Category: Wrestling News

Ricky Saints Set for SmackDown Debut Next Week, Called Up From NXT

WWE is continuing its recent trend of bolstering the main roster with fresh talent, and the next name officially on deck is none other than “Absolute” Ricky Saints.

During Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, a vignette aired confirming that the former NXT Champion will make his blue brand debut on the May 1 edition of the show, live from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The video package, which aired just before the main event, gave fans a quick but impactful look at Saints’ rise through WWE’s developmental system.

The highlight reel featured a mix of charisma-heavy shots and in-ring dominance, spotlighting his time as both NXT North American Champion and NXT Champion. It also put a strong emphasis on his finishing move, the “Roshambo,” an inverted powerbomb variation that has become synonymous with his matches. True to form, Saints closed out the package with a confident declaration: “I am the man, because I am ‘Absolute’ Ricky freakin’ Saints!”

As of now, WWE hasn’t revealed what Saints will be doing on his first night—whether it’s a match, promo, or confrontation—but expectations are already high given the way he’s been presented.

Interestingly, Saints won’t be the only recent NXT standout making the jump that night. Blake Monroe, another heavily hyped call-up, is also slated to arrive on SmackDown, making the May 1 episode feel like a major turning point for the brand’s roster.

There’s also an added layer of intrigue for longtime fans, as both Saints and Monroe previously made names for themselves in AEW under different identities—Ricky Starks and Mariah May. Now, they’re set to share the stage again, this time under the WWE banner.

With multiple call-ups already shaking things up and more potentially on the way, SmackDown is quickly becoming the landing spot for NXT’s top talent—and Ricky Saints looks ready to make an immediate impact when he finally steps into the spotlight next week.

Former WCW Star Van Hammer Passes Away at 66

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of former WCW talent Van Hammer, real name Mark Hildreth, who has passed away at the age of 66. The news was shared by longtime friend and fellow wrestler Marc Mero, who announced the passing on social media over the weekend.

Mero paid tribute to Hammer with a heartfelt message, remembering him as someone who faced life’s challenges head-on and never stopped pushing forward. He also noted that those close to Hammer are still awaiting more information regarding the cause of death.

The two shared a deep bond that went back to their earliest days in the business. According to Mero, Hammer once drove him eight hours to secure his first WCW contract—a moment that spoke volumes about their friendship. They trained together, lived together, and eventually worked side-by-side promoting WCW during their early careers.

Van Hammer was signed to WCW in 1991 by Dusty Rhodes and debuted with a memorable “Heavy Metal” rock star persona. He remained with the company through early 1995 before stepping away for a period. Hammer later returned in 1997 as part of Raven’s Flock, showing a different side of his character during one of WCW’s more unique factions.

His run with the group included a notable storyline where he defeated Perry Saturn in a “loser leaves the Flock” match—only to be ousted from the faction anyway. He later experimented with a short-lived hippie-style gimmick as his WCW run wound down. While Hammer challenged for the United States Heavyweight Championship during his time with the company, he never captured a major title.

Following his departure from WCW in 2000, Hammer continued wrestling on the independent scene, including a stint with Maryland Championship Wrestling and a tour with Big Japan Pro Wrestling in 2001. He remained active in the ring for several years, with his final match taking place in April 2009, where he picked up a win over Champ Champagne.

Van Hammer may not have held championship gold, but his contributions to WCW and the friendships he built along the way left a lasting impression. He is remembered by fans and peers alike as a resilient figure who stayed passionate about the business throughout his life.

TNA Announces The Return Of Lockdown

TNA Wrestling announced that Lockdown, a showcase event in which every single match is contested inside a steel cage, will return on Sunday, August 23, broadcasting live around the world on pay-per-view from Credit Union 1 Arena in downtown Chicago. Lockdown will also see the return of Lethal Lockdown!

Pre-sale begins April 22, tickets go on-sale April 24! FULL DETAILS: https://tnawrestling.com/…/TNA-Wrestling-Revives…

Alberto Del Rio Charged in Domestic Violence Case, Released Under Conditions

Former WWE star Alberto Del Rio, also known as Alberto El Patron (real name Alberto Rodriguez), is once again in legal trouble following a domestic violence incident in Mexico.

According to reports, Rodriguez was arrested earlier in the week after his wife contacted emergency services. Authorities from the State Civil Guard responded to the call and reportedly caught the situation in progress, noting visible injuries to the victim, including marks on her arms and face.

Following his arrest, Rodriguez was taken into custody and held at La Pila prison while the State of San Luis Potosí’s Attorney General’s Office built the case. By Saturday, he was formally charged and appeared before a judge.

During the hearing, Rodriguez reportedly admitted wrongdoing and expressed remorse. The court granted him a conditional release, which comes with several strict requirements. These include attending rehabilitation programs for aggressors, having no contact with the victim, and covering damages related to the incident.

Reports also indicate that this was not an isolated situation, with prior alleged incidents contributing to the severity of the case.

As part of the resolution, Rodriguez agreed to pay approximately 1 million pesos to the victim, which factored into the judge’s decision to allow his release.

This marks another serious legal issue for the former WWE Champion. Fans may recall his 2020 arrest in San Antonio on charges of sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. That case ultimately did not result in a conviction after the accuser failed to appear in court, and Rodriguez was acquitted in 2021.

Outside the courtroom, the fallout has already impacted his wrestling career. Rodriguez had previously been suspended from AAA following an incident involving fans in Tijuana. In light of this latest arrest, The Crash Lucha Libre has also suspended him.

With both legal and professional consequences mounting, Rodriguez’s future in the wrestling industry remains uncertain.

UPDATE: Alberto El Patron Remains in Custody Following Domestic Violence Arrest – Possibly Tried To Kill His Wife

Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio, also known as Alberto El Patron, is currently being held in custody following his recent arrest on domestic violence charges in Mexico.

According to reports, Rodriguez—whose real name is Alberto Rodriguez—appeared before a judge on Thursday in La Pila, where he remains detained. The hearing was conducted behind closed doors, reportedly to protect the privacy and well-being of his children. His wife, Mary Carmen Rodriguez Lucero, was in attendance as the judge ruled that Rodriguez will stay in preventive detention while the legal process moves forward.

The arrest stems from an incident earlier this week in which Rodriguez is accused of both verbal and physical abuse. Authorities were alerted after his wife contacted emergency services, and responding officers from the State Civil Guard reportedly arrived while the situation was still unfolding. Officials stated that visible injuries were found on Lucero’s arms and face, leading to Rodriguez being taken into custody at the scene.

The case is now being handled by the Attorney General’s Office of San Luis Potosí, with prosecutors continuing to gather evidence. It has also been assigned to a specialized unit that focuses on crimes involving women, family violence, and sexual offenses. Under local law, the charges Rodriguez faces could carry significant prison time, depending on how the case is ultimately classified.

This is not the first time Rodriguez has faced serious legal trouble. Back in 2020, he was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, on charges of sexual and aggravated assault. That case stretched into late 2021 before ultimately being dismissed when the accuser did not appear in court.

In addition to his legal issues, Rodriguez’s wrestling career has seen its share of turbulence in recent years. He parted ways with AAA after being suspended following an incident involving fans in Tijuana.

As the situation develops, more details are expected to emerge regarding both the case and Rodriguez’s future in the wrestling industry.

According to Mexican reporter Gabriel Cuevas, “And now this story is coming to light—that El Patrón, apparently—and I repeat this—yesterday intended to kill Marie Carmen.”

More Details Alberto Del Rio’s Arrest For Domestic Violence

Serious legal trouble is mounting for former WWE and AAA star Alberto Del Rio, as authorities in Mexico have now officially confirmed an investigation into his recent arrest.

The Attorney General’s Office of the State of San Luis Potosí announced that it has opened a case against Del Rio—real name Alberto Rodriguez—following his detention earlier this week on domestic violence charges.

Initial reports surfaced Monday indicating Rodriguez had been arrested after an alleged altercation with his wife. According to those reports, she contacted emergency services during the incident and was left with visible injuries to her face and arms.

Authorities say State Civil Guard officers arrived on the scene while the situation was still unfolding. Upon arrival, they reportedly found the victim showing clear signs of physical violence, leading to Rodriguez being taken into custody immediately.

In an official update, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the case has been handed over to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Attention to Women, Family and Sexual Crimes. The investigation will focus on both physical and verbal abuse allegations stemming from the incident.

According to the victim’s statement, the confrontation began inside a residence in the Lomas del Tecnológico neighborhood and escalated into multiple forms of assault.

Rodriguez is now under the authority of the Public Ministry, which will compile evidence and move the case forward. He is expected to appear before a judge in an initial hearing, where he will formally respond to the accusations.

This latest development adds to Del Rio’s long history of legal issues and controversy, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in the coming days.

The Crash Lucha Libre has announced Alberto Del Rio – real name Alberto Rodriguez – has been suspended indefinitely in light of his domestic violence arrest in Mexico on Monday. 

WWE Hall Of Famer Jimmy Valiant Set for Final Match at 83, Closing the Curtain on a 60+ Year Career

It’s often said in wrestling that retirement rarely sticks—and for many legends, the pull of the ring never fully fades. That sentiment rings especially true for WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Valiant, who is preparing to lace up his boots one last time at the age of 83.

The iconic “Boogie Woogie Man” has announced that his upcoming match on April 25 will officially be his final appearance inside the squared circle. The bout is scheduled to take place at a NAWA Championship Wrestling event in Lancaster, South Carolina, marking what’s being billed as a historic night for the promotion.

While Valiant has been officially retired, he hasn’t been completely absent from in-ring action in recent years. Since 2022, he’s made sporadic appearances, with his most recent outing coming in a six-man tag team match for NAWA. As of now, his opponent for this farewell performance hasn’t been revealed.

In a statement addressing the milestone, Valiant made it clear that this time, he means it when he says goodbye. After decades of stepping away and returning, he emphasized that this match will truly be his “final dance.” Reflecting on his incredible journey, Valiant noted he has competed in over 15,000 matches across a staggering 62-year career, traveling millions of miles to entertain fans around the world.

What makes this moment even more special is the timeline it represents. Valiant pointed out that this match will allow him to say he performed across seven different decades, dating back to his debut in 1964. He also shared his desire to make one last walk to the ring to his classic entrance theme, “Boy From New York City,” soaking in the atmosphere one final time.

NAWA promoter Michael Elliott didn’t downplay the significance of the occasion, calling it an honor for the company to host such a legendary sendoff. For a regional promotion, being part of a moment tied to wrestling history is no small feat.

Valiant’s career résumé speaks for itself. Over the years, he captured numerous championships, including the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship and multiple regional titles across the NWA and AWA territories. Known for his charisma and connection with audiences, he was a standout figure during the territorial era, including memorable rivalries like his feud with Jerry Lawler in Memphis.

Beyond his own accomplishments, Valiant has also left his mark on future generations. He played a role in training current stars, including former AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, extending his influence far beyond his own time in the spotlight.

Now, fans will have one final chance to witness the “Boogie Woogie Man” in action. Tickets for the event are currently on sale, as Valiant prepares to close the book on one of the longest and most unique careers in professional wrestling history.

Dennis Condrey Of The Legendary Tag Team ‘The Midnight Express’ Passes Away

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of tag team wrestling’s true pioneers, as Dennis Condrey has passed away at the age of 74.

Condrey was best known as one-half of the original Midnight Express, teaming alongside Bobby Eaton with Jim Cornette serving as their outspoken manager. Together, the trio helped redefine tag team wrestling, blending fast-paced action with storytelling that influenced generations of teams that followed.

Making his debut in 1973, Condrey built a lengthy and respected career across multiple territories during wrestling’s territorial era. His résumé included stops in the AWA, NWA, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, and Jim Crockett Promotions, where he became a standout figure in one of wrestling’s most competitive tag team scenes.

Condrey remained active in the business for decades before officially retiring in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans and performers alike.

Following news of his passing, FTR’s Dax Harwood paid tribute while also launching a GoFundMe campaign to support Condrey’s family with funeral expenses. In a heartfelt message, Harwood praised Condrey not only for his in-ring accomplishments but also for the kind of person he was outside of wrestling, describing him as a devoted husband and a man of strong faith.

Harwood noted that the fundraiser was created with the blessing of Condrey’s wife, Theresa, and encouraged fans who were touched by the Midnight Express’ work to contribute if they are able, or simply keep the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Dennis Condrey’s impact on tag team wrestling is undeniable, and his contributions helped shape the foundation of the division as it’s known today. He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

You can donate to the GoFundMe by clicking here.

Dean Malenko’s Daughter Marie Malenko Reportedly Signs With WWE

WWE may have quietly added another second-generation talent to its pipeline, as Marie Malenko—daughter of wrestling legend Dean Malenko—is reportedly headed to the company.

According to a report from BodySlam+, Marie has officially signed with WWE following a recent tryout at the Performance Center in Orlando. The opportunity came shortly after she made her professional wrestling debut, marking a quick rise for the newcomer.

Marie’s first match took place under the Pro Wrestling NOAH banner, giving her an early international spotlight before stepping into WWE’s system. Not long after that debut, she participated in a tryout session at the Performance Center, where it appears she impressed officials enough to earn a deal.

As the daughter of Dean Malenko—one of the most technically respected wrestlers of his era—Marie enters WWE with a strong wrestling lineage behind her. Malenko himself remains a highly influential figure in the industry, known for his work in WCW, WWE, and ECW, as well as his role behind the scenes in recent years.

While there’s no word yet on when Marie could make her official on-screen debut, she will likely begin training full-time in NXT as she develops her in-ring style and character.

With WWE continuing to invest in both legacy talent and fresh prospects, Marie Malenko’s signing is another example of the company blending wrestling heritage with its next generation of stars.

Shotzi Shares Update After Brother Reported Missing, Says He Has Been Found Safe

Former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart recently experienced a frightening situation involving her family, but thankfully the story now has a positive update.

On Tuesday, March 10, Shotzi took to social media to alert fans that her brother, Dean Urbanski, had gone missing. In the now-deleted post, she explained that Urbanski had been involved in a car crash near Fort Mason in California. According to CCTV footage referenced in the post, he was seen leaving the crash site on foot shortly afterward and was believed to be disoriented.

The situation quickly spread across social media as fans and members of the wrestling community helped share the message in hopes of locating him.

Not long after the initial post, Shotzi returned with good news. She revealed that her brother had been located and taken to a hospital for care. In her update, she thanked everyone who helped circulate the information during the search.

Writing

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared the post, reached out, and helped spread the word. The support and kindness from so many people truly means the world to our family. Thank you all so much.

Shotzi has previously spoken about the important role her brother played in her path to professional wrestling. While she wasn’t initially a big wrestling fan herself, Urbanski was deeply into it. She has recalled spending time watching wrestling with him and playing wrestling video games together growing up.

Years later, Shotzi began watching WWE again with her sister. What started as a joke about potentially getting involved in wrestling eventually turned into something much more serious for Shotzi, who ultimately pursued a career inside the ring and made a name for herself on the independent scene before signing with WWE.

Family has always been a significant part of Shotzi’s story. In 2021, she shared a heartfelt tribute following the passing of her father. In that emotional message, she spoke about how fortunate she felt to have strong relationships with both her biological father and her stepfather. She described her dad as someone who brought energy and joy to every gathering and was often the one organizing family holidays and trips.

Shotzi also reflected on the many lessons he taught her throughout her life and the memories she will always cherish.

While the past few days have undoubtedly been stressful for Shotzi and her family, the positive outcome regarding her brother has brought relief — and plenty of gratitude toward those who helped spread the word. 🙏