Category: Wrestling News

Scott D’Amore Fired As TNA President By Anthem Sports, TNA Stars Pays Tribute & Bid Farewell To D’Amore

Another shake-up has taken place in the world of pro wrestling. TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore has been let go, with Anthony Cicione of TNA’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. taking over as the new President. The company’s press release states that the intent is to further integrate TNA into Anthem’s Entertainment Group, which Cicione is already the President of.

According to a report from PWInsider, it is believed that the decision came directly from Anthem’s owner, Len Asper. As echoed by the official statement, Anthem management will be taking on a larger role in the day-to-day operations of TNA, with Cicione leading that charge.

D’Amore’s termination comes less than a month after the company changed its branding from Impact Wrestling back to TNA, its original moniker. With the relaunch, the company has brokered a great deal of goodwill with fans, making D’Amore’s exit all the more surprising. According to an update on the matter from Fightful Select, Anthem management met with TNA talent over Zoom this afternoon. The report also quoted one talent who understood the reasoning behind the change but credited D’Amore with saving the promotion.

In contrast with D’Amore, Cicione has no direct experience working in the professional wrestling industry. The Anthem press release touted his history of “executive-level management experience,” specifically referring to cable and digital channels. It remains to be seen if the company intends to keep Cicione in charge of TNA long-term or if he will be managing the promotion until Anthem finds a suitable replacement.

Similarly unknown is how the company intends to handle the creative process moving forward. In addition to his management duties, D’Amore was previously a key part of the team in charge of booking TNA’s TV shows and pay-per-views.

Some talent such as Brian Myers crediting D’Amore for helping save the company from closing entirely. Since his termination, many members of the TNA roster have spoken out in support of D’Amore.

“The incredibly painstaking, tedious, and difficult work that [Scott D’Amore] has put in to bring [TNA] to this very exciting moment in time, cannot be understated,” said TNA star Frankie Kazarian. “We all, wrestlers and fans alike, owe him a debt of gratitude.”

TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace, who recently appeared in the WWE Royal Rumble, posted a picture of herself and D’Amore. Grace also called the former executive the “heart and soul” of the promotion.

Former Impact World Champion Steve Maclin posted a picture of himself with D’Amore presenting him with the title belt after a particularly bloody victory. Meanwhile, TNA star Alex Zayne thanked D’Amore for both the opportunities he gave Zayne personally as well as everything he’s done for wrestling as a whole.

“Not all people in leadership roles are leaders,” said Jody Threat. “[Scott D’Amore] was a leader. [Honored] to have been led by him. Thank you for everything.”

TNA star Jake Something posted a video of himself talking about D’Amore and his impact on Something’s career. The wrestler stated that he was “proud to be a Scott D’Amore guy.” Referee Brandon Tolle also referred to himself in the same manner while thanking D’Amore for the opportunities he provided.

Wrestler-turned-announcer Jade Chung posted a series of pictures of D’Amore, including a shot of D’Amore sitting behind the backstage monitors with a young child, presumably his own. Another former Impact World Champion, Josh Alexander, also posted a picture of himself in the ring with D’Amore. Alexander thanked the company’s former President and referred to him simply as “coach.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jeff Jarrett Reacts To The Passing Of Toby Keith

WWE, TNA Hall of Famer and AEW star Jeff Jarrett took to social media to share his thoughts on the passing of his friend Toby Keith.

“I don’t believe in coincidences…only convergences. I woke up at 4am to a message on my phone of Toby’s passing. I just finished my media day in Huntsville, Alabama — for an event in the same arena where I busted his song and he suplexed me on TNA’s 1st ppv. The reason I tell this story is to explain what a friend Toby was to me — after he had already committed to my show, he was asked by the President of the USA to come to the White House to perform his new smash hit, Angry American, on the day of the event, June 19, 2002.

Toby said a “diplomatically no” to them.

Toby was a man of his word, honor and integrity to his core, and I’ll never have a friend like him again.

T, love you my friend, Rest in Peace…”

Country singer Toby Keith died Monday night at age 62, more than two years after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

MLW’s Jacob Fatu Is Now A Free Agent

Just as The Bloodline saga has taken yet another turn in WWE, another member of the fabled Anoa’i family has hit the free agent market, as former MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu’s contract with the company has come to an end. A tweet from WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Fatu’s uncle, raised eyebrows this week, calling Fatu “the baddest talented Indy worker on the scene” and wondering, “Who will sign him?” while tagging the official X accounts of both WWE and AEW.

Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net was then able to confirm Fatu’s contract status, citing independent sources, while also reporting he is still set to appear for MLW in Philadelphia during the company’s tapings tonight, where he will square off against Yuji Nagata. At this point, with The Rock now seemingly set to square off against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, to speculate on just about anyone getting involved in that story as they battle for the claim to “The Head of the Table” is fair, and it would make just as much sense for Fatu, son of Samuel Fatu (The Tonga Kid), to get involved as nearly any other available family member.

In fact, Fatu showed interest in just that as recently as last year. Of course, WWE shouldn’t be his only option, as interest is likely to be significant for “The Samoan Werewolf,” who held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for more than two years between 2019 and 2021. Fatu is a 12-year pro who already in 2024 has appeared in MLW, GCW, NJPW, and elsewhere, and has been ranked in the PWI 500 each year since 2019, peaking at #20 in 2020 and finishing just outside the top-50 in 2023 at #53.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Marty Jannetty – ‘My Sister Passed Away & Doctors Want To Amputate My Leg’

Marty Jannetty took to Facebook on Wednesday to share some sad news – his sister has passed away and his leg issues have gotten worse.

The former WWE Superstar has revealed that doctors have advised him that they want to amputate his leg. Additionally, Marty’s brother called him on Tuesday night to give him the news that their sister had passed away. He wrote,

“I can’t hardly formulate a sentence right now, it’s a tough time in life, yesterday day they told me they want to cut my leg off.. struggling with that my brother called last night and, my sister died in his arms basically. I don’t even know what I’m saying right now. I don’t think I’m doing the podcast show tomorrow night, please forgive me, I do loves y’all..I just can’t. I’m so lost right now

PS- Many of y’all know both my sisters, Diane is still hanging in tough as a mo-fo, Diane STAY STAY STRONG, KEEP BELIEF, YOU TOO GENO!”

Condolences to Marty Jannetty during this difficult time.

Source: eWn

Dave Meltzer Provides WWE Backstage Update On The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns

Things are very up in the air for WWE right now, with the promotion capping off a “great week” by fielding just as many questions regarding a lawsuit, and accusations of sexual assault, against former chairman Vince McMahon as they did their new Netflix deal. They also found time to hold their Royal Rumble PLE, which saw Cody Rhodes win the Men’s Rumble, and immediately challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Rhodes’ victory led to more questions than answers, however, particularly whether this meant the long-rumored match between The Rock and Roman Reigns was off. As it turns out, it is and it isn’t. On the latest “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer confirmed that Rhodes vs. Reigns is the planned WrestleMania 40 main event this year, and will take place as a singles match, without any involvement from The Rock.

That being said, The Rock is still expected to come back to WWE, and a match between him and Reigns is in the cards. When and where the match will take place remains to be seen, as conversations between Rock, who was named to WWE/TKO’s board of directors last week, and WWE, regarding the match are said to be ongoing.

The delay in Rock vs. Reigns will give Rhodes a chance to finally “finish the story” and capture the Undisputed WWE Title, something he failed to do against Reigns last year at WrestleMania 39. Reigns meanwhile will look to continue his record-setting reign as champion, which has lasted for over 1,240 days, putting him only 234 days short of passing Hulk Hogan’s 1,470 day reign as WWE Champion in the 1980s.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Vince McMahon Resigns From WWE, TKO Group Holdings Amidst Sex Trafficking Allegations

Vince McMahon’s role in WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, has come to an end. During Friday night’s broadcast of “WWE SmackDown,” Sean Ross Sapp reported that WWE President Nick Khan had sent the following memo to some staff:

“I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors. He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE.”

Shortly after Sapp’s report, McMahon issued a statement to Deadline.

“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said, echoing his initial denial. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”

“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately,” he said.

The news comes one day after news broke that former WWE employee Janel Grant had filed civil suit against McMahon and another former employee, John Laurinitis, alleging “physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking at WWE.” The allegations, which a TKO spokesperson referred to as “horrific,” resulted in major WWE sponsor Slim Jim putting its deal with the company on pause one day before they were set to sponsor the Royal Rumble.

After McMahon resigned from TKO, Slim Jim agreed to the sponsorship again. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Vince McMahon Sued Over Sex Trafficking Claim By Former Employee Who Took Hush Money Payments

The following comes from a report from The Hollywood Reporter.

Janel Grant accuses the wrestling mogul of coercing her into sex with him and others at the company. She calls the company probe into sexual misconduct allegations a “sham.”

WWE founder Vince McMahon and a former executive have been sued for sex trafficking and battery by a ex-administrative employee, who questioned the extent of the company’s investigation into hush money payments after she wasn’t interviewed despite stating her cooperation.

Janel Grant, in a lawsuit filed in Connecticut federal court on Thursday, said she was coerced by McMahon into having sex with him and others at the company at his direction during his tenure as chief executive of the wrestling outfit. WWE was named in the complaint for attempting to “conceal the wrongdoing.”

The suit escalates growing legal troubles for the company tied to payments by McMahon to silence sexual misconduct allegations. He initially retired in 2022 amid the probe, only to return the next year by using his power as WWE’s controlling shareholder to appoint himself and two former executives to its board, which went on to name him executive chairman. McMahon in November was sued in a shareholder complaint over his corporate coup that paved that path for him to merge the sports entertainment powerhouse with Endeavor’s UFC. It accused him of accepting a sweetheart deal that allowed him to stay on as executive chairman of TKO Group and avoid scrutiny in connection with the probe that could’ve ousted him from the company.

In a statement, a spokesperson for McMahon said, “This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth.”

WWE didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

According to the complaint, Grant in 2019 was directly hired by McMahon as an administrator-coordinator in WWE’s legal department. While McMahon was chief executive, she alleged he “recruited individuals to have sexual relations” with her and directed her to engage in sexual activity at WWE headquarters during working hours.

The suit details a June 2021 assault by McMahon and John Lauriantis, former head of talent relations who was also named in the complaint. 

“Behind a locked door, the two men cornered her and pulled her in between them, forcibly touched her, before ultimately putting her on top of a table in between them,” the complaint stated. “She begged them to stop, but they forced themselves on her, each taking turns restraining her for the other.”

According to the complaint, Grant was terminated when McMahon’s wife discovered the affair. She says she was coerced into signing a nondisclosure agreement under the threat of McMahon releasing pornographic content he captured and his vast legal resources.

“Ultimately, Ms. Grant succumbed to the pressure and signed the NDA in exchange for payments – which McMahon later stopped making,” the complaint stated.

Instead of intervening to address the alleged misconduct, Grant claims that WWE moved to “sweep the matter under the rug” with a payment of $3 million. She takes issue with the company’s board of directors touting the conclusion of the “sham” probe into sexual misconduct allegations by McMahon despite the special committee neglecting to interview or request documents from her.

Additionally, the suit calls into question WWE’s characterization of hush money payments from McMahon, which were initially footed by the company. In securities filings, WWE called the payouts  “immaterial accounting errors,” per the suit.

Grant claims suffers post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation due to the alleged misconduct. She seeks unspecified damages and brings claims for battery and violations of federal laws related to sex trafficking, as well as negligence against WWE.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Kota Ibushi Set To Undergo Ankle Surgery

Pro Wrestling NOAH held its ‘The New Year’ 2024 show earlier this month with the main event singles match between Naomichi Marufuji and Kota Ibushi, where they wrestled for 30 minutes before Ibushi went over in the end.

Ibushi went for an outside moonsault, and when he landed, he grabbed his ankle. Kota was taken to the hospital after the bout, which was heavily criticized.

Kota confirmed today that he will have ankle surgery on Wednesday:

“Long time no see. It feels unusually long.

Things won’t go on as before.

I hope tomorrow’s surgery is successful.

As long as you can walk, that’s enough.

I don’t need anything else”

https://twitter.com/ibushi_kota/status/1747145518365741099

Source: eWn

Dark Side Of The Ring Renewed For Another Season

Vice TV’s Dark Side of the Ring series is returning for a new season after its debut in April 2019, where it initially aired six episodes.

Each episode explores scandalous, tragic, or controversial stories. The executive directors of the show are Evan Husney and Jason Eisener.

According to Pwinsider, the series has been renewed for a fifth season and is scheduled to premiere in March.

Source: eWn

Andrade El Idolo Pulled From Indie Event As Rumors Of WWE Return Continue

Rumors continue to swirl regarding Andrade El Idolo potentially returning to WWE, and they will intensify with the news he has now been pulled from this Friday’s GCW event. GCW released a statement on X to confirm it, stating, “Due to circumstances out of control, ANDRADE and MAKI ITOH will be unable to compete on Friday’s event in Chicago.” GCW revealed they have replacements for both wrestlers, with Masha Slamovich and Lio Rush set to step in, however, the news will certainly get people talking about the future of the former AEW star. El Idolo’s final match for AEW took place at Worlds End 2023, which saw him lose to Miro, and both he and Tony Khan confirmed that they would be parting ways after that point.

Ever since, there has been speculation that the former “WWE NXT” Champion is going to be returning to his former company, WWE — where his wife, Charlotte Flair also works. Of course, nothing is official regarding El Idolo and WWE, but people within the company are expecting him back at some stage. Wrestlers being pulled from independent dates has been a sign in the past that a wrestler is heading to WWE because, unlike AEW, the company doesn’t tend to allow its roster members to work for other promotions.

El Idolo is not under a non-compete clause, which means he is technically free to appear on WWE television at any point, should he sign with the company. He last worked for WWE in 2021 after spending seven years with them, and he does have a positive history working under the creative leadership of Triple H, who of course is now in charge of that department for WWE’s main roster.

Source: Wrestling Inc.