Category: Wrestling News

TNA’s Destination is Here 

On Thursday, January 8th, TNA Impact Wrestling debuted on its new home, Destination America, and it was an exciting show. From title changes to a new logo, the show opened with a video package showcasing the talent of the roster accompanied by music that had a beat matching the movements of each character. It really felt like a breath of fresh air for the company and from a fan’s perspective, it looked as if there was a new sense of hope and an air of rejuvenation among the entire TNA team. 2015 is off to a promising start. Here’s hoping TNA can keep getting better and better with every new year.

-Celine

Alberto “El Patron” Del Rio Signs With Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground announced January 17th that they have signed AAA World Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron (Del Rio)  and that has competed in his first match. Lucha Underground airs Wednesdays nights at 8/7c on El Rey Network and on Saturdays at 4pm in Spanish on UniMas.

NJPW Debuts Tonight On AXS TV

New Japan Pro-Wrestling debuts tonight on AXS TV at 9/8c.

In the opener of this series highlighting action from the Japanese wrestling promotion NJPW will feature Hiroshi Tanahashi battling his rival “Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada in the Tokyo Dome in 2013.

Commentary will be by Mauro Ranallo and former UFC Heavweight Champion Josh Barnett.

Cena’s New Behavior? 

The return of the Authority on Monday Night RAW marked a time in John Cena’s career where hellish techniques were exhibited, especially with the egging on of Triple H and Stephanie to the Superstars who lost in matches earlier in the night due to their rule—something that never would have happened if Cena hadn’t brought them back to power. Although we are seeing the downhill side of Cena’s career, it’s very interesting to see such scenarios demonstrated with Cena—those things that are not so positive as we have seen before with him. While a heel turn seems to be long gone for Cena, who knows what’s next with the storyline of Cena perhaps doing more risqué things. We shall soon see.

-Celine

Wrestling With Death Premieres Tonight

 

Wrestling With Death docuseries premieres tonight on WGN America at 10/9c with two back-to-back episodes. The series follows The Lathams from Osceola, Arkansas, a family who are morticians by day who run the Wilson Funeral Home and pro wrestlers by night who run The Mid-Southern Championship Wrestling League.

Jeff Hardy Takes Serious Bump During Match At TNA Lockdown Taping

During last night’s TNA Lockdown tapings in New York City, Jeff Hardy took a very bad bump from the cage and apparently was knocked out backstage after the match.

Seen in the video below, Hardy was knocked from the top of the cage door to the steel steps outside of the cage. He finished the rest of the match but was helped to the back by officials. A fan in attendance noted that crew members and Jeremy Borash were overheard saying Hardy was knocked out backstage.

http://instagram.com/p/xqISpvAbN6/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=video&modal=true

http://instagram.com/p/xqfV3-AbNb/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=video&modal=true

Maria Kanellis & Mike Bennett Leaving ROH?

 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis and her husband Mike Bennett are currently working with Ring of Honor without contracts because their deals expired. Wrestling Observer reports that both sides have been negotiating for a few months. They will continue to work for ROH and are both scheduled to work tours of Japan this year.

Wrestling Observer reports that there’s a feeling that Kanellis & Bennett will begin talking with TNA and Lucha Underground soon.

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingINC.com

Production Issues With Last Night’s “Impact” Debut On Destination America

There were a lot of production issues with last night’s TNA Impact Wrestling episode, especially with missed shots in the ring. No word on who directed last night’s show but it was not David Sahadi, who had been directing TNA’s shows.

Some of the stalling and issues we noted earlier were due to TNA using the Manhattan Center’s production equipment. There were several technical issues with the equipment. TNA would have been facing major problems if the show didn’t air on a tape delay.

The opening backstage brawl on last night’s Impact Wrestling was actually filmed on Tuesday evening. The wrestlers kicked off the Impact show by “brawling into the arena.”

New announce teams revealed for Raw and SmackDown

As SmackDown prepares to move to Thursday nights next week on Syfy, WWE Universe members will be seeing some new faces behind both the Raw and SmackDown announce desks.

Starting Monday on Raw, Michael Cole and JBL will be joined each week by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, while the new SmackDown announce team will consist of Cole, newcomer Byron Saxton and incomparable WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler. Cole, JBL and Lawler will continue to provide commentary during WWE pay-per-view events.