Author: John Bass

MLW Fusion Preview 7/27/19

This week on FUSION feel the heat as the war between CONTRA Unit and the Von Erich boys rages on.

Ross and Marshall Von Erich fight CONTRA Unit’s Josef Samael and Simon Gotch in an unsanctioned match. League officials have secured additional security to ensure the safety of the fans as Cicero Stadium hosts the next battle in this on-going war.

Mance Warner has been raising hell on FUSION and this week Promociones Dorado is determined to retrieve the golden ticket Ol Mancer grabbed 2 weeks ago during a wild fight in the streets of Chicago.

Salina has conjured up Bestia 666 to collect the powerful ticket that grants LA Park a title shot. Will the “Baja Devil” beat Mancer and thus get her the golden ticket back? Find out as Mance Warner battles Bestia 666 in a Mexican Death Match with the golden ticket on the line.

There are shocking rumors and innuendo swirling around some shocking people in Major League Wrestling. What’s the story? Tune in to find out.

Ricky Martinez has demanded a rematch against Low Ki to prove his worth to Salina de la Renta. Will the “Lone Wolf of Brooklyn” crack Martinez with another KO and loss?

“The Base God” Gringo Loco wrestles the South American double champion Zenshi as lucha libre is on full display.

The saga between Konnan and Salina de la Renta continues. With brewing bitterness between the guiding light of lucha libre and the Empresaria, what’s next? Make sure to watch FUSION!

Kotto Brazil wants some justice?

Tom Lawlor has a shocking challenge for CONTRA.

Join Rich Bocchini and Jim Cornette ringside from the sold-out Cicero Stadium in Chicago for the fastest 60 minutes in pro wrestling.

MATCHES:

  • Unsanctioned Match: The Von Erichs vs. CONTRA Unit
  • Mexican Death Match for the Battle Riot ticket: Mance Warner vs. Bestia 666
  • Low Ki vs. Ricky “El Sicario” Martinez
  • Gringo Loco vs. Zenshi

Impact Wrestling Preview 7/26/19

Tonight on Impact – Pursuit Channel and Twitch.

* Impact X-Division Championship: (C) Rich Swann vs. Jake Crist

* Moose in action

* Kiera Hogan vs. Jordynne Grace

* Street Fight: Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin

Backstage News On How Many Live Events AEW Will Run Per Year, Format For TV Tapings

In case you missed it, All Elite Wrestling announced that their TV debut on TNT will be on October 2nd. The first show will be taking place inside the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. In an arena that holds up to 20,000 people, AEW is looking to change things up when it comes to venues.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the promotion will be running different sized arenas based off of demand. They will be looking into holding arenas that can hold 6,000 to 11,000 people. Just like WWE does with Main Event tapings, there will be matches prior to the 8 p.m. start time. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a warm-up match prior to TV time.

In regards to how many shows they want to put on, their goal is to run 100-120 live events per year, including many Saturday night house shows. Outside of those shows, they are expected to run 51 TV show days and up to four PPVs.

In regards to live events, there are thoughts of doing more than one house show a week. The top talent would work in the area of 75 matches per year, which AEW feels would help them keep their match quality high. It was noted that on of their key goals is to have great matches on the top of the card as compared with any other promotion.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

MLW Announces Partnership With Pro Wrestling NOAH

Major League Wrestling has announced that they are partnering with Pro Wrestling NOAH. MLW CEO Court Bauer confirmed that the relationship between the two companies includes a talent-exchange agreement and content collaboration.

According to PWInsider, NOAH and MLW locked a deal three weeks ago when Bauer was in Japan but the roots of the relationship began when GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Minoru Tanaka came to the United States to work for MLW in April.

MLW issued the following:

It is with great honor that Major League Wrestling partners with Pro Wrestling NOAH to form an alliance.

This all-encompassing partnership will feature athletes exchanged between the two organizations as well as opportunities to share content in addition to other opportunities.

The partnership will commence with an MLW wrestler participating in the 2019 N-1 Victory tour that commences this August.  The wrestler will be revealed at a later date.

“Pro Wrestling NOAH has a rich history of promoting some of the grandest wrestling bouts in the history of the sport,” said MLW CEO and Founder Court Bauer. “This is a very exciting partnership.  We look forward to joining NOAH and beginning a new voyage for a new era.”

Tegan Nox Returns From Injury At WWE NXT Live Event (Photos)

Tegan Nox made her ring return at last night’s WWE NXT live event from Orlando, Florida.

Nox teamed Jessi Kamea with to defeat Aliyah and Vanessa Borne. She got the pin for her team.

Nox signed with WWE back in 2017 and was set to perform in the first-ever Mae Young Classic, but she was pulled before the tournament began due to a torn ACL. She returned to the ring in April 2018 but has been out of action since August after suffering multiple knee-related injuries during the 2018 MYC.

As seen below, the injured Dakota Kai and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley reacted to Nox’s ring return.

Kai wrote, “.. but most importantly, she bacc. I can’t wait to watch your journey, @TeganNoxWWE_ !! The first (again) of many more”

Bayley added, “Hell yeah welcome back! Let’s wrestle”

You can see those tweets along with photos from last night’s return below:

https://twitter.com/itsBayleyWWE/status/1154545872916701185

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1154548373590028294

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1154541337552859137

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Maria Kanellis Spent Tuesday In The Emergency Room

Maria Kanellis took to Instagram this week and revealed that she spent Tuesday in the emergency room of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.

Kanellis, who appeared on Monday’s WWE RAW Reunion special in a backstage segment, noted on Instagram that she was hospitalized due to complications from her second pregnancy.

This could be why the WWE 205 Live contract signing between Mike Kanellis and 205 LiveGeneral Manager Drake Maverick never happened. Drake did appear in a backstage segment to announce that next week’s match would be Unsanctioned, but they never appeared in front of the live crowd.

Maria wrote on Instagram, “This is where I spent my day yesterday. Baby number 2 is giving me a run for my money. I had acute vomiting, a headache, and I was dehydrated. I threw up from 6am-3pm nonstop. I have never missed a day at WWE that wasn’t planned for in advance. But yesterday I was forced to stay away. It was a wild day! I received fluids, nausea meds, and Tylenol. They think I had a flu bug but I am feeling much better today. The nurses and doctors were fantastic and very caring. This pregnancy is definitely different from the first time. Baby 2 is doing good and that is what matters most. I am blessed to be pregnant and to have a beautiful 15 month old. Plus, women get pregnant all the time, work jobs, have other children, keep house, go to school, travel, have a second job, no paid maternity leave, are single, adopt, and so many other things. So, I keep things in perspective even when I have a tough day or 6 weeks…. I am still incredibly BLESSED!!! #secondpregnancy #12weekspregnant #seeyounextweek”

Maria indicated that she will be back next week.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jimmy Uso Arrest Update, More Details On What Happened

As noted, WWE Superstar Jimmy Uso was arrested for DUI while driving near Pensacola, FL early yesterday morning, and booked into the Escambia County Jail at 3:04am ET under a $1,000 bond. He reportedly refused DUI tests and was also cited for speeding. He was later bonded out of jail at around 10:45am ET, and is scheduled to be in court on the morning of Thursday, August 15.

The local ABC affiliate has revealed more details on what happened. ABC3 reports that a deputy was dispatched to the area of Pine Forest and Nine Mile Road in Escambia County at 1:30am ET, in reference to a possible DUI complaint. The deputy was advised by an off-duty police officer that a vehicle was traveling westbound on Interstate 10, doing an excess of 100 mph, and drifting from “left to right and going out of its lane.”

Uso’s vehicle then left Pine Forest Road and continued northbound, according to the off-duty officer. The vehicle then pulled into Ticket Sports Bar, but the car was no longer in the parking lot by the time the deputy arrived. The deputy was parked at a nearby Public when he observed a vehicle turn from Pine Forest Road onto Highway 297A, rapidly accelerate, and then travel very close to another car. That’s when the deputy conducted the traffic stop on Uso in the area of Highway 97A and Brockwood Place.

The officer noted that Jimmy appeared to have some issues holding documents in his hands after the officer asked for his license, registration and proof of insurance. The deputy also observed Uso to have bloodshot, watery, droopy eyelids, and dilated pupils, along with slow and slurred speech. The officer said he could smell an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver side window. That’s when he asked Uso to step out of the vehicle to speak with him in front of the patrol car. Jimmy had to be told several times to get out of the car, according to the deputy’s report.

Once Uso finally got out of the car, he appeared to be unsteady on his feet, noted the officer. The deputy asked Uso if he was willing to ride to an adjacent parking lot which was flat, level and well-lit. Uso agreed to take the ride, but then seemed confused and asked what was happening. The deputy explained that he was going to give Uso a ride to the adjacent parking lot to conduct a Field Sobriety task. Uso started asking if he needed a lawyer, and if he was being detained. The officer then informed Uso that he was conducting a DUI investigation, and that it was not possible to have a lawyer present.

The report noted that Uso then took his phone out of his pocket and tried to put the phone towards the officer’s face. The officer then placed Uso in handcuffs and placed him under arrest for the DUI. Uso became uncooperative and had to be told multiple times to have a seat in the patrol car. While in the back of the patrol car, Uso told the officer he was uncomfortable with it and that he wanted to speak with another officer. Then while on the way to the jail, the officer said he had to roll down his back windows due to the overwhelming smell of an alcoholic beverage that was engulfing the vehicle.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Vince McMahon Talks AEW, Says He Can’t See TNT Tolerating “Blood And Guts” Content For Too Long

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon made several references to All Elite Wrestling during today’s Second Quarter 2019 Earnings call from WWE HQ in Stamford, CT.

When discussing the WWE creative content getting a bit more edgier, Vince said they will remain in the PG environment” and they will not go back to the Attitude Era, but they will do some more controversy with better storylines. He then said WWE will not “do blood and guts and things of that nature, such as what is being done on our new potential competitor” – a reference to AEW and what they have been doing on their sows.

Vince later talked more about competition during the Q&A with investors, and said he generally believes that competition is good for everyone. Vince said they are hoping to the extent that they, presumably AEW, remains competition, but that AEW doesn’t continue “the blood and guts and gory things that they have been doing,” which he says are bad things.

Vince added that he can’t speak for TNT, but he can’t imagine that the network “would put up with that” kind of content continuing from AEW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Says He Received An Offer From All Elite Wrestling Via Text Message

A large portion of the wrestling community is hoping to see CM Punk in AEW, and now the former WWE star has confirmed he recently received an offer from the company (via text message).

Punk was brutally honest, so it would seem, about his relationship with All Elite Wrestling while speaking with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi to promote an upcoming appearance at Starrcast.

When asked if he had a relationship with AEW, Punk firmly stated no.

“I know they like to talk about me a lot. If I text Matt Jackson, “Hey, have a great show tonight,” which I did when they had their big show in Vegas, that somehow turns into Tony Khan telling people he has a great relationship with me. I’ve said in the past I’ve talked to them, but nothing ever came of anything,” he added.

Punk also addressed fans having expectations to see him at All Out because of his scheduled appearance at Starrcast:

“I think if there’s an expectation, it’s purely been built by them. My silence to some fans means something. They’re trying to read the tea leaves, but there’s nothing to read. I even feel like talking about it may feel like I’m putting some sort of negative slant on it, but I’m really not. The fact is I know they’ve teased me ad nauseam, and if anybody is gonna get mad it’s at me because I don’t show up. Well then, I don’t know what to tell you. That’s one of those things that’s none of my business.”

“They do videos where they talk about me. They’re constantly talking about me in the media. And again, maybe this sounds like I’m badgering them, but I’m not. It’s just something that happens. I’m a popular guy to talk about. But I’m not doing interviews talking about them. If people ask me about it, I say no, I won’t be there.”

Punk was then asked straight up if anything between he and AEW was imminent and this is what he said:

Punk: The last thing I got — I got a text from Cody [Rhodes]. And again, I almost don’t even know how to reply to them sometimes, because if I reply, they do interviews and are like, “Oh yeah, I just talked to Punk.” I’m kind of damned if I do, damned if I don’t. I always think if somebody wants to do business with me, they can come talk to me. Texting offers isn’t really a way to do good business, at least.

ESPN: Was it an offer via text?

Punk: It was texted through three people and an offer came in through text. This is like a month ago, maybe.

ESPN: An offer for All Out?

Punk: I think it was just a general offer. I never could have done the last one in Vegas [Double or Nothing], because I was in California for CFFC.

Punk talked about his UFC future as well in the interview and how he wouldn’t be surprised to get cut.

“I’m not that dude that sat down on a stage in Vegas eight years ago,” he added. “I’m not the dude that left WWE. I’m not that guy. That was five-years-ago Phil. I’m a different dude now. People still have that connotation, like, “Oh, he hates WWE.” And it’s just like, no, I’ve let all that go, and I’ve let all that go so long ago. But there are people that hold on to that. They still think or want me to be who I was. I’m not who I was yesterday. This is my journey, this is my odyssey.”

Punk also said he doesn’t expect to be involved in wrestling by 2020 — but anything is possible.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE Network Rolling Out Updated Version This Week, Aims To Satisfy Fan Feedback With Updated Interface, Free And VIP Tiers On The Way

WWE has announced to Network subscribers that they’ll be rolling out an updated version of the platform this week.

The company sent an email to subscribers which explains:

We are pleased to inform you that WWE Network is being updated this week with a new design, a simpler navigation and smarter search tools. In addition, please be aware of the following:

1) You will need to log in with your email address and password the first time you use the updated WWE Network on each streaming device.
2) You will NOT need to set up a new account. You should use your existing WWE Network email address and password.
3) The update will occur on different devices at different times during the week.

CLICK HERE for a video on WWE.com showing some of the changes, like Superstar specific pages and the promise of additional features that fans have been asking for.

The WWE Network launched in 2014. This was before every major media company had an over-the-top streaming service, like the current entertainment landscape, and it was huge for wrestling fans. Not only did the platform allow subscribers the ability to watch monthly pay-per-views for a low price, but it also gave access to a massive catalogue of content that’s only grown over the years.

Image result for wwe network launch

This includes classic content from WWE, WCW and ECW, as well as territories such as AWA, World Class, Mid-South and Smoky Mountain Wrestling. The platform also launched NXT UK, 205 Live, the Mae Young Classic and premiered exclusive documentaries and shows.

WWE began surveying wrestling fans shortly after launching their network. While subtle changes have been implemented over time due to feedback, the interface as a whole has largely remained the same.

That changes beginning today.

Pro Wrestling Sheet got a sneak peak of the platform’s updated look and it features a sleek, new standout design that’s comparable to Netflix or Hulu. Aside from a more visually pleasing look, the platform now provides more viewing options as well.

Pro Wrestling Sheet was told the team spent lots of time taking in the feedback to craft an experience that will allow subscribers to discover content more easily. This note is evident right away.

Past pay-per-view content is featured more prominently on the homepage with bigger versions of the posters showing off what’s available in reverse chronological order. The navigation bar has also moved to the left hand side of the platform with new options — including a Superstars landing page.

This page includes WWE roster specific cards you can click on to see featured matches from the performers, stats and more. Each Superstar page can be favorited to make it easier to find new content from your favorite WWE stars upon return.

Something else users will notice is that finding WWE pay-per-views in that section of the platform has been simplified, as each event is listed at the top of the page. Even better, when you open a PPV, a carousel of thumbnails is shown at the bottom so you can jump to any match or moment in the show. This feature will work with some of the TV shows as well, though not all.

There’s also a skip match button that’s been added which allows users the ability to jump ahead while watching something that isn’t live. This is very handy if you’re not feeling a match or segment.

According to WWE, today’s rollout is only the first phase of the new version of their network. This will open the door to additional tiers and more global localization on the platform.

Beginning today with phase one … fans will see a sleeker design, a better user experience and search functionality that makes it easier to find content.

It’s no secret that the search functionality of the original interface has been criticized by fans since day one. For example, searching “Stone Cold” yields over 139 pages of results and it’s difficult to find something you might want to watch. In the new interface, however, results show notable pay-per-views he was featured on alongside famous moments and matches.

“Over the next few months we plan to launch a free tier with select WWE programming and – a few months after that – a VIP tier with additional programming similar to the EVOLVE 10th anniversary celebration that WWE Network streamed earlier this month,” WWE tells Pro Wrestling Sheet.

WWE’s relationship with EVOLVE got taken to a new level this month after the two companies produced their first joint event on the WWE Network. The event showcased indie talent in matches against NXT Superstars like Matt Riddle, Babatunde, Arturo Ruas and Adam Cole, as well as 205 Live wrestlers Drew Gulak and Akira Tozawa. Paul Heyman was also on the show.

WWE Photo

Similar to EVOLVE, WWE has had a relationship for years now with PROGRESS and ICW. WWE didn’t confirm either promotion would be included in the VIP tier, but “programming similar to the EVOLVE 10th Anniversary Celebration” sounds like that’s a possibility.

Additional details on WWE’s free and VIP tiers in the coming months were not made available, nor how the new tiers might affect programming currently available to subscribers.

WWE did confirm, however, that they have a long term goal of localizing WWE Network “by language and currency in key markets around the world.”

The launch video below also promises better scrolling through video content, but we weren’t able to test it out while getting a tour of the new features. Fans will certainly be happy if WWE has been able to fix this part of the app though, as it’s another one of the most criticized parts of the platform.

WWE did not say whether there are plans for shared/custom playlists in the near future. Same for the possibility of downloading content for offline viewing. Hopefully these features aren’t far behind though, as the updated version of WWE Network looks to have addressed almost all of the complaints from subscribers and it makes for a much better experience.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet