Category: Global Force Wrestling

GFW Announces The Global Wrestling Network, A New POP TV Deal And More New Initiatives

GFW issued the following:

For Immediate Release – September 6, 2017Global Force Wrestling Announces Global Broadcast and Digital Expansion Initiatives

NASHVILLE | TORONTO – Global Force Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., announced today numerous global and digital expansion initiatives, including:

* Plans to launch the Global Wrestling Network, a multi-platform digital service designed to give fans around the world instant 24-hour access to the extensive GFW and IMPACT libraries.

* Plans to launch the IMPACT Wrestling Channel on Pluto TV, a 24-hour live feed of content on the leading free over-the-top (OTT) television service in the U.S.

* Extension with Pop TV in the U.S. to continue airing its flagship weekly show IMPACT on Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET.

* Distribution deal with 7Sports, the sport business unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, to bring IMPACT back to screens in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via ran FIGHTING.

IMPACT showcases top professional wrestling stars such as GFW Champion Eli Drake, Bobby Lashley, the high-flying X-Division, the lovely and lethal Knockouts, including Sienna, Rosemary and Gail Kim, plus talent from international partner promotions such as Johnny Impact, Naomichi Marufuji and El Hijo del Fantasma. The 3,000+ hour library features household industry names such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and many more.

“These digital initiatives and broadcast agreements are a significant step forward for the Global Force Wrestling organization as we continue to expand the brand globally, making it available on more platforms and in more countries,” said Ed Nordholm, president of Global Force Wrestling. “Anthem is committed to broadening Global Force Wrestling’s footprint, as we work alongside international broadcast partners, digital platforms and professional wrestling promotions to bring our passionate fans a high-quality product that not only stands out in today’s media landscape, but continues to thrive into the future.”

Additional details about the launch of the Global Wrestling Network and IMPACT Wrestling Channel on Pluto TV will be revealed in the near future. For more information on Pluto TV, visit http://www.Pluto.tv.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Anthem and remain the exclusive linear television home of IMPACT in the U.S.,” said David Mandell, COO of Pop. “IMPACT delivers over 100 hours of original programming per year on Pop with some of the best and most passionate fans in television. With our broad distribution across all major cable and satellite providers, as well as almost every new over-the-top bundle, including DirecTV Now, Sony Vue, Fubo TV, Hulu TV and YouTube TV, IMPACT fans have more options than ever to catch their favorite show every week.”

IMPACT will be available as part of the ran FIGHTING BLACK PASS for €3.99 per month at ranFIGHTING.de across Germany, Austria and Switzerland starting on Sept. 8, which includes a simulcast of IMPACT on ran FIGHTING’s 24/7 web channel, plus VOD access to IMPACT episodes and One Night Only specials. The service also gives customers the opportunity to purchase GFW’s premium annual pay-per-view events, including Bound for Glory and Slammiversary.

“The deal with ProSieben marks the second major European broadcaster to license IMPACT, including Spike UK earlier this year,” Nordholm added. “Coupled with the Pop renewal, our digital launches and significant increase in YouTube views, this reflects the increasing excitement and demand for GFW’s content.”

For more information, visit http://www.impactwrestling.com.

Anthem Reportedly Ready To Sell GFW (Impact Wrestling)

Global Force Wrestling is in a state of jeopardy, and things seem to be getting worse. After Jeff Jarrett took an indefinite leave of absence as Chief Creative Officer to focus on personal matters, Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reports that GFW’s parent company Anthem Sports and Entertainment is preparing to sell the wrestling commodity.

Barrasso states that GFW is “hemorrhaging funds” and Anthem had to needed to “gut the Fight Network” just to finance GFW. It was just earlier this year that Anthem acquired the company after GFW’s merger with TNA Impact Wrestling. Barrasso reports that since Jarrett technically owns the name of Global Force Wrestling, Anthem would technically be selling Impact Wrestling.

Also, PWInsider reports that “multiple meetings” were held Tuesday afternoon to discuss the future of GFW. Members of the roster were called to reassure them of the company’s stability in the wake of the Jarrett announcement. But with these latest reports, it seems that Anthem is looking for suitors to get rid of GFW. Barrasso reports that among the potential suitors are WWE, Ring Of Honor and former TNA investor Billy Corgan.

Source: WrestlingINC

GFW Releases Statement Saying Jeff Jarrett Is Taking An ‘Indefinite Leave Of Absence’

Jeff Jarrett is taking an “indefinite leave of absence” from his position as Chief Creative Officer of GFW/Impact Wrestling … this according to a statement  from the company.

Effective immediately, Jeff Jarrett is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his position as Chief Creative Officer to focus on personal matters. Jeff will be available on a consultative basis as needed.

Jarrett came back to the company in January when Anthem Sports took control from Dixie Carter. His return led to the exit of wrestlers like The Hardy Boyz, Drew McIntyre and Mike Bennett. He was also instrumental in signing Alberto El Patron, who hasn’t brought them the most positive public attention.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

 

Former WWE Tag Team (John Morrison & Joey Mercury) Reuniting On The Indies

Image result for john morrison vs joey mercury

Former WWE Tag Team Champions John Hennigan (John Morrison, Johnny Nitro, Johnny Impact) and Joey Mercury will be reuniting on September 22nd for the All Pro Wrestling group in Stockton, California.

Morrison & Mercury along with Melina was known as MNM.

As seen below, Mercury indicated on Twitter that they are taking bookings together now.

Source: WrestlingINC

Sexy Star Comments On Rosemary Incident

sexy star

As noted, over the weekend Sexy Star purposefully injured Rosemary’s shoulder at the end of their Reina de Reinas Championship Match (which also included Lady Shani & Ayako Hamada) at AAA’s TripleMania XXV event. Since then, Rosemary has responded to what happened, commenting that Sexy Star tried to say it was a work, which Rosemary wanted to make very clear that it wasn’t. While a number of wrestling stars have reacted to the incident, Sexy Star has already felt the backlash, getting pulled from a WrestleCade Weekend event.

In the video below, on a reality show Sexy Star was asked about the incident and here was here response, which is translated roughly from Spanish (originally from rderudo.com) according to PWInsider.

“This have been very difficult days for me,” Sexy Star said. “Last Saturday, I was in a championship fight; was very hard. I think everything got out of hand. I don’t know, I am still confused with the situation. I’d like to remain quiet and when the time is right I will speak on the subject.”

“Men and women want to finish me, make me retire from the sport. I am still here, as I stated in the beginning, I will not stop representing all those women that have been mistreated physically or psychologically. I believe that I have to stronger. If at a moment I went through depression and got out of it, I will also get out of this one. I was doing what I had to do, what the people deserved, to go all in clawing until the end. That’s what happened, I submitted her. It appears the girl is injured, I don’t know, [it] is not something I am aware off. That’s all I can say.”

Rosemary gave an injury update on Twitter, saying it’s a strained tricep/bicep with swelling around the area and that time away from the ring should be minimal. She also thanked those who supported her and when wrestlers do make mistakes in the ring, they should own up to them. You can see her full comments below.

Source: WrestlingINC

Taya Valkyrie Debuting Soon On GFW Impact

Related image

Taya Valkyrie will be making her GFW TV debut soon. GFW posted the following on her arrival. You can also see two promos for her debut below:

Taya Valkyrie Set To Make IMPACT Debut SoonThere is a buzz amongst the Knockouts in GFW about the arrival of Taya Valkyrie to IMPACT. What is she planning upon her arrival? Who will she target once she arrives? Taya will certainly be a force to be reckoned with.

Originally from Canada, Taya is a former ballet dancer who always had a love for pro wrestling and now her career has taken her all over the world. A mainstay in Mexico for many years, Taya is the longest reigning AAA Reina de Reinas Champion (Women’s Champion) in history. Taya trained under the great Lance Storm and now looks to take IMPACT by storm as well.

She has excelled in every company she has worked for and we can only assume Taya will have her sights set on The GFW Knockouts Championship. With so many Knockouts vying for that top prize, what will happen next is anyone’s guess! One thing is for sure, the Knockouts Division is clearly heating up!

GFW Impact Preview 8/31/17

* Petey Williams return to GFW, his first singles match on Impact in 8 years.

* GFW World Heavyweight Champion Eli Drake and his Championship Celebration

* Fallah Bahh & Bokara vs. oVe

* The latest on Lashley & American Top Team MMA

Paige & Alberto El Patron Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims

Image result for Paige and Alberto El Patron

Paige and Alberto El Patron are aiding victims of Hurricane Harvey by renting rooms for families that have lost their homes. You can see video below of Paige discussing her efforts to help those in Texas, which has been hit by hard the hurricane. Paige discussed the situation with the FOX affiliate in San Antonio, where she lives with El Patron.

Alberto El Patron’s GFW Return

Alberto El Patron is scheduled to return to Impact at the November TV tapings, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The original idea was that Patron would return as a heel, going against the company as he is mad about his recent suspension.

Source: WrestlingINC

GFW Signs New Deal With Pop TV

GFW and Pop TV have signed a new deal that will see the network carry Impact in 2018, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. No word yet on how long the deal is for. It was noted that the deal is not “financially effective.”

Source: WrestlingINC