Former WWE manager and wrestler Jean “Frenchy Martin” Gagne passed away this morning after a battle with cancer, according to PWInsider. He was 66 years old.
“I led an extraordinary life,” Martin told The Montreal Journal last month. “I am proud to have succeeded in the world of wrestling. I am no more worthy than another, but I’m not afraid of death. I accept the result. ”
Martin had long runs in Stampede and Puerto Rico before coming to the WWF in the 1980s, where he wrestled, did commentary, hosted an interview segment for international broadcasts and managed the late Dino Bravo among others. He was known for his trademark sign that read “USA is not OK”
The World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico dedicated their Anniversario events over the weekend to Martin.
On behalf of everyone here at Wrestling News Blog, we’d like to send our deepest condolences to Martin’s family, friends and fans.
Recently, ‘Prime Time’ Sam Roberts hosted the Lucha Underground Panel at New York Comic Con. During the panel, Lucha Underground Executive Producer Eric Van Wagenen discussed future plans for merchandise and taking the show on the road.
On the subject of new Lucha Underground merchandise, Van Wagenen, who also serves as the showrunner, said that more merch is on its way. He also stated that they did not expect the demand they are now experiencing.
“There is the LLC, which is a corporation that runs all the IP and there is merchandise, that is, more on the way. It’s taking a little time, but there is more stuff that’s happening. I mean, we’re a bunch of TV people that didn’t necessarily… we weren’t prepared for the passionate fanbase, which we now have. And whereas we thought we could kind of keep up with it as it built, we’re having a bit of growing pains, I suppose, but that’s the one thing that we are aware of, that is more merchandise, diverse merchandise, character-based merchandise, and things outside of just t-shirts and hats. And those meetings are taking place. And those things are happening.”
Lucha Underground will begin touring this month. The former Executive Producer of WWE Tough Enough explained that the plan is to shoot the Lucha Underground episodes during the first five months of the year and tour for remaining seven months. Van Wagenen even joked that Rey Mysterio would handle the ring announcing duties to avoid wear and tear on his body from wrestling on tour.
“One of the things that we’re wise about is we try to watch the mistakes of others and it’s better to go too slow than it is to go too fast and people get caught, a lot of the times, when their expectations for touring are too high. That’s how you lose a lot of money really quickly. I’m not saying anything about TNA ever. And I think that there are some limited dates that are going to happen this year still and then there will be a bigger expansion of that next summer.
“We’re getting ready to shoot. We’re planning. There’s no official pick up or anything, but our idea is to shoot our episodes in the first five months of the year. Then, go on tour for the last seven months of the year. Limited, not five nights a week. Rey is going to be our new ring announcer. It’s not going to be a week in, week out thing. It would be selected cities, marketplaces that love the product, yeah, [New York] could be one of them. And we’re just going to grow it slow.”
Suspended WWE wrestler Paige proposed to her boyfriend Alberto Del Rio Sunday night inside of the squared circle … then talked about the surprise engagement with a local reporter.
Paige spoke with Pico’s Reviews afterward and said she felt good after popping the question — mainly because it would have been embarrassing if he had said “no” in front of a bunch of people.
As seen below, UFC President Dana White appeared on FOX Sports 1 and commented on CM Punk’s UFC future. In regards to Punk having another fight, White said, “…probably not. But he wanted to try it. I like the guy, I respect the guy. He wanted to fight in the UFC. He wanted to do it, he trained for two years and he did it.”
The former WWE Champion trained for 2 years to make his UFC debut and quickly lost in the first round to Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in September. Punk indicated then that he won’t give up and is hoping for a second fight.
New Japan Pro Wrestling star Matt Sydalhas missed several shows recently … and now it’s been revealed that the wrestler was MIA due to anin Japan for possession of pot.
According to Nikkan Sports, Sydal was arrested at the Kansai International Airport in Osaka on September 23rd while trying to enter the country with 2.12 grams of liquid marijuana — aka weed cartridges for a vape pen — in his backpack.
Sydal tweeted on September 25th saying, “Hi everyone. Had passport trouble at the border after spending an extra day at LAX. Chillin in Hawaii until this sorts out #travelwoes”
Roderick Strong was revealed to be Austin Aries’ mystery partner in the WWE NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic at tonight’s tapings from Full Sail University.
Former ROH Champion Roderick Strong made his WWE NXT debut at tonight’s tapings from Full Sail University. As seen in the photo below, WWE has announced his arrival but did not elaborate.
It’s been a very fertile month in the world of wrestling … and now a Lucha Underground star is joining the ranks of expectant mothers.
Black Lotus aka Angela Fong announced on Instagram today that she is with child saying, “The moment you realize life will never be the same…and you can’t wait. Baby Habeger coming soon!”
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