Category: Independent Promotions

Booker T Returning To The Ring Soon With His Former WCW Gimmick – G.I. Bro

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is returning to the ring soon, but not for WWE.

Booker will be bringing back his G.I. Bro gimmick for the upcoming Reality of Wrestling “Battle Lines Drawn” event on Saturday, February 8 from Booker’s World Gym Arena in Texas City, Texas. ROW is the indie promotion that Booker owns.

ROW has announced that Booker will be the Team Captain for the ROW team, leading Bryan Keith, Zack Mason and Warren Johnson into battle against Ryan Davidson and The Renegades in an eight-man tag team match.

The promotional material for the event includes the following quote from Booker’s G.I. Bro character: “The Battle Lines have been drawn and it’s time to go to war.”

Booker took to Twitter to comment on the ring return.

He wrote, “Excited to announce that I’ll be stepping back in the ring at @TheOfficialROW in 2 weeks! Now can you dig that SUCKA!?”

This is Booker’s first match since ROW’s “Last Stand” event in January 2019 when he faced Rex Andrews. Booker previously announced that he was training for a possible WWE ring return at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view in his hometown of Houston, TX. Booker did not work the Rumble Match, but he did serve as guest commentator. There are still rumors of The Revival facing WWE Hall of Famers Harlem Heat, Booker and brother Stevie Ray, but there’s no word on if WWE will make that match happen. The G.I. Bro character is the gimmick Booker used before joining WCW in 1993, and then again later in his WCW run.

Tickets for ROW’s “Battle Lines Drawn” event run at $20 and $21.50. The ringside seats are sold out. You can click here for details on tickets and the show.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jerry “The King” Lawler Wins Title In “Career Vs. Title” Match At Arkansas Indie Event

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler is a champion once again at the age of 70.

The Championship Wrestling of Arkansas indie promotion sent word that the WWE RAW announcer defeated Matt Riviera in a “Title vs. Career” match this past weekend at their No Surrender event to become the new CWA Arkansas Heavyweight Champion.

You can see video from the match below. The bout was the main event of last Saturday’s show at the Maumelle Event Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The CWA No Surrender event will be available for streaming soon on CWAWrestlingNetwork.com. Legendary Memphis Wrestling announcer Dave Brown, who recently appeared on AEW TV, helped do commentary for the event.

Lawler tweeted on the match and wrote, “My career is save for another match! New Arkansas Heavyweight Champion!”

You can see Lawler’s full tweet below, along with a few photos from the event:

https://twitter.com/JerryLawler/status/1219766701992050693

https://twitter.com/JerryLawler/status/1219772790276009985

https://twitter.com/ralowes/status/1219012098413539333

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Beyond Wrestling Filming A Network Pilot

Beyond Wrestling announced on IWTV.com that they have been given the approval to shoot a network pilot for March 2020. Launched in 2009 and owned by Drew Cordeiro, Beyond Wrestling currently bills itself as “independent wrestling’s most-watched YouTube Channel” and is based out of Worcester, Massachusetts. In addition to airing weekly content on YouTube, they also have stream content with the IndependentWrestling.TV service. Last year, the company created the live weekly series Uncharted Territory, which has included thirty-one episodes across two seasons.

“Our popularity exploded in 2019,” stated Beyond Wrestling owner Drew Cordeiro. “When we first started taping matches in a garage in Elyria, Ohio in 2009 I would have never imagined how big Beyond Wrestling would become. Each day we grow our YouTube channel with millions of fans from around the world watching. IWTV.LIVE continues to be an incredible partner for premium live streaming content, but we must explore all options in the name of further distribution.”

The pilot will be filmed Sunday, March 1, 2020 inside the Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 24 at noon ET.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Wrestling Legend Tracy Smothers Reveals He’s Battling Cancer

Former Florida Championship Wrestling, Continental Wrestling Federation, WCW, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, USWA (Memphis Wrestling Territory) WWE and ECW star “The Wild-Eyed Southern Boy” Tracy Smothers posted yesterday on Facebook that on November 14 he was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer.

Smothers explained in his post that he’s on his third treatment of chemotherapy. He also wrote about how the doctor told him he had a heart attack a while ago without even realizing it.

He wrote, “To all concerned I was diagnosed Nov.14 w Lymphoma cancer which now am on my 3rd treatment 3 to go Of Chemo which is shrinking the rapid growing tumors. Doc told me yrs ago I have blockage in my artery so here we are an have lost 45 percent of my heart use. Also he said I have lots of head, body trauma. Doc said I had a heart attack some time back an didn’t know it. I have felt bad for a while now but thought I was getting old, lol. This is not fatal as it’s between my Pancreas, Colon, neck. A big TY to all of u but I look at it as getting a tune-up, overhaul, tires rotated, oil change,etc.all in one lol. Remember LIFE is a BATTLE an I’m in it to win it so don’t hesitate in trying to be tough by putting off getting checked out in this day an age u never know?? GOD BLESS EVERYBODY..”

Smothers also wrestled in NWA, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and recently has been wrestling for a independent promotion in Indiana – New Focus Wrestling.

Below is Smothers’ post:

Master P Getting Into The Pro Wrestling Business With House Of Glory Ownership

Rapper and multi-millionaire entrepreneur Master P has announced that he is the new owner of the House of Glory indie wrestling promotion.

P, who appeared for WCW during the 1999 feud between the No Limit Soldiers and the West Texas Rednecks, announced today that he is taking over HOG, which is the New York City indie fed that was launched in 2012, ran by The Amazing Red and Brian XL.

The No Limit boss and head of the Miller family issued a warning to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, as seen in the new Instagram video below.

“And we’re getting into wrestling! I’m just telling y’all,” Master P told a TMZ reporter while promoting his new ‘Miller’s Family Treasures’ lifestyle reality TV show. “Vince McMahon, you in trouble, cause I’m about to take over wrestling.”

He continued, “Taking hip-hop to a whole different league. HOG – House of Glory Wrestling. I’m hiring all the top wrestlers, come over here. WWE, come over here to us.”

The caption on the video reads like this: “TMZ @romeomiller @cymphonique Our new lifestyle of the elite and wealthy tv show is called ‘Miller’s Family Treasures’ and we are making history by bringing Hip Hop to wrestling. We don’t own the NFL, NBA, or MLB but we do own House of Glory aka “HOG”. Join the movement #weallwegot @hogwrestling”

It looks like the Miller family will feature HOG on their “Miller’s Family Treasures” TV show.

There’s no word yet on when Master P and his crew will begin running HOG, or what they have planned.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Corey Storm Becomes Youngest Ever OVW TV Champion

Last night at a Ohio Valley Wrestling event in Louisville, KY, Corey Storm defeated Rhyno to become the youngest ever OVW TV Champion.

https://twitter.com/TGPWrestling/status/1174697661531860996

For those not familiar with Corey Storm – He is an upcoming 18 year old sensational wrestler on the rise. Storm recently made it onto the PWI annual top 500 list at number 500.

I have been following his career since I first seen him compete at a World Wrestling Alliance (independent promotion based in Kentucky) in Evansville, In and was very impressed with his in ring talent.

 

Santino Marella And Damien Sandow Come Out Of Retirement At The Same Indie Event (Photos)

Former WWE Superstar Santino Marella (Anthony Carelli) took to Instagram last night to reveal photos from his recent return to the ring. Santino worked a “Pancrase-style match” with Randy Bynoe and picked up the win at the recent Battle Arts Pro Wrestling show in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This was the official start for the promotion, which is affiliated with Santino’s Battle Arts Academy and Battle Arts MMA promotion.

Santino dedicated the match to his brother, who passed away last year. He wrote, “I dedicated this match to my brother Pasquale that passed away 10 months ago, he never missed a show.”

It looks like they may be building to a Santino vs. Bynoe rematch, but there’s no word yet on if Santino will continue wrestling for his promotion because he has been retired. He is set to return to WWE TV for Monday’s RAW Reunion special.

The first Battle Arts wrestling show also saw the ring return of former WWE Superstar Damien Sandow, who is now going by “The Dao” Aron Stevens. Stevens had also been retired until Saturday, and had been focusing on his acting career. He recently announced on social media that he was working a “Millennial Slayer” gimmick for his return to the indies.

Stevens defeated Timothy O’Connor in his return match at Battle Arts. He took to Instagram and commented on his return, writing, “Oh pro wrestling, how I missed you ! I was victorious in my first contest after 2 1/2 years. Very talented young man @irish_oconnor . However, when I was 19 or 20 , And I saw an advantage I capitalized . This is what I want to fix. No weakness, no entitlement, no mercy.”

Santino and Sandow appear to be good friends these days. As seen below, Sandow was busted open during his match and Santino was the one who fixed him up backstage after the match.

Below are several social media posts related to the recent ring returns, including Santino’s entrance video that he released before the match. You can use the arrows to scroll through the Instagram photos:

https://twitter.com/jjq84/status/1150246213696065536

https://twitter.com/milanmiracle/status/1150971479909109760

https://twitter.com/milanmiracle/status/1150075150928437251

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4fgzBARkR/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://twitter.com/milanmiracle/status/1152176858538151937

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BtMQeAp7w/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jon Moxley Makes Surprise Indie Appearance To Answer Killer Kross’ Challenge

Killer Kross got what he was looking for last night in Las Vegas after Jon Moxley answered his recent challenge at an indie event.

Future Stars of Wrestling’s “Natural Born Killers” event took place Friday night in Las Vegas and Moxley made a surprise appearance to wrestle Killer Kross, who was there with Scarlett Bordeaux.

Kross made a video last month calling Mox out.

Unfortunately, the match ended in a no contest. Both wrestlers then beat up security guards afterward who were trying to break them apart. Moxley also got on the microphone and said Kross has now earned his respect, so he’d like to finish this in the future.

Watch some of the clips from social media below.

https://twitter.com/AndreasHale/status/1147381393548173312

https://twitter.com/marc_raimondi/status/1147381327940816902

https://twitter.com/AndreasHale/status/1147384993833897984

https://twitter.com/GlennKingXXX/status/1147570965213110272

jon moxley killer kross surprise appearance match wrestle

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Fans Advised To Get Tested For HIV And Hepatitis C After Extreme Indie Event In Indiana, Promoter Comments

Fans who attended the Pro Wrestling TrainWreck promotion’s “Welcome To The Wreck Room” indie event on Sunday, June 23 in New Albany, Indiana may have been exposed to blood borne pathogens and should be tested for HIV and Hepatitis C, according to a press release from the Floyd County Health Department, reported by The News & Tribune.

Health officials have “highly encouraged” anyone who attended the event and was exposed to blood or bodily fluids, to contact the Floyd County Health Department to get tested for HIV and Hepatitis C.

The health department is reportedly investigating the event, which apparently featured a “Fans Bring the Weapons” match, a thumbtack match, and a “Panes of Glass” match, billed as “live extreme wrestling! 18+ only” on the flyers.

John Glenn, co-promoter of the event, told the Courier Journal that all wrestlers are “tested regularly” for the “safety of the people who come to our shows and for the guys in the ring as well.”

“We care about our performers and the people who come to see our performance,” Glenn said.

It looks like Sunday’s event was the re-debut show for the promotion.

Below is a photo from the event and a flyer, plus a new post from the promotion that notes wrestler blood tests must be submitted before their mid-October event:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Joey Ryan Reveals His Pro Wrestling Future

There have been a lot of questions as to where Joey Ryan would be heading following his recent legal battle with Lucha Underground. While AEW and WWE had both reportedly been interested in signing him, Ryan has decided to go a different route.

Joey Ryan stated at a Bar Wrestling event last night that he turned down lucrative deals from multiple promotions. He will remain on the independent scene where he built and innovated his brand.

Over the years, Ryan has become the “King of Dong Style” and has been known for his intergender matches. It was before this promo that he actually faced Priscilla Kelly. He stated that he wouldn’t be able to be his true self if he took a deal with another promotion.

Ryan, 39, compared himself to Aladdin, stating that he wanted to be a prince but knew he had to be his true, authentic self. He went on to say that independent wrestling and its fans have become the blonde girl he’s been looking for on Being The Elite. He finished by saying he may be a big fish in a small pond, but it is his pond.

You can see the video at this link.

Source: Wrestling Inc.