Category: Wrestling News

Jerry “The King” Lawler Returns To The Ring As Guest Manager

WWE Hall of Famer and Memphis native and wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler recently appeared for the special Wildfire Wrestling event which took place last Friday before the Memphis Tigers’ game against Tulane.

SportsZone posted footage to their YouTube Channel with Lawler returning to the ring as a guest manager. Lawler’s son Kevin posted a video clip and photos on Facebook.

The 73-year old Lawler has recently started making public appearances again after he suffered a stroke suffering a stroke in February of this year.

The Debut Trailer For Upcoming Von Erich Family Biopic, The Iron Claw

Since it was announced back in summer 2022, Sean Durkin’s film “The Iron Claw,” based on the Von Erich wrestling family, has been hotly anticipated by wrestling fans. But while there have been plenty of casting announcements, set photos, and posters released, one thing fans hadn’t seen yet had been footage from the film, until today.

On X Wednesday morning, “The Iron Claw’s” distributor, A24, released the first trailer for the film. Running at 2 minutes and 22 seconds, the trailer focuses on Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), including scenes highlighting his relationship with future wife, Pam (Lily James), battles in the ring with his brothers, Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and David (Harris Dickinson) against the likes of the Fabulous Freebirds, and volatile moments with the Von Erich patriarch, Fritz (Holt McCallany), whom the trailer pushes as a domineering figure. Notably, the trailer features “Tom Sawyer” by Rush, which the Von Erichs famously used as their entrance music.

Though not entirely focused on, the trailer also hints at the real-life tragedy the Von Erichs faced, with several scenes featuring Efron and James mourning at a funeral. The trailer notably doesn’t feature significant footage of AEW World Champion MJF, who will play the kayfabe Von Erich brother Lance Von Erich, nor fellow AEW star Ryan Nemeth, who plays Gino Hernandez. Legendary wrestlers featured include brief shots of Michael Hayes, played by wrestler Brady Pierce, and Ric Flair, who is briefly seen played by Aaron Dean Eisenberg. Fans will not have to wait much longer to see “The Iron Claw,” which is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 22. The timing of the release will make “The Iron Claw” eligible for award season, including the Academy Awards in early 2023.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Update On The Future Of Wrestling Drama Heels Following Cancelation On Starz

Mere days after the Season 2 finale of “Heels” aired on Starz, the streaming platform opted to cancel the show and not renew it for a third season. This also came after a major season finale cliffhanger.

In light of the Hollywood writers’ strike coming to an end, “Heels” showrunner Mike O’Malley spoke to Entertainment Weekly and revealed that they are now shopping the series around to other outlets.

“Yeah, we are actively doing it right now,” O’Malley said. “And some of the actors are still under contract. Obviously, the [writers’] strike just ended. I couldn’t have any conversations about this [until now], and granted, they just told me on Friday. But not only are we trying to [find a new network], I really believe the Starz executives when they say they want to see a future for the show too, because they did invest a lot in the show… I really do think it’s going to have a life someplace else.”

O’Malley noted that the Season 2 finale cliffhanger was certainly not intended to be the last episode of the series that stars Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig as the Spade brothers. Fans may recall that Amell has dabbled in a few pro wrestling matches outside of “Heels.” He made his WWE in-ring debut at SummerSlam 2015 and also competed at All In 2018.

“Heels” Season 2 notably featured appearances from CM Punk and AJ Lee. Punk’s ​​Ricky Rabies character has recurred in both seasons, while Lee portrayed Elle Dorado in the latest batch of episodes that streamed this summer.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Multiple MMA, Wrestling Companies Expressing Interest In Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is a hot commodity following his WWE release.

As noted, “The Original BRO” was among the 25 WWE and NXT Superstars released by the company following the merger with UFC under the new TKO banner.

Dave Meltzer noted in the latest issue of his Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the former WWE Superstar has received interest from multiple MMA and pro wrestling promotions following his release from the company.

According to the report, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC) and PFL have expressed interest in acquiring the services of Riddle, as have many pro wrestling promotions.

AEW was not specifically mentioned, however Meltzer did note that Tony Khan could very well be interested in bringing him into the company.

Source: Rajah.com

Heels Canceled By Starz

“Heels,” the pro wrestling TV show starring actor Stephen Amell, has reportedly been canceled.

As per “The Wrap,” the show has been canceled due to not having enough audience for it to be renewed for a third season. “Heels” has aired 16 episodes in its two seasons, with the second and final season ending earlier this month.

The cancelation of “Heels” may come as a surprise to many as it seemed to have garnered a good response from critics as well as the audience. As of writing, the show has a high 93% rating by critics and fans on Rotten Tomatoes, while IMDB has given it an 8 out of 10 rating.

Amell, who portrays Jack Spade, is the main protagonist of the show, taking over the Duffy Wrestling League promotion after his father’s passing, while his younger brother Ace Spade, played by Alexander Ludwig, finds his footing in the world of pro wrestling. The show also featured CM Punk as Ricky Rabies, and his appearance on the show may have played a part in his return to pro wrestling with AEW. AJ Mendez (formerly known as AJ Lee in WWE), former WWE wrestler and Punk’s wife, also appeared in three episodes in the second season of “Heels.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

USWA & Portland Wrestling Star Bart Sawyer Passes Away

The family of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has announced that Bart Sawyer (Steve Stewart), a staple of the Portland Wrestling scene, passed away on Thursday at the age of 57 years old.

Sawyer was a mainstay for Portland Wrestling during the early 1990s before joining the USWA. He got his start in the wrestling business training under Bob Giegel in the Kansas City area and wrestled his first match as a student against Curtis Hughes. He worked for the World Wrestling Alliance in Kansas City and then made some appearances for the USWA and WCCW before beginning to work for Pacific Northwest Wrestling.

Sawyer was forced to retire in November 2004 following a stroke that left him in a coma for several days and partially paralyzed his left side.

Although Sawyer eventually recovered, he never stepped in between the ropes again.

Source: eWn

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/22/2023

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will air live on FOX from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

  • LWO (Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar) vs. The Street Profits
  • WWE Women’s Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Asuka
  • John Cena to appear

Cassie Lee Making In-Ring Return Next Month

Former WWE Superstar & Impact Knockout Cassie Lee will be making her return to the ring next month in her native Australia.

On her Instagram Stories, Lee revealed that she will be part of World Series Wrestling’s ‘Full Throttle’ tour that will see her appear in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane & Sydney.

Lee has not competed since April 2022, when she and Jessica McKay lost to Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood on the Impact Rebellion kickoff show.

In August 2022, Lee and her husband Shawn Spears announced they were expecting their first child and would welcome their son Austin Jay in January 2023.

Velvet Sky Reveals What’s Next For Her Following NWA Departure

While Velvet Sky recently departed the National Wrestling Alliance, she is still interested in doing more commentary work for another company.

Speaking on a recent edition of “Busted Open Radio,” the former Beautiful People member opined on what’s next for her, the NWA locker room being a breath of fresh air, and more.

You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:

On if she wants to keep doing commentary: “I will say, I honestly had a blast at the NWA, in the commentary role. I like to try to be versatile in this industry, not just be known as Velvet Sky, the wrestler. When you put your whole youth into something and that part of of life comes to an end, it’s like, I’ve been in the industry since I was 20 years old. 22 years later, I’m still a part of it, even though I’m not active in the ring. I would like it to kind of stay that way, as far as being involved in the industry in some role. If I’m not, again, I’m totally fine because I’m totally at peace and I’m totally happy and satisfied with what I have done in the wrestling industry as far as being in IMPACT and my time in NWA as a commentator, which I really did enjoy. Joe and Tim, they took me under their wing, and I learned a lot from them. They showed me the ropes of commentary, and I still have a lot to learn. I feel like I was just getting my toes wet in commentary with the NWA. But good things had to come to end.”

On her time in the NWA: “I have nothing bad to say about the company, my time there. That locker room is a breath of fresh air. I wouldn’t mind trying commentary out again somewhere somehow. If it happened, great. If it didn’t, I’m more than satisfied with my time in wrestling and what I’ve done in wrestling, even though wrestling is in my blood, it’s in my heart, it’s in my soul. So of course I would always want to be a part of this industry in some way, shape, or form. So you never know. Never say never. But yes, I would honestly like to try out commentary somewhere or just being involved in wrestling as a whole would be great. If it doesn’t happen again, I’m cool. I’m good. I’m living life. I’m enjoying it. I’m good.”

Source: eWn

Minoru Suzuki vs. Jacob Fatu Set For MLW Slaughterhouse

Minoru Suzuki vs. Jacob Fatu has been announced for MLW Slaughterhouse. MLW issued the following:

Minoru Suzuki vs. Jacob Fatu signed for Slaughterhouse Oct 14 in Philly

Tickets available at MLW2300.com

Tickets Now Available at MLW2300.com

Major League Wrestling (MLW®) today announced Jacob Fatu vs. Minoru Suzuki at MLW Slaughterhouse live and exclusively on FITE+ Saturday, October 14 at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

🎟 Grab tickets at MLW2300.com and the 2300 Arena box office. Tickets start at $15.

The MLW x New Japan Pro Wrestling crossover escalates come October 14 with the arrival of Minoru Suzuki in MLW LIVE on FITE+. Sign up for your FITE+ subscription now.

Lock in your tickets now at http://MLW2300.com as MLW Slaughterhouse will feature a DOUBLE main event.

MLW can confirm the first of two big main events today.

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Minoru Suzuki will make his MLW debut against MLW’s “Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu!

Last week on Fusion Fatu laid down the challenge, calling out Suzuki — and the “King of Pro Wrestling” was delighted to accept and cautions there will be no mercy as these two fight for the first time ever.

See this dream match, a match that has never happened EVER before LIVE at Slaughterhouse!

MLW can confirm a LIMITED meet & greet will also take place prior to the start of the show. More details will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Get your tickets and see it go down Saturday, October 14 in Philadelphia at http://www.MLW2300.com

SLAUGHTERHOUSE FITE+ CARD

NJPW vs. MLW

Minoru Suzuki vs. Jacob Fatu

FUSION TV TAPING BOUTS

Some of the athletes and talent signed to compete and appear include:

World Heavyweight Champion Alex Kane and the Bomaye Fight Club

Salina de la Renta

Matt Cardona

Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Mance Warner

National Openweight Champion Rickey Shane Page

World Middleweight Champion “Death Fighter” AKIRA

“Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams

1 Called Manders

Matthew Justice

World Featherweight Champion Delmi Exo

“International Popstar” B3CCA

Ichiban

Love, Doug

Tony Deppen

Little Guido

Matt Striker

Joe Dombrowski

Mister Saint Laurent

Plus MORE to be announced in the days ahead!

The card is also an MLW FUSION TV taping, airing nationwide in the US and in over 60 countries around the world.

Tickets start at $15 at MLW2300.com. Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the event sales out in advance.

DAY OF EVENT INFO
The schedule for the event is as follows:

5:30 p.m.: Early entry for front row ticket holders
6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders)
7:00 p.m : Showtime

The venue is located at: 2300 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

The world of MLW never stops. See you at the historic 2300 Arena for Major League Wrestling!

About Major League Wrestling

Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company, offering television content, action figures, apparel, live events, and ancillary entertainment. MLW operates live events in major markets throughout the United States and Mexico, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Tijuana.

One of the fastest growing wrestling leagues today, MLW programming is available in over 60 countries worldwide, including MLW Fusion on beIN Sports in the U.S. and Ayozat TV on SKY in the United Kingdom.

MLW premium live events stream monthly live and exclusively on FITE+.

MLW events showcase diversity and the full spectrum of professional wrestling, with athletes representing countries around the world with fighting styles, including: technical, Japanese strong style, lucha libre, King’s Road brawling, MMA, catch wrestling, hybrid wrestling, submission grappling and other disciplines.

For more information visit MLW.com and follow MLW on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.