Category: TNA

The Elite Make Surprise Appearance At Bar Wrestling Event (Video)

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Members of The Elite made a surprise appearance at Bar Wrestling in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

It all happened at the Bootleg Theater during the main event after SCU laid out an open challenge which was answered by RockNES Monsters and Watts.

Both referees got knocked out at one point in the match and Joey Ryan intervened to stop Watts from hitting Scorpio Sky with a chair. Joey got attacked for doing so and Hangman Page came out to save him. The two rivals then put their differences aside  … by making Watts grab their penises.

RockNES Monsters returned to the ring afterward and attacked Joey/Page from behind, but Cody and Brandi Rhodes came out to make the save. Brandi hit the Bionic Spear and Cody hit an outside dive while wearing his dress clothes.

Watts re-emerged and hit Cody with a big boot … then The Young Bucks hit the ring.

The full match showing SCU end things with a victory will be available soon on Pivot Share.

According to SoCalUncensored.com (where the group’s name came from), Cody told the crowd during a post-match speech that they were all signed to AEW … then Brandi made him fire them.

This appearance is the first for the group after announcing their new promotion All Elite Wrestling.

Watch the video below.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Impact Wrestling On Twitch Peak Viewership, Overall Ranking Compared To AAA

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Although IMPACT Wrestling has been streaming programming through Twitch for some time, there was a special curiosity regarding the promotion’s new distribution strategy: to air on domestic television via the Pursuit Channel and stream concurrently on Twitch on Friday nights.

In numbers available on SullyGnome (a Twitch statistics and analysis website) for the 7 day period of January 8th-14th, IMPACT Wrestling peaked at 10,422 viewers (at some point on Friday night). The channel is programmed nearly 24/7 and over 155 hours in the last week averaged 318 viewers for a total watch time of 51,662 hours. IMPACT gained 4,816 followers for the week (and now has 67,320 followers on the platform).

IMPACT was the most watched program in the Wrestling category. In comparison, AAA was ranked second. The AAA promotion had no specific destination programming this week but did stream 144 hours of content. It peaked at 194 viewers and averaged 60 viewers with a total watch time of 8,731 hours.

Over the last 365 days, the most watched 5 promotions were the following:

1. IMPACT
2. AAA
3. Rocky Mountain Pro
4. House of Hardcore
5. Capitol Wrestling

Source: WrestlingINC

Jim Ross On If AEW Will Get A TV Deal

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently weighed in on the formation of All Elite Wrestling on The Jim Ross Report. Specifically, Ross speculated that a TV deal is more or less in place for AEW come Fall 2019. Ross suggested that AEW will most likely be most comparable to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in terms of roster size and an athletic presentation. Also, Ross talked about the advice he imparted on AEW President Tony Khan.

According to Ross, the AEW rally most likely would not have happened if a television deal was not basically done already.

“I don’t think you go on and do a big presentation like those folks, the Khans, AEW, did on Tuesday if you’re not pretty damn set on your television outlet. So I think the television outlet is more set than people probably know and maybe they’re not ready to know or need to know right now.” Ross added, “maybe there’s an I not dotted, or T crossed or whatever, but getting on a basic cable channel to me is imperative.”

In Ross’s learned view, a TV deal is essential for AEW’s success. ‘Good Ol’ J.R.’ went on to say that he thinks AEW will be on a major network come Fall 2019.

“The issue is television is king. That’s your heartbeat. That’s your heartbeat and I’m of the belief, maybe I’m wrong, that a television deal is, I guess the politically correct term is ‘imminent’. I think a TV deal is basically done. Why would you do all of this celebration and this thing on Tuesday and all that without having more? You’ve got your [ducks in a row]. You’re showing us that you have your ducks in order or getting there on talent. And so I’m believing they’re not going in half-cocked here. Why would you have this major announcement, this huge event, or huge company, all that’s going to happen, if you didn’t have TV pretty much locked up? So I’m sure the paperwork, the ink’s not dry, and all those good things. Could be possibilities or they’re still negotiating some finer points, whatever, but I believe, come this Fall, that AEW is going to have a very prominent television partner that’s going to give this team the opportunity to be successful.” Ross noted, “I do think that the TV’s more in place than they are ready to announce right now and I understand that too.”

Also during the podcast, Ross stated that NJPW is probably the closest thing to what AEW will be as a promotion with an emphasis on athleticism and a real sports presentation.

“New Japan does a real nice job of having a small roster in number that remains special,” Ross said. “They do a real nice job of keeping their guys separate, keeping some exclusivity to the rivalries. That is [an] athletically oriented presentation. If there is anything I would suggest and I don’t know because I have not discussed it with anybody. Probably New Japan is going to be the closest analogy to what I perceive AEW might be, and I stress ‘might be’ because I don’t know. You can do more things, develop more talent, and do it in a reality based manner that people don’t roll their eyes every 30 seconds because they’re watching that damn wrasslin’ again. There’s credibility to it and at least the presentation bell-to-bell is going to feel like you’re watching kind of a perverse legitimate sporting event.”

Additionally, Ross shared that he met up with Khan for drinks and told the young billionaire that pro wrestling promotions require talent and a television deal to be successful.

“Alex [Marvez] and I have been friends for years, since the WCW days. And he introduced me to Tony and we had a [pro] wrestling fan chat and had a few drinks. But I said, ‘if somebody was ever going to do a pro wrestling company, the foundation is not a mystery. It’s all about television and talent.” Ross explained, “you can’t have one without the other.”

Check out this edition of ‘Slobberknocker Audio’ here https://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/the-jim-ross-report/ or via the audio player below at the link below.

https://omny.fm/shows/the-ross-report/aew-breakdown-with-pro-wrestling-sheet-s-ryan-sati/embed

Source: WrestlingINC with credit to The Jim Ross Report

AEW In Talks With “A Number Of Interested Parties” Over TV Deal

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All Elite Wrestling’s inception will continue to dominate wrestling media headlines throughout the year, particularly with so many questions still be to be answered about the upstart promotion.

Television remains the biggest of these. AEW may live or die on their ability to score a deal, and with Impact Wrestling’s recent struggles in the TV market, they face a tough task to find a station offering the required levels of exposure.

AEW President Tony Khan spoke on Sean Waltman’s X-Pac 12360 podcast earlier this week, though he was unable to go into any specifics on the matter. Here’s what he had to say:-

“There’s interested parties … a number of interested parties … it’s gonna be great for everybody. Like I said, I want it to be great for the fans. And I want every week, I want people to be excited about what this week is gonna bring in wrestling. Whether you’re a kid in school, or you’re at work and you want something to look forward to at night, I want it to be a big part of everyone’s week. I think for the talent, I just think this is a great opportunity for everybody to create something. “

This sounds promising. It was speculated last week that Khan would use his considerable media connections to score a favourable TV deal, and with networks like TBS/TNT mentioned, the early signs are encouraging. Securing a contract that’s even in the same ballpark as WWE’s upcoming Fox agreement seems like a pipe dream, though.

Big name signings will increase AEW’s bargaining power in these negotiations. Chris Jericho may not be enough on his own, though the acquisition of Kenny Omega may help convince networks that AEW is a viable commodity.

Source: WhatCulture

Impact Wrestling Preview 1/11/19

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Impact premieres tonight on Pursuit Channel and on Twitch – 10/9c

* Johnny Impact is out for revenge

* Lucha Bros vs. The Rascalz

* Willie Mack vs. Sami Callihan

* Tessa Blanchard in action

* Is Dark Allie here to stay?

Backstage News On WWE’s Deals For The Young Bucks & Hangman Page, Kenny Omega’s Status

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Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks and Hangman Page turned down WWE offers in order to be a part of the new All Elite Wrestling promotion, headed by Jacksonville Jaguars co-owner Tony Khan.

Triple H reportedly had worked hard and offered unique deals in hopes of signing all four, according to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to Meltzer, Page’s deal was to work NXT for main roster money. Page was to have been pushed as one the top stars on the brand.

WWE also had a unique three-year deal for the Bucks, which would have been for the same amount of money as A.J. Styles. The WWE deal included having their Being The Elite show airing weekly on the WWE Network. It also had a unique six-month window that would have allowed them out of their contracts if they weren’t happy.

It was noted that The Elite had roughly 12 hours of discussions with Triple H, and they praised him for how things were handled. Apparently Triple H also saw the humor in the Being the Elite episode where the Bucks superkicked Kazarian, who was dressed like Triple H, repeatedly as their way of publicly turning down the WWE offer.

As noted, Kenny Omega’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expires at the end of the this month and he is expected to sign with AEW after February 1st, when he is a free agent. It was reported in The Observer that the word is that Omega has already turned down WWE’s offer.

Source: WrestlingINC

Pro Wrestling Illustrated Reveals “Wrestler Of The Year” And “Woman Of The Year” For 2018

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In a close vote, Becky Lynch topped Ronda Rousey for 2018’s “Woman of the Year”, as voted by the readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Lynch received 40 percent of the vote, four percent better than Rousey. Asuka and Tessa Blanchard were distant runners-up.

Rousey being selected number one in PWI’s “Woman’s 100” led to Lynch posting some disparaging tweets about PWI – and Publisher Stu Saks in particular. Even though Lynch appeared happy while posing for the PWI cover of the awards issue with the Woman of the Year plaque, she complained about her #11 placement in the “100” throughout much of the photo shoot.

Rousey achieved a near-record 87 percent of the vote in being named “Rookie of the Year”. The widest margin of victory in the 46-year history of the PWI awards was enjoyed by The Giant (Big Show), who garnered 88 percent of the vote for “Rookie of the Year” in 1996.

AJ Styles was named “Wrestler of the Year” for the third straight year. Styles now has earned a total of seven Achievement Awards. Styles earned 46 percent of the votes in the “Wrestler of the Year” category, followed by Kenny Omega (17 percent), Cody (8 percent), and Seth Rollins (7 percent). He also was voted “Most Popular” for the second straight year. The only other wrestler to receive WOTY honors for three straight years is Ric Flair (1984-1986).

Styles and Becky also topped Wrestling Inc.’s Best of 2018 for “Male Wrestler of the Year” and “Female Wrestler of the Year”, respectively.

PWI’s annual year-end issue can be purchased in print or digital formats at pwi-online.com.

Source: WrestlingINC

All Elite Wrestling Announce Team News

Image result for Watch history being made at the #AEW Double or Nothing Rally.

It looks like Alex Marvez will be one of the All Elite Wrestling announcers. The SiriusXM NFL Radio host now lists AEW in his Twitter bio, along with the “#ChangeTheUniverse” hashtag. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Marvez had been in line for an AEW announcing position and Marvez hosting Tuesday’s Double Or Nothing rally with Conrad Thompson is a good sign that he will get the position.

You can get a closer look at Marvez working the AEW rally in the video below, which was the lead-in to the actual rally. There’s no word yet on who might join Marvez at the AEW announce table but it does not look like Thompson will be calling the action.

Source: WrestlingINC

Backstage News On Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract, AJ Styles Speculation

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Chris Jericho’s new contract with All Elite Wrestling is reportedly for 3 years, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer said Jericho revealed that this is the best contract of his career.

As noted before, Jericho talked with WWE and AEW up until the last minute, signing his AEW contract just recently. It came down to AEW offering Jericho a better deal. Jericho will be allowed to work New Japan Pro Wrestling and his cruise, which are stipulated in the contract.

It’s no secret that AEW and WWE are getting aggressive when it comes to signing top talents to contracts. AEW is expected to pursue WWE talents when their contracts expire. Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks have friendly relationships with many of the WWE talents, which will help with potential negotiations. One top WWE Superstar who has a contract coming up that they are familiar with is AJ Styles. Meltzer speculated on WOR that Styles has a lot of leverage right now because he’s a top WWE talent and AEW would offer him a significant deal with an easier schedule. Styles is making a lot of money with WWE right now but AEW potentially could beat that. AJ turns 42 this year and if he really wants an easier schedule with good money, he could get that from AEW.

Meltzer noted that no one is in a better position between WWE and AEW right now other than Styles, except for maybe Kenny Omega. Omega’s future has not been confirmed but it’s still believed that he will end up with AEW after his New Japan Pro Wrestling contract expires on January 31.

It was also noted that AEW is offering good money to wrestlers right now. During the recent Double Or Nothing rally, Cody talked about how AEW wanted to change the wrestling economy and how they wanted to pay wrestlers good money because happy, paid wrestlers translates to happy fans. Some of the AEW contracts are totally exclusive but others are being allowed to work elsewhere. AEW officials are wanting to make everything beneficial for all talents. There’s no word yet on what talents like “Hangman” Adam Page are earning from AEW but WWE made a strong offer to Page and he turned them down.

Source: WrestlingINC

Wrestling Talent Wars Heating Up, Piper Niven Headed To WWE Soon?

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The talent wars are heating up now that AEW has officially launched. All the top promotions are aware of the free agents, and they are making plays to sign them. Not only are WWE and AEW getting aggressive in signing talent, but you also have New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor trying to sign talents to contracts.

Meltzer noted that there are a lot of people in WWE who are interested in exploring their options with AEW, if not go ahead and sign with them. These talents obviously have to wait until their WWE contracts expire and there is also a “wait and see” feeling to see if AEW works out, and what it becomes.

Scottish women’s wrestler Piper Niven is reportedly signing with WWE soon, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.

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Niven, also known to fans as Viper, participated in the 2017 Mae Young Classic and defeated Santana Garrett in the first round. She then defeated Serena Deeb in the second round but lost to Toni Storm in the third round.

Niven is currently signed to World of Sport Wrestling but it’s believed she is headed to WWE once her deal expires. Meltzer notes that All Elite Wrestling wanted to sign Niven but she decided not to sign with them.

Source: WrestlingINC