Hall of Famer Verne Gagne passed away yesterday at the age of 89. Gagne was best known for promoting and operating American Wrestling Association out of Minnesota for several decades. AWA was a major force in professional wrestling for several decades before shutting down in 1991.
Gagne was a 10 time AWA World Heavyweight Champion and was later inducted into the WWE, WCW and Professional Wrestling Hall of Fames.
Gagne was known for his intense training camps. He had a hand in training the likes of Ric Flair, Bob Backlund, Iron Sheik, Curt Hennig, Ricky Steamboat, The Nasty Boys and many others. His son Greg also competed in AWA for several years.
Gagne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was forced to live in a health care facility. After an incident in 2009, Gagne would be cared for by his daughter Beth and son in law.
Source: WrestlingINC.com
WrestlingNewsBlog.com would like to express our condolences to the Gagne family.
Vince McMahon tweeted the following on the passing of Verne Gagne:
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones turned himself in to Albuquerque (NM) police. Jones made bond and was released Monday night. Jones is facing felony charge in connection to a hit-and-run incident that he was allegedly involved in Sunday morning in Albuquerque.
Witnesses tell police that Jones fled the crash that hospitalized a pregnant woman but he came back to grab a large amount of cash from the car. Officers later found marijuana in a pipe in the car.
The UFC strawweight Division just keeps getting better and better. A little less then an hour ago the UFC announced the signing of Michelle “the karate hottie” Waterson.
Waterson who is (12-4) was one of InvictaFC’s biggest standouts. Waterson is a former atomweight champion under the invictaFC banner. She dropped her title back in December to Herica Tiburcio.
Waterson is expected to make her UFC debut sometime this summer against an unnamed opponent (Ariel Hawani of MMA fighting confirms)
What do you guys think about this announcement? I’m personally ecstatic and think the Karate hottie will do the UFC proud. Sound off in the comments and let us know
ESPN’s E:60 will premiere their “WWE: Behind The Curtain” documentary on Tuesday, Mat 5th at 8pm EST.
It’s a one-hour documentary film featuring unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. The show will follow three wrestlers on their grueling, high stakes climb with dreams of making it to the big show, complemented by candid interviews with Vince McMahon, Triple H, Steve Austin, “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson and Hulk Hogan.
SMASHING PUMPKINS MASTERMIND AND ROCK INNOVATOR BILLY CORGAN JOINS TNA WRESTLING
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 27, 2015) — TNA Entertainment today announced Billy Corgan, founder of the Smashing Pumpkins and creative icon is joining TNA Wrestling as Senior Producer, Creative and Talent Development, effective immediately. In this position, Corgan will develop characters and create storylines for TNA’s flagship program IMPACT WRESTLING, broadcast Friday nights at 9/8c on Destination America, as well as other TNA programming.
“I’ve known Billy for years and have always been blown away by his musical artistry, as well as his knowledge and understanding of professional wrestling,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “He has always impressed me with his creativity and passion for our business. Billy is truly gifted and understands the emotion tied to the psychology of connecting with an audience. The more we talked, the more I realized his perspective has the potential to make a huge impact on our brand.”
“Saying I’m humbled and honored by this opportunity to be part of TNA, a world-class wrestling organization, is an understatement and a dream come true,” said Corgan. “What’s great is the entire TNA organization stands in full support of my music life with the Smashing Pumpkins. In return, I’m fully committed to using my 30 years of entertainment experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for pro wrestling, to take on the thrilling challenge of creatively contributing to IMPACT WRESTLING, finding new talent, and working eye-to-eye with the best-of-the-best. For as cultures currently evolve at great speed, so must pro wresting meet and supersede such expectations to thrive.”
Corgan joins a gifted group of creative writers led by TNA Executive Vice President of Television and Talent John Gaburick. In addition to partnering with his creative colleagues in writing compelling and emotionally engaging story lines for TNA programming, Corgan will attend TNA television tapings where he will serve as a senior producer, working with TNA’s roster of world-class athletes including veterans such as TNA World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and Gail Kim, as well as a fresh crop of Superstars led by Ethan Carter III, Bram, Rockstar Spud and more.
“As an iconic songwriter and performance artist, Billy stands as a true powerhouse, ” said Gaburick. “I also find him to be an ardent historian of professional wrestling and a true visionary. We knew Billy would bring a great viewpoint when we offered, and he graciously accepted, to attend a recent creative summit. During those meetings, Billy’s pioneering perspectives and collaborative approach made it quickly evident we needed to bring him on as a permanent member of our team.”
TNA programming, which features unparalleled professional wrestling entertainment through its innovative high-flying X-Division, the best women’s division on the planet in the TNA Knockouts, and incomparable Tag Team action, is seen by millions of viewers each week in more than 120 countries around the world.
Jon Jones has officially been named as a suspect in a hit-and-run investigation.
“Yes, he is the suspect and we’re hoping that he will contact us to give us his side of the story,” said Simon Drobik, Albuquerque Police Department spokesman to MMAFighting.com. Drobik squashed the rumors that cocaine was found in the rental car. However, according to Brett Okamoto, a marijuana pipe was found in the car.
This weekend a woman was struck in a hit-and-run and Jones was identified by an officer fleeing on foot.
According to several, Jones hadn’t been heard from in well over 24 hours. His manager calmed the rumors that Jones’ planned UFC 187 fight with Anthony Johnson was off, saying he’s not heard anything like that as of yet.
UFC released the following statement:
“We are aware that the Albuquerque Police Department is interested in speaking to Jon Jones regarding his possible involvement in a motor vehicle accident. We are in the process of gathering facts and will reserve further comment until more information is available.”
Daniel Bryan was pulled from the show due to injury. Neville replaced Bryan against Bad News Barrett. WWE Tag Team Championship moved to the main card.
(Kickoff) Neville def. Bad News Barrett
Chicago Street Fight: Dean Ambrose VS Luke Harper: They brawled to the back. Harper gets in a SUV, Ambrose leaps in. Harper shoved Ambrose out but he jumped back in through the window. Harper drives off with Ambrose’s legs hanging out of the window. The announcers say that the match is still going on because there is no count outs.
Kiss Me Arse Match: Dolph Ziggler def. Sheamus: After the match, Sheamus refused to kiss Ziggler’s arse. Sheamus finally got down to do it but instead hit Ziggler with a low blow and then a Brogue Kick. Sheamus rubbed his arse in Ziggler’s face.
WWE Tag Team Championship: The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston w/Xavier Woods) def. (C) Cesaro & Tyson Kidd w/Natalya: The New Day are the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
Chicago Street Fight, Continued – Renee Young backstage with The New Day. The SUV pulled up and Harper gets dumped out. Ambrose and Harper brawl back to the ring. Winner – Dean Ambrose
United States Championship – Russian Chain Match: (C) John Cena def. Rusev w/Lana
Divas Championship: (C) Nikki Bella w/Brie Bella def. Naomi
Backstage, Rusev yelled at Lana. He stormed off and she was crying. She walks into The Authority’s office and shuts the door.
Last Man Standing Match: Roman Reigns def. Big Show
Bo Dallas came out to the ring and ripped on the crowd. Ryback came out and shut his mouth with a Meathook clothesline and a Shellshocked.
Byron Saxton was backstage with Rusev & Lana. She revealed that the Rusev VS Cena feud will end at Payback in a I Quit Match.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Steel Cage Match – Kane is the Gatekeeper & the RKO is Banned: (C) Seth Rollins w/J & J Security def. Randy Orton: Kane shut the door in Orton’s face, Rollins came from behind Orton but ends up knocking Kane into the barrier. Kane got up and slammed the door on both Orton and Rollins. Kane snapped and took of hit jacket and tie. Kane entered the cage and hit a double chokeslam on J & J. Kane chokeslammed Orton and Rollins. Kane placed Rollins on top of Orton but Orton kicked out of the pin. Kane went for a Tombstone on Orton but it was countered and Orton hit Kane with a RKO. Rollins then hit Orton with a RKO. Rollins crawled out of the cage for the win.
It was reported earlier today on various news sites that UFC light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones was involved in a hit and run accident involving a middle age women in Albuquerque New Mexico. The women was sent to the hospital with non life threatening injuries. It was also reported that drugs were found at the scene but that rumor was not confirmed.
It is now being said via mma fighting that the Albuquerque PD is looking to question Jones about the incident, however Jones’ whereabouts are unknown. At this moment he is not being looked at as a suspect. This is what the Albuquerque PD had to say about the matter
We can not confirm that Jon Jones was involved in a H&R traffic accident from this morning. The investigation is ongoing.
Jones is scheduled to defend his title next month at UFC 187 against Anthony Rumble Johnson but it is now believed that the fight is in jeopardy.
This wouldn’t be the first time Jones has be in a troublesome situustion. Earlier this year be tested postive for cocaine following his bout with Daniel Cormier. This sent the champion to rehab but he shortly checked himself out after just 24 hours.
It should also be noted that Jones was not penalized for testing “dirty” and many fans feel that he should be stripped of the title especially if he was directly involved in this hit and run. I may not be found of Jones but to me it seems like he needs help and I sincerely hope he gets it.
Only time will tell what will happen with this situation. We here at WNB will keep you all updated on the matter so keep checking back for updates.
One of the things that captivates audiences with the art of professional wrestling are the various moves performed by the wrestlers. The Attitude Adjustment. The RKO. The Yes-Lock. One of the more popular moves recently has been the curb stomp, the finisher of Seth Rollins. However, it was announced on Monday that the Curb Stomp would be banned due to safety reasons. It’s moments like these when fans stop and realize just how dangerous the business can be. If there is a slight mistake, someone moves too quick, someone moves in the wrong direction, or there is just a bit too much force applied to a sensitive area (head, neck, etc.), the consequences could be serious with the injuries. Similar to when Randy Orton’s punt was banned, safety should always be the number one concern. No matter how cool a move looked, the wrestlers should be worry free for injuries. I have to personally admit that the Curb Stomp was one of my favorite newer finishers. Vicious. Brutal. Rollins slams your head and neck straight to the mat from stepping on top of it. That’s the gory side of wrestling that had toned down the past few years and while it was exciting to see and will live on forever in video clips, it’s good to know that, for now, this move won’t cause any further injury that can have long-term effects in the future.
