MMA fighter Kimbo Slice passes away at 42

Early Monday evening it was reported by TMZ that Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Furgeson was rushed to a hospital in Florida and it was said to be a dire situation.

Less then an hour later various news sites including Bloddy Elbow and MMA Junky broke the news that Kimbo passed away.

Kimbo Slice gained acclaim for his street fights, which were filmed and posted on YouTube in the early 2000s. The Miami native was one of the world’s first online viral video stars. He parlayed that into becoming one of the biggest ratings draws in the history of mixed martial arts — a true rags to riches story.

Ferguson most recently competed under the Bellator MMA banner. He was supposed to face James Thompson at Bellator 158 on July 16 in London, England. In his last fight, Ferguson fought longtime rival and former compatriot Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris in February. Ferguson won the fight by knockout in the third round, but it was later found out that he tested positive for steroids in a fight-night screen. The victory was overturned into a no contest and Ferguson was suspended three months by the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration.

Ferguson, who had a 5-2 record with that no contest in MMA, started out in the sport as a spectacle for EliteXC, the YouTube streetfighting bad ass turned pro athlete. He won his first three fights for the promotion via finish, including victories over Tank Abbott and Thompson. EliteXC built its whole promotion around Ferguson, who was a ratings behemoth.

We here at Wrestling News blog would like to send our deepest condolences to the family friends and fans of Kimbo slice. His contributions to the growth of MMA will never be forgotten.

Breaking News: Brock Lesnar to compete at UFC 200

At UFC199 in a historic event where Michael Bisping defeated Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title, it was announced that the beast Brock Lesnar will be competing at UFC200.

WWE issued an official statement saying

Brock Lesnar remains under contract to WWE, however, he has been granted a one-off opportunity to compete at UFC 200. Following this milestone event on July 9, Brock will return to WWE for SummerSlam on Sunday, August 21, live on WWE Network.

The event will be headlined by Daniel Cormier vs John Jones for the light heavyweight title and the co main event will pit Lesnar against a TBA opponent. Also at the event  will have Miesha Tate defending her battemweight title against Amanda Nunes, and the interim featherweight title will be up for grabs as Jose Aldo takes on Frankie Edgar. It all goes down Saturday July 9th live on PPV

UFC199 (complete card)

Main Card (Pay-Per-View)

13. Luke Rockhold (c) (15-2) <USA> vs. {4} Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping (29-7) <England> in a Middleweight bout for the UFC Middleweight Championship!

12. Dominick ‘The Dominator’ Cruz (c) (21-1) <USA> vs. {2} Urijah ‘The California Kid’ Faber (33-8) <USA> in a Bantamweight bout for the UFC Bantamweight Championship!

11. {4} Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway (15-3) <USA> vs. {5} Ricardo ‘The Bully’ Lamas (16-4) <USA> in a Featherweight bout!

10. {15} Dan ‘Hendo’ Henderson (31-14) <USA> vs. {14} Hector ‘Lighting’ Lombard (34-5-1, 2 NC) <Cuba> in a Middleweight bout!

9. {11} Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier (19-4) <USA> vs. {14} Bobby ‘King’ Green (23-6) <USA> in a Lightweight bout!

Preliminary Card (Fox Sports 1)

8. {12} Brain ‘T-City’ Ortega (10-0, 1 NC) <USA> vs. Clay ‘The Carpenter’ Guida (32-16) <USA> in a Featherweight bout!

7. {10} Beneil ‘Benny’ Dariush (12-2) <Iran> vs. James ‘The Texcutioner’ Vick (9-0) <USA> in a Lightweight bout.

6. {6} Jessica Penne (12-3) <USA> vs. Jessica ‘Bate Estaca’ Andrade (13-5) <Brasil> in a Women’s Strawweight bout!

5. Cole ‘Magrinho’ Miller (21-9, 1 NC) <USA> vs. Alex ‘Bruce LeeRoy’ Caceres (11-8, 1 NC) <USA> in a Featherweight bout.

Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

4. Sean ‘Tarzan’ Strickland (17-1) <USA> vs. Tom ‘The Octopus’ Breese (10-0) <England> in a Welterweight bout.

3. Jonathan ‘Johnny Bravo’ Wilson (7-0) <USA> vs. Luis Henrique ‘Frankenstein’ de Silva (10-0) <Brasil> in a Light Heavyweight bout!

2. Kevin ‘King’ Casey (9-4, 2 NC) <USA> vs. Elvis ‘The King’ Mutapcic (15-4) <Bosnia and Herzegovina> in a Middleweight bout!

1. Marco Polo ‘El Toro’ Reyes (5-2) <Mexico> vs. Dong Hyun ‘Stun Gun’ Kim (13-7-3) <South Korea> in a Lightweight bout.

Stardust asks to be released from WWE 

We have learned via Twitter that WWE superstar Cody Rohdes who currently wrestles under the name Stardust has asked for his release from the company as of today.

The tweet reads 

 The past ten years have been quite the trek, but as of earlier today I have asked for my release from @WWE I’ll speak further on the matter shortly. Thank you to all the pro-wrestling/sports entertainment fans worldwide. Thank you

No word at this time from our sources on what may have caused him to ask for his release, but the wrestler had recently been teasing that he may be dropping the Stardust gimmick.
His wife WWE announcer Eden Rhodes tweeted shortly after saying, “Could not be any prouder or more supportive.”

Lucha Underground: The Gender bender of professional wrestling 

Lucha Underground is what we like to call the unconventional side of professional wrestling. It takes two elements (Horror movies & wrestling) throws them together and produces in our minds is the best promotion out there.

They don’t shy away from violence, and they always deliver bell to bell action. In a day and age where women’s wrestling is ever changing Lucha underground takes that to a whole other level.

In the past we’ve seen Evalise battle for the Lucha Underground heavyweight title, we’ve seen Catrina being barried alive, we’ve seen sexy star vs Prntingon (a man triple her size) and let’s not forget the suicide dive from Taya off a steel cage

Lucha Underground has created a trend for breaking gender norms and that carried over to the May 4th episode. It was a match between Sexy Star and Mariposa. It wasn’t just any match though, it was a no más match (I quit match) and an Aztec medallion was up for grabs.

This match was an all out war (that you can view here http://youtu.be/V9MLmHnmIr0)

These two put their bodies on the line in ways we have never seen. At one point in the match Mariposa took a chair shot to the groin (yep you read that right). During the match sexy star was bleeding like a stuck pig. They even battled from the top of the rafters leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

There was of course run ins from Marty the moth and Mac. While watching the match it seemed that Mariposa was closing in on a victory. Sexy star wouldn’t quit though. She even shouted explcits at Mariposa, creating an epic television moment. Ultimately sexy star got Mariposa to utter the words “No más” earning her not only a victory but an Aztec medallion for her troubles.

If you haven’t watched the match you need to do so. The match has already made headlines not just in the world of professional wrestling but in the world of business as well. Forbes.Com did a piece on this match praising sexy star of her accomplishments inside the ring.

Forbes went on to say

As arguably the strongest female character in the wrestling business today, Sexy Star is a marketing goldmine for Lucha Underground. With a recognizable mask which could become a stable of her character just as it has for Mysterio, a catchy name that stays true to her lucha background and a genuine appeal to men, women and children, Sexy Star has the potential to be a top merchandise seller and one of the few wrestlers outside WWE who can transcend wrestling into mainstream media.

Sexy Star had this to say about the groundbreaking match.

“My match against Mariposa has been one of the best things that have ever happened to me because it allowed me to make it clear to everyone what true women wrestling is. It’s not scratching each other followed by glamorous poses,We are not two beautiful women pulling each other’s hair. A real female match is a match between to gladiators, two warriors who are ready for anything and who are willing to leave their blood splattered in the ring if it’s necessary. In a true female match, participants defend their dignity with their moves, high flying action, hits, chairs and whatever else might be need, because when two women truly want to win, they are willing to risk it all, including their lives.”

“For decades, due to poor representation, female wrestlers have been expected to step into the ring to show off their bodies and model. It feels great to know that the public is clear that my fight with Mariposa was not that, That fight demonstrated that the public has been living in a fog. Thanks to Lucha Underground and their belief in women and their power, we have been allowed the platform we deserve and we the women have made sure to defend our space and value within the company at all costs, even blood. That match was only a little sample of the type of fight women who truly love lucha and defend their dignity with much more than a nice body and pretty face are capable of.

Forbes continued to praise Sexy Star by saying

While it would be easy for Sexy Star to rest on her laurels now that she has become one of the elite talents in Lucha Underground, her match against Mariposa proved she is one of the most gifted performers in the company. Sexy Star is a proficient wrestler, but it is her ability to tell a convincing story in the ring and get the fans emotionally invested that separates her from other performers.

With every great star, there will be doubters, though. Wrestling pundits have been critical at times of intergender matches in Lucha Underground, but Sexy Star has truly embodied what it means to be a powerful and strong woman by throwing gender norms out the window. There is a fundamental change in the world with women finally getting the respect and recognition they deserve, and Sexy Star is the perfect representation of that movement in wrestling.
Sexy Star’s character and storylines are also prime examples of Lucha Underground not trying to be WWE or anything else we’ve ever seen in wrestling. Interngender matches and violent battles between two female athletes—and the stories that justify them—are just some of the reasons the brand has built such a hardcore and devoted following.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Don’t sleep on Lucha underground. They have proven time and time again that they are one of if not the best promotion out there. If you call yourself a professional wrestling fan then you need to be watching Lucha, and they way they respect women’s wrestling is only the beginning.

Emma suffers back injury at live event 

Via WWE’s official website: WWE.com has learned that Emma suffered a back injury last Sunday night during a WWE Live Event and is currently undergoing tests to determine the extent of her injuries.

Please check back with WNB as updates to the matter surface. Here’s to hoping it’s nothing serious. God speed Emma 

ROH War of the worlds New York results 

* Cheeseburger and Davey Vega defeated Juan Francisco de Coronado and Jay Diesel in a dark match

* ReDragon defeated Rhett Titus and Kenny King
* Dalton Castle with The Boys defeated Michael Elgin, Lio Rush and Moose with Stokely Hathaway when he pinned Rush
* IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA defeated Silas Young in a non-title match
* The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Trent Baretta and Gedo
* Jushin “Thunder” Liger and The Briscoes defeated Adam Page, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa
* During intermission, Taeler Hendrix attacked Mandy Leon and dropped her on a steel chair with a DDT in the ring
* BJ Whitmer came to the ring for a big heat promo on Steve Corino. Corino came out with a chair but security held him back while Whitmer talked trash. Corino made it to the ring but Whitmer retreated
* Donovan Dijak defeated Cedric Alexander in Cedric’s exit match. They did Code of Honor after the match and fans chanted “thank you Cedric”
* War Machine defeated ROH Tag Team Champions Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels by DQ when Daniels broke up a pin using one of the belts. The Addiction retains
* Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Matt Sydal
* IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito defeated ACH in a non-title match. Naito attacked referee Todd Sinclair after the match for a pop
* ROH Champion Jay Lethal and Roderick Strong defeated Adam Cole and Matt Jackson, Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii in a three-team main event

Lilian Garcia NOT released. Takes time off for sick father 

We have learned via pro wrestling sheet that despite speculation WWE announcer Lilian Garcia has not been released by WWE.

She is however taking time off to spend time with her father who has been battling cancer and who has had complications in the past month. 

Sources close to Lilian say her father was having major complications in his battle with cancer and WWE not only approved her emergency leave, but the company has been constantly checking in since.

You can read Lilian’s full statement on the matter here 

Imagine my surprise today when I woke up to find out that I was among the top trends in the world on twitter! What for, I said to myself….wait, does that say “Lilian Garcia released from WWE”?? That’s when I knew I had to set the story straight. As you know, I have been absent from TV for the past few weeks missing “WWE Payback” & two “WWE Monday Night Raw’s”. I mentioned on twitter that it was due to a family member being ill. Well, that family member is my father. He has been battling bladder cancer and multiple Myeloma (blood cancer) and due to a reaction to the chemotherapy, he became very ill these past two weeks. On top of that, he had to go into two emergency procedures on his kidneys. To say he has had it tough is an understatement. However, he is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army, being a Veteran from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, so his spirit is that of a fighter. I am so inspired by how he has taken on this disease and continues to battle it with all his might. He has allowed me to share this story as he hopes his journey will inspire anyone else who is battling cancer. Luckily he is doing much better now and gearing up for a new treatment next week. As you can imagine, my entire family has been through a rollercoaster of emotions and cherishing all the time we have with him. I truly believe in the power of prayer and ask all of you to please pray for him and also my mother. They have been married for 62 years, so you can imagine the bond they share together.  

 

I want to thank all of you for the many messages you have tweeted & FB’d me when you thought I had been released. It truly shows me how much I matter to you, and right now more than ever, I needed to know that. Above all, I want to thank the WWE for all their support & love during this hard time. They have been constantly checking in on me and also given me the time I needed to get my father strong again. I feel so proud to work for a company that cares so much. 

 

So, on to Monday, I will be back on RAW and couldn’t be happier as I have missed you all very much!! Thank you and I love you!!!

 

Xoxo,

Lilian

We here at WNB would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Lilian and her family. 

Breaking news: Samoe Joe defeats Finn Balór becoming the new NXT champion 

 WWE has reported that Samoe Joe has dethroned the demon Finn Balór end at an NXT live event in Lowell Mass ending his record setting reign of 292 days.

The Now that we have a new NXT champion there’s two main questions. What’s next for the monster in his path of distruction now that he has gold around his waist? And what is next for the former champion Balór?

Our best bet is that the Demon is heading to the main roster. It would definitely keep the momentum Raw has had in the last few weeks going. Perhaps the most obvious scenario would be the inception of the Bullet Club and or Balór club (which ever they decide to call it)

All the pieces are already aligned. Styles is number 1 contender for the WWE world heavyweight title, Gallows and Anderson have made their presence known in the last two weeks, the only thing missing is Finn.

What do you guys think? Will we see a new formation of the Bullet club? Will Balór debut on Raw? Or perhaps Payback? Let us know in the comments below.

Ronda Rousey says she’s coming back to win the title for people who believe in her 

 http://time.com/4300091/ronda-rousey-time-100-video/

In an interview with TIME (that you can view above) the former UFC Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey talks about how she’s still grieving the person that thought she could win it all. She says that she has to accept that she’s not her, it’s just who she’d like to be, instead she’s who she needs to be for herself and everyone else.

It used to be that I would get out of bed with the conviction that I had to be better than I was yesterday. I guess these days its hope that gets me out of bed.

-Ronda Rousey

She compares herself to a cartoon and says that on some days not everyone is going to like what that cartoon does. She mentions that in her home she has a wall of encouraging letters from fans talking about how much she’s helped them, Rousey says now they’re helping her.

Rousey says she imagines touching her stomach one day and feeling the metal there again. She says she’s coming back to win the title for people who believed in her.

Rousey fan are not the interview is an emotional one filled with positivity and in the mist of all the sad things happening lately this one made our day.