Glenn Jacobs Re-Elected As Mayor Of Knox County

WWE Hall of Famer Glenn Jacobs, AKA Kane, will remain mayor of Knox County, Tennessee for another four years.

Jacobs, a Republican, defeated Democratic nominee Debbie Helsley in the mayoral race Thursday night. According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, Jacobs led the unofficial vote tally by more than 4,400 votes when 63 percent of the nearly 43,000 votes were counted at 10 p.m. local time. The margin was reportedly enough to project Jacobs as the winner. The wrestling legend celebrated his victory with fellow GOP attendees at a watch party in downtown Knoxville, per his social media feeds.

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as mayor for the past four years, and I am just so grateful that you have trusted me to work hard to keep our economy strong and to protect our freedoms and our way of life,” Jacobs said of his victory [H/T The Knoxville News Sentinel].

In his press conference, Jacobs appreciated the other candidates who ran in the mayoral race.

“In this day and age, as contentious as politics is, we should respect anyone who is willing to put their name on the ballot,” Jacobs stressed. “I promise you, and I don’t make many promises because they’re hard to keep. But I do promise you that I will continue to work hard every day for the brightest future possible for our Knox County.”

Jacobs was last seen on WWE TV at last weekend’s SummerSlam premium live event, appearing in a brief segment to announce the attendance of 48,449 for the show at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Earlier this year, Kane faced a lot of backlash on social media for his reaction to the United States Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade – the court’s landmark 1973 judgment that made abortion a constitutional right. A plethora of wrestlers from across promotions called out Jacobs for his comments.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Lifts Ban On Forbidden Words [Report]

Reports indicate that WWE are easing up on restricted terminology amidst backstage shake up.

A constant complaint amongst WWE fans for years has been the companies strict avoidance of certain words and phrases in promos, interviews, media and on commentary. Having been an irritation for years, reports indicate that WWE are easing up on such rules, with banned terminology no longer forbidden from leaving talent’s mouths.

Reported in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer details that amidst the various changes going on behind the scenes at WWE, talent have had some restrictions on what they can say lifted. More precisely, Meltzer reports that ‘wrestling’ and ‘wrestler’ are ‘no longer dirty words’. Whilst talent are sure to still be referred to as ‘WWE Superstars’ as part of the company’s branding objectives, the easing of the rules certainly gives talent more freedom in what they say.

Previously, terms such as ‘wrestler’ and ‘wrestling’ had been forbidden under the last several years of Vince McMahon’s reign over WWE creative. Cody Rhodes had attested to this recently, sharing how he had been fined $1000 for uttering the term championship ‘belt’, proving just how forbidden certain phrases had become.

As part of these reports, Meltzer notes that this change to terminology comes along with ‘a positive and fresh vibe’ that has swept through the company following the installation of the new management regime. Amongst talent, Triple H is seen as a more caring figure compared to Vince McMahon, and whilst there is still some worry for certain individuals about losing their spot under the new creative direction, the overall atmosphere backstage is ‘more excitement and more positive about the future’.

Just over a week into the new regime, it appears that change is coming much quicker than fans, or talent, might have expected. So far, the initiative under Triple H certainly looks to be angled towards giving talent more creative freedom and making their jobs easier as a whole. Whilst the lifting of a ban on certain terms may appear as a somewhat small measure, it is indicative of a broader approach to WWE programming.

Source: TheSportster

Madison Rayne Comments On Her First Day Working For AEW

Madison Rayne is feeling good following her first full day in AEW.

“Today was such an incredible day,” Rayne said in a post on Twitter.

AEW announced on Wednesday that Rayne has joined the company as a coach in its women’s division. Her hiring was announced as part of a list of promotions that expand AEW’s talent relations department — Sonjay Dutt and QT Marshall were promoted to Vice Presidents of Show and Creative Coordination, Pat Buck was promoted to Vice President of Talent Development, and Tony Schiavone was promoted to Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent.

Rayne’s official debut is being advertised for Friday night’s live episode of “AEW Rampage”. AEW CEO Tony Khan has said he’s open to the idea of Rayne wrestling matches for AEW. Rayne’s last match to be broadcast by her former employer, Impact Wrestling, was a loss to Masha Slamovich during the July 21 episode of “Impact on AXS TV.” Another match from the most recent set of tapings against Mia Yim has yet to air.

Rayne spent the better part of the last 14 years in Impact, formerly known as TNA. She’s one of the most decorated women in the company’s history — a five-time Impact Knockouts Champions, one of only four women to hold the title on five or more occasions, and her 404 cumulative days as Knockouts Champion rank as the third most in history. Rayne’s last reign on top of the Knockouts division ended in 2014.

Rayne was also recently one-half of the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Champions alongside Tenille Dashwood. The pair held the titles for more than 100 days before this past June, when they were dethroned by Taya Valkyrie and Rosemary at the Slammiversary pay-per-view. It was the third time in Rayne’s career that she held the Knockouts Tag titles, having previously won them with Gail Kim and as part of the Beautiful People alongside Velvet Sky and Lacey von Erich, who defended the belts interchangeably as a trio under the Freebird Rule.

https://twitter.com/MadisonRayne/status/1555053121126154241

IMPACT Preview 8/4/22

Tonight on “Impact on AXS TV”.

The following line-up is announced for tonight’s episode:

  • Impact Digital Media Championship Match: Black Taurus vs. Brian Myers (c)
  • Derby City Street Fight: Impact World Tag Team Champion Doc Gallows vs. PCO
  • Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion Rosemary vs. Deonna Purrazzo
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. Joe Doering & Deaner
  • Raj Singh vs. Sami Callihan
  • Gisele Shaw vs. Masha Slamovich

Alisha will face Savannah Evans on “Before The Impact” starting at 7:30 PM ET on Impact Plus, YouTube, and Facebook.

Backstage News On Last Minute Plans WWE Made For Bayley’s New Stable

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, stories coming out of WWE SummerSlam last weekend was the return of both Bayley and Dakota Kai, along with the main roster debut of Iyo Sky (fka Io Shirai). The new stable has quickly made an impact between their appearances at WWE SummerSlam and “WWE Raw” two days later, and it’s even more impressive given the last-minute nature of the stable’s conception.

According to PWInsider, things came together for the group so late that Sky’s new name wasn’t trademarked until July 31, the day after SummerSlam, a wildly uncharacteristic move for the promotion, which likes to trademark character names well before they debut. Indeed, Sky’s debut at SummerSlam was accompanied by video graphics that still displayed the Io Shirai name. PWI also noted that while Bayley was expected to be at SummerSlam, there were no “concrete” plans for her to appear when the creative was overseen by Vince McMahon.

PWInsider also confirmed that Kai had not originally been in the plans for SummerSlam. The WWE star, who was released by the promotion back in April and whose noncompete clause had long since elapsed, was reportedly contacted at the last minute and didn’t travel to Nashville, the site of SummerSlam, until the night before. Kai herself stated the deal came together quickly prior to the PLE in an appearance on “WWE: The Bump” this Wednesday.

While the group doesn’t have a formal name as of yet, Bayley hinted that the group could be called Control in a tweet shortly after their SummerSlam appearance. On “Raw,” the trio set the tone for the show, attacking Becky Lynch and brawling with “Raw” Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss shortly after Sky’s match with Belair, which ended in a no contest.

https://twitter.com/itsBayleyWWE/status/1553775548580724737

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Fight Forever Website Launches With Preorder Option

Over the past few days, news on AEW’s upcoming video game, AEW Fight Forever, has been surfacing all over the internet. With all the updates coming out, AEW, along with producers THQ Nordic and developers, Yuke’s, have made a new website for the upcoming fighting game.

The first thing you will be greeted with on the website is the game’s cover art. It has mint green and white background featuring CM Punk, Jade Cargill, Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, Dr. Britt Baker, and Chris Jericho. Scrolling down takes viewers to the new announcement trailer for AEW: Fight Forever and more information.

More information will be revealed at the THQ Showcase next Friday, August 12th; however, already on the website, you can preorder the standard edition of the game for $60 on Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

THQ Nordic and Yuke’s have released some information on the website, including some of the match types, which will offer matches like the Casino Battle Royale, Unsanctioned Lights Out, and Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match. Then, of course, your standard one v. one, tag team, 3-way, and 4-way matchups.

AEW Fight Forever will also include other ways to play outside the standard Player vs. Computer expedition matches. It will consist of a career mode, local multiplayer with up to 4 players, online multiplayer with up to 30 players, and even mini-games.

So far, 19 of the 50 wrestlers available at launch have been revealed. These 19 wrestlers are Abadon, Adam Cole, Adam Page, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, Dr. Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, Jade Cargill, Jon Moxley, Jungle Boy, Kenny Omega, Kris Statlander, Nyla Rose, Penta El Zero Miedo, Yuka Sakazaki, and even Owen Hart.

It’s unclear when THQ Nordic and Yuke’s will release Fight Forever; however, if previous reports are accurate, it should be released before 2023.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 8/3/22

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite from Columbus, OH.

The following line-up is announced for tonight:

  • Chris Jericho vs. Wheeler Yuta (*If Yuta wins, he gets Jericho’s title shot against AEW Interim World Champion Jon Moxley)
  • Christian Cage vs. Matt Hardy
  • Jay Lethal vs. Orange Cassidy
  • Dumpster Match: The Acclaimed vs. Gunn Club
  • Thunderstorm (AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa & Toni Storm) vs. Dr. Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter
  • Powerhouse Hobbs will be in action
  • The Undisputed Elite is back
  • We hear from AEW Interim World Champion Jon Moxley

AEW Announces Expansion Of Its Talent Relations And Development Team

AEW made a big announcement Wednesday morning, as owner Tony Khan revealed that four familiar names have been appointed to new talent and developmental-related positions in the company. These include a new face who hadn’t previously been in the AEW fold, as Impact Wrestling veteran Madison Rayne has been hired to help coach the women’s division. In addition, QT Marshall has been named Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination, Tony Schiavone will be a Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent, Pat Buck is now the VP of Talent Development, and Christopher Daniels will maintain his role as Manager of Talent Relations. The full press release is below:

AEW ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF TALENT RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM — Roles for Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone will Increase Under Expanded Talent Relations Team; Madison Rayne Joining to Coach Women’s Division

August 3, 2022 – AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan announced an expansion to AEW’s talent relations team with the promotions of key staff members including Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall, Pat Buck and Tony Schiavone. In addition, Madison Rayne will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division. As AEW continues its meteoric rise, the expanded talent relations team will strengthen the infrastructure required to facilitate the development, health and safety of AEW’s outstanding roster.

The following promotions and additions are effective immediately: Sonjay Dutt (Retesh Bhalla) has been promoted to Vice President of Production and Creative Coordination. In this role, he will coordinate communication of AEW storylines, liaise between post-production and key staff to maintain content workflow, produce ancillary content and mentor new producers. Dutt joined AEW in 2021, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional wrestling – both in-ring and as a producer – and continues to serve on-screen as manager to Satnam Singh and Jay Lethal.

QT Marshall (Michael Cuellari) has been promoted to Vice President of Show and Creative Coordination. He will help to manage show elements including planning programs and storylines, character development, overseeing extras and live event logistics coordination. Marshall, an AEW original with more than 20 years of experience, will continue to wrestle as the leader of The Factory with Anthony Ogogo, Nick Comoroto, Aaron Solo and Cole Karter.

Pat Buck (Pat Buckridge) has been promoted to Vice President of Talent Development. In this position, he will liaise with talent and production, oversee all coaches, provide input on matches and promos, and lead the talent relations team. Buck brings nearly two decades of experience serving wrestling promotions as a talent, trainer, producer and promoter.

Tony Schiavone has been promoted to Senior Producer and Special Advisor to Talent. In this capacity, he will work directly with talent as part of the Talent Relations team. Schiavone is one of AEW’s most tenured members and has nearly 40 years of experience, with an iconic voice that has guided fans through professional wrestling’s most incredible moments.

Madison Rayne (Ashley Nichole Lomberger) will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division, and kick-off her new role tonight in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Madison has competed in numerous professional wrestling promotions where she has held multiple championship titles, including 5-time Women’s World Champion. She has more than 15 years of experience in professional wrestling, and is also a proud mom to a daughter.

Christopher Daniels, an AEW original who brings more than 30 years of industry experience, will continue to serve as Manager of Talent Relations. The Talent Relations team will also remain in close contact with AEW’s Legal and Talent Resources team – led by Margaret Stalvey, Chris Peck and Megha Parekh – who help to support the physical and mental health, safety and security of talent. AEW is also committed to supporting talent beyond the ring, and offers access to world-class physicians, trainers and mental health clinicians.

The news comes in the wake of reports of tension behind the scenes in AEW, as former Ring of Honor World Champion Jonathan Gresham demanded his release from the company, citing lack of communication with Khan. Meanwhile, WWE has also seen a recent shake-up in the talent relations department in the form of Paul Levesque, fka Triple H, whose ascendency has already paid dividends in the form of the returning Dakota Kai.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AJ Mendez Makes Big Announcement Regarding WOW’s TV Return

AJ Mendez is coming back in a big way with Women Of Wrestling.

The former AJ Lee in WWE is the executive producer and color commentator for the promotion with origins to GLOW and she was the figurehead to speak on behalf of the company’s return to television with a video announcement. Mendez notes that the promotion will return to television on September 17 under the Paramount/CBS banner. Full details and information are below:

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING, the world’s premier all-female sports entertainment entity, today revealed its new key art and announced that the series will premiere nationwide the weekend of Sept. 17. WOW, the only all-female wrestling organization with a global TV footprint, will be available in syndication via Paramount Global Content Distribution, marking the largest-ever distribution deal in the history of women’s wrestling.

WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING has been cleared in 100% of the U.S. including the following station groups: CBS-owned-and-operated stations, Sinclair Communications, Nexstar Broadcasting, Hearst Television, TEGNA Media, Weigel Broadcasting, Gray Media and Cox Television. Internationally, the show has also already been licensed in Canada (CHCH and CHEK), Australia (10 Play) and Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MOLA), with more to come.

WOW is owned by trailblazing sports executive Jeanie Buss and was created by David McLane, founder of the original GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Global professional wrestling superstar, screenwriter, mental health advocate and New York Times bestselling author AJ Mendez serves as executive producer and color commentator.

“From sports to politics to business and beyond, women’s voices are being heard louder than ever, and the Superheroes of WOW couldn’t be more excited to step into the ring on Sept. 17 and join this revolution,” said WOW owner Jeanie Buss. “We’re grateful to our partners at Paramount Global Content Distribution for providing a platform for these inspiring athletes.”

“The Superheroes of WOW have come from all walks of life to prove who’s the best, and are eager to show the world what’s been missing for years from women’s professional wrestling,” said WOW creator David McLane.

“We can’t wait to share the thrilling sports entertainment experience of WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING with a wider audience,” says Dan Cohen, chief content licensing officer at Paramount Global. “We know viewers will be inspired and empowered by the Superheroes’ athleticism and emotional backstories, while being thoroughly entertained by this unique roster of athletes. We look forward to working with Jeanie Buss and David McLane as we continue to grow this brand.”

The return of WOW had big plans in place as the promotion was reportedly in talks to bring in Lita, but the WWE Hall Of Famer had no interest in working with David McLane. Tessa Blanchard was also signed on to work with WOW, but the former IMPACT World Champion reportedly had a falling out with McLane and the promotion after she went too far in a promo with WOW star Samatha Sage.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Releases Tons Of Details About Their Upcoming Video Game

All Elite Wrestling’s debut console game is coming, and a plethora of features have been officially revealed after the details appeared to be leaked almost 24 hours earlier.

THQ Nordic GmbH and YUKE’s — who have both had played a part in creating WWE’s games in the past — have joined forces to create “AEW: Fight Forever.” The game is slated to be released later this year, according to Amazon. Former AEW World Champion and current AEW EVP Kenny Omega, who had a major hand in bringing the game to life, said in the press release published today by THQ Nordic that he told “Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet, to make the best wrestling game ever,” and now, we can take a look at some of those pieces he has assembled.

The game is said to have an “arcade feel that first won wrestling gamer hearts more than two decades ago.” The release is also set to feature “innovative, tandem offensive moves,” as well as online co-op wrestling “going completely next level with Tag Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands.” In addition, gamers will be able to utilize a “long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers” and play a “deep career mode.” “Create-a-wrestler” will be a feature in the game and the use of  “signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun” will be selectable.

And speaking of “multiple match types,” a list of the options available to play have been officially disclosed: Singles Matches, Tag-Team, 3-Way, 4-Way, Ladder Matches, Casino Battle Royale, Falls Count Anywhere, Unsanctioned Lights Out (allows use of weapons), and Exploding Barbed Wire Death matches. A handful of customization modes will be available, in addition to “create-a-wrestler,” including: Custom Move-Sets, Custom Entrances, Customs Teams, and Custom Arenas. It has also been revealed that Leaderboards and Online Multiplayer will be features when the game is released.

YUKE’s president and CEO Yukinori Taniguchi noted in the press release that he was “gratified and excited to have the opportunity to work with AEW,” while Reinhard Pollice of THQ Nordic praised Omega, saying that his “incredible vision for AEW: Fight Forever is informed by his wrestling pedigree both inside the ring and on the controller.”

The forthcoming game will be available to play on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch and is now available for pre-order in major markets.

Source: Wrestling Inc.