Tommy Dreamer has been suspended indefinitely by Impact Wrestling following comments he made on Dark Side of the Ring.
Tommy Dreamer will not be at this week’s Impact tapings following comments he made on Dark Side of the Ring defending Ric Flair’s actions on the Plane Ride From Hell.
Impact Wrestling has revealed Tommy Dreamer has been suspended indefinitely from the promotion for comments he made defending allegations against Ric Flair during an appearance on Dark Side of the Ring. PW Insider reports that an email from Impact’s Ed Nordholm was sent to those within the promotion stating that Dreamer’s comments did not align with its core values.
Dark Side of the Ring returned to Vice this week to commence the second half of season three. The Plane Ride From Hell was covered in Thursday’s episode and it included the alleged actions of Ric Flair on that flight. Apparently, The Nature Boy spent part of the journey in nothing but an open robe, which was par for the course according to Tommy Dreamer who was also aboard the aircraft.
Dreamer came to the defense of Flair at that point in the episode, and it seems his controversial remarks may have landed him in hot water. According to Fightful, Impact staff have been told Dreamer will not be at this weekend’s tapings in Nashville. While not confirmed that Dreamer’s absence is related to his Dark Side comments, the timing makes it appear as if that’s the case.
“He’s just flaunting, styling and profiling, doing the Ric Flair stuff where everybody’s going to laugh about it. But obviously, someone took offense to it,” Dreamer said on this week’s episode of Dark Side. “If that’s how she felt, maybe she should have not taken a payout… I feel this is trying to portray someone as a sexual predator, and it’s not. It’s a joke. It’s a gag.”
Flair wasn’t a part of the episode, but a caption appeared on the screen clarifying the Hall of Famer denies all of the allegations made against him by Doyle. He also pre-empted the airing of the episode during a recent appearance on Oral Sessions, admitting that he wasn’t looking forward to it. The future of Dreamer with Impact Wrestling, or if his absence is connected to his Dark Side comments, will likely become clearer in the coming days.
Impact Wrestling ‘Victory Road‘ Saturday September 18, 2021 at 8 pm ET from the Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Available on Impact Plus and their YouTube channel.
CARD
Impact World Title Match Ace Austin w/Madman Fulton vs. Christian Cage (c)
Impact X Division Title Match Chris Sabin vs. Josh Alexander (c)
Impact World Tag Team Titles Match Rich Swann and Willie Mack vs. The Good Brothers (c)
Impact Knockouts Tag Team Titles Match Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans vs. Rosemary and Havok (c)
No DQ Match Matt Cardona vs. Rohit Raju
Six-Way Scramble Laredo Kid vs. Black Taurus vs. Jake Something vs. Suicide vs. John Skyler vs. Trey Miguel
Taylor Wilde w/ Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering vs. Tenille Dashwood w/ Madison Rayne and Kaleb
Steve Maclin vs. TJP vs. Petey Williams
W. Morrissey and Moose vs. Sami Callihan and Eddie Edwards
Bullet Club (Chris Bey and Hikuleo) vs. FinJuice (David Finlay and Juice Robinson)
With Victory Road just 48 hours away, last-minute pushes and pulls are bound to happen tonight on Impact Wrestling’s final stop before Saturday.
* Victory Road go-home show
* Impact World Champion Christian Cage, X Division Champion Josh Alexander, Eddie Edwards, Chris Sabin & Sami Callihan vs. Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Moose, Brian Myers, & W. Morrissey
* John Skyler vs. Laredo Kid
* TJP vs. Petey Williams
* Matthew Rehwoldt vs. Trey Miguel
* Decay (Crazzy Steve & Black Taurus) vs. Violent By Design (Rhino & Deaner)
* And, Johnny Swinger & Hernandez vs. Fallah Bahh & No Way will kick things off on Before The Impact at 7 PM ET!
Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt has assured his fireflies, or fans, that they will all be seeing him “very soon” inside a pro wrestling ring.
While responding to a fan on Twitter on Wednesday, Wyatt wrote the following:
Everything will be clear. I’ll see you all very soon. Revenge is a confession of pain.
Through another tweet, Wyatt mentioned how fans have “NEVER seen the real me,” a possible reference to the way he was booked during his WWE career.
Wyatt is expected to start with AEW soon, and could potentially make his debut on the Sept. 29 edition of AEW Dynamite, which will be held in Rochester, NY. Rochester is the hometown of the late Brodie Lee.
The potential date for Wyatt’s AEW debut contradicts earlier reports that his 90-day non-compete clause with WWE would expire on Friday, Oct. 29, a week before AEW’s Full Gear pay-per-view on Nov. 6.
The report also noted that, If Wyatt ends up with Impact Wrestling, he could debut at the Oct. 23 Bound For Glory pay-per-view in Las Vegas.
Impact Wrestling is bringing back the Knockouts Knockdown pay-per-view.
The all-women’s event will be headlined by a Monster’s Ball match to honor former WCW & TNA star Daffney, who passed away at the age of 46 on September 1. Daffney was the first Knockout to participate in a Monster’s Ball match when she faced Taylor Wilde at the 2009 Sacrifice pay-per-view.
Knockouts Knockdown will be taped this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the weekend Impact TV tapings from Skyway Studios in Nashville. It will then air on Saturday, October 9 via Impact Plus and the Impact YouTube channel for Ultimate Insiders.
Knockouts Knockdown will see the Impact debut of former WWE NXT Superstar Mercedes Martinez, who was released in early August. Christy Hemme will also return. Impact noted in their announcement that Hemme will have a “major role in Knockouts Knockdown” but it wasn’t clear if she will be wrestling.
Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim announced the return of Knockouts Knockdown on Facebook last night. You can see her video below. Kim said there will be female wrestlers, referees, announcers, and more.
“I am so excited for Knockouts Knockdown, when females from across the wrestling landscape will take over The IMPACT Zone, with female wrestlers, referees, announcers and more,” Kim said. “There is so much planned, so much excitement for Knockouts Knockdown – I know the fans will be excited to watch it live this weekend, starting Friday afternoon, at The IMPACT Zone in Nashville. Doing something to honor Daffney’s memory is something that everyone involved with the event and others are thrilled to be able to do. She was a great wrestler and a better person. No one will forget Daffney; we want to honor her.”
The inaugural Knockouts Knockdown event was held in 2013 with Kim winning a Gauntlet to be crowned the “Queen of the Knockouts” in the main event. The event was also held in 2014, 2015, 2016, and in 2017 as the “Victory Road: Knockouts Knockdown” event. The 2017 event was headlined by Leva Bates, ODB, Alisha Edwards and Santana Garrett defeating Laurel Van Ness (aka Chelsea Green), Angelina Love, Diamante, and current Knockouts Tag Team Champion Rosemary.
Kenny Omega has topped the PWI 500 for the second time in his career, beating Roman Reigns to number one.
Kenny Omega has topped the PWI 500 for only the second time in his career, knocking Jon Moxley off the top spot and all the way down to number six.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated has been ranking the 500 best male wrestlers in the business since 1991. Who deserves to be number one each year is heavily debated, with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cole, CM Punk, and AJ Styles all having clinched the top spot in the past. This year’s top ten has been revealed, and PWI has declared Kenny Omega 2021’s best male wrestler.
This is actually the second time Omega has topped the PWI 500. The Cleaner was named the publication’s best wrestler in 2018 as well. It was hard to argue with the decision to place him first then, and maybe even more difficult to make a case against him in 2021. During PWI’s assessment period, Omega won World Titles in three different promotions, holding them simultaneously.
The rest of the top ten has been revealed too, with Universal Champion Roman Reigns claiming the number two spot. That’s the highest Reigns has placed since he took the number one spot in 2016, bouncing back from dropping out of the top ten completely in 2020 when he missed a chunk of the year due to the pandemic.
Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, and Finn Balor also make the top ten, as does Will Ospreay. However, the New Japan star appears to be a little miffed with only making it as high as seventh. It’s actually the highest Ospreay has ever placed, only cracking the top ten one time before this in 2019. The British star tweeted that he could beat Omega any night of the week in response to the top ten being posted on Twitter.
I’d beat up number 1 any day of the week and twice on Wednesdays…..just saying https://t.co/VdZ26ul6rm
SouOmega responded that New Japan has been “ice cold” since he left, to which Ospreay replied by pointing to a sold-out MSG show and the best-selling Tokyo Dome show in the promotion’s history. Ospreay closes by challenging Omega to a match. The forbidden door between AEW and New Japan is wide open right now, so it could happen. Just last night on Dynamite Moxley defeated Minoru Suzuki.
On Wednesday, former WCW and IMPACT star Shannon “Daffney” Spruill was on IG live threatening to harm herself and it has been learned she has passed away.
On Wednesday evening, there was real concern about the health and safety of former WCW and IMPACT Wrestling star Daffney Unger. After an Instagram Live post where she seemed emotionally distraught and was threatening harm to herself, the stream ended in a way that had many concerned. Multiple parties, friends and former co-workers including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley reached out on Twitter asking, “If anyone has a way of reaching Daffney Unger, or knows her address, please help out. She’s in a bad personal place and is threatening to harm herself.”
Updates suggested authorities had been sent to her known address to check on her well being. Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that Daffney has died.
A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner. Shimmer Pro Wrestling tweeted out an update after people were frantically trying to get to Daffney (real name Shannon Spruill) saying: “We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger @screamqueendaff. We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Daffney’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, announced her passing on Facebook and confirmed that the date of her passing was Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill… Scream Queen Daff, passed away suddenly last night. Absolutely heartbroken,” she wrote.
Wrestlers and friends have taken to social media on Thursday offering support and their condolences in the loss. Foley wrote: “I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney” He also tweeted out a phone number and contact information for a help line for those who might be struggling mentally or emotionally.
Gail Kim wrote: “So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon. Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You’re never alone.”
Big E of WWE wrote: “I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life.”
Tegan Nox wrote, “My thoughts and love are with Daffney’s friends and family! She was such an amazing influence in the wrestling community, a true pioneer for us women. RIP Daffney.
“Velvet Sky wrote: “Rest in eternal peace my sweet, sweet, Angel friend. You were such an amazing, funny, loving, caring person, and I’ll never ever forget you. I love you always, @screamqueendaff My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful soul.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family,” Impact Wrestling said in a statement issued on social media. Daffney spent three years with Impact back when it was still known as TNA. She parted ways with the company in 2011. Impact also dedicated that evening’s edition of their weekly TV show to Daffney’s memory.
NXT star Dakota Kai recalled her first time visiting the United States to tour as an independent wrestler and spoke highly of her first encounter with Daffney. “During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul [broken heart emoji] To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones,” Kai tweeted.
Zelina Vega took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text message she had received from Daffney in which The Scream Queen thanked Zelina for encouraging her. Daffney also told Zelina that she was proud of her. “She was such a kind soul,” Zelina captioned a series of photographs of Daffney. “Always wanted to help others and smile. She genuinely cared. She used to send me videos of her singing Aaliyah songs because we both loved her. I’ll miss you always.“
SmackDown’s Shotzi Blackheart tweeted about how much Daffney inspired her. “RIP Daffney thank you for being my spooky inspiration,” she wrote. “I had the biggest crush on you. I will never forget meeting you and telling you how cool I thought you were and how sweet you were to me. I scream for Daffney!”
ROH recalled how Daffney managed CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel during the early days of the company, and then made a special appearance in 2018. They issued the following statement on her passing:
ROH Mourns The Passing Of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn that Daffney (Shannon Spruill) has died. She was 46.
Spruill worked as a wrestler, manager and valet in WCW, ROH, TNA and various independent promotions during a 16-year career that began in 1999.
Performing under the name Lucy, Spruill managed The Second City Saints (CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel) during the early days of ROH.
Spruill made an appearance at Supercard of Honor in 2018 for the finals of the Women of Honor Title Tournament. After Sumie Sakai won the match, Spruill celebrated in the ring with her.
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
WWE paid tribute to Daffney with a post on Instagram, seen below, and also issued the following statement:
Shannon “Daffney” Spruill passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that former WCW star Shannon Spruill, known to sports-entertainment fans as Daffney, passed away at the age of 46.
Spruill gained worldwide recognition when she first arrived in WCW in November 1999 as Daffney, aligning herself with David Flair and Crowbar. Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.
WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
According to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds on average. Over 700,000 individuals take their own lives each year — more than twice the number of people who die as a result of homicide. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health crisis, seek assistance immediately via one of the phone numbers listed below:
Who will gain momentum en route to Victory Road? The action continues on an all-new IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV.
* Ace Austin vs. Tommy Dreamer (If Dreamer wins he will be added to the World title Match at Victory Road)
* Josh Alexander issued an open challenge to any former X-Division Champion this Thursday! Who will answer the call for a shot at the coveted X-Division Title
* The Influence vs. Taylor Wilde, Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering
* Rohit Raju and Shera vs. Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green
* Decay vs. Fallah Bahh and No Way
* John Skyler vs. Jake Something – Before the IMPACT, this Thursday at 7/6c on AXS TV as IMPACT
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