Category: TNA

Taz Signs Multi-Year Agreement With AEW

AEW has added another announcer to the team, this time being former WWE and Impact Wrestling announcer Taz.

The company shared a video on Thursday of Cody, Vice President of Business Strategy Chris Harrington and Taz signing the contract backstage at Bash at the Beach.

Taz says in the video that his people already looked over the contract and “the coin looks right,” so he and Harrington both sign the paperwork to make it official.

The ECW legend’s first appearance in AEW took place back in October as a guest commentator for AEW Dark. As we previously reported, AEW Dark will soon be moving to TNT now that WarnerMedia has extended All Elite Wrestling’s TV deal through 2023.

After signing the documents in the video, Taz says, “Looks like I’ve joined a revolution … again.”

Watch Taz sign his contract below.

https://twitter.com/AEWrestling/status/1217838923050881027

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AEW Dark Coming To TNT With Changes

As reported on Wednesday, AEW and WarnerMedia have announced that their deal for AEW Dynamite on TNT has been extended through 2023. It was also announced that the two sides have agreed on a new AEW series to premiere at a later date. You can click here to read the full announcement with comments from AEW President & CEO Tony Khan, and you can click here to read insider details on the deal, including how much money it’s worth to AEW.

It looks like the second series will be AEW Dark, which currently airs Tuesdays on YouTube, but will be coming to TNT with some changes. It was noted earlier in another report that this second series would be an extra 4th hour of AEW programming each week, but it appears that may not be the actual story here.

The Wrap’s Tony Maglio spoke with Turner President Kevin Reilly at the Television Critics Association press event on Wednesday and Reilly revealed the news there. Dark will air weekly, on TNT, but it may not air for 52 weeks per year, likely due to other programming on TNT.

Reilly elaborated on the plan to add changes to AEW Dark before bringing it to cable TV.

“We’re going to embellish [AEW Dark] and put some additional material, kind of behind the scenes, kind of docu-follow stuff, if you will, about the athletes and the stories,” Reilly said.

Reilly later told Variety that the new-and-improved AEW Dark will not air on Monday nights against WWE RAW.

“We just figured, ‘Let’s bring it onto the network and make it a place where you truly plant up and coming talent,'” Reilly said. “I think we’ll start doing more packages there and filming some behind-the-scenes stuff, not for the matches that night but with other talent to plant stories and grow things that could eventually become another show in and of itself.”

Reilly also revealed that discussions to extend the deal for AEW Dynamite on TNT began over the holidays and noted that Dynamite has “over-delivered right out of the gate” for TNT.

“I just had this idea that this was the time to invest,” Reilly said. “This is a startup. It’s already over-delivered out of the gate. That’s really when you want to hit the gasoline a little bit. The guys already have ideas about additional talent and things they want to do and I wanted to incentivize them as a partner to do that. We also wanted to gave fans and talent who potentially want to come work with us the sense that this is here to stay. You can invest in it, it’s here to stay, and it’s only going to get better.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Bash At The Beach Preview 1/15/20

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite ‘Bash at the Beach’ will air live from the Watsco Center in Miami, Florida.

* #1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way: The Young Bucks vs. Proud and Powerful (Santana & Ortiz) vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page vs. Best Friends

* Jon Moxley vs. Sammy Guevara

* Awesome Kong and Mel vs. Shida and Kris Statlander

* PAC vs. Darby Allin

* Diamond Dallas Page, Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall vs. MJF, The Butcher and The Blade

* Cody answers MJF

AEW And WarnerMedia Extend Dynamite Contract Through 2023, New AEW Show To Launch Soon

AEW and WarnerMedia have announced that the contract for Dynamite on TNT has been extended through 2023.

It was also announced that AEW and WarnerMedia have agreed to launch another weekly series. There’s no word yet on details of the new show, but we will keep you updated.

The announcement from AEW and WarnerMedia also noted that AEW has racked up over 100,000 pay-per-view buys since launching. The upcoming Revolution pay-per-view will also air on B/R Live.

“When we launched AEW one year ago, we wanted to start a revolution that would disrupt the wrestling business, but everyone said that it would take a strong weekly television partner to make AEW real in the eyes of everyone – above all, the fans,” said AEW President & CEO Tony Khan in the presser. “What virtually no one realized at the time was Kevin Reilly and TNT were committed to this very same movement from Day One, and their belief in us made it possible for AEW to think and act big from the start. Here we are, only three months into Wednesday Night Dynamite, and now we’ve been extended through 2023! We’re now making the ultimate statement that the team of AEW and TNT is here to stay and to bring fans more of the great wrestling that the fans demand and deserve.”

Below is the full press release issued today and a new trailer from AEW and WarnerMedia:

START UP WRESTLING SENSATION ALL ELITE WRESTLING EXTENDED IN MULTI-YEAR PACT

AEW: DYNAMITE Extended Through 2023

WarnerMedia Greenlights New AEW Series

AEW: DYNAMITE on TNT is a Top 20 New Cable Unscripted Series and has Reached Nearly 32 Million Viewers Across All Platforms in Only Three Months

Pasadena, January 15, 2020 – WarnerMedia announced today an expanded relationship with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the groundbreaking new wrestling league that has already redefined wrestling with resounding success after only a few months. WarnerMedia has extended their deal for AEW: DYNAMITE, a top 20 new cable unscripted series, through 2023. In addition, the parties have agreed to launch another night of AEW action, offering more of the fans’ favorite wrestlers, with a second show straight-to- series.

“When Tony Khan first shared with me his idea of starting a new wrestling league, I was impressed by his audacity to go up against a contender that has been the only game in town for twenty years, and ultimately believed that together we could bring his vision for a new, authentic, gritty product to bear,” says Kevin Reilly, chief content officer, HBO Max, president, TNT, TBS, and truTV. “The fans have spoken and after only three months, we have seen AEW shake up the wrestling world and this will only continue as we build upon this momentum.”

AEW: DYNAMITE exploded onto the wrestling scene when it premiered on TNT as the night’s #1 wrestling show. It has continued to deliver high performing episodes each week with the series averaging 1.2M total viewers and 654K A18-49 per episode in Live +7 Day viewing. In only three months, AEW: DYNAMITE has reached nearly 32 million people across all platforms. The show also delivers the youngest wrestling audience on television.

“When we launched AEW one year ago, we wanted to start a revolution that would disrupt the wrestling business, but everyone said that it would take a strong weekly television partner to make AEW real in the eyes of everyone – above all, the fans,” said Tony Khan, president and CEO of AEW. “What virtually no one realized at the time was Kevin Reilly and TNT were committed to this very same movement from Day One, and their belief in us made it possible for AEW to think and act big from the start. Here we are, only three months into Wednesday Night Dynamite, and now we’ve been extended through 2023! We’re now making the ultimate statement that the team of AEW and TNT is here to stay and to bring fans more of the great wrestling that the fans demand and deserve.”

Weekly action-packed matches continue to air live on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET as part of TNT’s line-up of big, lean-forward television that gives viewers the best seat in the house for electrifying stories, dynamic characters and thrilling events. A global franchise, AEW has already secured broadcast deals in the UK, Canada, France and Germany and is available in over 100 other countries through the AEWPlus.com subscription service. Both parties are continuously exploring ways to further expand this relationship.

WarnerMedia announced in May 2019 that it was working with AEW by utilizing its position as a next- generation global media company to help build this league into a global pro-wrestling franchise. WarnerMedia has also been offering fans exclusive access to AEW’s extremely popular pay-per-view matches, which kicked off in May 2019, via B/R Live. Their next event, REVOLUTION, which takes place in Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 29, will also stream on the platform. With nearly 100,000 total AEW pay-per- view buys, B/R Live’s high fan engagement provides an invaluable opportunity to build AEW’s audience and maximize its viewership.

In addition to being a ratings success, AEW has earned a great deal of praise from a wide range of press. Newsweek called it “One of the best shows of 2019,” and four of AEW’s wrestlers were named in Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 wrestlers of 2019, with Jon Moxley being named “Wrestler of the Year.” The Washington Post also wrote that “AEW… is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to present pro wrestling differently, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the ring, in the front office and in the audience.” USA Today referred to the league as the “new cool kids,” and the New York Post stated that AEW: DYNAMITE “showcased the superb in-ring action it’s known for.” Complex heralded AEW: DYNAMITE’s presentation as “top notch” and /Film wrote that “AEW is the best and most refreshing professional wrestling has been in years.”

AEW is a new global wrestling league that features a world-class roster of diverse male and female wrestlers, giving fans a new wrestling experience for the first time in 20 years. AEW is about more than wrestling. It’s a movement fueled by fans. Focused on fast-paced, high-impact competitions, AEW offers fans more athleticism along with real sports analytics. Founded by President and CEO Tony Khan, AEW is headlined by Cody & Brandi Rhodes, Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), Kenny Omega and Hangman Adam Page. The roster is also filled with incredibly skilled competitors including Nyla Rose, Awesome Kong, Dustin Rhodes, Jungle Boy, Dr. Britt Baker, MJF, Pac and SCU. In addition to being in-ring talent, Cody, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega also serve as EVPs with Brandi Rhodes serving as Chief Brand Officer.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Announces The Return Of ‘Lockdown’

On Tuesday evening, Impact Wrestling announced on Twitter that Lockdown will return live on Impact Plus on Saturday, March 28, at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario.

The last time Lockdown aired was back in January of 2016.

Tickets for this event will go on sale this Friday at 8 AM EST.

Impact Wrestling Preview 1/14/20

Tonight on Impact at 8/7c on AXS TV and Twitch

* Fallout from Hard to Kill

* Tessa Blanchard made history at Hard To Kill by defeating Sami Callihan and becoming the first woman to hold the IMPACT World Championship. After the pay-per-view went off the air, Tessa celebrated this huge accomplishment in the middle of the ring. This Tuesday on IMPACT!, you will get to see that bonus footage for yourself. Plus, witness the first sit-down interview with the new World Champion as she talks about her history-making moment.

* Joey Ryan vs. Johnny Swinger

* Moose vs. Fallah Bahh vs. Ace Austin vs. Eddie Edwards

* RVD and Katie Forbes Celebrate Hard To Kill victory

AEW Dark Preview 1/14/20

The following was taped for tonight’s AEW Dark episode on YouTube:

* Darby Allin vs. Brandon Cutler

* Shawn Spears and Petor Avalon vs. Billy and Austin Gunn

* Shanna vs. Nyla Rose

* Legends of Memphis Wrestling honored

* Dave Brown will announce a match

Brian Cage Has Reportedly Not Signed With AEW, News On His Injury

It was reported that former Impact World Champion Brian Cage had signed with All Elite Wrestling. Cage reportedly became a free agent following his match against Rob Van Dam at this Sunday’s Hard To Kill pay-per-view.

Following that report, Cage’s wife, Melissa Santos denied the news, tweeting, “Really?? How can you confirm something that isn’t true???? I’m his wife and I can CONFIRM, he hasn’t signed on any dotted line.”

She later added, “And when he finally signs somewhere be it AEW, IMPACT ect….. we will let you know. People trying to get ahead of actual facts is not cool.”

According to PWInsider, Cage has not yet signed with any specific promotion, but his current Impact deal is up. Cage is also mulling offers from several promotions at this time.

Additionally, the angle with RVD squashing and injuring him in short order at the PPV was done to prevent Cage from further injuring himself. The report goes on to note that Cage may have a torn bicep.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former Impact World Champion Brian Cage Signs With AEW

Former Impact World Champion Brian Cage has signed a multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling, according to SoCal Uncensored.

Cage became a free agent after his Impact Wrestling contract expired. Last night at Impact’s Hard to Kill, he got squashed by Rob Van Dam.

He almost appeared at the first Casino Battle Royale at AEW’s Double or Nothing but that appearance was prevented by Impact officials.

Since making his 2004 debut, Cage wrestled in several promotions like AAA, Lucha Underground, Pro Wrestling Noah, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

There is no word yet on when Cage will make his AEW debut.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tessa Blanchard Responds To Bullying Accusations, More Female Talent Speak Out

NWA World Women’s Champion Allysin Kay, Chelsea Green, and Priscilla Kelly took to Twitter, blasting Tessa Blanchard after the Impact start tweeted out, “Hey women, try supporting one another. Cool things happen.”

NXT Superstar Chelsea Green responded, “You’ve consistently put down, bullied, and belittled countless female coworkers, including me. Is that support?”

Blanchard has since responded to Green’s bully comment, writing, “I’ve never been anything but kind to u. I’ve dealt with mean girls since I started…not saying I’m a saint, hell I’ve had my ups & downs & I’ve made silly decisions…Such is life. u have ZERO merit in your comments…Instead putting me down here for a little clout…you’ve got my #!”

Kay brought up claims about Blanchard during a trip to Japan, “Remember when you spat in a black woman’s face and called her the N-word in Japan? Was that you ‘supporting women’? The AUDACITY of this tweet.” Green responded to Kay with a .gif that said, “I remember that.”

In regards to Kay’s story, Blanchard wrote, “Not true. That’s my statement and the most attention I’ll give it because of how actually ridiculous it is.”

Puerto Rican wrestler, Black Rose, has since responded, thanking Kay and Green, while also saying the story happened in 2017. Rose worked for Stardom in 2015 and 2017. Blanchard also worked for Stardom in 2016 and 2017.

“@Sienna & @ImChelseaGreen Thank you so much!…That story!…Yes, that’s happens on Japan 2017! If Tessa Blanchard do not Remember it…Can I! I am not a mean girl with any coworkers around the world. Be kind of #racist is not ridiculous is a #sickness.”

Additional wrestlers have chimed in over the last couple hours, including NXT UK’s Isa Dawn writing to Blanchard, “As someone who experienced your bullying firsthand, received regular verbal abuse, was spat on, had rumours spread about me, dealt with multiple attempts by you to blacklist me from other companies, (plus more), I just pray you now follow your own advice.”

Fellow Impact star, Moose, was in support of Blanchard, writing to both Kay and Green, “I guess you and @ImChelseaGreen are absolute angels with a clean past. The timing of these tweets from you guys shows a lot about your characters.”

Former Impact star Rebel (Tanea Brooks), AEW’s Shanna, and Renee Michelle had more to say about Blanchard’s trip to Japan.

“I like to think people change over time. But I can confirm the bad behavior & non supportive attitude in Japan, I was there,” Rebel wrote.

“She did more nasty stuff in Japan…Never forget. Practice what you preach sweetheart. I standby @LaAbusadoradePR, she’s a fun loving person who would never disrespect anyone. Much love to you Rosa,” Shanna commented.

“The day I got the call from my gf La Rosa Negra of the incident-she made me promise to keep my mouth shut because she was afraid of being blacked ball by her. As promised, I did. So I helped her get into Marvelous which is another Japanese promotion,” Michelle revealed.

Allysin Kay followed up on why she’s telling the story about Blanchard now, saying she was given permission to make it public.

“The reason I’ve never said anything until now is because it wasn’t my story to tell. I made it clear to La Rosa that I had her back, and today was the day she gave me permission. You can’t force someone to come forward, but you can be there for them. THAT is ‘supporting women.'”

 

Tessa Blanchard is the new Impact World Champion after defeating Sami Callihan via pinfall at last night’s Impact Hard to Kill PPV in Dallas, Texas.

The PPV ended relatively quickly as Blanchard celebrated with the title, but she spoke to the live crowd about her win.

“Over the past eight months this has been my life, Sami and oVe has been the thorn in my side, and tonight, we did it,” Blanchard said. “Nobody, nobody in this life is perfect. We’re all human. And it doesn’t matter what you say about me it doesn’t matter what you call me. I have one of the strongest minds that I’ve ever known. So, whenever you come for me, you come for all of these people. I am now the standard bearer of Impact Wrestling. And man or woman, pound for pound, I am one of the best in the world and I am now your World Champion!”

Blanchard looked to somewhat address the recent controversy about her that came to light on social media yesterday.

Impact didn’t have Blanchard talk at Saturday’s Media Day.

Tonight, a handful of other PPV winners weren’t available to speak to the media after their respective matches. Blanchard also didn’t have a presser after her big victory.

Source: Wrestling Inc.