Category: Wrestling News

Wrestling World Reacts To The Passing Of Jay Briscoe

Wrestlers and wrestling personalities are reacting in real time to the tragic news of Jay Briscoe’s death.

Leading the reactions are FTR, The Young Bucks, and The Usos — the three teams that have been mentioned in the same breath as The Briscoes as the greatest tag teams of the 21st century. 

“RIP to the homie Jay Briscoe,” The Usos wrote on Twitter. “Condolences to the your family. Rest in paradise uso. @SussexCoChicken #DemBoyz.”

“I’ve been in tears since I heard the news,” wrote Cash Wheeler of FTR. “I just don’t have the words. Rest in Peace Jay.”

“I’m doing ok,” wrote Dax Harwood of FTR, along with a photo of FTR and The Briscoes sharing a drink. “Thanks everyone for checking on me. I love you, Jay.”

Meanwhile, The Young Bucks changed their Twitter header photo to that of Jay Briscoe.

AEW star Matt Hardy, who shared the ring with Jay more than a dozen times, explained why he shared a genuine love for Jay.

“Heard this tragic news while flying,” Matt tweeted. “I’m DEVASTATED that Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) tragically died today. I was honored to work with him many times. I loved Jay. Jay was SO real. Jay loved his wife & kids more than anything & we shared that bond. I’m heartbroken for his family.”

AEW star Chris Jericho tweeted, “Please pray for @jaybriscoe84’s family. Trust me this is worse than you think.”

Veteran ROH announcer Ian Riccaboni, who called the action for The Briscoes’ final ROH match at Final Battle, touched upon the close friendship he developed with “Dem Boyz” over the years.

“Jay was one of a kind,” Riccaboni tweeted. I traveled often with Jay and Mark. We couldn’t have been more different but that’s what made our friendship something I’ll cherish forever. He’d give you the shirt off his back, his last dime. He was so proud of his kids. Loved his family so much.”

Others such as Moose, “The Hurricane” Shane Helms, Big Swole, Frankie Kazarian and John Silver posted their reactions as well.

Jay Briscoe never wrestled on WWE television but had many fans within the current WWE roster.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque led the tributes with a message that was re-tweeted by WWE’s official account.

“An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe,” Triple H tweeted. “My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.”

Shawn Michaels posted a tribute on behalf of the “WWE NXT” roster.

“On behalf of the @WWENXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.”

Bayley tweeted, “I’m so sorry to hear about Jay Briscoe. To all my friends who were close to him, to all his fans, and to his family, I’m sending you so much strength and love. ❤️ #DemBoys.”

Shinsuke Nakamura tweeted, “RIP Jay Briscoe.”

GUNTHER, who shared the ring with The Briscoes at a wXw event in 2017, tweeted, “Rest in Peace, Jay Briscoe.”

Others such as Ricochet and Cody Rhodes reacted to the tragic news as well.

“This is so sad. ❤️,” tweeted Ricochet.

“I didn’t interact much with him, but upon meeting Jay I instantly understood something about him…his family was his everything,” tweeted Rhodes. “All the love in the world to them this evening.”

Meanwhile, Sami Zayn went as far as to credit The Briscoes for helping him advance in his pro wrestling career. The former El Generico wrestled The Briscoes on countless occasions for promotions such as PWG and ROH. 

“I don’t have the words right now to properly convey my sorrow,” Zayn wrote on Twitter. “I love Jay & Mark Briscoe. Always have. I wouldn’t be here without them. I’m very lucky to have shared the ring & shared so many laughs with Jay Briscoe and I’m so sad to know neither will happen again. RIP my friend.”

Finally, WWE announcer Vic Joseph acknowledged Jay’s passing during a live episode of “WWE NXT” Tuesday night.

“We were just informed of tragic news inside the wrestling community that Jay Briscoe has passed away,” Joseph said. “We want to take this moment to send our condolences to his friends and family.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 1/17/2023

Tonight on WWE NXT in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center on the USA Network: 

  • Tyler Bate returns 
  • Gallus (Wolfgang & Mark Coffey) vs. Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen
  • Apollo Crews & Axiom vs. Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams
  • Tiffany Stratton to appear

Report: Sasha Banks To Compete For STARDOM In April 2023

Mercedes Varnado (Sasha Banks) is set to compete for STARDOM in April 2023, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Banks has finished with WWE, and will be appearing at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Banks has a deal with New Japan, but that it will include one date for STARDOM, expected for their April 2023 event.

It is believed that the show will take place in the iconic Sumo Hall and will be announced on December 29.

The hope within NJPW is that Banks will drive streaming subscription sales for New Japan World like Chris Jericho did when he debuted for the promotion.

Source: ewrestlingnews

Barry Windham Out of ICU

After suffering a heart attack at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last week, Barry Windham is now out of ICU, according to his niece Mika Rotunda.

Rotunda wrote:

“Thank you to all who have reached out, prayed, contributed and sent well wishes to my Uncle Barry this week.

I wanted to give an update! I’m grateful to say he is stabilized & out of ICU. Talking & able to stand.

Thanks again everyone! There absolutely is power in prayer.”

A GoFundMe to help Windham with medical expenses has raised nearly $30,000 as of this writing. Windham doesn’t have health insurance.

https://twitter.com/MikaRotunda/status/1601201642941997056

Source: EWrestlingNews

Mercedes Varnado (Sasha Banks) Will Reportedly Be At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Mercedes Varnado (also known as Sasha Banks in WWE) is expected to be at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, according to a report from Pwinsider.

It’s unclear whether she will just be in attendance for the show or appearing on the broadcast, but she’s being brought in. This comes after she expressed interest in wrestling former WWE Superstar KAIRI in STARDOM, a sister company to NJPW.

Due to creative differences, Banks walked out of WWE at a Monday Night RAW TV taping back in May. She and Naomi were later indefinitely suspended. Both women have made several public appearances since the walkout.

This past August, it was reported that Banks and Naomi had reached an agreement to return to WWE. However, their return has yet to happen as there have been hang-ups in negotiations for a new deal with Banks due to money.

Source: EWrestlingNews

Barry Windham Hospitalized After Suffering A Heart Attack

Barry Windham, the uncle of Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, is in the hospital. 

The WWE Hall Of Famer suffered a heart attack over the weekend while traveling through the Atlanta airport. 

Barry’s niece Mika Rotunda announced the news when she set up a GoFund Me Campaign for him: 

“With deep sadness I regret to inform that my uncle, WWE Hall of Famer, Barry Windham suffered a massive heart attack Friday evening. While traveling through the Atlanta airport, his darkest fear became a horrific reality as he went into cardiac arrest. He is currently in the ICU and has undergone an emergency procedure to save his life. As a family, we are impatiently waiting to hear that he will be okay. But as of now, the future is uncertain.

As is the future for many in his position. And for those who have formerly devoted their lives to their craft. Barry Windham, has an iconically, decorated resume as an American professional wrestler. He traveled all over the world for decades, entertaining people of all ages with his athleticism and undeniable charisma.

After those countless years of wrestling matches, traveling and entertaining world wide, he experienced a number of taxing injuries and ended up undergoing multiple surgeries. That led to other health complications. Barry hung his boots for the last time in the early 2000’s. Since then he has been limited with work due to his medical history as well as left without health insurance.

To face these times is one of great stress and hardship. As well as one that comes with extensive medical expenses he is taking on. That is overwhelming to say the least.

We are politely asking for any increment of financial assistance to help cover his medical expenses and bills and see him through this time.”

Source: EWrestlingNews

Former MLB Player Todd Frazier Makes The Save For Jerry Lawler At Local Indie Show

Former Major League baseball player Todd Frazier shared a post on Instagram where he helped Jerry “The King” Lawler during the Stand Alone Wrestling event on Saturday night in Toms River, New Jersey.

Frazier came to Lawler’s aid when Lawler faced Rik Ratchet, with Prince Nana and Marc Coralluzo interfering and trying to attack Lawler during the match. You can view some clips from the event that Frazier posted on Instagram below. Frazier wrote,

“What a thrill to live out a childhood dream of mine. The Contest of Champions did not disappoint. All proceeds went to the 200 Club. Wrestling along side Jerry ‘the King’ Lawler was pretty awesome too. I had a feeling I still needed my baseball bat still ????????????????????????”

Source: EWrestlingNews

Mickie James, Nick Aldis, And Conrad Thompson Announce Australian Endeavor

Since his stint with the NWA came to a sudden, and very acrimonious conclusion, many have been wondering what Nick Aldis’ next move would be. Could the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion wind up in AEW? WWE? World of Sport’s latest revival? Elsewhere? Regardless of what people expected, few, if any, would’ve predicted Aldis’ next project would be in the land down under.

In a press release unveiled Tuesday afternoon, Aldis, along with his wife, Mickie James, were announced as executive producers for Oceania Pro Wrestling’s 2023 Oceanic Wrestling Event. Scheduled for the latter stages of 2023, the event will see James in charge of the women’s content related to the show, which will be co-promoted by wrestling podcaster and occasional event promoter Conrad Thompson and Australian executive Cam Vale, who serves as COO of the North Melbourne Football Club of the Australian Football League.

The release revealed that the Oeanic Wrestling Event is looking to be a cross between “a major sporting event and a major cultural event like a Comic-Con.” The event was also compared to Starrcast, the wrestling fan convention that Thompson has promoted several times in the US, most recently this past summer. It is expected to take place over the course of four days, and work to locate a venue able to accommodate at least 5,000 fans is expected to begin imminently. While this project would seem to preclude Aldis from signing with a major US promotion, it should be noted that comments from Vale in the press release suggest they are seeking the involvement of several wrestling companies, including AEW, Impact, New Japan, Lucha Libre AAA, CMLL, and even Aldis’ old promotion the NWA. Aldis’ NWA deal is set to officially expire in January.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 11/16/2022

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight on TBS at 8/7c from the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT.

  • Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara
  • AEW World title eliminator tournament semifinal: Ethan Page vs. Bandido
  • Interim AEW World Women’s Championship: Toni Storm vs. The Bunny
  • AEW Trios Championship: Death Triangle (c) vs. Top Flight and AR Fox
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Interviews from Jon Moxley, MJF, Samoa Joe, Britt Baker (by Tony Schiavone) and Saraya (by Renee Paquette)
  • The Acclaimed music video “A hand for a hand”

Shawn Michaels Announced Iron Survivor Challenge Matches For NXT Deadline

WWE Hall of Famer & Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels has announced the first Iron Survivor Challenge matches for the WWE NXT brand.

Michaels appeared in a pre-recorded video on Tuesday night’s NXT show and stated that while NXT is all about developing stars of tomorrow, the brand is also about developing innovation. Michaels announced that the Iron Survivor Challenge, a revolutionary new match never before seen in WWE history, will take place at NXT Deadline on Saturday, December 10. Michaels then revealed the following information:

* Two Iron Survivor Challenge matches will be held, one for the men’s division and one for the women’s division.

* The winner will be dubbed the Iron Survivor, and they will be the new #1 contender for a future title shot at the NXT Championship or the NXT Women’s Championship.

* Each match will feature 5 Superstars competing against each other and the clock. The match will begin with two Superstars, and every five minutes, a new Superstar will enter until all five are present. When the clock strikes 25:00, the goal is to have the most falls.

* Falls can be won by pinfall, submission, or disqualification at any time. A Superstar receives 1 point for winning a fall. When they lose a fall, they are ejected from the ring and placed in the penalty box for 90 seconds. After 90 seconds, the Superstar may re-enter the match.

* At the end of 25 minutes, the Superstar with the most falls will be named the Iron Survivor and the #1 contender for the NXT Title or the NXT Women’s Title.

* The participants’ names will be released in the coming weeks.