Category: Wrestling News

All Elite Wrestling “Double or Nothing” Rally News, Chris Jericho, PAC, Billy Gunn, AEW Roster Update, Women’s Division Pay (Video & Photos)

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The new All Elite Wrestling promotion officially launched yesterday with their Double Or Nothing rally at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

The biggest news coming out of the rally was the signing of future WWE Hall of Famer Chris Jericho, who closed the rally and announced that he is all in with AEW. Jericho said he’s with AEW because he believes in doing something new and something different, not for the money because he’s already got the money.

AEW also announced that their Double Or Nothing event will take place on Saturday, May 25 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. They announced a second AEW event for Jacksonville to be held at a later date but details were not released. There were also no details on a possible TV deal or any kind of online distribution but more announcements will be made in the future.

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AEW Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes spoke at the rally and confirmed the AEW women’s division, noting that they want this to be a strong division with the strongest women’s wrestlers in the world. Brandi said AEW cares about their female wrestlers and will be paying them equally with the male competitors. She said Cody agrees with her that there will be no sliding scale when it comes to pay. Regarding her role as CBO, Brandi said it will come with lots of hard work and long nights, but she is 100% committed to helping bring AEW to the level it’s supposed to be at, which she guaranteed.

Regarding the Khan family, several of the speakers gave thanks to Tony Khan and his father, Shad Khan. We noted that the Khans confirmed their roles with the company. Matt Jackson noted during the rally that the Khan family approached them after All In last year and asked them if they really wanted to change the world, then offered to really help make that happen.

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It looks like AEW will be working with other promotions as well. Matt said they have come to an agreement with OWE (Oriental Wrestling Entertainment) in China, and that they will bring OWE into AEW to give them a major spotlight. Matt promised fans will love OWE if they’re not already familiar with them, praising the promotion for the “gifted” in-ring work they bring. It was also interesting that PAC (Neville) carried his Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Title when he came out for a confrontation with “Hangman” Page.

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Cody Rhodes announced on Twitter before the really that former WWE Tag Team Champion Billy Gunn is the first agent for the promotion. He is the only producer announced as of this writing. Coming out of the rally, below is the confirmed roster for the promotion:

* Cody Rhodes (Executive Vice President)
* Matt Jackson of The Young Bucks (Executive Vice President)
* Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks (Executive Vice President)
* Brandi Rhodes (Chief Brand Officer)
* Billy Gunn (Agent)
* Chris Jericho
* PAC fka Neville
* “Hangman” Adam Page
* Britt Baker
* Joey Janela with Penelope Ford
* MJF
* Christopher Daniels of SoCal Uncensored
* Frankie Kazarian of SoCal Uncensored
* Scorpio Sky of SoCal Uncensored

The rally was trending on Twitter, before it even began. Hosts Conrad Thompson and Alex Marvez noted that more than 100,000 fans were watching the rally across the various platforms. I believe the YouTube stream peaked at around 60,000 live viewers. The rally featured pyro on the stage they used, and a larger fireworks display from inside the stadium, which is the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars mascot, Jaxson de Ville, and their cheerleaders were also featured.

Below is the video of Cody with Gunn, along with various shots from the press conference and the full stream video.

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Source: WrestlingINC

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Backstage News On Chris Jericho’s Status With NJPW

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At Wrestle Kingdom 13, Chris Jericho lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Tetsuya Naito in a no disqualification match. In his post-match interview, Jericho was adamant in saying that he was not done with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Jericho also made his intentions clear about wanting to face the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Jericho’s contract with NJPW reportedly expired at Wrestle Kingdom 13, and with the former IWGP Intercontinental Champion recently thanking AEW President / Jacksonville Jaguars co-owner Tony Khan for helping him get tickets to an NFL game, many speculated that Jericho would end up signing with All Elite Wrestling.

During the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed Jericho’s status with NJPW. Meltzer revealed that while Jericho’s contract with NJPW expired at Wrestle Kingdom 13, NJPW really wants to keep him. He noted that Jericho wants to stay with NJPW as well. Dave further said that New Japan wants to book a match between Jericho and Tanahashi in 2019, and with Jericho wanting to stay with the promotion, it is just a matter of both parties agreeing to a new deal.

Source: WrestlingINC

Third US City Added To NJPW New Beginning Tour

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As previously announced, NJPW is headed to Los Angeles on January 30 and Charlotte, North Carolina on February 1 for its The New Beginning USA Tour.

Both events have already sold out, although more tickets will be available in Los Angeles on January 15 at 10 am PT.

NJPW has revealed a third city has been added to the tour and the company will now make a stop in Nashville, Tennessee on February 2 at the War Memorial Auditorium. Tickets for the event will go on sale January 15 at 10 am CT.

NJPW is gearing up for a big 2019 where they will also hold events at the American Airlines Center on July 6 in Dallas, Texas to kick off the G1 Climax tournament and they will be heading to England on August 31 at the Copper Box Arena.

Source: WrestlingINC

Kenny Omega Expected To Sign With AEW

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Kenny Omega is expected to sign with All Elite Wrestling when his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expires at the end of the month, according to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. Nothing can be officially announced until February 1st.

Omega revealed during an interview with Tokyo Sports over the weekend that he would be leaving the promotion when his contract expires on January 31st. Meltzer noted that NJPW found out that Omega was leaving through the interview and were not happy about it. NJPW preferred how KUSHIDA, who is also leaving NJPW and is expected to start with NXT, handled his departure.

As noted earlier this week, NJPW had decided to work with ROH over AEW going forward. Meltzer stated that NJPW “badly” does not want to lose Omega, so it is very likely that NJPW will warm up to working with AEW. It was noted that ROH didn’t want The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes at the upcoming ROH – NJPW G1 Supercard event at Madison Square Garden on April 6th, even though they are all cordial.

With the current landscape in wrestling, NJPW is now signing talent to longer term deals. AEW had signed Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks to five-year deals. Meltzer noted that Cody and the Bucks did not have to use their own money on the venture.

AEW will be holding their “Double or Nothing” rally in Jacksonville this evening at 5 pm ET at the parking lot of West Club at the TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s expected that several signings and the upcoming Double or Nothing event will be officially announced at the rally. Tonight’s SmackDown will emanate from Jacksonville as well.

Source: WrestlingINC

The Billionaire Khan Family Confirm Involvement In All Elite Wrestling

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The billionaire Khan family have finally confirmed their involvement in All Elite Wrestling with lengthy statements about the future of the promotion.

Shad and Tony Khan released statements to the media on Tuesday ahead of AEW’s rally in Jacksonville. The statement from Shad reads as follows:

I am the lead investor, a supporter and a backer of All Elite Wrestling, and I anticipate great things today and into the future for AEW and everyone who has worked passionately on this week’s launch.  I know AEW will be welcomed by wrestling fans here in the U.S. and throughout the world who are ready for something new and authentic.  AEW will work hard to deliver on that promise.

As important, I am the father – the proud father – of Tony Khan, who will serve in a leadership role at AEW during the 2019 launch and in the years ahead.  Tony will assemble a great team to take AEW over the top, for the benefit of everyone who loves the wrestling industry, while continuing to serve in his current capacities with the Jaguars and Fulham.

AEW will operate as an organization completely independently from my other interests.  It will not deter attention or divert resources from any of my businesses, teams, projects or investments.  At the same time, AEW will enjoy the same full commitment I’ve given to everything and everyone in my life – my family and friends, my business and, in recent years, to sports, hospitality and now entertainment.

His son Tony, who will serve as President of AEW, states:

Wrestling fans are a community unlike most others. I’ve been a part of this community since I was 7 years old, and I can tell you that wresting fans see the world every day through a special lens.  We see wrestling in Hollywood films and tv shows, we see elements of wrestling in the presentation of sports and in the marketing of grandiose star athletes, and we certainly see wrestling in politics.

The wrestling community is a constant; its members are diverse, we are physically located on all corners of the planet, yet we are constantly connected. Recently, a new family has formed, bonded by love and respect for wresting but armed with a vision and resources that have never before been available to the wrestling community.  Our objective is to connect our community closer than ever before through All Elite Wrestling, or AEW.

AEW does not mean any less of a continued commitment to existing obligations and duties that I have, or my family has, to our business and sports interests.  That will never be the case.  What’s important is that every individual decision we make as family, whether it’s ownership or investment in a team or property, is 100 percent beneficial to those specific interests.  I will always welcome that accountability and responsibility, as nothing is more important than serving our supporters and friends.

AEW will launch with a roster of the top wrestlers in the world.  While they’ll clash in what will be some of the most intense and fast-paced contests ever sanctioned in the squared circle, they’ll also share a common goal: to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a wrestling fan.  Likewise, as a business, by treating our wrestlers with respect and warmth, we also seek to make this the golden age for the performers themselves.

I urge everyone who believes in what we’re doing, or wants to believe in dreams coming true, to support AEW by spreading the word and passing the wrestling bug onto someone else.  My message: Get in on the ground floor with AEW today and help lead our movement to grow the wrestling community and ensure that the voices of the wrestling fans, their creative minds and their remarkable ideas, will always be heard.

Wrestlers currently signed to AEW include The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page, Brandi Rhodes, Scorpio Sky, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

NJPW Chooses To Work With ROH Over AEW

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The landscape of pro wrestling continues to change as 2019 just gets underway, and one of the biggest questions is who would NJPW decide to align with stateside to help bolster their position internationally. Dating back to 2014, they’ve had a partnership with Ring of Honor while the newly formed All Elite Wrestling could potentially have a pool of talent that could service NJPW just as well.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said NJPW has decided to work with ROH going forward. As for right now, NJPW won’t be working with AEW.

The report continued that even just a few days ago AEW thought Kenny Omega could continue to work for NJPW and would bounce between the two promotions, but that doesn’t look to be the case at the moment with Omega announcing his exit from NJPW. Co-promotional events are obviously out the window for the time being.

NJPW is teaming up with ROH for the sold-out G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden on April 6.

For NJPW, they just finished up a big weekend with Wrestle Kingdom 13 featuring eight title matches, all of which changed hands. ROH’s next PPV is the 17th Anniversary Show on March 13 in Las Vegas, NV. This Tuesday, AEW is holding a Double or Nothing rally in Jacksonville, Florida. Wrestling Inc. will be there for any breaking news.

Source: WrestlingINC

Kenny Omega Says He’s Leaving NJPW

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Kenny Omega spoke with Tokyo Sports and says he’s leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Omega lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi at this week’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 and didn’t make an appearance the next night at NJPW New Year Dash. His contract was reportedly over later this month.

The article noted it’s likely his choices are narrowed down to WWE or All Elite Wrestling. NJPW Announcer Chris Charlton translated some of Omega’s comments about why he’s looking to leave the company.

“I take full responsibility for the loss,” Omega said of his loss to Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom. “There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW). I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”

Omega has strong ties to Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks of AEW, which is holding a Double or Nothing rally this Tuesday in Jacksonville, Florida. It was also reported this week that Omega was made a “fantastic offer” by WWE as they look to bring his talent to the WWE Universe.

Source: WrestlingINC

Former WWE Star (Victoria) Lisa Marie Varon Says She’s Retiring From The Ring In 2019

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Lisa Marie Varon, probably best known for her character, Victoria in WWE, Tara in TNA/Impact has announced via social media that 2019 is her last year competing in a wrestling ring.

Varon is an accomplished performer in numerous promotions around the globe. She won her first WWE Women’s Championship in November 2002 at WWE Survivor Series and would carry it twice in her WWE career, she’s a five-time TNA / Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion, and she even had a reign as the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions with Brooke Tessmacher.

She also won the honor of being the 2004 Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Woman of the Year.

On social media, Varon wrote, “Hey Gang! Year 2019 will be my last year wrestling in the Squared Circle. An exciting new adventure is to come.” You can read her full retirement messages below:

Source: WrestlingINC

“WOW – Women Of Wrestling” Preview Featuring Tessa Blanchard, Santana Garrett, Eye Candy And More

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In the video below is the first look of AXS TV’s new series, WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING, from the cult classic GLOW founder David McLane. The series premieres Friday, January 18 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. P.T. The preview clip features several of the matches on the debut episode.

AXS TV issued the following:

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING PREMIERES ON AXS TV FEATURING WRESTLING SUPERSTAR TESSA BLANCHARD IN HER WOW DEBUT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 9PE/6PPDebut Episode Includes Four Matches including The Beast Against Stephy Slays, Abilene Maverick vs. Fire, and Khloe Hurtz vs. Eye Candy, Headlined by Jungle Grrrl vs. Santana Garrett for the Coveted WOW Championship

Los Angeles, CA – (December 20, 2018) – From the Los Angeles Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss and founder of the original GLOW “Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling” David McLane, comes the groundbreaking all-female wrestling promotion WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING to AXS TV on Friday, January 18 at 9pE/6pP. The premiere episode features four powerhouse matches and also includes the arrival of third-generation wrestling superstar, the Born Legend, Tessa Blanchard, as she sets out to immediately make her mark by demanding a Championship Title Match.

The season gets off to a roaring start as the phenom, The Beast looks to destroy fan-favorite Stephy Slays. Then, “The Governor’s Daughter,” Abilene Maverick, tries not to get burned when she elects to take on Fire in a sizzling singles match; and WOW bombshells “The All Natural” Khloe Hurtz and Eye Candy go toe-to-toe in a battle of beauty and brawn. It all leads up to the highly-anticipated main event, when WOW legend Jungle Grrrl gets her long-awaited shot at redemption, putting her legacy on the line as she faces off with WOW Champion Santana Garrett for the coveted WOW title in a high-stakes match to close the show.

“We are extremely proud to make WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING’s debut on AXS TV,” said McLane. “For this special premiere event, we have planned an incredible event that will satisfy our loyal audience, while serving as the perfect introduction to WOW’s roster of Superheroes for new viewers. This season promises to be one of the best, packed with even more of the intense action, beloved personalities, and family-friendly entertainment that WOW is known for. I’m confident AXS TV viewers are really going to enjoy it.”

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING is a part of AXS TV’s new Friday Night Fights lineup. The schedule for January 18 is NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING at 8pE, followed by the debut of WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING at 9pE and then Legacy Fighting Alliance’s first LIVE event of 2019, LFA 57 at its new time,10pE from the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

WWE Reportedly Planning To Offer Big Developmental Deal Soon

With the announcement of All Elite Wrestling this week and with Ring of Honor getting aggressive regarding signing new talent, Dave Meltzer recently indicated on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE offered a developmental deal that is much larger than their standard contracts.

“I think there are going to be some interesting ones,” Meltzer said of talent signings in early 2019. “Nothing that hasn’t been rumored, and imminently. But there’s also an instance of someone who is under contract to a company, they’re going to be out of contract with the company in a couple of months. WWE, and another company, and maybe even two other companies, were involved in being interested [negotiations] in this person. And this would be a developmental deal [for WWE NXT] but I will say that the developmental money compared to others that WWE has offered was way, way higher. Multiples. Because the business has changed so much, and because of everything that’s going on,” Meltzer said in an apparent reference to the buzz going around the pro wrestling world these days.

It’s no secret that the new AEW promotion will be announcing talent acquisitions as they prepare for their first big event, rumored to be held this spring. Meltzer had recently reported that three members of The Elite (Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page) had themselves turned down major money deals from WWE, reported to be multi-year deals that were worth more than seven figures annually.

ROH’s offer to Bandido was said to be much higher than the deal he had on the table from WWE. WWE came back with a second offer that was “dramatically higher” when they realized he had better offers on the table, and that he wasn’t going to sign for low money just because it was WWE. Bandido will be making his ROH debut on January 12 in Atlanta at Center Stage for an international TV taping.

It should be noted that the wrestler set to receive the large deal was not identified in the report.