Author: John Bass

EC3 And Adam Scherr To Announce TV Deal For New Pro Wrestling Company

EC3 and Adam Scherr (fka WWE’s Braun Strowman) have announced that their Control Your Narrative brand is launching as a new pro wrestling company.

Wrestling Inc. noted a few weeks back how Scherr and EC3 announced their “Control Your Narrative: Live” shows for Orlando and Dallas in March. Killer Kross is also working with the brand, and more names were to be announced in the coming weeks.

In an update, an additional announcement was issued today for the launch of the new pro wrestling company. It was also said that an announcement on a “CYN: Live” TV deal is imminent.

EC3’s original partner, Jedediah Koszewski, noted in today’s announcement that CYN has a new partner, and network distribution.

“The Whisper Campaign has begun. Yes, CYN has a new partner. Yes, CYN has network distribution. Yes, we are very excited to take CYN to the next level,” Koszewski said.

It was noted in today’s press release that the March 31 live event in Dallas is now a TV taping. The Dallas show is also where Kross will make his CYN debut.

Scherr noted that everything will be revealed at the Dallas event.

“No, we will not tell you anything further. You will learn everything you want to know at CYN: Dallas on 3/31,” Scherr said.

EC3 added, “In Control Your Narrative I speak about finding your purpose. This idea and this company will be bigger than any one person. I can’t promise anything other than my undying effort to create a platform for the right wrestlers to do what they love and provide the freedom they crave. For fans to have an intimate, unforgettable LIVE experience along with an artistic, action packed, emotional TV presentation. Control Your Narrative is my purpose.”

The names working with CYN mentioned in today’s press release include Impact World Champion Moose, Impact Digital Media Champion Matt Cardona, Jon Skyler, Matt Sydal, Marina Shafir, Westin Blake, and Matt Taven.

There’s no word yet on which network is set to carry the CYN product.

You can see CYN’s full announcement below, along with EC3’s related Instagram post:

CYN: Live announces first two LIVE EVENTS

3/5 ORLANDO, FL

3/31 Dallas, TX (TV SPECIAL!)

Click Here for TICKETS/INFORMATION

“Now that I have your attention, here’s the truth.” – ec3

The “Control Your Narrative” concept has manifested itself from an idea, to a movement, to a live touring/televised wrestling company.

“We, collectively as wrestlers, can no longer wait. We can not wait on companies that answer only to share holders. Companies where billionaires collect talent as “toys.” Companies that fire their entire roster for the mistakes their office made. Companies that are complacent in presentation.

Companies where talent sit in the back, and say “nothing matters.”

To create true change, you have to be bold. You have to bet on yourself. With CYN, talent bet on themselves.” -ec3

What has started as a self produced, independently crafted concept focused on character development/wrestling through a “cinematic lens,” Control Your Narrative and their “Free The Narrative” series was created by ec3 and his partner Jedediah Koszewski in April of 2020.

“The world was changing and everyone felt fear and anxiety. When you only have questions, and there are no answers, the best therapy is to create.” – Koszewski

“The talent that has reached out, wanting to create with us, wanting to control their narrative has been humbling. It’s an honor to be able to help tell their story.”

One of these talent is the former Universal Champion “Braun Strowman,” now known by his birth name Adam Scherr.

“I was so impressed with what Control Your Narrative was creating, that I told ec3 and JC how much it inspired me. How much I would like to create with them one day.

The next day I was released from my contract. Things happen for a reason. Preproduction of “Free The Narrative II: The Monster in us All” began immediately.

This is what’s next.” – Scherr

All talent featured in CYN have asked to be a part of the project. These competitors range from known to unknown and include names like Matt Cardona, Moose, Jon Skyler, Matt Sydal, Marina Shafir, Westin Blake, Matt Taven and more.

Opportunity awaits for up and comers through CYN’s “Project Initiation” (seminars hosted prior to CYN Live Events.)

On 3/31 CYN: Dallas, the much anticipated debut of Killer Kross takes place.

“If you want to Control Your Narrative, all you have to do is knock.” – ec3

At CYN there is no corporate hierarchy. There are no deep-pocketed investors wanting to use the sport simply to profit. There are no contracts, or political agendas. There is only passion to create with the platform for a talent to “become who they are supposed to be.”

The one thing missing for CYN to “become who they are supposed to be” was a proper platform and network distribution. That has been achieved.

“The Whisper Campaign has begun. Yes, CYN has a new partner. Yes, CYN has network distribution. Yes, we are very excited to take CYN to the next level.” – Koszewski

“No, we will not tell you anything further. You will learn everything you want to know at CYN: Dallas on 3/31” – Scherr

“In Control Your Narrative I speak about finding your purpose. This idea and this company will be bigger than any one person. I can’t promise anything other than my undying effort to create a platform for the right wrestlers to do what they love and provide the freedom they crave. For fans to have an intimate, unforgettable LIVE experience along with an artistic, action packed, emotional TV presentation.

Control Your Narrative is my purpose.” – ec3

For more information http://www.controlyournarrative.co
Instagram- @controlyournarrative
For tickets 3/05/22 CYN: Orlando
Control Your Narrative | Tin Roof – Orlando | Outhouse Tickets
For tickets 3/31/22 CYN: Dallas
Control Your Narrative | Southside Music Hall at Gilley’s | Outhouse Tickets
For more from Jedediah Koszewski @freethenarrator
For more from ec3 @therealec3
For more from Adam Scherr @adamscherr99
For business inquiries office@controlyournarrative.co

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Undertaker Announced For 2022 WWE Hall Of Fame Class

As expected, since WrestleMania is in Dallas and he finally retired for real this time, WWE has revealed The Undertaker will become a Hall of Famer this year.

WWE tweeted the news below shortly after it was broken by The New York Post. The company has given the chance to unveil Hall of Famers to various publications in recent years, and it obviously needed a big one to break that The Deadman will become a Hall of Famer.

As mentioned above, WrestleMania will take place in Dallas this year. Despite being billed from Death Valley, in keeping with The Phenom’s gimmick, Texas is The Undertaker’s home state, so fitting that this where will be where he is inducted. Next year WrestleMania goes Hollywood, and it might be a while before The Show of Shows returns to Texas, so it really had to be this year if WWE wanted it to happen as close to his hometown as possible.

The Deadman wrestled his final match almost two years ago. A Boneyard Match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. Since Taker appeared to retire on a number of occasions before that, many fans weren’t convinced he was done for good. Later that year, he appeared at Survivor Series in a segment that was dubbed his farewell ceremony. The event marked almost exactly 30 years since his very first night in WWE.

Source: TheSportster

WWE issued the following announcement on The Undertaker induction into the 2022 Hall of Fame.

The Undertaker just became the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, as first announced by the New York Post.  The Deadman will be enshrined in the hallowed hall during the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as part of WrestleMania Week.

The WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony will take place Friday, April 1 at American Airlines Center in Dallas as part of WrestleMania Week.  The event will stream live exclusively on Peacock in the U.S. and WWE Network everywhere else.  In addition, for the first time in history, WWE will present both Friday Night SmackDown and the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony live on the same night at American Airlines Center, giving all fans in attendance an unprecedented opportunity to witness both events for one price. Tickets for the special 2-for-1 SmackDown + Hall of Famego on sale this Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.  

Also, don’t miss The Undertaker’s first comments on his monumental Hall of Fame induction when he joins The TODAY Show tomorrow morning on NBC.

In an extraordinary career that spanned three decades, The Undertaker loomed over the WWE landscape like a menacing shadow, spelling out doom for those who dared cross him. Imbued with seemingly mystical abilities and preternatural in-ring skill, the legendary Phenom operated on his own level.

First introduced at 1990’s Survivor Series, The Demon of Death Valley was soon battling with Hulk Hogan, then at the top of the food chain in WWE. This clash set the tone for Undertaker’s dominant career. No one was too big, and no one was safe from his gloved grip.

A multi-time WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, a seven-time tag team titleholder and a Royal Rumble Match winner in 2007, Undertaker has cemented his place among the greatest in the game. A true in-ring pioneer, he was part of many WWE firsts, including the first-ever Casket Match at Survivor Series 1992, the first-ever Buried Alive Match in 1996 and the inaugural Hell in a Cell Match in 1997.

But there was one achievement that stood out above all others that is unlikely to ever be topped. Since WrestleMania VII in 1991, The Undertaker maintained a winning streak on The Grandest Stage of Them All that grew to an astounding 21-0, with milestone victories over the likes of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Randy Orton, Diesel, Kane and so many more. Only Brock Lesnar proved capable of upending The Last Outlaw in his yard, snapping The Streak in an earth-shocking upset at WrestleMania 30. The iconic Superstar closed the book on his Showcase of the Immortals career with an astonishing 25-2 record, most recently scoring an incredible victory over AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match.

Undertaker’s incomparable career concluded at Survivor Series on Nov. 22, 2020 when The Deadman retired, fittingly at the same event he debuted and exactly 30 years to the day he first stepped into a WWE ring.

In the face of all challenges, The Deadman would rise time and time again, stronger and mightier than ever to serve as sports-entertainment’s grim reaper of justice with his name permanently etched like an epitaph on the history books of WWE. No grave could hold him, no god could claim him and no devil would have him. In the end, there would only be one suitable resting place for the almighty Deadman: the WWE Hall of Fame.

Don’t miss The Undertaker take his place in sports-entertainment history during the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 1, streaming live exclusively on Peacock in the U.S. and WWE Network everywhere else.

Cody Rhodes Hasn’t Signed With WWE & An AEW Return Is Reportedly Possible

Apparently, AEW’s door hasn’t shut on Cody Rhodes just yet.

Cody Rhodes is thought to be an imminent WWE signing following his AEW departure this week but, as reports would have it, the former All Elite EVP isn’t completely out the door just yet.

The American Nightmare was reported to have fashioned a move away from the promotion due to a number of issues, including a loss of booking power, financial disagreements, and other personal problems with Tony Khan. His wife, Brandi, left along with him. And while Cody is rumored to be WWE bound, sources claim she won’t be joining him there should he sign.

Vince McMahon is reportedly very excited over the possibility of having Rhodes back on the roster and plans to give him a major push if it comes to that. There’s already talk of the former AEW superstar being involved in tapings this coming weekend while there’s been speculation pointing to a match at WrestleMania 38.

As things stand, though, Rhodes is still a free agent, and reaching a deal with AEW isn’t yet out of the question.

According to Fightful (H/T WrestlingNews.co), the show Rhodes To The Top has not been canceled, and the direction is still being discussed. The show is centered on Cody and Brandi’s AEW life but was produced by Shed media US and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television so, theoretically, it could go on without involvement from AEW.

Said publication also reports that Rhodes has not put pen to paper on a deal with WWE and, until such a time, there’s a chance of him returning to AEW.

Khan was said to be in a poor mood after talks ended with Rhodes earlier this week, which could be because he wanted him to stay. The former TNT Champion had mentioned his unhappiness to the other company EVPs around two weeks ago, but they all expected him to agree to a deal.

Source: TheSportster

MLW Fusion Preview 2/17/22

Major League Wrestling’s flagship show FUSION heats up this Thursday at 8pm ET featuring a World Tag Team Championship bout, and streaming worldwide for free on MLW’s YouTube channel and Saturday nationwide on cable and dish on beIN SPORTS. 

  • Ladder Match for the World Tag Team Championship: 5150 (C) vs. Los Parks
  • Davey Richards vs. ACH
  • Saito Bros vs. Gnarls Garvin and Budd Heavy

The war between 5150 and Los Parks reaches its final stage as they collide in a ladder match for the World Tag Team Championship!

Can Rivera and Slice Boogie climb the rungs and walk back the former champs once and for all, or will the former Los Campeones successfully retrieve the belts and bring honor back to la familia? Tune in and find out!

World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone and 2021 Opera Cup winner Davey Richards make their SuperFight official as they sign the dotted line for their upcoming title fight at SuperFight in Charlotte!

The Dynasty has officially detonated and just seven days removed from their shocking betrayal of Hammerstone, Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout enjoy Valentine’s Day with a little Truth or Tryst.

By order of Cesar Duran, Davey Richards steps into the ring with world renowned grappler ACH.

MSL meets with Cesar Duran to discuss the debut of the greatest wonder in the world.

Mads Krugger puts Jacob Fatu in his crosshairs.

Gnarls Garvin and Budd Heavy put down the beers and test their skills against standout All Japan Pro Wrestling tandem The Saito Bros!

Join Rich Bocchini and Joe Dombrowski as MLW presents Fusion!

IMPACT Preview 2/17/22

Don’t miss the final IMPACT! before No Surrender, this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders!

* Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James and Chelsea Green battle Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans 

* Bullet Club collides with Violent By Design in a colossal six-man tag team match

* Kenny King goes one-on-one with Chris Sabin

* “The Quintessential Diva” Gisele Shaw vs. Lady Frost

* Ace Austin, Blake Christian and Laredo Kid collide in a Triple Threat match

* The action begins Before the IMPACT, streaming this Thursday at 7:30pm ET exclusively on IMPACT Plus, YouTube and Facebook. After making his shocking IMPACT debut last week, Big Kon looks to prove that he can go toe-to-toe with IMPACT’s best as he battles former IMPACT World Champion Eddie Edwards! Plus, Gia Miller, Josh Mathews and George Iceman get you ready for all things IMPACT with a recap of the latest action, a new Iceman’s Intel and more.

Photos: AEW Stars Meet Melissa Joan Hart After AEW Dynamite

Actress Melissa Joan Hart was in attendance at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN, for last night’s AEW Dynamite.

The cameras cut to the former Sabrina the Teenage Witch star sitting in the front row, shortly before the Bryan Danielson vs. Lee Moriarity match.

After Dynamite went off the air, The Young Bucks, Leva Bates and Vickie Guerrero shared pictures of themselves backstage with Hart.

Meanwhile, Hart took to Instagram to thank the Bucks for having her at the event. Hart shared another picture of herself and a friend reacting to a spot during the Mercedes Martinez vs. Thunder Rosa No DQ Match.

Hart, a lifelong pro wrestling fan, was involved in a brief Twitter beef with Kevin Owens in 2015. She would later blame WWE’s creative for Owens’ “lazy” character on WWE TV.

Hart wasn’t the only celebrity in attendance for last night’s Dynamite. Also appearing was actor Martin Kove, who was involved in a backstage segment with AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker. Kove is best known for portraying the character of “John Kreese” in The Karate Kid, and the film’s popular spin-off series, Cobra Kai.

https://twitter.com/VickieGuerrero/status/1494163811925962753

Source: Wrestling Inc.

New Details On Why Cody Rhodes Left AEW, Cody To WWE Update, Brandi

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reports that multiple sources have said Brandi is not expected to join Cody in WWE.

It was also said that Cody could begin working for WWE as soon as this weekend, potentially visiting the WWE Performance Center in Orlando to film segments for his return.

Rhodes left WWE back in 2016 after being frustrated with a lack of direction, and dissatisfaction with certain members of the WWE creative team, mainly over his Stardust character. It was noted that this will be a non-factor in his upcoming return to WWE as he is expected to have a far different relationship with Vince and the writing team.

Regarding Cody’s AEW departure, Barrasso reports that another key factor in the decision was losing all responsibilities related to booking. Rhodes was originally a part of the process, but Khan, as AEW’s Head of Creative, has taken full control.

There is no timeframe for Rhodes’ return to WWE, but Barrasso reports that sources have confirmed he is headed back. There is also no word on if a deal has been reached. It’s believed that Rhodes could end up being a WrestleMania 38 surprise, or WWE could hold him off until the RAW After WrestleMania, which is the biggest RAW episode of the year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Ex-ROH Star Quinn McKay Makes WWE Debut During NXT: Level Up Taping

Quinn McKay has seemingly joined WWE … as a ring announcer?

Quinn McKay made her WWE debut during the taping of the company’s new developmental show NXT: Level Up … but she didn’t work a match.

The former Ring Of Honor star was introduced as the show’s ring announcer under the name Kelly Kincaid. As well as wrestling in ROH, McKay also worked as a commentator and backstage correspondent, so she’s no stranger to broadcast duties. It seems that she will perform similar duties at the Performance Center.

https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1493745532954722305

At the time of writing, no details regarding McKay’s WWE deal have been revealed — although it’s possible that she is yet to officially sign with the company and that the Level Up appearance was a tryout of sorts.

McKay debuted as a pro-wrestler in 2018 and joined Ring Of Honor in 2019. Though she only worked a few matches for the company, she made it to the quarter-finals of the inaugural ROH Women’s World Championship tournament last year, losing to eventual winner Rok-C, who could also be on her way to WWE if recent reports are accurate.

Source: TheSportster

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/16/22

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite on TBS will air live from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN with more build for the upcoming Revolution pay-per-view.

* CM Punk will reveal the time, place and rules for rematch against MJF

* Bryan Danielson vs. Lee Moriarty

* Face of The Revolution Ladder Match Qualifier: Wardlow vs. Max Caster

* Chris Jericho and Jake Hager vs. Santana and Ortiz

* No DQ Match: Thunder Rosa vs. Mercedes Martinez

* AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara defends against Darby Allin

Matt Hardy Gives Insight Into Bizarre WWE House Show Exit By Jeff Hardy

In a Q&A episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, AEW star Matt Hardy was asked about the possibility of him wrestling his brother, Jeff Hardy, in a singles match somewhere down the road. For all intents and purposes, Matt Hardy indicated the days of him and his brother wrestling each other have come and gone.

“The days of Matt and Jeff Hardy going head to head, they’re probably done,” Hardy said. “We’re teammates, we’re not opponents.”

Matt Hardy was also asked about how his brother, who was released from WWE in December of 2021, was doing as he waits for his 90-day noncompete clause to end. He also shed some light on what happened in Jeff Hardy’s last WWE match.

“He’s good,” Hardy said. “When he wants to share this story, he will I’m sure. But I mean, he ended up being exhausted after driving all night, he was on late in the dark Smackdown, the last match. They had a 300 miles plus drive and he got in early in the morning and then he had a family emergency and then he was up early.

“I think he was just exhausted and shot and probably beat up at the same time. And he was also very stressed out from his WWE job as well, you know? I think for him sometimes, he kinda gets in his head. Especially if he’s alone on the road and whatnot. I think it’s better with me there too. I think he feels a little more comfortable because he really can get in his own head.”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to  The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy