Category: Wrestling News

Tracy Smothers Passes Away At Age 58

Pro wrestling veteran Tracy Smothers has passed away at the age of 58.

Smothers announced in November 2019 that he was battling lymphoma. The Eat Sleep Wrestling website noted on Monday that they talked to Smothers via phone call and it looked like his first bout with cancer was going to be “a squash match” compared to this second round. The update from Monday also noted that Smothers suffered heart damage from the heavy chemotherapy in his first battle with cancer, which led to Smothers being hospitalized a few times. Smothers underwent surgery for a hernia just 11 days ago.

“Tracy’s ready to fight this cancer as hard as he did last fall, but the heart problems have delayed the cancer treatments and the hernia issue has delayed doctors from treating the heart issues. He’s in a real battle. Tracy is in it to win it, and he sends his love to all his friends and his wrestling family, and he is asking for prayers,” ESW wrote on Monday.

A GoFundMe had been launched at this link to help with Smothers’ medical expenses, and an indie event was planned for this weekend in Bartonville, IL to help raise more money. Smothers also asked ESW to plug his book, which you can find here.

Smothers began his pro wrestling career back in 1982 and wrestled for numerous promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW, SMW, TNA and Memphis Wrestling, among others. He held the ECW World Tag Team Titles once with Little Guido, and held the WCW United States Tag Team Titles once with Steve Armstrong.

In an update, Timothy Denison noted on Facebook that Smothers passed away this morning at around 4:24am, due to his fight against cancer.

Funeral arrangements and a “Celebration of Life” will be announced in the near future for Smothers’ family, friends and fans. Denison noted that Smothers is survived by his mother, sister, two brothers, two sons, and his girlfriend.

Several promotions, wrestlers and WWE Hall of Famers are paying tribute to Smothers on social media today.

Tracy Smothers passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58.

A native of Springfield, Tennessee, Smothers teamed with Steve Armstrong, as his career began in Florida Championship Wrestling. The duo competed in WCW as The Southern Boys and The Young Pistols and were engaged in a long rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds tandem of Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin.

After another stint on the independent wrestling circuit, Smothers began wrestling in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd. Smothers shared the ring with icons such as Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during his time with WWE. Later, the wrestling veteran had a memorable run with ECW.

WWE extends its condolences to Smothers’ family and friends.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Joey Ryan Files Lawsuit Against Former ROH Star Pelle Primeau

Joey Ryan filed a lawsuit on October 20 against former ROH wrestler Pelle Primeau before the United States District Court, Central District of California, according to PWInsider.

This lawsuit marks the seventh known lawsuit that Ryan has filed in recent weeks. 
Wrestling Inc. reported in September, one of his lawsuits was against three women who have claimed that Ryan sexually assaulted them.

With this current lawsuit, Ryan is seeking millions of dollars in damages from Primeau. He is also asking for a permanent injunction restraining Primeau from “making and publishing defamatory statements or any iteration of defamatory statements.”

The lawsuit alleges that Primeau, since June 2020, has made 26 statements that fall under libel, present Ryan in a false light, intentionally interfere with Ryan’s finances, negligently interfered with Ryan’s finances, and intentionally inflicted emotional distress, among other allegations.

Pelle Primeau reportedly took to social media to tell members of the media to “publicly commit” against Ryan and asked promotions to no longer book him as a performer due to the allegations against him.

In the lawsuit, Ryan claims that Primeau did this only because Ryan slept with Primeau’s partner. According to Ryan, he wasn’t aware of their relationship.

Ryan also claims that the statements made against him by Primeau have cost him monthly losses of $500 per month from Cameo, $1,000 per month in merchandising revenue, $1,000 per month plus additional tips and “subscription shares” from his Twitch account, losses of $1,500 a month from his Bar Wrestling promotion no longer receiving streaming and distribution earnings, $2,000 in losses per month from Bar Wrestling events, $3,000 per month in loss of revenue from his Patreon account, and losses of $8,000-$10,000 per month in lost wrestling bookings.

Ryan has requested a jury trial.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

“Dark Side Of The Ring” Officially Renewed For A Third Season

Vice TV has officially renewed “Dark Side of the Ring” for a third season, according to Variety.

The third season will feature 14 episodes, and will premiere in 2021 some time.

Season one featured 6 episodes while season two featured 10 episodes.

There is no official word on topics for the third season, but it was recently revealed, via PWInsider, that producers have filmed interviews with family members of the late Grizzly Smith for an episode on Grizzly and his children – Sam Houston, Rockin’ Robin, and WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts. Eric Bischoff recently revealed on his 83 Weeks podcast that he was interviewed for “Dark Side” episodes on the late Brian Pillman, and the joint WCW – New Japan “Collision in Korea” event that was held in North Korea in April 1995. The “Collision in Korea” episode is one of the primary topics that show creators Evan Hunsey and Jason Eisner had wanted to produce for the third season.

“‘Dark Side of the Ring’ is a knockout show for Vice TV. The tag-team executive producers Evan Husney and Jason Eisener are true heavyweight champions of the world (of TV), and we are so excited to pin down a third season of this incredible series,” said Morgan Hertzan in a press release, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Vice Television. “Seasons 1 and 2 of ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ are examples of the compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging storytelling we champion here at Vice TV. We can’t wait to see what the series will throw down in the third round!”

It was announced earlier this year after season two wrapped that “Dark Side of the Ring” is now the best-performing series in the history of ViceTV. The first two seasons are now available for streaming on Hulu.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Alberto Del Rio Indicted For Aggravated Kidnapping By Grand Jury In Texas

Alberto Del Rio, the former WWE Champion, was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in San Antonio, TX, on charges of aggravated kidnapping, according to a report on PWI Insider.

As reported back in May, Del Rio was arrested and subsequently charged with a second degree sexual assault felony and aggravated kidnapping. Although Thursday’s court order lists the primary charge as aggravated kidnapping, it is unclear if the sexual assault charge resulted in an indictment as well.

The report added that a trial date has yet to be set. Del Rio, who had been out on a $50,000 bond, is slated to be arraigned on Friday, as per court records.

Del Rio was arrested on May 5th, 2020, after the victim approached local authorities in San Antonio and stated that the professional wrestler allegedly grew enraged with her after accusing her of infidelity. She also alleged that Del Rio physically assaulted her.

The victim had also alleged that Del Rio “slapped her across the head” several times and “forced her to wear a dress and dance for him” after she would not admit to the infidelity. Furthermore, Del Rio allegedly threatened to take the victim’s son and “drop him in the middle of the road somewhere.”

The FOX affiliate in San Antonio also provided additional details which noted that Del Rio allegedly “tied the woman’s hands with boxing straps, put a sock in her mouth and sexually assaulted her for several hours, using various objects.”

In the state of Texas, a conviction for aggravated kidnapping, if punishable in the first degree, could lead to a jail sentence ranging from 5-99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the accused is convicted of aggravated kidnapping in the second degree, they could face anywhere from 2-20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former WWE, ECW And NWA Star Jazz Announces Retirement From Wrestling

There are very few women’s wrestlers still around who performed during the 1990s but former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz is still going strong. She’s spent over 20 years in the ring and has had stints in WWE, ECW and NWA where she was recently the Women’s Champion.

Jazz discussed still wrestling like she did 20 years ago while also revealing that she is now retired from in-ring competition when she joined The Chris Van Vliet Show.

“Maybe I was a few months ago, but honestly, I just had my last match this past Sunday,” revealed Jazz. “I’m done with in-ring; last match. Yeah, I’m going to say ever. I’m done. I’m limping right now, so I’m done yes. Yeah, but I’m not going to Terry Funk it. I’m done.

“I was going to do a whole tour in 2020, but with the pandemic happening, that kind of screwed everything up. But we’ll see for 2021. I may try to do a little tour around.”

Jazz’s retirement plans were previously unknown so she was asked to confirm that she is indeed retired.

“Well, I’m really done. But I go out there and do 45 seconds – 1 minute. That’s all I got,” stated Jazz.

Her first big break in the business came in 1999 when Jazz joined ECW under the name of Jazzmine. Paul Heyman played a big part in helping kickstart her career and Jazz talked about Heyman’s influence.

“I always give Paul E credit because the birth of Jazz happened in ECW. So, without Paul E, there would be no Jazz and he not only gave me an opportunity, he pushed me to just go out there and let it happen. But he would tell the guys, ‘Don’t go easy on her.’ It’s pretty scary before a pay-per-view match and he’s over there telling your opponent, ‘Beat the f–k out of her!’ and you’re already nervous and then, he comes over there to me, ‘I want you to put it on him. Beat him like he stole from your mama!’ That’s how Paul E is,” recalled Jazz.

“He likes to get in your mind and he’s good at it. But yeah, he’s the one who gave me my first opportunity and it was up to me. I was given the opportunity and it was either nut up or shut up.”

When ECW went bankrupt, lots of talent ended up joining WWE but if you ask those former ECW Originals, most would say that they would have stayed in ECW if the company stayed afloat. There was a special kinship amongst ECW wrestlers and Jazz was asked if WWE was on her radar at that time.

“No, because everyone in ECW… that was our home. We were such a family and I don’t know if you ever go to any signings – WrestleCons or whatever – but if you see any ECW people there, it’s nothing but love. There was no jealousy because everybody had the opportunity to shine. I mean, the ring crew, they even got a chance to wrestle every night,” stated Jazz.

“So, it was no fighting for a spot. You had your top guys and that was understandable, but every night, you’re going to get an opportunity to work and that’s what it’s about.”

It was her time in ECW that led to Jazz joining WWE and she recalled the whole process it took for her to come on WWE’s radar, get signed and then make her debut.

“Yes, again, Paul E was there in WWF at the time and I saw Dreamer in Tyler, Texas, I believe at an Indy Show, and he was like, ‘Jazz, I’m going to talk to Paul and see if we can get you a tryout.’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah! That sounds great!’ So, that got everything set up,” stated Jazz. “I went over there and I worked Ivory in a dark match and when I approached her, she was like, ‘Oh my God! Nice to meet you! Molly Holly told me all about you! She loves you. She said you’re awesome!’ So, she made the match all about me. She really did and they said that was the biggest response they ever had from a ladies’ match was our dark match.

“Paul’s like, ‘You’re going to get a call on Monday! …Three months later, I did receive a phone call from Johnny Ace. ‘Don’t really know who you are kid, but everyone, they talk good about you. But yeah, we want you to be part of the company. Your contract’s on its way to you.’ And Jim Ross was telling me, ‘Just go to OVW to get the ring rust off’ because I hadn’t been in the ring for a little while – well wrestling – but I guess to just to get back to the TV style of performing. I was in OVW for 6-to-8 weeks and they called me up to debut for Survivor Series [2001].

“Yeah and low and behold, I was always a babyface in wrestling, and then, when I get to WWF, they tell me, ‘We want you to be a heel.’ And I was like, ‘Oh wow.’ S–t, it worked out right?!”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to The Chris Van Vliet Show 

Tracy Smothers Hospitalized

Tracy Smothers, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has been hospitalized as he continues to battle with lymphoma and other health issues. Former ECW and WWE, Memphis Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling Superstar The Blue Meanie posted the following update on Smothers, saying,

“My mind and heart are with Tracy Smothers tonight as I’m hearing of his battle with cancer and other complications have him hospitalized. This hurts my heart. I am who I am in wrestling because he helped mold me and countless others. I love you man! Keep fighting!”

We send our best wishes to Smothers and his family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF3XDOTl3Rg/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: ewrestlingnews

XFL Targeting Return In Spring of 2022

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson says on social media that XFL plans to return in spring of 2022.

The Rock is part of group that paid $15 million in August to purchase the league, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April following suspension of operations amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and ended inaugural season on March 20 after Week 5 games.

The Rock Announces Cast For “Young Rock” Series (Photos)

The Rock took to Instagram this morning and revealed the main cast members for his upcoming “Young Rock” comedy series that is scheduled to premiere on NBC in the near future. The series will look at Rock’s formative years, with The Great One himself appearing in each episode.

Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions company is one of the groups behind the new series. Rock noted that production is kicking off this week.

Bradley Constant will star as the 15 year old Dwayne Johnson.

“#YOUNGROCK Officially KICKIN’ OFF PRODUCTION! Ladies & gents, here’s the cast of our new @NBC comedy, #YOUNGROCK. A series based on my wild and unpredictable childhood and formative years growing up. @bradleyconstant will take the reigns of playing me at 15 and clearly kicking puberty’s ass [laugh emoji] [muscle emoji] This show is gonna be a fun one and can’t wait for you guys to watch!,” Rock wrote of Constant.

Stacey Leilua will play his mother, Ata Johnson.

Rock wrote, “And playing my mom @atajohnson aka Mama Rock is the talented and lovely @staceyleilua. Many of you know my moms story – cancer survivor, gone thru hell and back, incredible life and still the sweetest human being on the planet. And still goes to smack me when I cuss [face palm emoji] [laughing emoji]”

Rock’s grandmother Lia Maivia will be played by Ana Tuisila.

“This role is a special one and HIGHLY entertaining. Playing my grandma, Lia Maivia will be the one of a kind, Ana Tuisila. Cool backstory: My grandmother, Lia Maivia was pro wrestling’s first women’s promoter. She HAD TO BE tough as nails in a male dominated, shark infested world of wrestling. She set the bar for tough business practices and also set the bar for how loving a sweet grandma could be to her only grandson – me [smiley emoji] She was also charged by the feds for extortion, eventually deported, became homeless and lost everything in the early 90’s. Crazy life. I was blessed enough to help change that hard time scenario around and get her back on her feet. Her journey was unreal and can’t wait for you guys to watch!,” Rock wrote of the role.

WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson will be played by Joseph Lee Anderson. Rock remembered his father when commenting on the role.

He wrote, “And playing the OG original Rock – my pops, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson is the charismatic @iamjosephleeanderson [explosion emoji] As you guys know my dad passed away earlier this year so this role is a special one and our first episode is dedicate to him [folded hands emoji] My dad was a true trail blazer and broke color barriers all across our country in the 60s, 70s & 80s. One half of the first black tag team champions (with Tony Atlas) my pops was a bad dude in the game. I miss him. This ones for you Rock.”

The 20 year old version of Rock will be played by Uli Latukefu.

“Coming in hot and lowering the University of MIAMI BOOM [football emoji] [explosion emoji] is @ulilatukefu! Playing at THE U – these years were some of my most defining. The highs are incredible, but the lows were critical. 275lbs of upper body violence, attitude and clearly eating too much pizza,” Rock wrote.

Finally, it was announced that the 10 year old Rock will be played by Adrian Groulx. Rock referred to the actor as the anchor of the show, and his hero.

“This kid @adriangroulx is our anchor and my hero [fist emoji] He’s got the hardest job of ’em of all playing ‘little Dewey’ – yes, unfortunately that was the nickname my God parents gave me after the weather – as in dewdrops. Jesus. [face palm emoji] [laughing emoji] At 10yrs old, I was rambunctious as all hell [devil emoji], was already girl crazy [crazy face emoji] and loved pro wrestling — especially the part when wrestlers would bleed [blood drop emoji] [emoji] [skull emoji] [laughing emoji] This kid, Adrian is my hero because I look back at this time in my life so fondly and how I viewed the world thru my 10yr old eyes. I was all these things but at the core I was a sweet little boy and a complicated little cub [cub emoji] who just needed guidance. Years later here we are and I did alright [folded hands emoji] [fist emoji] This passion project is special and I’m boundless grateful to EVERYONE who is lending their talents, passion, love and mana to bring it to life. Can’t wait for you guys to watch this one!,” Rock wrote.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal Passes Away At 60

Joseph Laurinaitis, better known in the professional wrestling world as Road Warrior Animal, died at the age of 60 on Wednesday morning. Animal’s official Twitter account broke the news — “At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60. The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers.”

WWE then released a statement responding to the Hall of Famer’s passing, writing, “WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Laurinaitis’ family, friends and fans.”

https://twitter.com/RWAnimal/status/1308747451415830529

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1308751246233395200

Born in Philadelphia, Laurinaitis made his pro wrestling debut in November 1982 as The Road Warrior. He was quickly convinced by manager Paul Ellering to start working as a tag team alongside Mike Hegstrand (Road Warrior Hawk) as The Legion of Doom. Their iconic looks, impressive physiques and dominant in-ring style helped make them one of, if not the, most popular tag teams in pro wrestling history. The two would set out to work in numerous promotions — Georgia Championship Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, the American Wrestling Association, Jim Crockett Promotions, the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling from 1983-2014. The two were inducted into the WWE and Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame in 2011 and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012. Hegstrand passed away at the age of 46 back in 2003.

“One of the most intense Superstars to ever step into the squared circle, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Animal spent the majority of his career alongside his tag team partner, Hawk,” WWE’s statement read. “Together, they formed what was arguably the most successful, popular and feared tandem of all time — The Road Warriors. With their intimidating face paint, outfits covered in metal spikes and impressive array of power moves, the duo captured titles and destroyed opponents wherever they roamed. Their dominance made them so popular that the phrase “Road Warrior pop” has been used in locker rooms to describe particularly deafening reactions from the crowd ever since.”

Source: comicbook.com

Former TNA Wrestler Stevie Lee “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” Passes Away

Former TNA wrestler and actor Stevie Lee has passed away. Lee was known as “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” in the early days of TNA.

According to his GoFundMe, Lee unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at his home.

Stevie Lee starred in American Horror Story, Jackass 3D, Oz The Great and Powerful, Rhino, and March in Windy City.

He was also the star of the reality TV series, Half Pint Brawlers, which aired on SpikeTV in 2010.

Below is Impact’s statement on his passing:

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Stevie Lee, better known as “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” in the early days of TNA. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1304192269667442688