Category: Wrestling News

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.

Natalya to Receive Historic Lou Thesz Award at 2025 Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Cauliflower Alley Club has revealed that WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart will be honored with the Lou Thesz Award at the upcoming 59th Annual CAC Reunion, set to take place August 18–20, 2025, at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

With this recognition, Natalya becomes the first female wrestler in history to receive the prestigious Lou Thesz Award—an honor typically reserved for those whose careers have been defined by technical excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to the wrestling business.

The CAC’s statement praised Natalya as a “trailblazer in every sense of the word,” highlighting her deep wrestling lineage, technical mastery, and the historic milestones she’s achieved throughout her career. From the famed Hart Dungeon to WWE’s biggest stages, Natalya has carried the torch of the Hart family legacy while carving out a powerful identity all her own.

A multi-time champion in WWE—holding the Divas Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and Women’s Tag Team Titles (alongside Tamina)—Natalya’s influence extends well beyond her in-ring accolades. She’s also widely respected for her behind-the-scenes mentorship and role in shaping WWE’s women’s division during a transformative era.

“She has elevated the business both inside and outside the ring, and her contributions continue to influence generations to come,” CAC wrote in its announcement, underlining her lasting impact on the industry.

This year’s CAC reunion is shaping up to be a particularly meaningful one as the wrestling world comes together to celebrate a woman who has not only endured but thrived across eras, brands, and evolutions of the sport.

For fans and industry veterans alike, Natalya’s Lou Thesz Award is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a milestone moment for women’s wrestling as a whole.

AEW Collision Preview 5/31/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TNT following the NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 – New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers.

  • AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Anthony Bowens
  • AEW International Title #1 Contender Tournament Match: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Komander
  • AEW International Title #1 Contender Tournament Match: Hechicero vs. Mascara Dorada
  • The Don Callis Family (Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, & Konosuke Takeshita) vs. Paragon (Tomohiro Ishii, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly)
  • Skye Blue vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • La Faccion Ingobernable vs. Top Flight & AR Fox
  • Gate of Agony in Action
  • We’ll hear from FTR after they became the most winningest tag team at Double or Nothing

Report – Harley Cameron Taking Time Off For Undisclosed Injury

AEW will be without one of its rising stars for the foreseeable future, as Harley Cameron is reportedly set to step away from in-ring action due to injury.

According to Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline, Cameron picked up the injury during her tag match at AEW Double or Nothing 2025, where she teamed with Anna Jay against Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford. While the exact nature of her injury hasn’t been disclosed, the report indicates that her time off is indeed legitimate.

Interestingly, Cameron was involved in a No Disqualification match on the following episode of AEW Dynamite, during which she appeared to suffer facial bleeding. However, Alvarez notes that the blood was staged—part of an angle designed to explain her upcoming absence on television.

This strategic storytelling move isn’t uncommon in AEW, as the promotion often blends reality and kayfabe to keep fans engaged while navigating real-life setbacks.

Cameron, who’s been gaining traction with her charismatic presence and recent in-ring work, will certainly be missed. There’s no timeline yet on her return, but fans will no doubt be hoping for a smooth recovery and a strong comeback down the line.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on Cameron’s status and all the latest from AEW.

Teaser for Sabu Documentary Drops Just Days After His Passing, Featuring Final Match with Joey Janela

Just over a week after the heartbreaking news of Sabu’s passing, fans are now getting a first look at a documentary chronicling the life and final days of one of wrestling’s most iconic and enigmatic figures. A teaser trailer for SABU, an upcoming documentary focusing on the hardcore legend’s last match and storied career, has officially dropped on YouTube.

The film, directed by Joe Clarke and presented by Sabu’s longtime friend and ECW alum Rob Van Dam, promises an emotional and unfiltered look at the man behind the scars. It centers on Sabu’s final match — a bout against Joey Janela on April 18 — and aims to capture not only the closing chapter of his in-ring career but the decades of chaos, pain, and legacy that led to it.

According to the film’s description, SABU is “an intimate documentary that follows the enigmatic career of professional wrestler Sabu as he seeks closure in his storied life—a final match. From his tumultuous upbringing under the influence of The Sheik to the electrifying days of ECW, Sabu reflects on his evolution as a performer and the extreme style that defined his legacy.”

The teaser showcases glimpses of Sabu’s final days in the business — a raw and poignant perspective fans rarely get to see. Director Joe Clarke revealed on social media that he had been filming with Sabu for nearly a year and that they had planned to shoot the final scene of the film just one week before his untimely death.

Sabu’s last match, against Janela, served as the symbolic closing act to a four-decade-long career that broke barriers and bones in equal measure. While Sabu did pick up the win in his swan song, Janela later admitted that the ECW legend was not in good shape physically, a concern that was echoed by later reports. The match, though celebrated, now carries a heavier emotional weight in hindsight.

As fans come to terms with the loss of one of wrestling’s true revolutionaries, this documentary stands to be both a tribute and a farewell — one shaped not just by broken tables and blood-soaked memories, but by the heart and humanity of a man who gave everything to the ring.

Saraya Speaks Out After Fan Reportedly Tried to Kiss Her at Autograph Signing

Former AEW and WWE star Saraya is calling out inappropriate fan behavior after a disturbing incident at a recent autograph signing, where a fan reportedly tried to kiss her without consent.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a public meet-and-greet. Saraya took to Twitter shortly after to express her anger and frustration, writing:

“Crazy I have to say this but. If you come to my signings… please don’t try to kiss me anywhere. Especially ON MY MOUTH. He wasn’t able to because I moved. But Jesus f**king Christ.”

The post quickly went viral, resonating with fans and fellow wrestlers alike, many of whom voiced support for Saraya and condemned the fan’s behavior. The moment has reignited ongoing conversations in the wrestling world about respecting personal boundaries, especially during fan interactions like signings and conventions.

While most fans who attend these events are respectful and appreciative, this situation highlights a persistent issue — particularly for women in the industry — where personal space is too often disregarded. Wrestling may blur lines between characters and real life, but there’s no excuse for violating someone’s autonomy and safety.

Saraya, who has been a high-profile presence in both AEW and WWE, is no stranger to public scrutiny and has long been vocal about setting boundaries with fans. This latest incident only reinforces the importance of wrestlers — and promotions — taking stronger stances on safe fan engagement protocols.

Let this serve as a reminder: admiration does not grant permission. Respect wrestlers as performers and as people — and when you’re at a signing, keep your hands, and lips, to yourself.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts Undergoes Successful Heart Surgery

Wrestling legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts is on the mend after undergoing successful heart ablation surgery—and if all goes well, he could be back on the road with fans before the month is out.

The WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW personality had the procedure on May 13 to address an irregular heartbeat. Roberts, who also manages chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), discovered the arrhythmia earlier this year while hospitalized for pneumonia. He first mentioned the issue on a February episode of his podcast The Snake Pit, saying:

“I got a problem with my ticker. But by going in, I caught it, and we got to go have a couple of procedures done, and it’ll be all hunky dory then.”

The heart ablation procedure—commonly used to correct arrhythmias by targeting problematic heart tissue—appears to have gone smoothly. His wife, Cheryl Roberts, shared the good news via Instagram shortly after the surgery, noting that Jake was already making strong progress and expected to be discharged soon. She added that following a week of recovery, Roberts plans to resume traveling and appearances.

Jake himself later chimed in with his own post-op update, letting fans know he’s doing well and eager to get back out there. His next scheduled appearance is at Iron City Comic Con in Birmingham, Alabama on May 31 and June 1, and all signs point to Roberts being ready to go for the event.

It’s nothing short of remarkable given Roberts’ past health battles and storied personal journey, and even more so considering he turns 70 later this month. As always, “The Snake” continues to prove he’s one of the toughest icons in wrestling history.

Shotzi Set to Debut in MLW, Expected to Have Creative Input on Revamped Women’s Division

Shotzi’s post-WWE journey is already taking shape, and it’s looking like a bold new chapter. According to Fightful Select, the soon-to-be former WWE Superstar is officially headed to Major League Wrestling, with her debut set for the June 26 Summer of the Beasts event — a move that MLW had been teasing in recent weeks.

Sources within MLW indicate the company has big plans for Shotzi right out of the gate. Her upcoming appearance won’t be a one-off, either; she’s expected to become a recurring presence, with multiple appearances already lined up. More interestingly, she’ll reportedly have a significant level of creative input in her presentation — including a say in who she faces.

Shotzi’s arrival comes as MLW is putting serious focus on rejuvenating its women’s division. The division is now under the creative direction of Salina De La Renta and is being infused with top international talent, especially from Japan’s Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW). Expect joshi wrestlers to be featured prominently moving forward, with MLW also scouting talent from CMLL, the indie circuit, and recently released names from other major promotions.

One potential marquee match already being discussed: Shotzi vs. MLW World Featherweight Champion Shoko Nakajima. The reigning champ from TJPW won the title in April and has quickly become a cornerstone of MLW’s women’s division. A clash between Nakajima and Shotzi would be a major spotlight bout — a fusion of star power, styles, and fan intrigue.

Shotzi, known for her high-octane, risk-taking style, seems like a perfect fit for MLW’s evolving brand of wrestling. With the promotion prioritizing both international talent and creative freedom, her arrival could be a game-changer not just for her career, but for the entire women’s division.

Expect fireworks when Shotzi lands in MLW this summer.