Author: John Bass

UFC Finalizes Multi-Year Deal With ESPN

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The UFC and Disney’s new Direct-To-Consumer & International segment along with ESPN, have reached a multi-year media rights agreement for exclusive live UFC content on ESPN+, as well as across a variety of ESPN’s television, social and digital platforms, in English and Spanish, taking effect in January 2019.

“One of our goals for ESPN+ is to bring sports fans of all genres content they love and are passionate about, and this agreement with UFC is illustrative of exactly that, ” said Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct to Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company. “We look forward to providing UFC’s enthusiastic, growing fan base with a wide array of live events and building a lasting relationship with the industry leader in mixed martial arts.”

“UFC is a premier global sports property with legions of incredibly avid fans,” added Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks. ” We are excited to be able to bring their world-class events and content to ESPN+ and the ESPN networks. This agreement shows the commitment we have to delivering fans the very best across our entire platform.”

While no deal with FOX has been announced, Variety reported in April that ESPN and FOX Sports were teaming up to bid for the UFC television package that would bring as many as 15+ fights to ESPN+. UFC’s current deal with FOX Sports expires in December. This deal provides for 15 live UFC events to stream exclusively on ESPN+ with a full card with 12 fights. The events will be branded “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” and will deliver a full card of 12 UFC bouts.

“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN on an agreement that will continue to grow our sport,” said UFC President Dana White. “UFC has always done deals with the right partners at the right time and this one is no exception. We will now have the ability to deliver fights to our young fan base wherever they are and whenever they want it. This deal is a home run for ESPN and UFC.”

Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) by downloading the ESPN App at ESPNPlus.com. In addition to the live UFC cards, other UFC content available to ESPN+ subscribers will include:

  • Exclusive, all new-seasons of “Dana White’s Contender Series” beginning in June 2019
  • A new original, all-access series produced by IMG Original Content
  • Exclusive pre- and post-event shows for all 15 “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights”
  • Non-exclusive access to UFC’s full archive of programming, including historic events, classic bouts, and original programming
  • Additional UFC-branded content, including “UFC Countdown” shows, press conferences, weigh-ins, and pre-and post-shows

In addition to the live events and content included in the ESPN+ subscription, fight fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC Fight Pass and UFC PPV events via ESPN+, for a separate cost. ESPN will also bring fans a variety of UFC content across ESPN’s linear and digital platforms, including an exclusive, 30-minute special on ESPN’s linear networks previewing upcoming bouts and breaking down match ups leading up to each UFC PPV; hundreds of hours of UFC library programming on linear networks; and re-airs of current UFC PPV events.

Source: WrestlingINC

Pat McAfee Announces NXT TakeOver Pre-Show Return

pat mcafee nxt takeover preshow return

NXT TakeOver: Chicago will feature Pat McAfee on the pre-show and the popular Barstool Sports personality couldn’t be more excited to return.

McAfee shared the news on Instagram with a picture of him signing the contract and a caption saying, “Living a bucket list life.. Enjoying the hell out of life.. June 16th, @wwenxt Takeover Chicago.. The #PreShowShaman returns.”

Pat was on the panel for TakeOver: New Orleans and received mixed reviews.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Rey Mysterio NJPW Return Confirmed For Dominion

rey mysterio njpw dominion

NJPW has announced Rey Mysterio will be making up for his missed match this year at Strong Style Evolved by wrestling at their upcoming Dominion event.

As you may recall, Mysterio was sidelined back in march due to a bicep injury and was forced to miss his scheduled match against Jushin “Thunder” Liger. He did, however, set up possible matches with Liger, Will Ospreay, and Marty Scurll during a post-match altercation.

No official word yet on who Rey’s opponent will be.

Also confirmed for Dominion:

  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega in a 2-out-of-3 falls, no time-limit match
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Chris Jericho for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
  • The Young Bucks vs. EVIL and SANADA for the IWGP Tag Team Championship
  • Hirooki Goto vs. Michael Elgin vs. Taichi for the NEVER Openweight Championship

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

All 4 Members Of MMA’s Four Horsewomen Are Now In WWE As Marina Shafir And Jessamyn Duke Report To The WWE Performance Center

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WWE now has all four of MMA’s Four Horsewomen working for the company as Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke have reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Ronda Rousey is currently on the RAW brand and Shayna Baszler is the WWE NXT Women’s Champion.

Below is WWE’s full announcement on Duke and Shafir arriving:

MMA’s Four Horsewomen have arrived in WWE in full force.

Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir have joined their Four Horsewomen teammates Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler in making the move from mixed martial arts to sports-entertainment, reporting for training today at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla.

The 5-foot-11 Duke fought professionally from 2012 to 2016, competing in the bantamweight class for organizations including the UFC. She was also a member of the UFC’s “Ultimate Fighter” reality competition series in 2013, as part of “Team Rousey.”

Shafir, known by the nickname “The Supernova from Maldova,” stands 5-foot-7 and has fought under the banners of Invicta and Lights Out Promotions. She is also engaged to NXT Superstar Roderick Strong and has been seen at ringside for many of The Messiah of the Backbreaker’s matches.

The WWE Universe no doubt remembers the Four Horsewomen’s standoff with Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Bayley — three-quarters of WWE’s Four Horsewomen, alongside Sasha Banks — at last year’s Mae Young Classic. Duke, Shafir and Rousey were there to support Baszler, who advanced to the final round of the inaugural tournament before losing to Kairi Sane. Though the Four Horsewomen factions did not come to blows at the Mae Young Classic, the exchange of words made for a stirring scene.

Since then, Baszler and Rousey’s impact in the squared circle been nothing less than immense: The Queen of Spades forcefully claimed the NXT Women’s Title from Ember Moon at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, while “Rowdy” Ronda has emerged as one of Raw’s top Superstars following a spectacular in-ring debut at WrestleMania, where she teamed with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H & Stephanie McMahon.

With Duke and Shafir now preparing to conquer a new world of combat sports, will it be long before they add to Baszler and Rousey’s already incredible list of accomplishments in the ring?

RAW Preview 5/7/18

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, NY with the fallout from WWE Backlash.

* Has Roman Reigns earned another opportunity at Universal Champion Brock Lesnar?

* Who will qualify for Money in the Bank?

* Will The “Yep!” Movement fold or focus?

* How will Bayley and Sasha Banks survive The Riott Squad on their own?

WWE Total Divas Seasons 8 And 9 Announced

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WWE has announced that Total Divas will be returning for season 8 and 9. The eighth season will premiere later this fall.

Below is WWE’s full announcement:

Total Divas to return for Seasons 8 & 9E! and WWE’s fan-favorite TV series Total Divas has been greenlit for Seasons 8 and 9!

Later this fall, Season 8 will debut with a few familiar faces and even a blast from the past as the series follows several powerful and inspiring female Superstars and gives viewers an exclusive glimpse inside their professional careers and the challenges of their everyday lives.

“We are thrilled to have celebrated the 100th episode of this popular franchise and are grateful to announce two additional seasons,” said Amy Introcaso-Davis, E!’s Executive Vice President of Development and Production. “The series will continue to give a rare glimpse at a beloved cast of strong, diverse women whose big personalities, unique relationships and aspirational lifestyles have proven to resonate with our audience.”

Meanwhile, Total Bellas returns to E! on Sunday, May 20, at 9/8 CT for Season 3.

Alexa Bliss Injured At WWE Backlash?

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WWE has announced that Alexa Bliss suffered a left shoulder injury during her loss to RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax at the Backlash pay-per-view on Sunday.

 There’s no word as of yet on Bliss’ status. Below is WWE’s full announcement:

Alexa Bliss suffers shoulder injury at WWE BacklashNEWARK, N.J. — Alexa Bliss suffered an injury to her left shoulder during her Raw Championship Match against Nia Jax at WWE Backlash. Bliss is currently awaiting further medical evaluation.

Fans Leave During WWE Backlash Main Event (Video)

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The WWE Backlash pay-per-view main event saw Roman Reigns defeat Samoa Joe in a match that seemed to drag on at times. Twitter user @RYANFALCONE tweeted this video of a large amount of fans leaving during the main event:

https://twitter.com/RYANFALCONE/status/993329132447633408

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE Backlash Results 5/6/18

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(Kickoff) Bayley vs. Ruby Riott – Winner: Ruby Riott

Intercontinental Championship: (C) Seth Rollins vs. The Miz – Winner: Seth Rollins

RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss – Winner: Nia Jax

United States Championship: (C) Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton – Winner: Jeff Hardy

JoJo introduces Elias, who is in the ring with a spotlight and his guitar.Elias talks about how he’s friends with Bruce Springsteen but the only thing wrong with Bruce is he’s from New Jersey. Elias goes on and says this song is for Bruce listening at home. He ends up toying with the crowd and isn’t sure if he wants to stay or go. He decides Bruce needs to hear this so he’s going to stay but the music interrupts and out comes The New Day – Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E. Woods gives some props to Elias and he thanks them but he’s not sure why they’re out here because he wasn’t done. Elias asks if they want some autographs and Kofi says definitely not. Kofi proposes a dual-brand Backlash jam-off as they also came out with instruments. Elias asks if they want to play with him? Woods says no, they want to walk with Elias. This leads to Big E starting things off as they play their instruments at ringside. Elias yells at them to stop. Elias says maybe one day they can open for him but tonight is not that night. he tells them to take their toys somewhere else. Elias calls for JoJo to start over as the lights are dimmed. Elias is interrupted before he can get started as we hear Aiden English getting ready for a performance. Fans pop. English sings and raps some to remind us that today is Rusev Day. Rusev is out next to a pop as his music hits. Elias calls for the music to be cut and asks why the hell these two are here. A big “Rusev Day” chant breaks out. Rusev says they are doing whatever they want. There’s only one person here that celebrates a holiday in his honor and it’s not bootleg Bob Dylan or The Booty Boys. Elias says Bob Dylan wishes he was Elias. Elias goes on and says this is his night. He asks for JoJo to start over once again. No Way Jose interrupts this time as he comes out with his conga line. Jose’s conga line includes Tyler Breeze, Fandango, Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke. Elias yells for the fiesta to be stopped and the music cut. Elias says no more conga line, no more gang of freaks, no more Rusev Day and The New Day. This is his night and no one will ruin it. Elias is angry now. He calls for JoJo to start over one more time. “Glorious” hits this time to interrupts. Bobby Roode hits the ring out of nowhere and drops Elias with a Glorious DDT. The crowd and some at ringside go along with Roode’s “Glorious” pose. Jose’s music starts back up as he leads the conga line up the ramp. Titus Worldwide, Breezango and The New Day are in it now. Rusev Day watches the line go by. Roode is at the end and he’s also dancing. Roode dances with Titus, Jose and The New Day on the stage to end the segment. (transcript from WrestlingINC)

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass – Winner: Daniel Bryan – (by submission)

After the match, Big Cass assaulted Bryan and left him laying

SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair – Winner: Carmella

WWE Championship No DQ: (C) AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – Double Count Out – neither man could answer the 10 count after kicking each other with low blows. The fans booed the finish.

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn – Winners: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley 

Owens & Zayn was not getting along

After the match, Sami looks on from the ramp as Braun and Lashley stand tall over Owens. Sami has the chance to help Owens after the match but Braun scoops Owens and plants him with the powerslam. Sami yells from ringside as Braun stands over Owens again while his music hits. Owens is sent to the floor and he’s laid out while Sami checks on him. Braun leaves the ring and grabs Sami as he tries to run away. Braun brings Sami back into the ring and he begs them both to take it easy. Braun scoops Sami and delivers another powerslam. Braun’s music hits again as he and Lashley stand tall. (transcript from WrestlingINC)

Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe – Winner: Roman Reigns

NXT star out for several months with torn pectoral

NXT star

NXT star Tino Sabbatelli recently underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle according to a new report by Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline on Friday. Sabbatelli suffered the injury during the NXT live event in Largo, Florida on April 28 against The Velveteen Dream. Sabbatelli will be out of action for several months following the surgery.

Sabbatelli had been featured on NXT TV for several months in a tag-team with Riddick Moss and had recently turned on Moss, presumably beginning a push as a singles competitor before the injury.

Source: WrestlingINC