Category: Independent Promotions

Mercedes Moné’s Championship Empire Under Threat Amid Recent Losing Streak, Has 3 Upcoming Title Defenses 

After a historic run of collecting championships across the world, AEW’s Mercedes Moné has hit a skid after failing to defeat Kris Statlander for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Full Gear. Since then, Moné has lost the Ring of Honor Women’s Television Championship to Red Velvet, the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship to Alex Windsor, the AEW TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale, the CMLL World Women’s Championship to Persephone, and the Bestya Women’s Championship to Swan.

Unfortunately, the hits may keep on coming for Moné over the next 10 days. On X Wednesday morning, Revolution Pro Wrestling announced that Moné would be taking on UK star Alexxis Falcon at RevPro High Stakes on March 21. But this will not be any ordinary singles match, as Moné will be putting both the BODYSLAM Scandinavian and Discovery Scotland Women’s Championships on the line. The match comes a week after Moné is scheduled to be in Paris, where she’ll wrestle Ophelie in a match for Moné’s EWA Women’s Championship and Ophelie’s Rixe Women’s Championship.

As a result of these two shows, all part of Moné’s March tour outside of AEW, the CEO could be leaving Europe with either one more belt added to her arsenal, or continued diminishing returns, as losses to Ophelie and Falcon could leave her with just three championships remaining. The hits could keep on coming after as well, as Mone is scheduled to wrestle for Prime Time Wrestling in Poland on March 28, where she’s expected to defend the PTW Women’s Championship, and Winnipeg Pro Wrestling on March 31, where she’ll defend the WPW Women’s Championship. Losses in those matches, and in Europe, would see Mone end March having lost all but one of her titles.

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Multi-Promotional Slam Fest Announced For WrestleMania Week In Vegas (5/15-5/18)

WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas just got even more stacked.

Former WWE Superstar Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), in partnership with Paragon Talent Group, has officially unveiled Slam Fest Las Vegas — a multi-promotional wrestling showcase set to take over the Palms Casino Resort this April.

The wrestling series will run April 15–18 at the Pearl Concert Theater and feature five live events across multiple international promotions. Confirmed participants include CMLL, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW), STARDOM, House of Glory (HOG), and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP).

And yes — there’s history involved.

CMLL’s event during Slam Fest will mark the first standalone show held outside of Mexico in the legendary promotion’s 92-year history, a significant milestone for one of wrestling’s oldest and most respected organizations.

Full Slam Fest Wrestling Schedule

Thursday, April 16 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PT
  • CMLL: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT
  • House of Glory: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. PT

Friday, April 17 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW Fan Fest Meet & Greet: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
  • STARDOM: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT
  • Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling: 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. PT

The lineup gives fans a rare opportunity to experience major Japanese, Mexican, Canadian, and U.S.-based promotions all under one roof during wrestling’s biggest week of the year.

Major Live Experiences Announced

Slam Fest isn’t stopping at in-ring action.

Several marquee events will also take place at the Ghostbar inside the Palms:

  • Wednesday, April 15: Mick Foley presents “40 Years of Mick Foley,” a comedy and storytelling show featuring behind-the-scenes tales from his legendary career.
  • Friday, April 17: Saraya hosts a live episode of Rulebreakers with Saraya, promising unfiltered conversation and special guests.
  • Saturday, April 18: Matt and Jeff Hardy bring the Hardy Party to Vegas. Matt will share stories from his three-decade career during The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy experience, followed by a fan Q&A — and Jeff Hardy will perform live in concert afterward.

Poolside Finale With Major Names

The weekend will wrap up with a high-profile poolside celebration at the Palms on Saturday, April 18. Confirmed appearances include:

  • Matt & Jeff Hardy
  • Mick Foley
  • Saraya
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, Shelton Benjamin)
  • Elayna Black
  • Ash by Elegance
  • Mojo Muhtadi
  • And additional celebrity guests

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is also scheduled to make a special appearance.

Between the international wrestling showcase, live podcasts, comedy shows, concerts, and celebrity meet-and-greets, Slam Fest Las Vegas is positioning itself as one of the most ambitious WrestleMania Week experiences in recent memory.

Tickets officially go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m., and with this kind of lineup, they may not last long.

Nixon Newell Reveals 2026 Likely Her Final Year as an In-Ring Competitor

Another familiar name from the modern wrestling era is preparing to step away from active competition. Former WWE star Nixon Newell, best known to many fans as Tegan Nox, has confirmed that she’s likely entering the final year of her in-ring wrestling career.

Speaking recently on Casual Conversations with The Classic, Newell explained that this timeline has been on her mind since her WWE release in 2024. At the time, she gave herself a rough two-year window, and with one year already gone, she now sees the end of her full-time wrestling run coming into focus.

According to Newell, the decision isn’t rooted in burnout or frustration with wrestling itself. Instead, her passion has simply shifted. These days, she finds far more fulfillment behind the scenes — producing matches, training talent, and helping others grow within the industry.

Newell has already begun embracing that role. She’s been producing shows alongside Miranda Alize and assisting with training at Evolution Dojo in Houston, experiences she described as genuinely rewarding. Helping others succeed, she said, has always come naturally to her, and that mindset has only grown stronger as her career has progressed.

After spending more than a decade wrestling across the globe — including stints in Japan, Europe, Canada, the UK, and several years inside WWE — Newell feels she’s reached a point where lifting others up means more to her than chasing personal accolades.

Her future plans extend beyond wrestling production as well. Newell is actively studying personal training and massage therapy, with a focus on injury recovery for athletes. That path is deeply personal, given her own well-documented history with major injuries.

During her WWE run, Newell suffered multiple devastating setbacks, including an ACL tear just weeks before the inaugural Mae Young Classic and a horrific injury during the 2018 tournament that saw her fracture her tibia while tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Those experiences, she says, shaped her desire to help others navigate the long and difficult road back from serious injuries.

While she hasn’t completely closed the door on wrestling opportunities that may arise in the next year, Newell made it clear that her priorities have changed. Her focus is now firmly on education, licensing, and building a future centered around coaching, rehabilitation, and mentorship.

Newell’s most recent match took place in December 2025 for Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling in London. Whether or not fans see her step into the ring again, it’s clear her impact on the wrestling world is far from over — it’s simply entering a new chapter.

Sting’s Son Steven Borden Preparing for First Wrestling Match This October

The Borden family legacy looks set to continue inside the squared circle. Steven Borden, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sting, is reportedly preparing to make his in-ring debut this October.

Fans last saw Steven earlier this year at AEW Revolution 2024, where he and his brother Garrett paid tribute to their father during Sting’s emotional retirement match. Dressed in one of Sting’s classic looks, Steven even got physical, hitting the Young Bucks with his dad’s iconic Stinger Splashes in a memorable moment that had the wrestling world buzzing.

Now, according to PWInsider Elite, Steven is moving beyond cameos and stepping fully into the ring. His debut is scheduled for shows at New York’s 52 Walker gallery space on October 3 and October 10.

Training Under Darby Allin

What makes this debut even more fitting is who’s helping Steven prepare — none other than Darby Allin, Sting’s final tag team partner and one of the men most influenced by The Icon’s legendary career.

Allin reportedly began working with Steven shortly after Revolution, easing him into wrestling after the younger Borden had been reluctant to follow in his father’s footsteps. Earlier this year, Allin noted that Steven “has big shoes to fill” but emphasized that their training journey has been about respect, legacy, and giving back to Sting, who became both a mentor and friend to him in AEW.

A New Chapter for the Bordens

While Steven Borden made his mark as a football player at the University of Kentucky, his decision to step into the wrestling world is a significant moment. It’s not just about carrying the Sting name — it’s about seeing if the next generation can carve its own path.

With Darby Allin guiding him and the wrestling world watching closely, Steven’s debut this October will be one of the most intriguing stories to follow this fall.

Matt Riddle Explodes on Social Media After No-Show Allegations, Insults Fans Over 2020 “Speaking Out” movement Accusations

Matt Riddle’s name has been making plenty of headlines yesterday, and not for the best of reasons. The former WWE star and current MLW World Heavyweight Champion was called out over the weekend for reportedly no-showing a charity wrestling event in the UK. On top of that, the organizers claimed he refused to return the deposit he had already been paid.

Riddle initially addressed the situation with a video on X, attempting to give his side of the story. But instead of cooling things down, the “Original Bro” poured gasoline on the fire with a second video that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the profanity-laced clip, Riddle unloaded on critics and fans who have questioned him in recent years. Much of his anger was directed toward those who believed the accusations made against him during the 2020 “Speaking Out” movement. Riddle was accused at the time by independent wrestler Candy Cartwright, who later filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, EVOLVE, and Gabe Sapolsky. WWE, EVOLVE, and Sapolsky were dismissed from the case in 2021, and Cartwright voluntarily dropped the suit entirely soon after.

In his rant, Riddle dismissed those allegations as “bulls***” and took aim at fans who supported them. He bragged about continuing to get booked, teased a possible return to fighting, and even promoted his OnlyFans account, making sure to emphasize he wasn’t worried about backlash. His message was blunt: those who don’t like him should unfollow him, because he doesn’t care.

While Riddle insisted “the cream rises to the top,” this latest outburst has left many wondering if he’s doing more harm than good to his own career. MLW has not yet commented on the controversy, but it remains to be seen if Riddle’s unfiltered social media presence will impact his standing with the promotion—or future opportunities elsewhere.

Luke Gallows’ Lariato Pro Wrestling Lands Broadcasting Deal, Announces “HEATWAVE” TV Debut Event

Big things are brewing in the world of independent wrestling, as Lariato Pro Wrestling, the Georgia-based promotion founded by former WWE and NJPW stars Luke Gallows (aka Doc Gallows) and Karl Anderson, has officially signed its first-ever broadcasting deal with STGN 49 Media Group.

After nearly a decade of steady growth and grassroots momentum, Lariato Pro is leveling up in a major way. The promotion will now air live events, pay-per-views, and original content across STGN 49’s global platforms, which include ROKU, Amazon Firestick, and Turkish Television, reaching audiences in 33 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the UAE.

According to Gallows and Anderson — collectively known as The Good Brothers, one of the most decorated tag teams in the business — the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. “We don’t take no for an answer,” the duo emphasized in a statement, calling STGN 49 their “forever home.”

The move is seen as a major win for both sides. STGN 49 Program Director Veronica J. Woodard, along with Lariato’s own talent and event coordinators Chris and Jessica Johnson, will oversee production of the promotion’s upcoming programming slate. Television executive Eric Mitchell praised the deal as an ideal match for STGN’s rebranded direction and family-friendly expansion goals.

First Stop: HEATWAVE

The new era officially kicks off this Saturday, June 14th, with “HEATWAVE” — Lariato Pro’s first televised event under the STGN 49 banner. Set to take place in Dublin, Georgia, the card is headlined by a Triple Threat Match for the LPWG Heavyweight Championship, featuring:

Bryce Cannon (c) vs. Matt Hardy vs. QT Marshall

The champ Cannon faces a tall task defending against two veterans with major company experience — will he survive the heat, or will Hardy or Marshall walk out with the gold?

Also scheduled to appear:

  • The Good Brothers
  • John Skyler
  • Fry Daddy
  • Dax Anthony
  • And more surprises in store

Bell time is 7:30 PM, and tickets are still available at www.theLPWG.com.

With a TV deal now in hand and star power like Matt Hardy and QT Marshall in the mix, Lariato Pro Wrestling Guild is proving it’s ready to take the next step — bringing southern wrestling grit and high-caliber talent to a worldwide stage.

Shotzi Blackheart Announces Multiple GCW Appearances, Plans To Direct Horror Flicks

Shotzi Blackheart is back—and she’s not just bringing chaos to the ring, but also plotting a future behind the camera.

The former WWE star and self-declared “Indy God” has confirmed a string of appearances for GameChanger Wrestling (GCW) in what looks to be a major independent resurgence. Shotzi will step back into the spotlight at multiple events this summer, spanning the U.S. and Japan, all set to stream live on TrillerTV.

Here’s where fans can catch Shotzi in action:

  • June 20 – GCW Bangin’ in Little Rock at The Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • July 11 – GCW Boss of All Bosses in Dallas, Texas
  • July 28 – GCW Tokyo Event at Shinjuku Face, Kabukicho
  • July 29 – GCW Tokyo Event at Itabashi Green Hall, Itabashi City
  • July 30 – GCW Tokyo Event at Korakuen Hall, Bunkyo

Shotzi’s return kicks off with a bang—literally—as she faces off against Atticus Cogar in what’s sure to be a wild encounter at Bangin’ in Little Rock on June 20.

Fresh off her hardcore showdown at GCW Tournament of Survival X—a brutal three-way deathmatch against Matt Tremont and Jimmy Lloyd—Shotzi is once again embracing the gritty chaos that made her a standout in the indie scene before her WWE run.

But wrestling isn’t her only ambition.

During a recent appearance on Daria Berenato’s Unwrapped podcast, Shotzi revealed her dream career path once her days in the ring are over: horror movie director.

“Honestly, after wrestling, when my body just can’t take it anymore, I would love to be a horror movie director. That is the dream,” Shotzi said. “Obviously, be in them also—I just want to get my head chopped off a bunch.”

It’s not a surprising direction for the green-haired wildcard, who has always blended punk-rock attitude with spooky, horror-inspired flair. From her tank-riding entrances to her Halloween Havoc hosting duties, Shotzi has never shied away from theatrics—and it sounds like she’s ready to turn that passion into full-blown filmmaking.

For now, though, she’s got some skulls to crack and some blood to spill—figuratively and maybe literally—on the GCW circuit.

Chris Bey Walks to the Ring and Shares Emotional Message at Benefit Show Following Injury Recovery

TNA Wrestling star Chris Bey took center stage at FSW Mecca X in Las Vegas this past Sunday, delivering an emotional speech to the fans who supported him through his difficult recovery. The event, which aired on TrillerTV, served as a benefit show for Bey, who has been sidelined since October due to a serious neck injury.

A Night of Love and Gratitude

Accompanied by his girlfriend, Brittnie Brooks, Bey walked to the ring to a warm reception. Once inside, he embraced Karrion Kross and Hammerstone, who had just competed in the main event. He then called for his long-time tag team partner, Ace Austin, to join him in the ring before addressing the crowd.

In an emotional speech, Bey expressed his deep appreciation for the wrestling community, emphasizing the support he has received from fans, fellow wrestlers, and everyone behind the scenes.

“I’d be lying if I said I did it by myself because I truly and honestly believe that because of each and every one of you, and everybody in the back, that’s the reason why I’m standing here right now.”

Bey spoke about his lifelong love for wrestling, his gratitude for the opportunity to live his dream, and how much the overwhelming support has meant to him during this time.

“Love is a real thing, and all my life, all I’ve ever truly, truly, truly loved—until I met her [Brittnie]—was professional wrestling.”

The TNA star encouraged everyone in attendance to cherish the moment, embrace their emotions, and appreciate the significance of the night.

The Injury That Changed Everything

Bey’s injury occurred last October during a TNA Tag Team Title match against Matt and Jeff Hardy at an IMPACT taping in Detroit following Bound for Glory. A botched move resulted in a broken neck, forcing him to undergo surgery and take an indefinite hiatus from the ring.

While his in-ring return remains uncertain, Bey’s heartfelt words at FSW Mecca X made it clear that he hasn’t lost his passion for wrestling—or the fans who have stood by him. His speech was a powerful reminder of the bond between wrestlers and their supporters, proving that even in the toughest moments, the love for the business remains unshaken.

With an unforgettable night in the books, the question now remains: When will Chris Bey make his return to the ring?

Homicide Announces Retirement Due to Health Issues, Wrestles Final Match

The wrestling world was left stunned earlier this month when Homicide, a former Ring of Honor World Champion and TNA Tag Team Champion, revealed that he would be stepping away from the ring. His farewell match took place on March 20, where he teamed with former WWE star Bull James against TNA’s Mike Santana and Afa Jr. However, while fans initially speculated on why Homicide was retiring while still actively competing, he has now provided clarity on his decision.

Homicide Reveals Health Concerns Behind Retirement

One day before his final match, Homicide took to Facebook to explain that his retirement is due to a serious health issue—a cyst on his brain that has worsened over time.

“Reason I’m leaving cause I went to my Doctor and found cyst my brain,” Homicide shared. “Had it for months getting worst. My vision, speech is bad. Cause the hard hitting getting knock out and hitting a plane to travel.”

The 46-year-old veteran has built a reputation for his hard-hitting, no-nonsense style, competing in countless brutal battles throughout his career. Unfortunately, the physical toll of his in-ring wars has now led him to step away for the sake of his health.

A Celebration, Not a Goodbye

Despite the circumstances, Homicide made it clear that he wanted his final match to be a celebration rather than a somber farewell.

“I want people to party, and smile, except for Afa Jr.,” Homicide joked. “I’m survivor, I always win bS battles, bottom my heart. Thank you for your support. This not a goodbye. This is I see you later.”

Homicide’s contributions to professional wrestling, particularly in Ring of Honor, TNA, and the independent scene, have left an undeniable mark on the industry. His legacy of grit, passion, and intensity will continue to inspire future generations.

AEW Honors Homicide’s Career

For fans looking to relive some of Homicide’s greatest moments, AEW has released a special episode of “ROH Timelines: Homicide” on their YouTube channel. The episode highlights his incredible career in Ring of Honor, including classic matches against Bryan Danielson and other top names.

A Wrestling Legend Steps Away

While his in-ring career has come to an end, Homicide’s impact on wrestling will never be forgotten. Whether he stays involved behind the scenes or simply enjoys a well-earned rest, his influence remains undeniable.

Malakai Black, Ricky Starks And Miro Depart AEW: What’s Next for These Stars?

The wrestling world has seen a wave of roster shake-ups lately, and AEW is no exception. Following a series of WWE releases, it has now been confirmed that three notable AEW names—Miro, Malakai Black, and Ricky Starks—are no longer with the company. Even more intriguing, they are free to sign and compete anywhere immediately, as their contracts do not include non-compete clauses.

According to Fightful Select, AEW removed all three from its official roster page on Monday, signaling their official departure. Let’s break down the situation for each of these now-former AEW stars.

Malakai Black’s Unexpected Exit

Black’s AEW run seemed poised for longevity, with AEW President Tony Khan previously suggesting his contract could keep him with the company until 2027. However, reports indicate that Black was actually finished with AEW as early as January—well before the Royal Rumble. AEW has already adjusted creatively, repackaging Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart from the House of Black into a new stable, the Hounds of Hell.

Given Black’s reputation as a unique in-ring performer and storyteller, speculation will likely swirl about a potential WWE return—especially considering his past as Aleister Black and his connections in the company.

Miro’s AEW Run Fizzles Out

Once one of AEW’s most dominant forces, Miro had been missing from action for quite some time. Despite being healthy, he wrestled only a handful of matches in 2023 and had not been included in creative discussions for at least six months. Reports indicate that Miro actually requested his release back in September, which means his exit may have been in the works for a while.

Originally signing a long-term contract extension in 2022, Miro was expected to remain with AEW until 2026. However, his absence from TV and lack of creative direction made his departure seem inevitable. Now, the question is whether Miro—formerly known as Rusev in WWE—will head back to his old stomping grounds or explore opportunities elsewhere.

Ricky Starks: A Frustrated Star Moves On

Perhaps the most surprising departure is Ricky Starks, who had long been considered a rising star in AEW. According to reports, Starks asked AEW not to pick up his contract’s option year in late 2023. However, AEW did the opposite—exercising the option but then not utilizing him on TV.

Starks reportedly requested his release in January, and his situation was further complicated when he was pulled from GCW events due to backstage friction. Despite this, Starks managed to make headlines over the weekend by winning the DEFY World Championship from KENTA just before his AEW release became public.

What’s Next?

With no contractual restrictions holding them back, Miro, Black, and Starks have the freedom to appear anywhere at any time. Could we see one—or all—of them make surprise appearances in WWE, NJPW, or even TNA? The industry is wide open, and their next moves will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and promoters alike.

For now, one thing is certain: AEW’s landscape continues to shift, and these departures could lead to major shake-ups across the wrestling world.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!