florida Sports Commission and all of our public and private sector partners in Orlando that worked so hard to again welcome WWE’s global fan base,” said John P. Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. “We continue to be grateful to our fans who helped us deliver unprecedented economic results for our WrestleMania host city. We now look ahead to our return to New Orleans in 2018 for WrestleMania 34.”

A record crowd of 75,245 fans from all 50 states and 62 countries attended WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza this past April, making it the highest-grossing and most-attended event in Citrus Bowl history. Key highlights from the study include:

* $181.5 million in direct, indirect and induced impact derived from spending by visitors to the Orlando region for WrestleMania 33.

* 79% of fans that attended WrestleMania were from outside the Orlando region and stayed an average of 5.6 nights.

* $24.8 million was spent on hotels and accommodations within Orlando.

* The economic impact derived from WrestleMania Week was equal to the creation of 1,730 full-time jobs for the area.

* $9.3 million was spent by visitors to Orlando at area restaurants.

Next year, WrestleMania 34 will take place Sunday, April 8 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Tickets will be available this Friday, November 17 at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT through Ticketmaster. The event will be streamed live around the world on WWE Network.

NXT Preview 11/15/17

Tonight is the final show before this Saturday’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames in Houston.

* Drew McIntyre, Andrade “Cien” Almas get set to meet face-to-face

* Will Ember Moon make Mercedes Martinez eat her words?

* The games between Street Profits and Sabbatelli & Moss come to an end

Charlotte Flair Wins SmackDown Women’s Championship, Ric Flair There To Congratulate Her

Image result for Charlotte Flair wins SmackDown Women's Championship, Ric Flair congratulates her

Last night on SmackDown Live, Charlotte Flair captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship by defeating Natalya. Charlotte will now face RAW Women’s Champions Alexa Bliss at Survivor Series. It has not yet been announced who will take Charlotte’s place on Team SmackDown.

Charlotte was very emotional after the match, tearing up while talking about her father’s recent heath scare. She said he was there and that he was home watching. She said her winning the title was for him. As she was heading up the ramp, Ric’s music hit and he came out, she ran and embraced him.

Check out the videos below: