Back to back episodes of NXT UK today at 3 ET and 4 ET on WWE Network.
* By order of NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint, Tyler Bate & Trent Seven will go head-to-head against Gallus’ Mark Coffey & Wolfgang in a Semifinals showdown to determine who will go to NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool and compete for the forthcoming NXT UK Tag Team Championships.
* The undefeated monster “Bomber” Dave Mastiff will once again battle his bitter adversary Eddie Dennis
* Kenny Williams & Amir Jordan take on the newly-formed “European Union” of Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel
After months of teasing the possibility of starting their own promotion, Cody Rhodes, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson and Adam Page unveiled All Elite Wrestling during the latest episode of Being The Elite. Cody had teased a major announcement exactly at midnight Pacific Standard Time, and The Elite released the episode just as it hit January 1st on the west coast.
The Elite also alluded to AEW’s first show, Double or Nothing, and details have since emerged that an official announcement will be made regarding the event during the ‘Double or Nothing Rally’ on January 8th at 5 pm ET at the parking lot of West Club at the TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. That night’s SmackDown will emanate from Jacksonville as well.
The official All Elite Wrestling Twitter account posted the photo below of Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Hangman Page officially signing their All Elite Wrestling contracts.
Rhodes and The Bucks are Executive Vice Presidents in the company, which is led by Jacksonville Jaguars co-owner Tony Khan.
Below is a statement from Cody:
I feel so damn lucky. I believe that more than talent… more than chance… work ethic will guide me where I’d like to go.To be Executive Vice President for our new venture, and to be flanked by Matt and Nick and a few familiar names sharing that position: this is my dream job.
I can’t think of a time when so many of wrestling’s top free agents all opted out of the road usually traveled and instead wanting to start something new. I am excited to see AEW into existence.
What’s old isn’t new – what’s new is new. Perception isn’t reality – reality is reality. Fans first.
Matt Jackson also commented on the new venture, tweeting, “Thank you for making the decision to do this a no-brainer. We cannot do it without you. #AllEliteWrestling”
One of the most well-known names in pro wrestling history has passed away. WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has died away at the age of 76.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76. https://t.co/DyPiEiVLoV
Okerlund was the premier voice of WWE programming back in the 1980s, known for his charismatic interview skills and colorful personality. A two-time Slammy winner, “Mean Gene” was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
“In his early days, ‘Mean Gene’, as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan and Hulk Hogan,” WWE said in a statement. “In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more.”
In 1993, Okerlund went to WCW where he stayed until WWE bought them in 2001. Gene returned to WWE to commentate the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven. He continued to be a part of WWE programming, appearing on the WWE Network show Legends’ House in 2014. The last appearance for Okerlund on WWE programming was during the 25th Anniversary of RAW, where he interviewed A.J. Styles.
Below are some of the reactions from the wrestling world on Twitter:
The best partner I ever had. We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me “hey big man what do u want to do?” I would always answer “just follow you brother” and it worked from 1980 – 2017. RIP my brother HH pic.twitter.com/OBtn6NxT1E
Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/IxpjiLo9UN
A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/9ddj6372eE
So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you.
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood. RIP Mean Gene. My condolences to the Okerlund family.
One of the CLASSIEST Men I’ve Ever had the opportunity to meet and know. Always told me how proud he was to have me in the wrestling business and appreciated what I stand for. Yes I like many others Was a Huge Fan Of His “Work” But I was more Honored to see His WORTH to Everyone https://t.co/biOKHr2OPt
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice. Condolences to his friends and family.
The world lost an incredible man today. The very BEST at his role in our industry. On-camera—quick wit, great hype, pro’s pro; off-camera— a gentleman’s gentleman. The phrase of “often imitated, but never duplicated” is very appropriate for my friend. RIP ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund
WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/u3bS6pePmY
So sad to hear of the passing of Mean Gene. What a classic and was in a category all his own. Will always treasure doing the Legends of Wrestling shows with him. R.I.P.
Former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee is headed to the squared circle.
McAfee announced on the latest episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” that he’s come to terms on a deal with WWE, according to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet.
“WWE has formally offered me a multi-year contract,” McAfee said. “Who knows what we’re going to be doing over there, they just want me to come make some content. And we’ll see where it goes.”
“I am very excited for this,” he added. “This is a dream come true.”
McAfee had dreams of becoming a professional wrestler before pursuing a football career and trained with wrestling legend Rip Rogers after retiring from the NFL last year.
A seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, McAfee compiled 26,669 punting yards and 21 tackles during his eight-year career.
Pat McAfee retired from the NFL in 2016 at the age of 29-years-old. He went on to join Barstool Sports and become one of the site’s most popular personalities before leaving in August.
Watch MLW Fusion on beIN SPORTS 8pm ET / 5pm PT tonight.
Salina de la Renta’s Promociones Dorado has been in a war with Konnan since August and tonight on beiN SPORTS the saga reaches a violent showdown with gold, power and arguably the future of MLW hanging in the balance.
In the main event, Konnan will come out of retirement to challenge the reigning World Heavyweight Champion Low Ki for the belt in the legendary luchador’s hometown of Miami. The bout, a no disqualification encounter, will test Konnan as he takes on a man undefeated since debuting in MLW in 2004. Low Ki has buzz sawed through Rey Fenix, Shane Strickland, Daga and many others and now he looks to add the legacy of Konnan to his mantle of trophies.
Konnan looks to follow in the footsteps of Randy Couture in the UFC and George Foreman in boxing and return to the ring and claim gold in a classic Cinderella Man story that dates back to the days of James Braddock. Can Konnan do what no other wrestler has done and dethrone Low Ki? Find out tonight on beIN SPORTS at 8pm ET!
Following last week’s No Holds Barred fight, Simon Gotch is determined to show the world his dominance and that in fact losing to Lawlor was a fluke. A confident Gotch will showcase his prowess in a $20,000 Prize Fight Challenge. So far, every challenger has come up short. Will anyone be able to last the full 5 minutes? Tune in to find out.
Team Filthy newcomer Ariel Dominguez will be in action as he takes on pro wrestling’s skywalker Andrew Everett.
Following last week’s tragic nightclub assault of Kotto Brazil, league sources believe an update on Kotto and the assailant will be available by the time FUSION hits the air on beIN SPORTS tonight.
The Hart Foundation may have continued to march up the tag team rankings with a win over Tommy Dreamer and Barrington Hughes but the hardcore legend Dreamer has some choice words for Pillman following last week’s bout.
Join Tony Schiavone and Rich Bocchini from South Florida for a great night of pro wrestling!
Watch MLW FUSION Friday nights on beIN SPORTS at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Don’t get beIN? Subscribe to MLW’s YouTube channel for free and stream binge on MLW FUSION anytime anywhere!
The show is now moving to a channel owned by their parent company, Anthem Entertainment. Despite Anthem owning the station, the show will remain at 10 p.m. ET, which is the timeslot that Pop TV moved it to last October. Impact has drawn its lowest viewership in their history in the 10 p.m. timeslot and faces a further uphill battle as they will be available in far fewer homes. 30 million homes have access to Pursuit, which is a 55% drop from the 67 million homes that receive Pop TV.
It was revealed in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “there were forces attempting to sell Impact” to the yet-to-be announced All Elite Wrestling promotion a few months ago. That would indicate that the talks would have taken place before AEW filed for their trademarks, as that didn’t happen until early November. The Observer noted that the proposal for the sale was declined.
Impact Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore spoke with Wrestling Inc. last Friday and said that the company was excited to work with their new partners, and that they have “some ideas and things in the work for other properties on Pursuit.”
“The first part of this deal is what we’re doing now, the flagship Impact broadcast, airing on Friday nights at 10 pm ET,” D’Amore said. “I know people look at that and go, ‘Oh my God, it’s the death spot.’ Well, if you look back, when we debuted on Spike TV, it’s a different era and network, but wrestling fans find good wrestling. When we went on Spike TV at 11 o’clock on Saturday, we went out there and did probably about 850k viewers when we debuted. We’re excited to work with Pursuit on building it as a platform. We have some ideas and things in the work for other properties on Pursuit. Also, looking to expanding our domestic and international distributions.”
WOW – Women of Wresting will premiere on AXS TV on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 9pm ET. WOW will be joining the station’s Friday Night lineup that includes New Japan Pro Wrestling and MMA from Legacy Fighting Alliance.
WOW-WOMEN OF WRESTLING is the leading women’s professional wrestling organization and is owned by Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss in partnership with MGM Television and the creator of GLOW David McLane.
AXS Sports is proud to announce that “WOW-Women of Wrestling” will be making its television network debut on AXS TV on Fri., Jan. 18, 2019. The program will be part of an action-filled Friday night programming on AXS TV as it also includes live Legacy Fighting Alliance mixed martial arts action and comprehensive New Japan Pro Wrestling coverage.
Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, is also the co-owner of Women of Wrestling. The organization was founded in 2000 and has its headquarters in Los Angeles.
The other co-owner of WOW is wrestling promoter and television producer David McLane. Previously the commentator of the television series “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling”, McLane will be the ringside commentator throughout the broadcasts. He will be joined by play-by-play announcer Stephen Dickey, ring announcer Shaul Guerrero (also known as Raquel Diaz) and backstage reporter Brigitte Valadez.
The current world champion of WOW is Santana Garrett, who has been the champion since Sept. 29, 2016. Other prior champions have included Terri Gold, Danger, Lana Starr and Jungle Grrrl. Of the champions, Gold is the only wrestler to have two reigns. The world championships have taken place in Inglewood, CA, Las Vegas, NV and Los Angeles.
A tag-team format has also traditionally occurred in Women of Wrestling. Garrett and Amber O’Neal have been champions in that event in the past.
Here is the press release from WOW and AXS TV:
Los Angeles, CA – October 10, 2018 – Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and Mark Cuban’s AXS TV announced today the premiere date for Buss’ emerging hit series WOW-WOMEN OF WRESTLING, making its network debut on Friday, January 18, 2019. AXS TV is the exclusive broadcast home for the Buss-owned WOW-Women of Wrestling, which joins the network’s highly successful Friday Night lineup that also includes the fan-favorite NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING promotion and live MMA action from Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
WOW Superhero events present all-female professional wrestling bouts with the theatrical flair of a blockbuster concert mixed with the hard-hitting action fans have come to expect from the popular promotion. WOW has amassed a large and dedicated fan base throughout the years, on the strength of the unique personalities of the captivating warriors who put their skills on full display as they go toe-to-toe inside the squared circle. The eight-episode series will feature 35 wrestlers, including third generation wrestling superstar Tessa Blanchard, returning superheroes The Beast, Stephy Slays, Jungle Grrrl, Beverly Hills Babe and talented newcomers to WOW such as Faith the Lioness and Princess Aussie.
David McLane, the beloved commentator and impresario behind the iconic ’80s TV series GLOW “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling,” has produced an action-packed series of intriguing matches. All eyes are on WOW World Champion Santana Garrett as she defends the coveted WOW World Championship belt from a bevy of determined challengers. Will this be the season a new champion is crowned?
McLane will provide insightful ringside commentary, joined by play-by-play announcer Stephen Dickey. Wrestling royalty Shaul Guerrero will serve as the ring announcer for each event while Brigiite Valadez will be delivering the inside scoop as backstage reporter.
“We are excited to add the series and welcome the incredible athletes and characters of WOW to our hit Friday night lineup”, said AXS TV Fights CEO Andrew Simon. “This is the perfect time to add WOW and deliver on Jeanie Buss’ vision of strong women wrestlers in the spotlight on national television.”
“AXS TV broke ground with its airing of New Japan Pro Wrestling,” said McLane. “They are doing it again with the broadcasting of WOW. AXS TV is providing fight fans an amazing hour of action … and WOW is proud to be a part of their epic lineup!”
WOW-WOMEN OF WRESTLING is the leading women’s professional wrestling organization and is owned by Jeanie Buss in partnership with MGM Television and David McLane.
Joey Ryan, who has been inactive since early November due to a torn pectoral muscle, announced on his official Twitter account that he will be returning to the ring in late January.
AXS TV is presenting a 10-Hour Kenny Omega Marathon today beginning at 2pm ET/1pm C/11am/ PT.
AXS TV issued the following:
KENNY OMEGA REFLECTS ON HIS JOURNEY TO BECOMING CHAMPION IN AXS TV’S 10-HOUR ‘KENNY OMEGA-THON’ FRIDAY, DEC. 28 STARTING AT 2pE/11aP
Los Angeles – Join IWGP Heavyweight Champion and “Best Bout Machine” Kenny Omega as he revisits his journey toward becoming the champion and defending the belt at Wrestle Kingdom 13 as host of the 10-hour “Kenny Omega-thon” special on Friday, Dec. 28 starting at 2pE/11aP on AXS TV.
The marathon kicks off with Omega’s historic feat as the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the G1 Climax tournament in 2016, which set him on the path to the heavyweight title, and also features Omega’s acclaimed trilogy of matches with Kazuchika Okada; his run as IWGP U.S. Champion, including the highly publicized match with Chris Jericho at last year’s Wrestle Kingdom; and his current reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Leading up to AXS TV’s premiere of Wrestle Kingdom 13 on Jan. 4 at 8pE/5pP, the network will air a late-night strip of the best of Wrestle Kingdom on weeknights at 5aE/2aP starting Friday, Dec. 7. Highlights include headlining matches from the last five Wrestle Kingdom Events including: Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi’s trilogy from 2013, 2015 and 2016; Okada’s battles with Tetsuya Naito from 2014 and 2018; Naito vs. Tanahashi from 2017 and many more.
“Kenny Omega-thon” Schedule (subject to change) – Friday, Dec. 28 at 2pE/11aP:
– 2pE – G1 Climax 26 Final – Kenny Omega vs. Hirooki Goto
Don Callis was on his Killing The Town podcast, thanks to Wrestling Inc. contributor Himanshu D. for sending this along: and talked about various topics related to IMPACT. You can listen to the podcast here:
Raven appearing on IMPACT:
“How awesome was it to have Raven on IMPACT television? I gotta tell you, I was like a kid in a candy store, came up with this idea to have Raven. I always love hanging out with him and I learnt so much even now just talking to him. I gotta tell you he was so great, my god just out there — no one scripted Raven. Raven just has great timing and he was great. Josh Mathews described him as the Keyser Söze of pro-wrestling and I think that’s right. I think that that is the ideal character for Raven at this point in his career it is to be Keyser Söze, the criminal, the ultimate master mind. I think that would be really cool. So that was a really awesome thing to see Raven.”
Working with IMPACT after being inactive from the business for many years:
“Being with IMPACT — you gotta understand, I was out of the business by my own choice for 13 years or more. To get back into the wrestling business and start tweaking those old scratches and itches and enjoying myself, it was just great. And people ask, ‘What was the best part? Is it the travel?’ Honestly, the best part for me is working with the talent. I always loved that. I always loved trying to play a role and passing on whatever knowledge I had, whether it was with the promos or how to get something over, get yourself over. Those are areas that I think I was pretty good at over my career. It’s just really cool. It’s hard work, it’s a grind, I have never been on the road this much. It’s really cool.”
Sami Callihan:
“Even a guy like Sami Callihan is effectively a psychotic. He is a functioning psychotic. Sami and I have had our ups and downs without a doubt. Sami has taken some liberties with me. If I were a wrestler, I probably would have something to say about it. But one thing I will say about Sami, Sami like I was is all about getting himself over. And some people don’t like that. Some people say, ‘God this selfish son of a b—h, he is just getting himself over’ and you know what I say to that? I say, ‘You’re an idiot’ because that’s the whole point of this business. If you are not constantly trying to get yourself over, and sometimes that means at the expense of other people — not everyone gets first prize, ladies and gentlemen. And if you think that you do then you are just never going to be over and Sami is a guy who is constantly trying to out wrestle, out fight, out talk, out do, out promote everybody else. And I love that about him.”
Jake and Dave Crist:
“I can’t stand The Crist brothers. That’s a redemption story too. I wanted to fire those guys when I first came into IMPACT. I’d seen them on TV a couple of times. I was like, ‘What?’ But this is the thing, people say, ‘Oh you like the Crists now. They are really cool. What they do, they are great heels. What did you do, Don?’ I didn’t change anything about the Crists. We didn’t change anything about the Crists. We let the Crists be the Crists. My thing was always I want Jake and Dave to have their time. Yeah, Sami is Ric Flair and those guys are Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson. That’s not a bad thing. Not everyone can be Ric Flair. That’s Sami Callihan. But that doesn’t mean that Tully and Arn don’t have their own thing. And I want Jake and Dave and we all want Jake and Dave to have their own thing. And man, I tell you they have really stepped up. Jay Crist doing the ‘mini draw’ thing to me is… man, I love that is just so ridiculous and crazy and awesome. Dave Crist has got some of the best facials in wrestling on these promos and Sami is Sami.”
Johnny IMPACT:
“You talk about guys like Johnny IMPACT. He’s our world champion and man, he’s been a pleasure as well. Such a good dude. You talk about the prototype world champion, that’s the guy.”
Brian Cage:
“Getting to work with Brian and I think that maybe my tone and my way of talking to Brian early on might have been a bit of a shock to him. And I’m not going to get into what was said, but if you listen to this podcast you kinda know. I wanna see aggressive, driven, selfish Brian Cage. GMSI stands for ‘Get My s–t In’, it doesn’t stand for ‘Get Your s–t In Too’. I love working with Brian and I think Brian has maybe the most untapped potential in the wrestling business, which is scary when you think about saying ‘untapped potential’ and all the stuff he already does. It’s the stuff he’s currently not doing, that’s the stuff that’s gonna make Brian Cage the biggest star in wrestling at some point.”
The Pursuit Channel deal:
“This week we announced our move from Pop TV which was a great partner for us. A lot of fans thought, ‘Wow, you guys should be on a different network with a different demographic’ so we announced this week we’re moving to Pursuit which is an exciting thing for me. When you talk about how you deal with your content as a company because our parent company Anthem owns not only the Fight Network and Game TV, they also own a significant stake in Pursuit. It’s a great strategic move for us, and I think people are going to love to see a sexier, edgier, maybe even a little more hardcore IMPACT Wrestling. I’m really, really pumped about that.”
