Category: Wrestling News

Vince McMahon Served Search Warrant & Federal Grand Jury Subpoena

As revealed in the latest WWE quarterly earnings report, WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon was served with a search warrant and federal grand jury subpoena on July 17. Asked about the warrant and subpoena on a media call covering the earnings report, WWE CEO Nick Khan declined to comment on specifics but stated that they were cooperating with the investigation (via Twitter). McMahon underwent major spinal surgery two weeks back, likely within days of being served with the subpoena.

While the specific details of the warrant and subpoena remain a mystery, it’s known that McMahon has been under investigation for allegedly paying off a number of women in an attempt to keep them quiet regarding sexual misconduct. As of now, no charges have been filed against McMahon.

Elsewhere in the report, WWE confirmed that the independent investigation into McMahon has concluded. However, it states the company could receive further “regulatory, investigative and enforcement inquiries, subpoenas, [and] demands” pending outside investigations, referring to the current federal inquiry.

Just over a year ago, McMahon stepped down as WWE CEO as allegations emerged accusing him of sexual misconduct. McMahon remained the controlling majority shareholder, and reinstated himself as Executive Chairman of the company’s board in January of this year. Additionally, while McMahon’s son-in-law, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, reportedly remains in control as head of creative, there have been various reports that McMahon has had a growing influence on TV programming.

WWE is in the midst of a merger with UFC, where it will join the MMA promotion under the Endeavour corporate umbrella. Up to this point, McMahon has had the support of Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel throughout the merger process.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Elite Sign New Multi-Year Deals With AEW

Sports Illustrated reported today that The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) have each signed new multi-year deals with the company.

The article added Omega and the Bucks will also continue in their roles as Executive Vice Presidents.

Their deals were slated to expire at the end of this year and reportedly had interest from WWE.

“I’m excited to share that Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Adam Page will all be staying in AEW for years to come,” AEW owner Tony Khan said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating the great news with fans around the world.”

Tony Khan confirmed that the new deals with The Elite were inked before tonight’s 200th episode of “AEW Dynamite,”

Here are the statements made by Omega and The Young Bucks:

Kenny Omega: “Our original goal was to create a wrestling alternative and give a platform to talented people that we’d all felt deserved a spotlight,” he said. “I feel like we did our best in that time, and hopefully some people you’d never heard of pre-AEW are folks you enjoy watching today. Or if you knew them from their previous work elsewhere, have maybe found a new appreciation for them. That feeling, combined with the feeling of knowing they can provide for themselves and their family doing what they love, was always the biggest reward of being an EVP/founder. Pro wrestling has a presence almost everywhere on the planet,” he continued. “In my pursuit to become as complete of a performer as possible, my goal was always to experience the styles of the world at their highest level. I believe that with AEW’s current working relationships, and possibly future, I can challenge all forms of pro wrestling and diversify my style so that I’m equipped for any scenario I may encounter in the ring. I was careful to weigh out all options and was open minded to all possibilities,” said Omega. “I’m here to help whomever I can while I’m still around. Up to this point, I’ve made the choice to sacrifice everything in the name of pro wrestling. I can’t say that family or my kids influenced the decision to stay with AEW–I’m not married and without kids–but what I can say is that I’m incredibly proud of my match catalog and the wonderful people I’ve met and continue to meet. AEW not only allows me to continue doing what I do at a high level, but allows the freedom to pursue some other passions I have in life–which, after nearly 25 years in the ring, have become more and more important to me.”

Matt Jackson: “We’re literally the ‘E’ in AEW,” he said. “The Elite are the main characters of this company. No matter how different AEW is now from its original inception, we are the DNA. And if you lose the foundation of your home, it eventually collapses. It’d be a lie if I said that didn’t weigh on us, when making the decision. In my older years of my career, being closer to the end than I am the beginning, I’m not really one who worries much about my legacy anymore,” he continued. “I’ve kind of noticed, like a summer tan, most memories fade. Or, they’re remembered differently or told with errors anyway. Oftentimes the memory is almost instantly forgotten, because you hit the refresh button. As far as my own personal stories, I’ll have enough to retell my grandchildren for a lifetime. And much of those stories can be about how I helped create a massively successful wrestling company where all of your favorites can be seen on live television every week.”

Nick Jackson: “If we’re going to be honest the schedule was a huge part of it,” he said. “I have a wife and three young children and seeing them as much as possible was a big factor. I’m not going to lie, the money was a huge factor, too. At this point of my life and career, I just couldn’t see myself being on the road half of the year or even more than that. I have so much respect for the guys and girls that are able to do that year after year. We for sure could’ve made memories in WWE, but what’s more important to me is making memories with my family. With the position we’re in, I’ll be able to do that and still make memories in AEW.”

Welsh Wrestling Legend Adrian Street Passed Away

Welsh professional wrestler Adrian Street has died at the age of 82, according to a report from BBC. Street, who was the subject of multiple documentaries focused on his life and career (including a WWE Network special), recently suffered a stroke. According to Street’s wife and former wrestling manager, known professionally as Miss Linda, complications associated with that stroke are believed to have caused his death.

Street began his professional wrestling career in August 1957 (via Wrestling Heritage). With his final match taking place in November 2010, Street’s in-ring career lasted for more than 53 years. In that time, Street was a six-time NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Champion and a Mid-South Television Champion.

Prior to his move to North America in the early 1980s, Street honed his craft in the United Kingdom wrestling scene, developing a flamboyant character that took inspiration from “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers and “Gorgeous” George. With his persona, Street helped pave the way for characters such as Goldust to find a place in professional wrestling. In fact, with his popularity in England, Street is believed to have played a role in popularizing the “glam rock” look that rose over the course of the 1970s.

In addition to his work inside the ring, Street was an author, actor, musician, trainer, and costume-maker, alongside his wife. The two resided in Florida for a long time, but returned home to Wales in the last several years. Last year, Street and his wife were both present at WWE’s Clash at the Castle event in Cardiff, Wales.

A picture of Street, dressed in his wrestling costume while standing beside his father in his miner’s clothes, is viewed by many as the “most important post-war picture ever taken” in the United Kingdom. The picture is said to represent the nation’s shift from industry to entertainment.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Rampage Preview 7/28/2023

Tonight’s AEW Rampage on TNT at 10/9c.

  • Tag Team Battle Royal for a Future World Tag Team Title Match: Big Bill & Brian Cage, The Butcher & The Blade, Ethan Page & Brother Zay, The Hardys, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker, Serpentico & Luther, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh, Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal 
  • The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) w/Maria Kanellis in action
  • Komander vs. Kip Sabian 
  • Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose

“The Iron Claw” Movie About The Von Erich Family Gets Release Date

Variety is reporting that A24’s “The Iron Claw,” a movie about the Von Erich family, has a release date.

The movie was written and directed by Sean Durkin. It’s slated to be financed and produced by A24.

The cast includes Zac Efron (Kevin Von Erich), Jeremy Allen White (Kerry), Harris Dickinson (David), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich), Maura Tierney (Doris Von Erich), Aaron Dean Eisenberg (Ric Flair), MJF (Lance Von Erich), and Kevin Anton (Harley Race).

The movie will release in theaters on December 22nd. You can check out the official synopsis for the film below:

“Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film follows the rise and fall of the family dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day.” 

Source: eWn

Ex-WCW Star Buff Bagwell Was Recently Arrested For Speeding & DUI

Former WCW and WWE star Marcus ‘Buff’ Bagwell was arrested earlier this month, it has been confirmed.

Bagwell was arrested on July 13, according to Cobb County records in Marietta, GA, and was pulled over for speeding, which is a misdemeanor.

Bagwell was also charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, also a misdemeanor, and was released from jail on July 15.

This is the latest setback for Bagwell, who has a history of prior legal issues, many stemming from substance abuse-related reasons.

Earlier this year, Bagwell revealed that he was seven months clean after a lengthy battle with addiction.

Source: eWn

Alicia Fox Reveals The Meaning Behind Her New ‘Vix Crow’ Ring Name

Alicia Fox departed WWE back in May of this year and is now going by the name “Vix Crow” on the independent scene.

Speaking during a recent interview with “MuscleManMalcom,” the former WWE Divas Champion revealed that her new ring name is inspired by her real name of Victoria Elizabeth Michelle Crawford. In only a way she can attempt to explain, Fox stated:

“It’s a weird transition just because of — I think it’s in my innermost self that’s strangely transitioning because in my mind I’m like, ‘What was the last match I had? Was I good? Did I look like I could perform?’ All these things. But in that particular chapter in my life [with WWE], it wasn’t really expected to get much feedback. So, in this chance, I feel so inspired for many, many reasons.”

She continued, “I feel so inspired that this is an independent sphere. I can create here, and it’s okay. So it makes me, in my innermost self, wonder, ‘Well, what was my problem before and how am I going to fix it going forward?’ Because regardless if it’s the business, … am I going to perform to the best of my ability? I’m going to do my best. So, I need to just get it out of it.”

Source: eWn

Saraya: WWE Medical Staff Said ‘Book Was Closed’ On Neck Injury, Refused To Examine

It was only a year ago when Saraya, then retired following a neck injury, found herself at a crossroads as a free agent after her WWE contract expired. Now, Saraya not only finds herself wrestling again, but a prominent member of AEW’s women’s division – part of The Outcasts with Ruby Soho and AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm.

But in an interview with “Inside The Ropes,” Saraya revealed that she could’ve gone down a different path if WWE would had taken a look at her neck to see if she had healed enough. But that was never something the promotion seriously considered.

“At WWE, I asked to see my neck a few times, and the medical said that the book was closed on that, and they weren’t gonna keep checking on it, which was really disappointing,” Saraya said. “So if I wanted to check on my neck, it would have to come out of my own pocket. Her name was Stacy — that was her who said that, by the way. So it wasn’t anything to do with like Hunter or anything, it was just that medical department, which I thought was a little unfair, but it’s okay.”

Ultimately, things worked out well for Saraya following a phone call from AEW owner Tony Khan, who offered her a job and the freedom to do whatever she wanted, including pursuing an in-ring comeback. Still, Saraya admitted she’s taken this comeback slow, in order to preserve herself as a competitor long-term.

“I was like ‘I’m smarter this time,'” Saraya said. “I have to be smarter. I’m starting my thirties here and I just want to work smarter, not harder, you know what I mean?”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to “Inside the Ropes”

WrestleCon Welcomes Back Rick Steiner Following Transphobic Remarks At Previous Event

WrestleCon has announced that Rick Steiner will be among the guests at an upcoming convention in Detroit, Michigan, which is set to take place in August. The news arrives in the wake of Steiner’s last WrestleCon appearance back in April, which saw him lobby transphobic insults at Impact Wrestling star Gisele Shaw.

Following the incident, WrestleCon apologized to Shaw for Steiner’s transphobic behavior, suggesting that they were backing the Impact star and cutting ties with Steiner. As such, the decision to bring him back for next month’s event has been receiving blowback on social media. However, the fan convention’s owner, Michael Bochicchio, has defended his decision to let Steiner attend the event. The statement, which can be found on the event’s Twitter page, claims that Steiner reached out to make amends after the incident.

“One of the positive things Rick did, and it was not publicized, is immediately apologize. He apologized to members of the Wrestlecon staff, he apologized to many of his fellow wrestlers, and offered apologies to the members of Impact Wrestling staff that chose to hear from him at a private mediated event. Giselle chose not to attend Rick’s apology, which we 100% understood, supported, and still support to this day. She had no obligation to hear anything from Rick nor should she ever feel obligated to accept any apology from him then or now.”

Bochicchio went on to say that Steiner has learned from the experience and that he believes in giving people second chances. However, the statement also claims that Steiner will be given a permanent ban if he demonstrates the same type of behavior at future events. As of this writing, Shaw has yet to comment on the matter.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Breezango Set To Reunite At Upcoming Independent Show

Following his victory over Matt Cross at Next Generation Wrestling’s Wrestle Wars event, newly-crowned NGW Champion Tyler Breeze will soon reunite with his former tag team partner Fandango, who is now known as Dirty Dango. As revealed on NGW’s Twitter, Breeze will team up with Fandango at the promotion’s Nightmare in The Old City event, which is slated to take place on October 8 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The former “WWE NXT” Tag Team Champions, once known as Breezango, will now be introduced as Dirty Breeze.

NGW Nightmare in The Old City will mark the pair’s first tag team appearance since June 15, 2021, when they defeated Imperium’s Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel (Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser) on “WWE NXT.” Ten days later, WWE released both Breeze and Fandango. Upon their exit from WWE, Fandango returned to the independent circuit and later appeared in the National Wrestling Alliance, where he formed The Dirty Sexy Boys with JTG. After a stint in NWA, Fandango arrived at Impact Wrestling, where he is currently signed to.

Despite his release from WWE in 2021, Breeze reportedly remained under the company’s payroll. While it’s unclear if Breeze has any specific wrestling-related provisions in this deal, he is seemingly prohibited from appearing on AEW programming. In the meantime, though, Breeze continues to serve as a co-trainer at the Flatbacks wrestling school alongside AEW star Shawn Spears. He is also a regular guest on Xavier Woods’ UpUpDownDown YouTube channel. 

After a two-year wrestling hiatus, Breeze finally made his return to the ring on July 8, where he won the aforementioned NGW Championship.

Source: Wrestling Inc.