Category: NWA

Bobby Eaton Has Passed Away At The Age Of 62

Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has sadly passed away at the age of just 62.

Bobby Eaton, famed for his time as one half of The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of 62.

The wrestling world is waking up to the loss of another legend this morning. Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of just 62. Eaton’s sister confirmed the news on Facebook in the early hours of Thursday morning. What caused Eaton’s death is currently unknown.

“My Little Brother Beautiful Bobby Eaton passed away last night,” Eaton’s sister Debbie revealed on Facebook. Debbie posted a tribute to her late brother, also revealing Eaton’s daughter Taryn was the one who found him. A particularly tough time for the family as Taryn’s mom, Eaton’s wife Donna, only passed away a month ago, also aged 62.

While Eaton was also an incredibly talented singles wrestler, his most famous run in the business was as one half of The Midnight Express. Commonly referred to as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history, Eaton was the tandem’s mainstay throughout the team’s run. First alongside Dennis Condrey, and then partnered with Stan Lane after Eaton’s first partner departed JCP.

While Eaton’s stellar tag team work will always overshadow what he did as a part of The Midnight Express, it cannot be ignored. He may have never been a World Champion, but he did defeat Arn Anderson for the WCW TV Title in the early ’90s. Eaton even had the chance to be the one to break Goldberg’s legendary undefeated streak in WCW. Goldberg revealed that he pitched the idea to higher-ups, suggesting it happen off TV in Eaton’s hometown. They didn’t like the idea so it never happened.

While it is unclear what caused Eaton to pass away at this time, the former Tag Team Champion has reportedly been in poor health as of late. The wrestler suffered a bad fall last month which resulted in him being hospitalized. He was also hospitalized with heart issues back in 2019. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

WWE issued a statement on Eaton’s passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Bobby Eaton passed away at the age of 62.

A Huntsville, Alabama native, Eaton built a reputation as one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time during his nearly 40-year career. Eaton broke in at the age of 17 with NWA Mid-America and in just two years captured his first championship by teaming with Leapin’ Lanny Poffo to claim the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Titles.

After a stint with the Continental Wrestling Association, Eaton joined forces with Dennis Condrey to carry the torch for the memorable Midnight Express. “Beautiful” Bobby & “Lover Boy” Dennis quickly rose to prominence in Jim Crockett Promotions and won the NWA World Tag Team Titles from The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. Following Condrey’s departure, Midnight Express carried on with “Sweet” Stan Lane teaming with Eaton for memorable rivalries against The Samoan S.W.A.T. Team, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Steiner Brothers and more on their way to a United States Tag Team Title reign.

Eaton would make a strong singles run following the departure of Lane and defeated Arn Anderson to win the World Television Championship at SuperBrawl I. An ensuing run with Rick Rude, Larry Zbyszko, Steve Austin and Anderson of The Dangerous Alliance culminated with a legendary double-ring War Games Match at WrestleWar 1992 against Sting’s Squadron. After stops with Smoky Mountain Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Eaton would return to WCW before competing on the independent circuit up until 2015.

Eaton amassed countless accolades during his career but perhaps none more meaningful than the impact he left on his peers with Mick Foley, Steve Austin and others having praised Eaton as one of the most underrated and nicest Superstars in the business.

WWE extends its condolences to Eaton’s family, friends and fans.

Mickie James To Wrestle On The NWA 73rd Anniversary PPV

Mickie James will return to the ring on the NWA 73rd Anniversary pay-per-view in August.

The NWA recently announced that James had joined the company and will be executive producing the all-women’s NWA Empower pay-per-view on Saturday, August 28 from the Chase Ballroom in St. Louis. She has said she will not wrestle that night. It was believed that Mickie would wrestle at the NWA 73rd Anniversary pay-per-view the next night, at the same venue, and now that has been confirmed.

James hosted an Instagram Live video this week to announce the return to the ring. She noted that she is looking for an opponent, and wants fans to share potential opponents with NWA owner Billy Corgan.

James also talked about the Empower pay-per-view, noting that she is still looking for unsigned women’s wrestlers to send in their tapes and promos to mickiejamesproject@gmail.com if they’d like to potentially work the show.

James was released from her WWE contract back in mid-April along with other budget cuts, and will become a free agent after Wednesday, July 14 when her 90-day non-compete expires. James has not wrestled since the 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match back in January. Before that, her last singles match was the loss to Zelina Vega on the September 1, 2020 RAW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Mickie James Joins NWA, All-Women’s PPV Announced For August

Mickie James has officially joined the NWA, which has announced their first all-women’s PPV. Tuesday’s episode of NWA Powerrr saw Billy Corgan announce that the first all-women’s show, NWA In Power, will take place on August 28th in St. Louis, Missouri. James, who made her debut on yesterday’s show, will be the executive producer for the PPV. In addition, August 29th will be the date for the NWA’s 73rd Anniversary show which will also be in St. Louis.

James was released from WWE in April as part of the cuts that saw Samoa Joe, The IIconics, Chelsea Green and others released. The NWA Women’s division includes new NWA Women’s Champion Kamille along with former champions Serena Deeb and Thunder Rosa, the newly-signed Kylie Rae, Melina, and Taryn Terrell.

Source: 411Mania

NWA When Our Shadows Fall Results 6/6/2021

Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Velvet Sky are on the call tonight. The show opens with a highlight package of the scheduled matches in circus theme.

The End (Odinson and Parrow) vs. Sam Rudo and Sal Rinauro vs. Marshe Rockett and Slice Boogie vs. Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450

Winners: Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450

After the bell, The End confront Bestia and Mecha Wolf in the ring, but leave without getting physical.

Non-Title Grudge Match: There Must Be A Winner – NWA Television Champion The Pope vs. Tyrus

Winner: Tyrus

After the bell, Tyrus and Idol head to the back. Idol shouts, “Get that man a stretcher!” towards Pope, who does leave the ring on his own feet.

Thunder Rosa and Melina vs. Kylie Rae and Taryn Terrell

Winners: Kylie Ray and Taryn Terrell

After the bell Ray celebrates and heads to the back.

JTG vs. Fred Rosser

Winner: JTG

After the bell, JTG extends a hand to Rosser, who gets to his feet. JTG heads to the back, celebrating his NWA debut victory.

NWA World Tag Team Championship – Aron Stevens and JR Kratos (c) vs. War Kings (Jax Dane and Crimson) vs. NWA National Champion Chris Adonis and Thom Latimer

And Still: Aron Stevens and JR Kratos (c)

After the bell, Kratos shows respect to his partner. Commentary notes this is the first time in months Stevens and Kratos have shown cooperation.

NWA Women’s World Championship – Serena Deeb (c) vs. Kamille

And New: Kamille (c)

After the bell, Kamille celebrates with the title before heading to the back.

NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship – Nick Aldis (c) vs. Trevor Murdoch

Murdoch has control early on and rattles the champion. Aldis shoves the referee who is not pleased with his actions whatsoever. Aldis flees to the outside to catch his breath, but is still fighting a defensive battle when he gets back in the ring. After taking a lot of Murdoch’s offense, Aldis is able to resume control. Aldis begins toying with Murdoch, slapping him about and throwing him into the ropes.

Murdoch sees a glimmer of hope by responding with a massive clothesline. Aldis is tossed to the ropes once more and is shattered with another clothesline from the challenger. Murdoch ascends to the top rope and lands a bulldog from the skies. Commentary go wild as Murdoch goes for the cover, but Aldis escapes at 2. Aldis flees to the outside as Thom Latimer comes ringside. Latimer has a chair and distracts the referee. While this is going on, Aldis brings a chair in of his own and hits the referee with it. With no official present, Aldis strikes Murdoch with numerous chair shots, ascends the top rope, and lands an elbow from the skies to Murdoch’s back. Aldis goes up for another but Murdoch moves out of the way. Murdoch takes the chair for himself and strikes Aldis with the weapon. Aldis is now locked in a cloverleaf as the referee wakes up.

The referee makes his way back in the ring and calls for the bell. Murdoch celebrates, but the referee corrects the ring announcer. He says Aldis is the winner by disqualification, as he pieced the present chair and Murdoch on the offensive as a DQ by the challenger’s hands.

And Still: Nick Aldis (c) [by disqualification]

Warrior Wrestling Announced A Changed To The Upcoming Kylie Rae Title Match

Warrior Wrestling announced a changed to the upcoming title match between Kylie Rae and Thunder Rosa. Due to NWA adjusting its taping schedule, Rosa will no long be available on June 5, as originally advertised. Rae will still defend her title on that date against a soon to be announced opponent, and if she wins, she’ll face Rosa on the August 21 show. Below is the full statement from Warrior Wrestling:

Warrior Wrestling announced today that the advertised Kylie Rae vs. Thunder Rosa match scheduled for Saturday, June 5th will be delayed until the third Stadium Series show on Saturday, August 21st. The delay comes due to the NWA changing its taping schedule for early June and Thunder Rosa no longer being available that day. Warrior Wrestling worked with the NWA and Thunder Rosa to reschedule the match for Saturday, August 21st.

Kylie Rae will still make her return to pro wrestling on Saturday, June 5th, and defend the Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship. Her opponent will be named in the coming days, and the entire card will be revealed over the course of this week and next week.

If Kylie is still champion on August 21st, the match with Rosa will be for the title.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NWA Back For The Attack Results 3/21/2021

Slice Boogie def. Crimson, Jax Dane and Jordan Clearwater

Tyrus debuts def. NWA World Tag Team Champion JR Kratos

NWA World Television Title Match
Time Limit Draw: “The Pope” Elijah Burke (c) detains vs. Thom Latimer

 Former TNA Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell joins Galli and Storm on commentary expressing her desire to be NWA World Women’s Champion

#1 Contender’s Match
Kamille def. Thunder Rosa
Kamille earns a future shot at NWA World Women’s Champion Serena Deeb.

NWA National Heavyweight Title Match
Trevor Murdoch (c) def. Chris Adonis

Post-match: Murdoch offers a handshake, and Adonis obliges, but he attacks Murdoch! The officials are trying to break it up as Adonis hits a full-nelson slam. The officials are scared off as Adonis locks in the Master Lock as Murdoch passes out. Adonis lays the National Championship over Murdoch as he leaves.

Austin Idol now joins Galli and Storm on commentary. He wants everyone to “recognize NWA is back!” He reminds Storm that he was there when Aldis won the title from Storm. “I’m not a free agent. Never use the word free in front of Austin Idol.” He says that as he talks about how Stevens invited him over to Back For The Attack. He says it’s good to be the underdog for Stevens as he reveals that Stevens asked him, “Can you help me?” He says Stevens has as good of a chance to beat Aldis tonight than anyone else. “Watch the outcome.”

– Davis calls for a ten-bell salute for the people that have passed in the NWA family including Joe Hudson and Jim Crockett Jr.

NWA World’s Heavyweight Title Match
Nick Aldis (c) def. NWA World Tag Team Champion Aron Stevens

 Stevens is emotional in the corner as he holds Jocephus’s mask. Aldis tells him to “stand up like a man” as the two shake hands. A “Thank you Joseph” chant breaks out as the roster and Joseph’s widow enter the ring as she holds a Question Mark flag. Stevens says “we love you” to Joseph Hudson as a “Question Mark” chant breaks out and closes out the show.

https://twitter.com/FiteTV/status/1373755880370540554

NWA Back For The Attack 3/21/2021

NWA Back For The Attack takes place on Sunday, March 21 from GPB Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will air live on FITE TV and traditional pay-per-view

Below is the current card:

NWA World’s Heavyweight Title Match
NWA World Tag Team Champion Aron Stevens vs. Nick Aldis (c)

NWA World Television Title Match
Thom Latimer vs. “The Pope” Elijah Burke (c)

NWA National Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Adonis vs. Trevor Murdoch (c)

#1 Contender’s Match
Thunder Rosa vs. Kamille
Winner earns a future shot at NWA World Women’s Champion Serena Deeb.

Crimson vs. Jax Dane vs. Slice Boogie vs. Jordan Clearwater

Tyrus debuts vs. NWA World Tag Team Champion JR Kratos

Main Event Announced For NWA Back For The Attack

NWA President Billy Corgan announced the main event of NWA Back For The Attack on March 21 (4 pm ET) will be NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis vs. Aron Stevens.

Corgan also said the PPV is in remembrance of Joseph Hudson (aka Jocephus and Question Mark), who passed away last month. Corgan believed Hudson’s tag partner, and friend, Stevens should receive the title shot in his honor.

Below is the updated PPV card:

* Nick Aldis (c) vs. Aron Stevens (NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship)

* Jax Dane vs. Slice Boogie vs. Jordan Clearwater vs. Crimson

* Tyrus to debut

https://twitter.com/nwa/status/1371128991847837699

Legendary Promoter Jim Crockett Jr. Passes Away At 76

The legendary pro-wrestling promoter Jim Crockett Jr. has tragically passed away at the age of 76.

Crockett’s death from organ failure was confirmed by multiple sources on Wednesday evening.

Jim’s father — Jim Crockett Sr. — started the hugely influential Jim Crockett Promotions in 1931. Crockett Sr. passed away in 1977, and Crockett Jr. officially took the reigns of JCP in 1977. The company, which ran affiliated with the NWA, was started by his father, and was sold in 1988 to Ted Turner, who re-named it WCW. Crockett Jr. was a three-term NWA President, last serving in the role in 1991.

In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from Jim’s fans, friends, and colleagues.

“Rest In Peace Jim Crockett Jr. You will be missed by so many,” Robert Gibson of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express wrote on Facebook.

“If not for my love of Jim Crockett promotions I doubt I ever would have considered a pro wrestling career,” Lance Storm tweeted. “Thank you Jim Crockett jr. May you Rest In Peace.”

WWE issued a statement:

WWE is saddened to learn that Jim Crockett Jr. passed away at the age of 76.

An influential promoter who helped champion the careers of WWE Hall of Famers such as Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat and The Road Warriors, Crockett Jr. stewarded the family’s Crockett Promotions from 1977 to 1989. As part of the promotion’s affiliation, Crockett Jr. was later named President of the National Wrestling Alliance in 1980. During his tenure, Crockett Jr. helped expand the promotion’s footprint and held the inaugural Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Under Crockett Jr.’s leadership, the NWA would eventually be sold and renamed as World Championship Wrestling.

WWE extends its condolences to Crockett Jr.’s family and friends.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1367347395344924676

AEW and Impact Wrestling also issued statements via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1367327469192310788
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1367314318396690432

Update On Upcoming NWA Tapings, News On NWA Content Being Removed From YouTube

NWA is reportedly going to hold a new set of TV tapings from March 21-24, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Radio.

There was uncertainty of the promotion’s future after all of its content was deleted from its YouTube channel over the weekend.

The videos were removed because of a new distribution deal that should be announced soon. NWA content will be available through their new partner. I was not told specifically who the new partner is, but I was able to confirm that it is not WWE or AEW.

This deal will add some new revenue for the company, which is more than they were making from the ads on their YouTube channel.

As reported by Dave Meltzer, a “positive announcement” is expect soon from NWA, also noting it had nothing to do with AEW.

The promotion’s last set of tapings took place in Atlanta, Georgia in late-January 2020. Since then, NWA has worked with AEW and UWN to have their champions appear and defend their titles — most notably, Thunder Rosa and NWA Women’s World Champion Serena Deeb in All Elite Wrestling.

Source: Wrestling Inc.