Nikki & Brie Garcia Address Why They Have Decided To Leave WWE

Nikki and Brie will be using their last name Garcia moving forward after making the decision to leave WWE. 

They won’t be able to use The Bella Twins’ name because WWE owns the trademark rights to the Bella name. 

During their podcast, they discussed their decision to leave WWE:

Nikki: “When our contract came up with WWE, mutually, we all knew we needed to head into this next chapter. We are so grateful for the past 17 years. I have learned so much in and out of the ring. I have traveled all over the world, I have incredible fandom. It’s been amazing. This is part of relationships. Whether it’s business, love, this is relationships in life. Sometimes, you come to this part of your life where it’s like, ‘let’s go separate ways. It doesn’t mean it’s forever, but we just know that it’s right.’”

Brie: “It doesn’t mean that it’s bad either. When things like this happen, everyone wants to look for the negative. ‘What happened? It had to be something crazy.’ It wasn’t. It was actually something beautiful. [We] thought about it for awhile. This has been years coming. I want to thank Brie Bella. The character, the name, pretty much that I’ve been the last 16-17 years. Thank you to that name because it caused a lot of change in my life and many lives. It did a lot of great things for me. It’s really fun to end that chapter. For everyone, at some point in your life, to do a new change, a new journey. I’m so excited to close that chapter on Brie Bella, put that book to the side, and open up a new one, and see what Brie Garcia is going to do next.”

Nikki: “I’m so beyond grateful for Nikki Bella. She empowered me, she inspired me, she truly made me become fearless. I found so much of what I had, through pain, childhood, or certain things that happened in my life, I lost that person. It took Nikki Bella to bring her out. I will always be forever grateful for her and look up to who that person was and still is and the road that she has paved and what she’s done for women and the youth and will continue to do, just as Nikki Garcia. I’m grateful for it. What’s so amazing about starting this new chapter and with our names, our roots, what was from birth. it’s super empowering because we’re betting on ourselves. That leap of faith, we are taking that leap of faith, we’re re-introducing ourselves after 17 years and it shows…you and I have gotten to the point where we know our worth. We know what we’ve done and we know where we want to go. We’re at the point in our lives where we don’t want to hear no. We’ve worked on that for 17 years and this marks, finally, we put that in action a lot, but now we’re doing it in a different way. Something like that is super exciting and it’s great for other people to know.”

Brie: “It’s weird because I say ‘freeing,’ and a lot of people are like, ‘What does she mean?’ There’s something really freeing about going back to who you were. It’s like you can go back to being your unfiltered, uncensored self. I don’t have to apologize, it’s who I am. I always hate when I have to apologize or be like, ‘sorry, didn’t mean to do that,’ when I actually did.” 

AEW Dark Preview 3/14/2023

The latest episode of AEW’s latest weekly show, Dark, is slated to air tonight at 7pm ET via the official AEW YouTube channel. Here’s the card: 

  • Riho vs. Diamante
  • Action Andretti vs. Lee Johnson
  • Dark Order (John Silver & Alex Reynolds) vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
  • Julia Hart vs. Zoey Lynn
  • Sonny Kiss vs. Terry Kid

WWE NXT Preview 3/14/2023

Tonight’s episode of WWE NXT in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center on the USA Network: 

  • NXT North American Championship: Wes Lee (c) issues another open challenge.
  • Johnny Gargano to speak to the NXT universe.
  • NXT Tag Team Championship: Gallus (Wolfgang & Mark Coffey) (c) vs. Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince)

NWA Powerrr Preview 3/14/2023

The National Wrestling Alliance has announced the matches for tonight’s episode of their Powerrr series. 

NWA Power will air at 6pm ET on YouTube. Here are the matches: 

  • NWA World Women’s TV Title Tournament Semifinal: Ashley D’Amoise vs. Kenzie Paige
  • Mike Knox in action
  • Mecha Wolf vs. Kerry Morton
  • NWA World TV Championship: Thom Latimer (c) vs. Rhett Titus

Stacy Keibler Reportedly Confirmed For 2023 WWE Hall Of Fame

It was reported yesterday that a deal was close to being finalized for Stacy Keibler to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. According to PWI Elite, the former WCW Nitro Girl is now “100% confirmed” for the Class of 2023. 

WWE has yet to officially announce Keibler for the prestigious event, but “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair will appear on WWE’s “The Bump” later this week to reveal the next inductee for the Class of 2023. WWE recently announced that Rey Mysterio would be taking his place in the Hall of Fame this year. No further inductees have been revealed since Mysterio was confirmed, though recently retired Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta has been rumored. The ceremony is set to take place after “WWE SmackDown” on Friday, March 31, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, during WrestleMania 39 weekend.

Keibler entered the world of pro wrestling in 1999 after signing a contract with World Championship Wrestling. She initially became a Nitro Girl – a dancer appearing during “WCW Monday Nitro” each week – before becoming a valet for Lenny Lane and Lodi under the Miss Hancock name. Keibler would enter a romantic storyline with David Flair the following year. After Vince McMahon purchased WCW in 2001, Keibler became a part of the WWE roster. The former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant would stay with the Stamford-based organization until July 2006. Her most recent appearance for the company came in 2019 when she inducted Torrie Wilson into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 3/13/2023

WWE Raw will air live tonight on the USA Network and emanate from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs Chelsea Green
  • Brock Lesnar and Omos to go face-to-face
  • Edge Calls Out Finn Balor
  • Elias vs Bronson Reed
  • Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio)
  • The OC (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. Maximum Male Models (Mace & Mansoor)

Konnan To Induct Rey Mysterio Into The 2023 WWE Hall Of Fame

According to the Los Angeles Times, former WCW and IMPACT star Konnan will be inducting Rey Mysterio, into the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame. WWE announced during Friday night’s live SmackDown from Pittsburgh that Mysterio is the first to be inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame.

The report also notes that Konnan, who is still signed with MLW, has known Mysterio since he was was 11-years-old.

Mysterio, 48, made his debut in Mexico on April 30, 1989, when he was 14 years old. He was trained by his uncle Rey Misterio Sr.  He made his debut in the United States in ECW in 1995. After he departed ECW, he signed with WCW in 1996 and stayed with the company until it was acquired by WWE in March 2001. He would then sit out for the remainder of his then AOL/Time Warner contract, before signing with WWE in 2002.

In WWE, Mysterio held the World Heavyweight Champion twice, the WWE Champion once, the Intercontinental and United States Championship each twice. In the now defunct WCW, he held the promotion’s Cruiserweight Championship three times and has was co-holder of the WCW Tag Team Championships, once with Konnan. He also held WCW’s Cruiserweight Championship five times and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles with Billy Kidman.

The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, March 31, immediately following the WrestleMania 39 go-home show of WWE Friday Night SmackDown. WWE SmackDown will air live from the same venue.

The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air live on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.

Source: WrestleView

Scott D’Amore Named President Of Impact Wrestling

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc, the parent company of Impact Wrestling, announced changes to its management team today. This includes Scott D’Amore being named the new President of Impact Wrestling.

The following was issued:

RICHARD SCHAEFER NAMED PRESIDENT OF ANTHEM SPORTS GROUP

Scott D’Amore promoted to President of IMPACT Wrestling

Lou D’Angeli joins as Vice President of Marketing

Mike Pine’s Talon Partnerships joins as
Strategic Advisors handling Brand Partnerships

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc., a global, multi-platform media company, announced today that respected global combat sports executive Richard Schaefer has been named President of its sports properties, which are to be re-organized as a separate operating group under the name Anthem Sports Group Inc. (ASG). These properties include ASG’s iconic IMPACT Wrestling promotion, trailblazing all-female MMA organization Invicta Fighting Championships, and, Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 combat sports channel.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the combat sports and boxing realm, Schaefer will oversee ASG and play a key role in building strategic partnerships and relationships with leading sponsors, brands, agents and athletes in the industry. The hiring of Schaefer is a testament to Anthem’s commitment to building global prominence of its events and broadcasts. Under Schaefer, ASG will aggressively pursue additional acquisitions in the combat sports and professional wrestling businesses. Schaefer’s wide-ranging background in professional boxing will also be leveraged to establish a boxing promotion platform.

“Richard Schaefer is a major force in the combat sports and boxing arena,” said Leonard Asper, Anthem President and CEO. “As one of the industry’s most respected executives, he leads with integrity and brings an unprecedented wealth of expertise—cultivated from more than two decades working alongside the sport’s biggest brands and most legendary fighters. Anthem is pleased to welcome him to our executive team as the President of Anthem Sports Group, and we look forward to reaching even greater heights as a global sports powerhouse under his guidance.”

Stated Schaefer: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Anthem team and ASG. Len Asper, Ed Nordholm, Scott D’Amore and Shannon Knapp have built a fantastic business, and I am honored to be working with them. Together, we will create a global destination which attracts the best talent and delivers the most exciting content across all aspects of combat sports. All of our assets under the ASG umbrella will create new and innovative synergies when dealing with distribution platforms, sponsors, venues and fan interaction.”

Schaefer brings a long track record of success to ASG, having served as the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, where he was integral in developing the platform into a key player in the sport. Over his 20+ years in the combat sports space, he promoted or advised some of the most iconic stars — from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez, to UFC Superstar Jon Jones. Helming over 527 promoted events, he is one of the leading all-time promoters in boxing and has generated record-breaking gate and pay-per-view revenues.

Anthem has also brought in two senior executives and promoted Scott D’Amore to President of IMPACT Wrestling to highlight its goal of growing the Sports Group. D’Amore and Shannon Knapp, the President of Invicta FC, will report to Schaefer.

“Scott has established himself as the leader of IMPACT Wrestling since joining us in 2018, re-establishing the promotion as one of the finest professional wrestling promotions in the world,” said Ed Nordholm, Chief Corporate Officer of Anthem.

Schaefer will be working with former WWE and Cirque du Soleil executive Lou D’Angeli, who has joined Anthem Sports Group as Vice President of Marketing. In this role, D’Angeli is overseeing all aspects of marketing, advertising, promotion, and public relations for ASG.

D’Angeli has more than 25 years of experience in event marketing and promotion, having served as Vice President of Marketing for Cirque du Soleil where he was responsible for all marketing, advertising, public relations, and digital media strategy for North America. Additionally, he served as Director of Marketing for WWE, developing and implementing all national advertising strategies, social media initiatives, and fan festivals and experiential events.

“In just a few months, Lou has been a leader in increasing awareness and attendance at both IMPACT Wrestling and Invicta FC events,” continued Nordholm. “With his past experience in event promotion and marketing at such iconic brands, we are very lucky to have Lou on the team and his expertise is already providing dividends.”

Anthem also announced that Mike Pine & Talon Partnerships have been retained by ASG as Strategic Advisors, focused on securing sponsorships and new revenue initiatives for IMPACT Wrestling and Invicta FC. While Pine & Talon’s initial emphasis will be placed on the Sports Group properties, Talon’s scope will also include Anthem’s diverse entertainment offerings.

Previously, Pine has held the Head of Global Sales/Chief Revenue Officer positions for four separate billion-dollar companies. Under Pine’s leadership, Talon has grown into a world-class organization with the singular purpose of delivering revenue for its high-profile clientele — ranging from renowned sports and entertainment properties and influencers to NCAA and professional athletes, and more.

“Mike is a true combat sports veteran, having worked with several world leaders in the MMA and professional wrestling industries,” added Nordholm. “In addition to his expansive knowledge, he comes armed with unparalleled insight and ideas that go outside the box—forming strategic partnerships and initiatives that fit the mission of each brand, while exponentially growing awareness and revenue. We are confident that the talented team that we have assembled under Mr. Schaefer’s leadership is well-positioned to expand our offerings in the combat sports arena, utilizing world-class IP directed at combat sports enthusiasts.”

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Cleveland. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel with broadcast distribution across 10+ countries and available globally through multiple OTT platforms; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in sports wagering, Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.anthemse.com.

WWE Provides Update On NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez

This past Tuesday night at “WWE NXT” Roadblock, “NXT” Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez successfully defended her title against the legendary Meiko Satomura. Following the bout, though, and shortly after Satomura handed her the championship, Perez suddenly “collapsed” to the mat. Medical officials, referees, Shawn Michaels, and even Booker T rushed to the ring to check on her. The last thing viewers saw was Perez being taken away on a stretcher to an ambulance backstage. Now, WWE has provided a further positive update on the champion.

“Update: Roxanne Perez has been discharged from the hospital and is now at home resting,” WWE tweeted.

WWE’s first update Tuesday night simply stated that she’d be kept in the hospital overnight for further testing. So while the latest announcement is certainly progress, it’s also worth monitoring whether or not she’ll be competing at the “NXT” Stand and Deliver event on Saturday, April 1. Thus far, only two matches have been announced for the big show. Johnny Gargano will make his in-ring return to “NXT” to take on the man who brutally attacked him before he left WWE in 2021, Grayson Waller. Also, Carmelo Hayes is set to challenge “NXT” Champion Bron Breakker.

Perez has been “NXT” Women’s Champion since December 13, when she dethroned Mandy Rose, ending her 500-plus day reign and becoming the developmental brand’s youngest-ever women’s champion in the process. Perez has successfully defended it five times since, including Tuesday’s contest against Satomura. While the bout itself lasted nearly 14 minutes, vignettes leading up to their showdown showed the champ putting herself through very rigorous workouts.

Roxanne Perez’s injury at NXT Roadblock concerned fans about her well-being. Fortunately, the whole collapsing scenario was a take from an angle with Shawn Michaels on RAW in the mid-90s. Similar to HBK, Perez took several blows to the head, which led to the kayfabe injury.

As fans pointed out, Roxanne Perez’s injury at NXT Roadblock is kayfabe because the referee didn’t show the dreaded X sign. The signal is used whenever a superstar is grievously injured and isn’t a part of the storyline. WWE takes head injuries seriously and if Perez did suffer one, multiple reports would have hit the wrestling capsule already.

The injury angle did put over Roxanne Perez in a major way. She may now sport the neck brace as a reminder of her heroics. Her participation in Stand and Deliver is unknown, although the injury could mean she will be out of the ring for a while.

Nonetheless, The Prodigy does have a challenger in line. Tiffany Stratton staked her claim to the Women’s Championship before Roadblock rolled out. It remains to be seen if the showdown will be booked for April 1 or a later date.

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and sportskeeda

Mark Briscoe Announces Reach For The Sky Ladder Match For ROH Tag Titles At Supercard Of Honor + More ROH News

On Friday night’s episode of Rampage, AEW World Tag Team Champion Mark Briscoe announced that a “Reach for the Sky” Ladder match will be held at ROH Supercard of Honor to determine the new ROH World Tag Team Champions. The Lucha Brothers are the first team to be announced for the match.

In other news, on the latest episode of ROH TV, former champions Dalton Castle and The Boys (Brandon Tate & Brent Tate) challenged The Embassy for the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championships at Supercard of Honor. They also defeated Marcus Cross & C4 (Cody Chhun & Guillermo Rosas) on the show.

Meanwhile, ROH TV also saw The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett) cut a promo backstage, stating that they want to get their revenge on Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin) for costing them their return to ROH at Final Battle earlier in December, potentially setting up a rematch at Supercard of Honor.

In another noteworthy segment, Eddie Kingston confronted ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, challenging him for the Ring of Honor World Championship. Claudio refused to accept and disrespected Kingston. Nevertheless, they are expected to collide in a blockbuster title match at the pay-per-view event.

Source: eWrestlingNews