Author: John Bass

Marty Jannety Says He Will Be Broke If He Gets Ankle Surgery, Why He’s Refused Help From The Fans

Ever since The Rockers split up over 25 years ago, Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty have been on divergent paths. HBK became one of the most celebrated wrestlers in history while Jannetty has struggled to stay clean.

Jannetty recently spoke to Wrestling Inc. on their WINCLY podcast to discuss his physical ailments and how he’s holding up.

“I’m having a problem with my ankle and it’s a hard adjustment from being a world-class athlete to having to gimp and use a crutch,” said Jannetty.

“When I look at guys that are my age like Iron Sheik – man he’s in a wheelchair. Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Droese – from his knee down he’s got a titanium leg. I see that and it hurts my feelings because I don’t wanna see them like that. I can only think what fans must think when they see us like that.”

“Mine’s only a gimp, I can get it fixed. I don’t have health insurance so it’s gonna cost me a little bit. I could do it now, but then I’ll be broke. If I don’t make money after that, then where am I gonna eat?”

Jannetty realizes that the first step in turning his life around is having the right attitude. But that’s where his self-doubt creeps in which keeps him from getting things back on track.

“I’m trying but it’s so hard when you have self-doubt. My dad once told me that if you don’t have self-respect, it don’t matter what you got because you ain’t got nothing,” stated Jannetty. “It’s hard to respect yourself when you can’t walk right…Now I can’t even walk out to the trash can to put the trash out. I gotta let it smell up the house before I finally do. It’s a hard adjustment.”

Diamond Dallas Page has helped numerous wrestlers in similar positions to Jannetty, but the conversation between DDP and Jannetty apparently didn’t go smoothly.

“I love him to death,” Jannetty said of DDP. “I don’t wanna say nothing negative, but there was a couple of negative things… His response was not one I liked and I’ll just leave it at that.

“I wanna leave it alone because I don’t wanna say nothing negative.”

Two years ago Jannetty faced Joey Janela in his first ever Spring Break main event. Afterwards Janela and Chris Jericho then tried to help Jannetty by creating a GoFundMe page to help raise money for medical costs.

“I love Joey but he finished me off [laughs]. I love Joey. He offered to help me, him and Chris Jericho to do a GoFundMe…,” Jannetty said before mentioning that others like Scott Hall had previously received money from GoFundMe accounts to help them after drug issues.

“Scott Hall had just gotten a sh**load of money from the GoFundMe…. Here I come behind him and the first three or four comments were ‘Oh, all these drughead partiers blew their money and now they want us to pay.’ I was like ‘No. Take it down. I don’t want that up there.’ Because it does appear that way.”

Jannetty has a lot of pride and admits he needs to check his ego in order to reach out for help.

“And when you’ve been worldwide – it’s even harder…. I’m asking people for money that already paid me. When they showed up to the arena that night, they paid me. And now I’m asking for more? It’s just hard,” stated Jannetty.

“But it’s all on WWE. Because if you’re making a million off me last quarter, you can’t pay $40,000 to get my ankles fixed so I don’t need to OD on pain pills? That’s why I got in a lawsuit. The Rockers [going into the WWE] Hall of Fame will never happen because there’s a lawsuit in place. It can’t happen.

“I love all of them. I love Vince. I love Shane. I love Stephanie. I love them all…Linda, she was hardcore. But I love them all. Vince once told me, I think it was about Jesse Ventura when he was suing, ‘You have to separate business from personal life. What’s going on right now is business.’ That’s where I’m at and you’re the one who taught me it’s business.

“I don’t like it. But I don’t like walking in front of people with a gimp either.”

Wrestling Inc’s full, exclusive interview with Jannetty was included in a recent episode of our WINCLY podcast. It can be heard via the embedded audio player at the bottom of this post. In it Jannetty discusses his infamous match with Kurt Angle on Smackdown, his current relationship with Shawn Michaels and more.

You can check out past episodes of the WINCLY here. Subscribe to Wrestling Inc. Audio on iTunes or Google Play. Listen to the show via Spotify here or through TuneIn here.

Silver King Passes Away At 51 Years Old After Collapsing During Match, WWE Issues Statement

Lucha legend Silver King passed away at age 51 on Saturday.

Before he passed, Silver King was competing against Juventud Guerrera at the Roundhouse Theatre in North London for the promotion Lucha Libre World. During the match, Silver King collapsed. After not getting up off the mat for a long time and having a defibrillator used on him, an ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital. According to PWInsider, it was believed that he had suffered a heart attack while in the ring.

Silver King whose real name is Cesar Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Barron, debuted in 1985 and was in many promotions like AAA, IWGR, and CMLL. From 1997 to 2000, he was in WCW and was a member of the Latino World Order. King also wrestled in NJPW as the Black Tiger character, which was adopted before by both Mark Rocco and Eddie Guerrero.

Silver King was in the film Nacho Libre as the villain Ramses.

Image result for Silver King was in the film Nacho Libre as the villain Ramses

https://twitter.com/luchablog/status/1127344428547440641

WWE issued a statement on his passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Lucha Libre legend and former WCW star Silver King has passed away at age 51.

A champion luchador in his native Mexico, Silver King, real name César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón, entertained audiences across the globe, and was a standout in WCW’s Cruiserweight division in the late ’90s. Outside the ring, he appeared under a mask as the villainous Ramses in the popular 2006 comedy “Nacho Libre.”

WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King’s family, friends and fans.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Image result for Silver King without mask

MLW Fusion Preview 5/11/19

The road to the National Openweight Championship finals begins with the semi-finals.  This week, the first semi-final match takes place as “Base God” Gringo Loco looks to use his dynamic lucha arsenal against the Phoenix powerhouse Alexander Hammerstone. Will The Dynasty play a factor in this bout? Who will punch their ticket to the finals with a shot at being crowned the inaugural National Openweight Champion? Witness it all go down on MLW Fusion.

The World Heavyweight Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor allows cameras into his fight camp as he readies for war against CONTRA Unit. Speaking of CONTRA Unit…

On October 5, 2017 super heavyweight Barrington Hughes demolished his first opponent in 8.8 seconds. Since then, the “Caramel Colossus” has decimated all that have stood in his path. Now, the 469 pounder’s undefeated streak will be tested unlike never before.  The ring will be reinforced as Barrington Hughes rumbles with CONTRA Unit’s Jacob Fatu in an encounter that will send shockwaves through New York City. Can Barrington Hughes avenge fellow super heavyweight Ace Romero? Tune in to find out.

H2tv returns with the Hart Foundation dropping some truth bombs on The Dynasty and the entire tag team division.

Sky combat! 19-year old rookie sensation Air Wolf will face his biggest challenge to date as he takes on arguably one of the top luchadores in the sport in Rey Feníx.  Can Air Wolf hang with the elite? The stakes are high and the consequences are enormous for both as they wrestle for the first-time ever.

Following a chaotic end to last week’s MLW FUSION, Salina de la Renta demands retribution. What will the Empresaria of Promociones Dorado conjure up? And what’s up with Low Ki and Salina de la Renta?

Fans will also more about the big signing of Ross and Marshall Von Erich as one of wrestling’s great families writes a new chapter in their storied history.

Join play-by-play commentator Rich Bocchini and legendary analyst Jim Cornette from New York City’s Melrose Ballroom for 60 minutes of the best fighting athletes in professional wrestling!

Matches:

  • National Openweight Championship Semi-Final Match: Alexander Hammerstone vs. Gringo Loco
  • Rey Feníx vs. Air Wolf
  • Super Heavyweight Showdown: Barrington Hughes (undefeated) vs. Jacob Fatu of CONTRA Unit (undefeated)

Impact Wrestling Preview 5/10/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact airing on Pursuit, Twitch and FightNet.

* oVe Street Fight: oVe (Sami Callihan, Mad Man Fulton, Jake Crist & Dave Crist) vs. Rich Swann, Tommy Dreamer, Willie Mack & Fallah Bahh w/Scarlett Bordeaux

* Ace Austin vs. Petey Williams

* Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie vs. Madison Rayne – non-title match

* RVD vs. Ethan Page

* Rosemary vs. Kiera Hogan

Kofi Kingston Announces Return To Ghana For First Time In 26 Years, WWE To Film Documentary

WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will be returning to Ghana, West Africa for the first time in 26 years for a four-day visit that runs from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2.

Kofi announced the tour with a press release on social media today. WWE confirmed the news on their website. The trip home, his first since 1993, will coincide with a celebratory “Year of Return” in the country this year. A WWE film crew will be filming the trip for a future documentary special. Kofi will visit his maternal and paternal hometowns, host a children’s rally, and a visit to the Ghanaian President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and a visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante Monarch.

Kofi is scheduled to defend his title against Kevin Owens at WWE Money In the Bank on May 19. He commented in the post that included the press release, “Well it’s officially official. For the first time since 1993, I’m going back to my home country! Though it was 26 years ago, I still have so many vivid memories of my last visit to Ghana. I’m beyond excited to make many more in a few short weeks!”

Below is the full press release that was released:

Thursday, May 9, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSESKOFI KINGSTON’S HISTORIC VISIT TO GHANA

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Champion, Kofi “Kingston” Sarkodie-Mensah, is visiting his homeland.

The World Champion considers this “Year of Return” as a unique opportunity for him to make a historic visit to Ghana at the height of his wrestling career.

The four-day visit which starts from Thursday, 30th May, 2019 to Sunday, 2nd June, 2019, includes a courtesy call on the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Presidency. He will then be at the Manhyia Palace to pay homage to the Asante Monarch, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Other activities include a Children’s Rally, visits to Tourist Sites and places like the Lake Bosomtwe, the Christianborg (Osu) Castle, Bonwire and Ntonso, a visit to the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and visits to Ejisu and Atwima Techiman which are his paternal and maternal hometowns respectively. There will also be Media Engagements and In-Studio Interviews.

Accompanying Kofi are the WWE crew who are currently shooting a documentary on the World Champion.

They look forward to a warm reception, as well as the experience of the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality.

Media houses and other organisations can get in touch for further and more specific details.

Thank you!

The Planning Committee

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Reportedly Nixes Stardom Title Match Due To AEW

When it comes to WWE vs. AEW, the former appears to be changing a lot of programs around the world.

Toni Storm made an appearance for Stardom this past weekend. She was supposed to continue the momentum from that show and face Bea Priestley on 5/16 at Korakuen Hall. Priestley just recently won the World of Stardom Title. Stardom then announced that the match wouldn’t be taking place.

There have been issues before with WWE U.K. talent appearing in certain promotions. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, however, WWE were the ones who ended the idea of the match taking place, due to it being their top U.K. Women’s Champion potentially losing against someone from AEW. Priestley was expected to retain the title, making WWE worried about backlash.

Priestley will now defend her title against Hazuki while Toni battles Kagetsu.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Bully Ray Discusses Why WWE Should Put Paul Heyman In Charge Of SmackDown With FOX Move

While still five months away from a premiere, WWE’s new deal with FOX has already generated a great deal of buzz.

There has been a lot of speculation regarding SmackDown’s move to Friday’s on FOX this October. With ratings reaching all time lows this month, there has been a lot of pressure for WWE to perform right out of the gate. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray gave his thoughts on Busted Open Radio on one way that WWE could make the show successful.

“I find myself confused what is going to happen with the whole Friday night thing and I get what you’re saying about real-time as a wrestling fan what is going to get me to watch wrestling on a Friday night?” asked Bully and then answered his own question with, “From a creative point of view, I would hand Paul Heyman the pencil and say ‘go get em’. Because he is probably the only proven one that comes out to make SmackDown special.”

Heyman, the former head of ECW has been head of SmackDown creative previously, from the summer of 2002 to the spring of 2003. That time is often argued as one of the greatest in SmackDown’s history, a point that was not lost on Bully.

“I think just the fact that people know Heyman is in creative control and that’s not something WWE is going to let out and I don’t think that is something that should be announced. Like ‘Hey Paul Heyman is in charge of SmackDown creative'”, explained Bully. “What I’m saying is that is what I would do. If there is one person that would make SmackDown successful and has a proven track record of making SmackDown a definitively better show than Raw, it was Paul Heyman. Probably what in 2003-2004? We know he can get the job done. I would put the pencil in his hand and say, ‘hey what can you do with this?’ I think his creativity with that show and the way that he knows how to use Characters and gel them with storylines would work.”

Heyman has not been seen on WWE television since WrestleMania. Currently, Brock Lesnar is scheduled to appear at the next WWE event in Saudi Arabia on June 7th.

You can listen to Bully’s comments below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jungle Boy Faces David Arquette At Indie Show(Video), Talks Acting With Father Luke Perry In His Final Film

AEW Star Jungle Boy, Jack Perry, took on David Arquette last night at a Bar Wrestling event. Near the end of the match, Arquette hit a Canadian Destroy for a two-count. Jungle Boy would then sneak in a roll-up for the victory. You can check out clips of the match in the video below.

TMZ Sports caught up with Arquette after the match to talk about Jungle Boy’s abilities.

“He’s just got so much talent, so much heart,” Arquette said. “He’s incredible. He’s super smart. It’s hard to believe he’s so young and so talented, but he started when he was just a little guy.”

Back in March, Jack Perry’s father, Luke Perry, passed away at the age of 52 after a suffering a stroke. He was a huge supporter of his son’s wrestling career, often in the crowd for his shows.

Luke Perry’s final film, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, will also feature his son. Jungle Boy commented about the upcoming movie during an appearance on Talk is Jericho.

“I did some extra work,” Jack said. “He’s like, ‘I want you to be in the same film, or like collection of footage that I’m in’ … and he was really adamant about it. I was like alright dad I’ll do it. My dad was so excited about that. That really kind of reinvigorated him and re-energized him. Because he liked Riverdale, but it was work, it was like his job. He told me, ‘This is like you getting to wrestle Chris Jericho.'”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WATCH: Angelico And Jack Evans Announce AEW Signing

AEW’s tag division continues to take shape, as Angelico and Jack Evans announced they’ve signed with the new wrestling company.

As we first reported, Angelico recently signed on the dotted line after there had been interest from WWE in bringing him to the Performance Center.

The South African wrestler shared a video on Thursday in which he talked about the last phase of his career in Europe and what his goals were throughout.

Angelico then explained how he’s grown tired of that phase and made it sound like he might be retiring … but then he gets a call from his tag partner Jack Evans who asks if he’s ready to do this.

The 32-year-old wrestler replies, “the real question is … are they ready for us?” Angelico then signs an All Elite Wrestling contract.

Watch the video below.

https://twitter.com/AngelicoAAA/status/1126509845228580864

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AEW TV Deal Reportedly “Virtually Done,” Expected To Air On TNT In The Fall

All Elite Wrestling is reportedly “virtually done” making a deal with Turner to air their weekly television show on TNT in the fall.

According to The Wrap, current plans call for select members of the press to make the announcement one hour ahead of next week’s WarnerMedia upfront event. The arrangement made between the parties allegedly calls for a group of reporters to be informed of the deal on an embargoed basis the night before.

AEW President Tony Khan and a group of wrestlers are expected to be in attendance at the pitch to media buyers. The event is taking place at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday at 10 am ET.

The Wrap’s report says current plans call for the AEW TV show to begin on TNT in the fall. As you may recall, Jim Ross previously stated the show would be two hours long.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet