Author: John Bass

AEW And WarnerMedia Extend Dynamite Contract Through 2023, New AEW Show To Launch Soon

AEW and WarnerMedia have announced that the contract for Dynamite on TNT has been extended through 2023.

It was also announced that AEW and WarnerMedia have agreed to launch another weekly series. There’s no word yet on details of the new show, but we will keep you updated.

The announcement from AEW and WarnerMedia also noted that AEW has racked up over 100,000 pay-per-view buys since launching. The upcoming Revolution pay-per-view will also air on B/R Live.

“When we launched AEW one year ago, we wanted to start a revolution that would disrupt the wrestling business, but everyone said that it would take a strong weekly television partner to make AEW real in the eyes of everyone – above all, the fans,” said AEW President & CEO Tony Khan in the presser. “What virtually no one realized at the time was Kevin Reilly and TNT were committed to this very same movement from Day One, and their belief in us made it possible for AEW to think and act big from the start. Here we are, only three months into Wednesday Night Dynamite, and now we’ve been extended through 2023! We’re now making the ultimate statement that the team of AEW and TNT is here to stay and to bring fans more of the great wrestling that the fans demand and deserve.”

Below is the full press release issued today and a new trailer from AEW and WarnerMedia:

START UP WRESTLING SENSATION ALL ELITE WRESTLING EXTENDED IN MULTI-YEAR PACT

AEW: DYNAMITE Extended Through 2023

WarnerMedia Greenlights New AEW Series

AEW: DYNAMITE on TNT is a Top 20 New Cable Unscripted Series and has Reached Nearly 32 Million Viewers Across All Platforms in Only Three Months

Pasadena, January 15, 2020 – WarnerMedia announced today an expanded relationship with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the groundbreaking new wrestling league that has already redefined wrestling with resounding success after only a few months. WarnerMedia has extended their deal for AEW: DYNAMITE, a top 20 new cable unscripted series, through 2023. In addition, the parties have agreed to launch another night of AEW action, offering more of the fans’ favorite wrestlers, with a second show straight-to- series.

“When Tony Khan first shared with me his idea of starting a new wrestling league, I was impressed by his audacity to go up against a contender that has been the only game in town for twenty years, and ultimately believed that together we could bring his vision for a new, authentic, gritty product to bear,” says Kevin Reilly, chief content officer, HBO Max, president, TNT, TBS, and truTV. “The fans have spoken and after only three months, we have seen AEW shake up the wrestling world and this will only continue as we build upon this momentum.”

AEW: DYNAMITE exploded onto the wrestling scene when it premiered on TNT as the night’s #1 wrestling show. It has continued to deliver high performing episodes each week with the series averaging 1.2M total viewers and 654K A18-49 per episode in Live +7 Day viewing. In only three months, AEW: DYNAMITE has reached nearly 32 million people across all platforms. The show also delivers the youngest wrestling audience on television.

“When we launched AEW one year ago, we wanted to start a revolution that would disrupt the wrestling business, but everyone said that it would take a strong weekly television partner to make AEW real in the eyes of everyone – above all, the fans,” said Tony Khan, president and CEO of AEW. “What virtually no one realized at the time was Kevin Reilly and TNT were committed to this very same movement from Day One, and their belief in us made it possible for AEW to think and act big from the start. Here we are, only three months into Wednesday Night Dynamite, and now we’ve been extended through 2023! We’re now making the ultimate statement that the team of AEW and TNT is here to stay and to bring fans more of the great wrestling that the fans demand and deserve.”

Weekly action-packed matches continue to air live on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET as part of TNT’s line-up of big, lean-forward television that gives viewers the best seat in the house for electrifying stories, dynamic characters and thrilling events. A global franchise, AEW has already secured broadcast deals in the UK, Canada, France and Germany and is available in over 100 other countries through the AEWPlus.com subscription service. Both parties are continuously exploring ways to further expand this relationship.

WarnerMedia announced in May 2019 that it was working with AEW by utilizing its position as a next- generation global media company to help build this league into a global pro-wrestling franchise. WarnerMedia has also been offering fans exclusive access to AEW’s extremely popular pay-per-view matches, which kicked off in May 2019, via B/R Live. Their next event, REVOLUTION, which takes place in Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 29, will also stream on the platform. With nearly 100,000 total AEW pay-per- view buys, B/R Live’s high fan engagement provides an invaluable opportunity to build AEW’s audience and maximize its viewership.

In addition to being a ratings success, AEW has earned a great deal of praise from a wide range of press. Newsweek called it “One of the best shows of 2019,” and four of AEW’s wrestlers were named in Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 wrestlers of 2019, with Jon Moxley being named “Wrestler of the Year.” The Washington Post also wrote that “AEW… is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to present pro wrestling differently, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the ring, in the front office and in the audience.” USA Today referred to the league as the “new cool kids,” and the New York Post stated that AEW: DYNAMITE “showcased the superb in-ring action it’s known for.” Complex heralded AEW: DYNAMITE’s presentation as “top notch” and /Film wrote that “AEW is the best and most refreshing professional wrestling has been in years.”

AEW is a new global wrestling league that features a world-class roster of diverse male and female wrestlers, giving fans a new wrestling experience for the first time in 20 years. AEW is about more than wrestling. It’s a movement fueled by fans. Focused on fast-paced, high-impact competitions, AEW offers fans more athleticism along with real sports analytics. Founded by President and CEO Tony Khan, AEW is headlined by Cody & Brandi Rhodes, Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), Kenny Omega and Hangman Adam Page. The roster is also filled with incredibly skilled competitors including Nyla Rose, Awesome Kong, Dustin Rhodes, Jungle Boy, Dr. Britt Baker, MJF, Pac and SCU. In addition to being in-ring talent, Cody, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega also serve as EVPs with Brandi Rhodes serving as Chief Brand Officer.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Announces The Return Of ‘Lockdown’

On Tuesday evening, Impact Wrestling announced on Twitter that Lockdown will return live on Impact Plus on Saturday, March 28, at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario.

The last time Lockdown aired was back in January of 2016.

Tickets for this event will go on sale this Friday at 8 AM EST.

Impact Wrestling Preview 1/14/20

Tonight on Impact at 8/7c on AXS TV and Twitch

* Fallout from Hard to Kill

* Tessa Blanchard made history at Hard To Kill by defeating Sami Callihan and becoming the first woman to hold the IMPACT World Championship. After the pay-per-view went off the air, Tessa celebrated this huge accomplishment in the middle of the ring. This Tuesday on IMPACT!, you will get to see that bonus footage for yourself. Plus, witness the first sit-down interview with the new World Champion as she talks about her history-making moment.

* Joey Ryan vs. Johnny Swinger

* Moose vs. Fallah Bahh vs. Ace Austin vs. Eddie Edwards

* RVD and Katie Forbes Celebrate Hard To Kill victory

NWA Powerrr Preview 1/14/20

NWA Powerrr returns with Episode 14 “Strictly Business Takeover” covering the story of NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis attempt to not only get the control but takeover. With his enemies aligning like Ricky Morton, Tim Storm, Marty Scurll and others, the man holding Ten Pounds of Gold went on the offensive including bringing in Scott Steiner to lead a team on this week’s NWA Powerrr. This past weekend, Nick Aldis went rogue and invaded Ring of Honor Wrestling and sent a statement to Marty Scurll and Villain Enterprises. This was in retaliation to The Villain’s appearance at NWA Into The Fire.

We can confirm that Scott Steiner will cut a promo on this show. You’ve been warned!

In this broadcast, you’ll see exclusive footage from Nick Aldis’ appearance this past weekend’s Ring of Honor events including some news you’ll only find out first on #NWAPowerrr.

The Main Event of this episode sees the team of Strictly Business (Thom Latimer & Royce Isaacs teaming with Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner vs. Team Ricky Morton. The caveat on this huge main event, if Team Morton wins, then Ricky Morton faces Nick Aldis for #TenPoundsOfGold next week on Episode 15 of NWA Powerrr. Who will Ricky Morton pick as his partners?

Also on this episode the NWA TV Title Qualifying matches continue with Dave Dawson facing Zane Dawson with the winner advancing to #NWAHardTimes. Plus you’ll get your first look at the brackets for the tournament.

Melina has her first one-on-one match in the National Wrestling Alliance as she faces Ashley Vox.

The Pope leads Outlaw Inc, (Eddie Kingston & Homicide ) vs. The Question Mark and Aron Stevens.

AEW Dark Preview 1/14/20

The following was taped for tonight’s AEW Dark episode on YouTube:

* Darby Allin vs. Brandon Cutler

* Shawn Spears and Petor Avalon vs. Billy and Austin Gunn

* Shanna vs. Nyla Rose

* Legends of Memphis Wrestling honored

* Dave Brown will announce a match

Rusev Indicates He Will Become A Free Agent Soon

It looks like Rusev may be planning on leaving WWE soon.

Rusev recently changed his Twitter bio and indicated that he will become one of the hottest free agents in pro wrestling soon.

The Bulgarian Brute’s Twitter bio now reads like this: “soon to be free agent”

There’s no word yet on if Rusev really is on his way out of WWE, but he is known to mess around with fans on Twitter at times.

It was confirmed back in November that Rusev’s wife Lana recently signed a new five-year deal with the company. It was reported then that Rusev was still in the middle of contract talks with WWE officials, but there’s no confirmation on when his current deal expires.

Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley is scheduled for tonight’s RAW as their feud continues. Liv Morgan is set to be in Rusev’s corner while Lana will be in Lashley’s corner.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Star Jay White Booked For ROH Supercard Of Honor

There has been speculation regarding the partnership with ROH and NJPW, however it appears as if the two companies will continue to work with each other. ROH announced that Bullet Club leader Jay White will be appearing at its Supercard of Honor event on April 4.

“#BULLETCLUB MEMBER & NJPW STAR JAY WHITE SIGNED FOR ROH SUPERCARD OF HONOR APRIL 4 IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA! @jaywhitenz is #GoingToLakeland”

This is the first time that White will be wrestling on an ROH show since the G1 Supercard last year, where he lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Kazuchika Okada. White previously worked with ROH from 2016-2017 as a Young Lion in an excursion run.

Taking place in Lakeland Florida, the event will be during the evening. It should be noted that the Bullet Club will host the Bullet Club Beach Party on the same day at 10 a.m. ET.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Brian Cage Has Reportedly Not Signed With AEW, News On His Injury

It was reported that former Impact World Champion Brian Cage had signed with All Elite Wrestling. Cage reportedly became a free agent following his match against Rob Van Dam at this Sunday’s Hard To Kill pay-per-view.

Following that report, Cage’s wife, Melissa Santos denied the news, tweeting, “Really?? How can you confirm something that isn’t true???? I’m his wife and I can CONFIRM, he hasn’t signed on any dotted line.”

She later added, “And when he finally signs somewhere be it AEW, IMPACT ect….. we will let you know. People trying to get ahead of actual facts is not cool.”

According to PWInsider, Cage has not yet signed with any specific promotion, but his current Impact deal is up. Cage is also mulling offers from several promotions at this time.

Additionally, the angle with RVD squashing and injuring him in short order at the PPV was done to prevent Cage from further injuring himself. The report goes on to note that Cage may have a torn bicep.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 1/13/20

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky as the road to the 2020 Royal Rumble continues.

WWE has not announced an official preview for tonight’s RAW.

* Tonight’s RAW will feature the first “Fist Fight” with Big Show, Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins and The Authors of Pain.

* Buddy Murphy vs. Aleister Black

* WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled to appear

* Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles

* Rusev with Liv Morgan vs. Bobby Lashley with Lana

* Plus more on the feud between Rey Mysterio and WWE United States Champion Andrade.

Former Impact World Champion Brian Cage Signs With AEW

Former Impact World Champion Brian Cage has signed a multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling, according to SoCal Uncensored.

Cage became a free agent after his Impact Wrestling contract expired. Last night at Impact’s Hard to Kill, he got squashed by Rob Van Dam.

He almost appeared at the first Casino Battle Royale at AEW’s Double or Nothing but that appearance was prevented by Impact officials.

Since making his 2004 debut, Cage wrestled in several promotions like AAA, Lucha Underground, Pro Wrestling Noah, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

There is no word yet on when Cage will make his AEW debut.

Source: Wrestling Inc.