Category: Wrestling News

Buff Bagwell Reveals Leg Amputation, Shares Hopes for In-Ring Return

In a candid and emotional update, wrestling veteran Buff Bagwell has gone public with life-changing news — the former WCW and WWE star revealed he recently underwent a right leg amputation.

Bagwell shared his story on Maven’s YouTube channel, opening up about the difficult decision that stemmed from lingering complications after his 2020 car accident in Marietta, Georgia. That accident, which occurred when Bagwell crashed into a freestanding bathroom at a bus station while driving under the influence, left him with significant leg damage. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries over the past four years, doctors ultimately determined he wasn’t a candidate for knee replacement due to the complete loss of his kneecap.

Faced with the possibility of living with a permanently straightened leg and limited mobility, Bagwell opted for amputation. But instead of letting it define him, the former WCW World Tag Team Champion is using the experience as a source of motivation.

“I want to get back in the ring, run the ropes, have a match. It’ll show that I came out of the darkness and turned it all the way around to be back in the ring as Buff Bagwell. You don’t have to give up with something like this. I’m taking it by the horns and showing that you can have just as good of a life without a leg.”

Bagwell also shared that he’s remained sober and is looking forward to embracing life post-surgery, determined to prove that a setback like this doesn’t have to be the end of the road — in wrestling or in life.

For a man who’s seen the highs and lows of the wrestling world, Buff Bagwell’s latest chapter might just be his most inspiring yet.

Will Ospreay Written Off AEW TV to Heal Up From Lingering Injuries

AEW fans expecting to see more of Will Ospreay after All In will have to wait a little longer — and now we know why.

Ospreay was stretchered out during the All In main event in what initially seemed like a brutal storyline beat. But according to a new report from Fightful Select, the exit wasn’t just for show. The English star is reportedly dealing with minor injuries that have been piling up in recent weeks, and AEW officials decided it was time for him to take some real time off to recover. While there’s no exact timeline for his return, sources told Fightful that Ospreay is expected to miss more than a month of action.

Fans may recall that Ospreay recently suffered a broken nose during a match with Swerve Strickland — an injury he bounced back from quickly. However, it appears that other nagging issues have caught up with him.

At All In, Ospreay and Strickland joined forces to defeat The Young Bucks, former AEW World Tag Team Champions. But the night didn’t end there for Ospreay. In the show’s chaotic main event between Jon Moxley and Hangman Adam Page, Ospreay inserted himself to fend off Moxley’s Death Riders faction. His involvement led to him being attacked — first by Gabe Kidd, and then by Claudio Castagnoli, who viciously trapped Ospreay’s neck in a chair, setting up the dramatic stretcher spot.

Ospreay wasn’t the only surprise backup for Page. The match saw shocking returns from Bryan Danielson — who arrived in disguise to lay out Kidd, Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta — and Darby Allin, who delivered a Coffin Drop onto the trio.

For now, AEW will be without one of its top international stars as Ospreay takes time to rest and heal. Given his track record, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back sooner rather than later — but it sounds like this time, the break is much needed.

A Quick Note to Our Readers

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I won’t be able to do updates as often on WrestlingNewsBlog.com for a little while. I’m currently dealing with a family medical situation that requires most of my time and attention, and as much as I love covering the world of professional wrestling, family comes first.

I truly appreciate everyone who visits the site, shares our posts, and keeps the conversation going.

WWE Night Of Champions 6/28/2025

WWE Night Of Champions – Saturday June 28, 2025 – at 1 PM ET – Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
  • King of the Ring Final: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
  • Queen of the Ring Final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
  • United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
  • Street fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

Dr. Chris Nowinski Praises Wrestling’s Strides in Concussion Awareness

In an industry built on high-impact storytelling and physical spectacle, the phrase “bump card” has long symbolized the finite number of hits a wrestler can safely absorb in their career. But thanks to the work of former WWE Superstar turned neuroscientist Dr. Chris Nowinski, that card might last a little longer these days.

Speaking on a recent episode of Talk Is Jericho, Nowinski reflected on how far professional wrestling has come in terms of protecting its performers from the long-term effects of head trauma, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His mission began after a series of devastating losses rocked the wrestling world — including the deaths of Test, Superfly Snuka, Mr. Fuji, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney, and most infamously, Chris Benoit.

“Wrestling is dramatically safer than it used to be,” Nowinski told Chris Jericho. “They’re putting top-down constraints on what can happen.” He credits these changes to a cultural shift in the business — one that encourages smarter in-ring decision-making and values longevity over spectacle.

While many fans are aware that chair shots to the head are now banned in WWE, Nowinski pointed out that the real progress is happening behind the scenes. Ringside doctors are more visible, wrestlers are taking fewer unnecessary risks, and there’s a growing focus on executing moves that pop the crowd without endangering the performer’s health.

AEW, he noted, still allows the occasional high-risk spot, but even there, he sees a growing consciousness among talent. “Performers are now empowered to realize, ‘I don’t need to go off the top of a ladder through a table if there’s another way to get the same reaction,’” Nowinski said. “They’re thinking more about the reward versus the risk — and about brain health.”

Once dismissed or ignored, the conversation around concussions and CTE is now a serious part of wrestling’s evolution. And for Nowinski, who has been leading the charge for over a decade through his work with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the industry’s response has been nothing short of encouraging.

As the business continues to balance its roots in spectacle with the reality of athlete health, it’s clear that the future of wrestling lies not just in louder pops or riskier stunts — but in smarter storytelling and longer, healthier careers.

Other Pro Wrestlers to Join The Miz for Amazon Prime’s ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot

The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.

Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
  • Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
  • Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
  • Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille

Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.

The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”

While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.

For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.

Report: Netflix Teaming With Former WWE Writer For New Wrestling Drama ‘Tuesday Night Titans’

Netflix is looking to step further into the squared circle — this time, with a scripted drama series helmed by a former WWE insider.

According to Deadline, the streaming giant is developing a new pro wrestling-centric show titled “Tuesday Night Titans”, created by ex-WWE writer Michael Notarile, with Jon M. Chu — best known for directing Crazy Rich Asians — attached to executive produce. The series will reportedly dive deep into the personal and professional chaos of the wrestling world, blending gritty drama with the larger-than-life world of sports entertainment.

The premise centers on a television writer who risks her career to get her indie wrestler friend a spot in a major promotion. From there, things spiral into a web of personal demons, backstage politics, and the thin line between fiction and reality in an industry where kayfabe extends far beyond the ring. As Deadline puts it, “kayfabe… bleeds into every aspect of their lives.”

Despite sharing a name with WWE’s old-school talk show from the ’80s, this new Tuesday Night Titans is not connected to the original program. Instead, it promises a fresh, modern look at the inner workings of pro wrestling — not through the eyes of the talent, but from the rarely-explored creative and backstage perspective.

Notarile brings legit experience to the table, having written for WWE from 2013 to 2015. During his stint, he was instrumental in getting The New Day on television — a major creative move that helped launch one of WWE’s most successful modern factions. Post-WWE, Notarile worked on TV dramas like The Cleaning Lady and The Resident, sharpening his storytelling chops outside the wrestling bubble.

Netflix has shown increasing interest in wrestling content in recent years. The platform already carries several WWE programs in international markets — including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events — and features titles like Heels, which stars CM Punk, and Wrestlers, the docuseries following Ohio Valley Wrestling.

With Tuesday Night Titans, Netflix appears ready to explore wrestling not just as a spectacle, but as fertile ground for compelling, character-driven drama — and with a WWE veteran steering the creative vision, this could be one of the most authentic scripted looks at the wrestling world we’ve seen yet.

Matt Cardona vs. Shotzi Blackheart at GCW in Dallas, Cardona Threatens Shozi over “Indy God & Death Match King” Monikers

Matt Cardona isn’t letting Shotzi Blackheart stroll back onto the indie scene without a fight — especially when it comes to titles he believes he’s earned.

After Shotzi recently dubbed herself the “New Indy God” during her return to independent wrestling, Cardona wasted no time clapping back. The self-proclaimed “Indy God” and “Death Match King” took to social media to remind everyone — Shotzi included — that those aren’t just nicknames. They’re trademarks. Literally.

Cardona, never shy about protecting his brand, pointed out that he legally owns the rights to both “Indy God” and “Death Match King,” and even hinted that legal action could be on the table if Shotzi continues to use the moniker. He name-dropped well-known wrestling trademark attorney Mike Dockins (aka the “Gimmick Attorney”) as the man who might soon come calling.

Whether this turns into a full-on feud or just a battle of branding, one thing’s clear: Cardona isn’t ready to give up his throne without a fight.

GCW announced Battle of the Indy Gods: Matt Cardona vs. Shotzi Blackheart for their upcoming event Boss Of All Bosses in Dallas, Texas on July 11th.

Below are some post on X from Cardona and Shotzi:

NWA Lands Exclusive Streaming Deal with Roku Channel, Weekly Shows Kick Off This Summer

Big news for wrestling fans — and an even bigger move for the National Wrestling Alliance.

The NWA has inked an exclusive streaming rights deal with Roku, bringing its hard-hitting brand of pro wrestling to The Roku Channel starting July 29. As part of the new partnership, NWA programming will air weekly on Roku’s Sports Channel, with episodes dropping every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Best of all? It’s completely free to stream for viewers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

This marks a major step for the NWA as it looks to expand its reach with a more accessible digital platform. Under the leadership of Billy Corgan, the promotion has been steadily rebuilding its presence, and this move to Roku gives fans a consistent, no-cost destination to follow all the action.

Whether you’ve been riding with the NWA through its YouTube days or you’re a lapsed fan ready to jump back in, Tuesday nights just got a little more old-school — and a lot more exciting.

Set your reminders for July 29 — NWA Tuesdays are about to hit the big screen.

You can check out the official announcement below:

Roku Inks North American Streaming Rights Deal with Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance

Partnership kicks off on July 29 on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel

SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2025 — Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced a new partnership that exclusively brings the promotion’s live professional wrestling matches to The Roku Channel. Starting on July 29, NWA matches will stream for free in the U.S. every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel. In Canada and Mexico, audiences will be able to watch for free on The Roku Channel.

“We’re thrilled to call The Roku Channel the streaming home of the National Wrestling Alliance, and as Billy and his team continue to excite audiences, we look forward to tapping into the scale of our platform to bring this historic and storied promotion to millions of viewers,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media.

“When I purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, it was understood we were inheriting the history and legacy of the most storied brand in all combat sports, so to announce today we have now partnered with the #1 TV streaming platform in North America is indeed a moment to be proud of,” said Billy Corgan, Owner, National Wrestling Alliance. “I look forward to sharing new episodes of ‘NWA Powerrr’ with the incredible audience that Roku brings.”

Established in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands worldwide. In 2017, internationally renowned recording artist William Patrick Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) acquired the NWA with the vision of reinventing the brand for the modern era while honoring its legacy from the 1980s. The NWA has expanded its programming, starting with the critically acclaimed “Ten Pounds Of Gold” docuseries, followed by weekly broadcasts of “NWA Powerrr.” You can follow the NWA across social media platforms such as Meta, X, and YouTube for exclusive content.

The Roku Channel is available to stream on Roku devices or TVs and can be easily accessed online at TheRokuChannel.com and on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs and other Android TV OS devices.

Shotzi Blackheart Announces Multiple GCW Appearances, Plans To Direct Horror Flicks

Shotzi Blackheart is back—and she’s not just bringing chaos to the ring, but also plotting a future behind the camera.

The former WWE star and self-declared “Indy God” has confirmed a string of appearances for GameChanger Wrestling (GCW) in what looks to be a major independent resurgence. Shotzi will step back into the spotlight at multiple events this summer, spanning the U.S. and Japan, all set to stream live on TrillerTV.

Here’s where fans can catch Shotzi in action:

  • June 20 – GCW Bangin’ in Little Rock at The Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • July 11 – GCW Boss of All Bosses in Dallas, Texas
  • July 28 – GCW Tokyo Event at Shinjuku Face, Kabukicho
  • July 29 – GCW Tokyo Event at Itabashi Green Hall, Itabashi City
  • July 30 – GCW Tokyo Event at Korakuen Hall, Bunkyo

Shotzi’s return kicks off with a bang—literally—as she faces off against Atticus Cogar in what’s sure to be a wild encounter at Bangin’ in Little Rock on June 20.

Fresh off her hardcore showdown at GCW Tournament of Survival X—a brutal three-way deathmatch against Matt Tremont and Jimmy Lloyd—Shotzi is once again embracing the gritty chaos that made her a standout in the indie scene before her WWE run.

But wrestling isn’t her only ambition.

During a recent appearance on Daria Berenato’s Unwrapped podcast, Shotzi revealed her dream career path once her days in the ring are over: horror movie director.

“Honestly, after wrestling, when my body just can’t take it anymore, I would love to be a horror movie director. That is the dream,” Shotzi said. “Obviously, be in them also—I just want to get my head chopped off a bunch.”

It’s not a surprising direction for the green-haired wildcard, who has always blended punk-rock attitude with spooky, horror-inspired flair. From her tank-riding entrances to her Halloween Havoc hosting duties, Shotzi has never shied away from theatrics—and it sounds like she’s ready to turn that passion into full-blown filmmaking.

For now, though, she’s got some skulls to crack and some blood to spill—figuratively and maybe literally—on the GCW circuit.