Category: WOW

WOW Season 4 Brings Women’s Wrestling to Las Vegas With Historic Fremont Street Residency

WOW – Women of Wrestling is about to make its biggest splash yet. Season 4 officially launches the weekend of September 14, and the promotion isn’t just bringing fresh episodes—it’s bringing history.

A brand-new trailer dropped this week teasing the action to come, including the debut of six new competitors. Among them are Brooklyn Love, a former child tennis star turned wrestler; Drucilla Blade, a specialist in weapons-based offense; and powerhouse newcomer Destiny Diesel, who looks primed to shake up the roster.

The season kicks off in a major way with the first-ever WOW Tag Team Championship Cage Match, setting the tone for what looks to be a high-stakes year. Fans will also be treated to a special retrospective celebrating 40 years of women’s wrestling in Las Vegas, hosted by Katie Marie Jones and WOW visionary David McLane.

But perhaps the biggest announcement is WOW’s first-ever residency in Las Vegas. Branded as Fights At Fremont Street Experience, the residency begins October 14 and promises to bring women’s wrestling right into the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Matches from the residency will start airing nationally beginning October 18.

WOW continues to expand its footprint across multiple platforms. The show airs weekly on VICE TV and in syndication nationwide. Fans can also binge past seasons: all episodes of Seasons 1–3 are on Pluto TV, while Seasons 2 and 3 are streaming on Tubi, and Season 2 is additionally available on Paramount+.

With new stars, groundbreaking matches, and a Las Vegas residency, WOW looks set to take women’s wrestling to an entirely new level this fall.

The Tonga Twins Announce Free Agency – ‘F**k WOW’

The Tonga Twins (Kaoz and Kona) recently announced on Twitter that they are no longer associated with WOW – Women of Wrestling.

However, the duo has refrained from disclosing the exact reasons for their departure.

In their Twitter post, the Tonga Twins referred to the promotion as “evil” and alleged that they have interfered with their family matters. The twins wrote,

“We will be speaking out soon
But for now will leave it here,

To all the woman who are scared to speak up we stand for you ! You will no longer see us on WOW because we spoke up !

You cant do this to GOOD PEOPLE WHO SACRIFICE THEIR FAMILY !!! So Evil

Mess with us you mess with our KIDS and family and that’s PERSONAL
Wait on it ….he Tong

Tonga Twins are now free agents !!!!!

The marathon continues

-Tonga Twins
Is us

#f**kWOW”

You can also check out the preview clip and lineup for this weekend’s WOW Season 2 Episode 35 below:

* Adriana Gambino vs. Princess Aussie* Goldie Collins and Katarina Jinx vs. The Mother Truckers* Penelope Pink vs. Americana* Coach Campanelli vs. Sasha Sparks

Source: eWn

AJ Mendez & WOW – Women Of Wrestling Parting Ways?

It appears that AJ Mendez (AJ Lee in WWE) and WOW – Women of Wrestling will be parting ways in the near future.

Over the weekend, Mendez took to her Instagram Stories to announce that her contract as an Executive Producer and commentator for the company is coming to an end. She wrote,

“As my contract with @wowsuperheroes winds down, I wanna thank the ladies for welcoming me into their locker room, our hair and makeup talk sessions, and constantly inspiring me with their hard work, talent, and genuine camaraderie. I’ll try to come back and play in the future! I hope all you fans keep watching next season to support these incredible athletes and stars of tomorrow.

(this project is non-union, but while we’re here #wgastrong #sagaftrastrong”

Lee has been a huge proponent of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes involving the two unions. She has also written several projects herself.

Mendez joined WOW – Women Of Wrestling back in 2021.

https://twitter.com/pribila_kyle/status/1688254697122025474

Source: eWn

TV Ratings For Women Of Wrestling’s First Two Episodes Revealed

The TV ratings for the first two episodes of Women of Wrestling have been revealed by Wrestlenomincs.

According to the report from Wrestlenomics, the first episode, which aired on September 18, was watched by 281,000 viewers in syndication. The episode drew a 0.03 in the 18-49 demographic.

ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group is the company that distributes the series in the United States and internationally. WOW is available to watch in 50 cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Flint, and Philadelphia. A full list of channels was exclusively shared via PWInsider.

The second episode of WOW, which aired on September 25, saw the key demo rise to 0.06, though the episode was only watched by 273,000 viewers.

It was also noted in the report that WOW demonstrated a larger portion of female viewers than any nationally televised wrestling show. In the first episode, there were 18,000 male viewers in the 18-49 demographic, while it was 26,000 female viewers in the 18-49 demo.

The second episode was 40,000 male viewers in the 18-49 key demo, while it was only 39,000 female viewers in the 18-49 demo. Wrestlenomics noted that WWE “Raw” and “SmackDown” average about 40% female viewers in the 18 to 49 key demo, while AEW shows are usually around 33%.

The promotion is owned by Los Angeles Laker owner Jeanie Buss. WOW was created by David McLane, who is also the current Executive Producer of production. Former WWE Superstar AJ Mendez (FKA AJ Lee) is also the executive producer and color commentator for WOW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AJ Mendez Makes Big Announcement Regarding WOW’s TV Return

AJ Mendez is coming back in a big way with Women Of Wrestling.

The former AJ Lee in WWE is the executive producer and color commentator for the promotion with origins to GLOW and she was the figurehead to speak on behalf of the company’s return to television with a video announcement. Mendez notes that the promotion will return to television on September 17 under the Paramount/CBS banner. Full details and information are below:

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING, the world’s premier all-female sports entertainment entity, today revealed its new key art and announced that the series will premiere nationwide the weekend of Sept. 17. WOW, the only all-female wrestling organization with a global TV footprint, will be available in syndication via Paramount Global Content Distribution, marking the largest-ever distribution deal in the history of women’s wrestling.

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING has been cleared in 100% of the U.S. including the following station groups: CBS-owned-and-operated stations, Sinclair Communications, Nexstar Broadcasting, Hearst Television, TEGNA Media, Weigel Broadcasting, Gray Media and Cox Television. Internationally, the show has also already been licensed in Canada (CHCH and CHEK), Australia (10 Play) and Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MOLA), with more to come.

WOW is owned by trailblazing sports executive Jeanie Buss and was created by David McLane, founder of the original GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Global professional wrestling superstar, screenwriter, mental health advocate and New York Times bestselling author AJ Mendez serves as executive producer and color commentator.

“From sports to politics to business and beyond, women’s voices are being heard louder than ever, and the Superheroes of WOW couldn’t be more excited to step into the ring on Sept. 17 and join this revolution,” said WOW owner Jeanie Buss. “We’re grateful to our partners at Paramount Global Content Distribution for providing a platform for these inspiring athletes.”

“The Superheroes of WOW have come from all walks of life to prove who’s the best, and are eager to show the world what’s been missing for years from women’s professional wrestling,” said WOW creator David McLane.

“We can’t wait to share the thrilling sports entertainment experience of WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING with a wider audience,” says Dan Cohen, chief content licensing officer at Paramount Global. “We know viewers will be inspired and empowered by the Superheroes’ athleticism and emotional backstories, while being thoroughly entertained by this unique roster of athletes. We look forward to working with Jeanie Buss and David McLane as we continue to grow this brand.”

The return of WOW had big plans in place as the promotion was reportedly in talks to bring in Lita, but the WWE Hall Of Famer had no interest in working with David McLane. Tessa Blanchard was also signed on to work with WOW, but the former IMPACT World Champion reportedly had a falling out with McLane and the promotion after she went too far in a promo with WOW star Samatha Sage.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Tessa Blanchard – WOW

As we’ve noted, Tessa Blanchard and WOW Wrestling reportedly had a falling out ahead of the promotion’s re-launch.

It was alleged that during a mid-April class, Blanchard cut a promo on Samantha Sage, who is known as Americana. The promo reportedly saw Blanchard “tear apart” Sage, which led to other trainees speaking up.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Tessa Blanchard is not figured into WOW’s plans and she was not at their recent tapings. It was not told officially that she was fired.

While issues between Tessa Blanchard and WOW were first learned in mid-April, sources noted that they had witnessed friction as far back as January.

Blanchard was reportedly “livid” that a planned January tryout was canceled by CBS due to COVID, with David McLane getting the finger pointed at him. Blanchard reportedly believed they could have done a tryout via Zoom or at an isolated school.

One source told the outlet, that things had to have gotten bad between David McLane and Tessa Blanchard because he was consistently on her side for years, even through multiple controversies.

Sources within the company also revealed that WOW was even able to lure back some people that swore they’d never work with Blanchard again only to see “more of the same.” Tessa’s attitude initially was chalked up to just being “passionate” among the higher-ups.

After the initial Fightful report was published, several people reached out to suggest that there could be legal recourse between the two sides and they were concerned about potentially being involved in it.

It was also revealed in the report that AJ Lee was at the recent tapings and worked commentary. After the tapings, a company-wide email went out informing staff that the scheduled early June tapings will be postponed due to a positive COVID test.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tessa Blanchard Has Falling Out With WOW Wrestling, Status With Company Uncertain

Tessa Blanchard may be done with WOW Wrestling after a reported falling out between the two sides.

What many deemed to be inevitable seems to have happened. According to a report by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightflul, WOW talent have claimed to Fightful Select that Tessa Blanchard recently had a falling out with the company and her status with the promotion going forward is uncertain.

Ironically, when WOW Wrestling announced that Blanchard was going to be part of their upstart promotion, something that was seen by fans and insiders as both a huge get, but also a risk, they quickly promoted a t-shirt design with the word “nuclear” on it. The hint was that Blanchard had nuclear heat with all the big wrestling promotions and that she was unhireable. WOW was going to take a chance and make her a big part of their plans. It appears to have backfired.

https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1521912386587926531

After she deactivated her social media account, reports are that a fallout occurred between the two parties. As a result, her status for this week’s tapings is unclear and if she doesn’t appear, it will indicate that she might be done with the promotion. Much of what is going on backstage is being kept tight-lipped and because those who work for WOW signed a non-disclosure agreement there isn’t a lot of detail forthcoming. What is believed to be the situation is that Blanchard might have seen herself as someone with more power than she actually has and that could have been the root of the issue.

One source alleges that Blanchard tore into wrestler Samantha Sage during an acting class and other talents spoke up about how uncomfortable it was. The acting classes were canceled from that point until further notice and Blanchard’s involvement was apparently decreased. Another source suggested that Blanchard is no longer a trainer in the promotion, her role being given to Selina Majors. Many think that Blanchard is gone from WOW and an announcement will follow.

Social media has been flooded with comments about the news, many people suggesting no one has dropped the ball more with her career than Blanchard has. Despite being given multiple opportunities and having a ton of natural talent, she can’t seem to stop herself from being her own worst enemy. Attitude issues, problems with other talents and allegations of prejudice have followed her around for the past few years.

Source: TheSportster

AJ Lee Provides Updates On WOW – Women Of Wrestling

Former three-time WWE Divas Champion, AJ Lee, joined Freddie Prinze Jr. on this week’s Wrestling with Freddie podcast from iHeart Media’s My Cultra Network.

A hot topic that Freddie Prinze Jr. was keen to discuss was AJ’s involvement with WOW – Women of Wrestling. Lee is currently signed as an Executive Producer for the brand. She provided more details about when we can expect to see WOW in the future and what inspired her to join.

“So we’ll actually be shooting pretty soon, I think we’re maybe 60 days out, so it’s getting kinda close,” AJ Lee revealed. “We’re gonna be in syndication in the fall of 2022. Please check wowe.com for your local listings. It’s also on the CWC app and Pluto app. But you know, what really inspired me to join WOW, was the idea that it was women behind the scenes in every capacity and women in front of the camera in every capacity.

“And, to me, I love wrestling. I never stopped loving wrestling and this was the perfect way to rejoin the world of wrestling, but also combine it with what I’m doing now [as a writer] and what I have a passion for now. ”

AJ Lee also disclosed that she has had some offers to return to the ring, but ultimately, she felt the desire to compete again in the squared circle was absent.

“Wrestling opportunities have popped up over the years and I’ve just never been ready for that,” AJ said. “I’m not sure like physically that something like that the fires there, but the art of it, that’s always been there.”

It was announced that AJ Lee had signed with WOW in October 2021, alongside the promotion announcing that they had signed into a multi-year distribution agreement with ViacomCBS. Not only will AJ be working behind the scenes, but she will also be providing color commentary for the all-woman shows.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Wrestling with Freddie podcast

AJ Lee Speaks Out About Her Suicide Attempt And How A Stranger Saved Her Life

The former WWE Superstar planned on committing suicide in 2014 but was saved by a stranger on the other end of the phone.

Trigger warning: this article includes discussions about suicidal feelings and a suicide attempt.

The women’s division in WWE has come a long way over the course of the past six years or so. While the likes of Paige, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley quite rightly get a lot of the credit for that, there are quite a few others who were around beforehand who are yet to really reap the rewards. Perhaps most notably AJ Lee who left WWE, possibly never to return, in 2015.

Lee arguably left at the top of her game, something most wrestlers can only dream of. She won her final match, not to mention the match the night before at WrestleMania, and held the Divas Title on three occasions during the year prior to her departure. She also married CM Punk during that period, which is why it might surprise fans to hear Lee’s life was far from perfect at the time.

Lee planned to take her own life in 2014 while Divas Champion and after getting married. The former WWE Superstar recently opened up about her suicide attempt for the first time during an appearance on Maurice Benard: State Of Mind. You can check out the whole episode below in which Lee discusses her bipolar disorder and how nobody knew she had gone to a hotel with the intention of ending her life.

“It was my bipolar disorder couldn’t handle it. It was too much for me,” Lee explained, laying out the highs of her titles wins and getting married to the lows of getting hurt and having to undergo multiple surgeries. “The only solution to me, the only thing I could do was just, I booked a hotel room and that was my plan.”

Something in Lee’s brain told her to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Since she was in a different area, the person on the other end urged her to call the number linked to the area she was in for the purposes of needing to potentially call an ambulance. Lee saw that as a sign she should go through with her suicide attempt, but at the last moment she called 311 to get the other number. A man at the end of the 311 call listened to Lee as she poured her heart out. The retired wrestler credits him with saving her life. She doesn’t know his name or who he is, but she can still hear his voice all these years later.

Source: TheSportster – Josh Coulson

After six years away from the wrestling industry, AJ Lee (April Mendez Brooks) joined the WOW – Women of Wrestling promotion as an executive producer in October 2021, serving alongside Jeanie Buss. This announcement coincided with WOW entering into a multi-year distribution agreement with ViacomCBS, the biggest distribution opportunity in the U.S. and abroad in the history of women’s professional wrestling. Mendez will also provide color commentary for their upcoming weekly program beginning in late 2022.

AJ Lee Announces Her Return To Wrestling For Relaunch Of WOW Women of Wrestling As Executive Producer And Color Commentator

AJ Lee has been revealed as an executive producer and color commentator for the returning Women of Wrestling.

AJ Lee is returning to the wrestling business, six years after she wrestled her final match with WWE and retired due to injuries.

AJ Lee is returning to the wrestling business, six years after she wrestled her final match with WWE and retired due to injuries.

The last few years in wrestling have been peppered with return matches from people fans thought were done with the business. Wrestlers like Daniel Bryan, Edge, and even CM Punk. Speaking of Punk, shortly after he signed with AEW he began fielding questions about his wife’s potential return. Punk is married to former WWE Divas’ Champion, AJ Lee.

Punk gave off mixed messages when asked, saying that she was done in one interview but saying “you never know” in another. An announcement made by Women of Wrestling on Wednesday may explain why Punk danced around the question. Turns out Lee is returning to wrestling, it just won’t be to compete between the ropes, nor will she be following Punk to AEW.

Lee spoke at a press conference during which a number of major details about WOW were revealed, including its pretty impressive TV deal. An accompanying press release (H/T Cageside Seats) reveals that Lee will be an executive producer for the show alongside WoW owner Jeanie Buss. Lee will also provide color commentary for the show when it debuts roughly a year from now.

The other notable name mentioned in WoW’s press release is Tessa Blanchard. It was revealed earlier this week that Blanchard had signed a deal with the returning WoW. Blanchard hasn’t been attached to a promotion ever since she left Impact more than a year ago under controversial circumstances. Blanchard was Impact Champion at the time and allegedly refused to return and wrestle when she was supposed to. She has been linked with AEW and WWE multiple times since.

Lee wrestled her final match for WWE more than six years ago. A six-person tag match the night after WrestleMania 31. Neck injuries likely mean she can never wrestle again. However, as the names mentioned above highlight, you really can never say never nowadays. Lee teamed with Paige in her final match, someone else who has had to retire earlier than she would have wanted. However, Paige has recently been teasing that she also might be prepping for a return.

Source: TheSportster