Wrestling Inc. and Fightful have confirmed that Ric Flair is no longer with WWE.
According to sources close to the situation, Flair requested the release and it was granted, effective today.
Flair had re-signed with WWE last year. He was recently involved in a relationship angle with Lacey Evans that was ultimately nixed after Evans got legitimately pregnant.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
WWE’s Shane McMahon is the new Executive Chairman of Ideanomics.
Ideanomics announced today that McMahon has been appointed to the role of Executive Chairman. Shane has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman.
Ideanomics is a global company that focuses on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption.
“We recently launched the transformation of Ideanomics as we vertically enter the exciting EV and hydrogen fuel cell space. We now have a powerful management team in place to ensure Ideanomics’ success,” McMahon said in a press release issued today. “I’m proud of what the new team has achieved in such a short amount of time and more importantly, I am thrilled for what’s yet to quickly come. I look forward to helping the company’s growth, vision, and momentum stay on track as we enter this new phase for Ideanomics.”
Shane, who is still listed as a member of the RAW roster as of this writing, has been away from the WWE storylines since his Steel Cage match loss to Braun Strowman at Night 1 of WrestleMania 37 in April.
Below is the full press release issued today on McMahon and Ideanomics:
Shane McMahon Appointed Executive Chairman of Ideanomics
– McMahon has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman
– Jim Cassano, a 13-year Board member, will be elevated to Vice Chairman
– Move signals strong support from executive leadership team as Company continues build-out of highly synergistic brand portfolio in support of broader EV and hydrogen fuel cell industry
NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) (“Ideanomics” or the “Company”), today announced Shane McMahon has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Board. Jim Cassano will become the new Vice Chairman.
McMahon has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman. Prior to Ideanomics, McMahon served as Executive Vice President of Global Media for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s consumer products, digital media and publishing divisions worldwide as well as all international revenue streams for WWE.
“We recently launched the transformation of Ideanomics as we vertically enter the exciting EV and hydrogen fuel cell space. We now have a powerful management team in place to ensure Ideanomics’ success,” said McMahon. “I’m proud of what the new team has achieved in such a short amount of time and more importantly, I am thrilled for what’s yet to quickly come. I look forward to helping the company’s growth, vision, and momentum stay on track as we enter this new phase for Ideanomics.”
“Shane has been an inspirational and passionate leader for Ideanomics, and we are honored to have him as our Executive Chairman,” said Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor. “His entrepreneurial approach and marketing acumen have been vital to our recent and anticipated growth. We are excited to be able to leverage his broad business and organizational understanding as we scale the company in the US and globally.”
Jim Cassano, a current member of the Board, will bring his extensive leadership experience to the role of Vice Chairman. He has been a key player in helping shape Ideanomics’ long-term strategy and has been working hand-in-hand with the executive team to grow the ecosystem of EV and mobility businesses. Cassano is a three-time CEO and has served for more than a decade on the Board of Ideanomics. Additionally he has led a number of private entrepreneurial ventures. For the expanding Ideanomics organization, Cassano brings substantial private equity, venture capital, M&A experience in structuring joint ventures and profitable strategic alliances. Cassano has global experience across numerous financial and business services sectors, including internet software, data services, entertainment, publishing, pharmaceuticals, biotech services, and engineering.
McMahon and Cassano’s appointments signals Ideanomics’ strong commitment to scale existing synergistic businesses, and the build-out of its vision as a vertically integrated company in the EV and hydrogen fuel cell space.
For more information and news on other Ideanomics subsidiaries, please visit https://ideanomics.com.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
Adam Cole reportedly signed a one-month extension in NXT so that he can tie up one last loose end at TakeOver 36.
The only reason Adam Cole has reportedly stuck around a little longer in NXT is for the sake of Kyle O’Reilly.
Not for the first time, rumors are swirling that Adam Cole’s time in NXT might well be coming to an end. Apparently, the former leader of Undisputed Era’s contract expires after SummerSlam weekend. If true, at this moment in time it remains unclear whether Cole plans on signing a new deal or if he plans on trying his luck elsewhere.
The biggest indicator that Cole could well be done with the black and gold brand is the added detail that his contract actually expired in July. However, according to talkSPORT, the former NXT Champion wanted to sign a one-month extension for a very specific reason. So that he can wrestle a rubber match with Kyle O’Reilly at TakeOver 36.
O’Reilly and Cole have wrestled two singles matches in NXT since Undisputed Era broke up. O’Reilly won the first at TakeOver: Stand And Deliver. Cole then won the rematch three months later at Great American Bash. That leaves the series tied, something Cole is reportedly not okay with. It appears finishing that series and having a definitive winner is the one loose end Cole has to tie up.
Not only does the report claim Cole wants this match at TakeOver 36, but he wants to lose it. Further evidence that Cole might well be done with the company. That he wants to do the honors on the way out the door, and he wants to do them for someone who has likely become one of his closest friends during his time in NXT. It would possibly give O’Reilly the platform to become an NXT Champion for the first time sometime very soon.
If Cole is indeed nearing his contract’s end, it seems more likely that he would leave than stay. He has done everything there is to do in NXT, and then some, and probably doesn’t like what he sees when it comes to an NXT call-up of his size on Raw or SmackDown. He has friends in AEW, not to mention his girlfriend Britt Baker, and more potential dream matches than you can shake a stick at.
Source: The Sportster
Former WWE star Aiden English made his Impact debut under the ring name, “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt. He was Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo’s mystery partner.
Below are the results:
First Round Mixed Tag Team Tournament:
* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Hernandez & Alisha
* Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona defeated Jordynne Grace & Petey Williams
* Tommy Dreamer & Rachael Ellering defeated Brian Myers & Missy Hyatt (With Sam Beale)
* Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) defeated Fallah ‘n Flava (Fallah Bahh & Tasha Steelz)
SemiFinals:
* Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) defeated Rachael Ellering & Tommy Dreamer
* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona
Finals:
* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve)
Non-Tournament Matches:
* Deaner (with Violent By Design) defeated Willie Mack (with Rich Swann)
* Josh Alexander (c) defeated Black Taurus (X Division Championship Match)
* Eddie Edwards defeated W. Morrissey (Hardcore Match)
Former WWE and Universal Champion Bray Wyatt has been released by WWE following 12 years of service to the company.
Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt has been released by WWE after 12 years with the company.
WWE confirmed Wyatt’s release on its website on Saturday, July 31.
“WWE has come to terms on the release of Bray Wyatt. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” the statement read.
According to Dave Meltzer, Wyatt was made aware of the situation by John Laurinaitis, who told him he was being released due to budget cuts. This has since been backed by Fightful Select.
The publication also states that the company had considered dropping Wyatt when they made their last round of cuts but ultimately decided to keep him. It’s also been reported that the performer had grown protective over his gimmick as he had issues with the poor ideas being pitched to him.
Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, is likely to have a 90-day non-compete clause in his deal that would keep him from appearing elsewhere until the end of October 2021. Of course, he is expected to pick right back up and should have his pick of the bunch whenever the 90 days are over.
As the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan and the son of Mike Rotunda (better known in WWE as Irwin R. Schyster), Bray Wyatt is a third-generation wrestler who joined WWE’s developmental system in 2009. He reported for duty at WWE’s feeder promotion Florida Championship Wrestling, which would later be rebranded as NXT. Wyatt — real name Windham Rotunda — began performing under the name Duke Rotundo in a tag team with his real-life brother Bo Dallas. the two brothers eventually became FCW Tag Team Champions.
In 2010, Wyatt participated in the original gameshow-adjacent incarnation of NXT under then ring name Husky Harris with Cody Rhodes as his mentor. He then played a role in the memorable Nexus storyline but ultimately returned to FCW.
In 2012 Husky Harris was repackaged as Bray Wyatt and debuted on the July 11, 2012 episode of the rebranded NXT where he kicked off his tenure at Full Sail University with a win over Aiden English. Bray Wyatt soon formed a “family” with Luke Harper and Erik Rowan. The group was called up to the main roster in May of 2013 when vignettes hyping their arrival began to air on Raw.
For a time, the Wyatt family was one of the most popular acts in WWE, and the gimmick propelled Wyatt to the main event scene. A WWE Championship reign and a WrestleMania match with Undertaker followed, but ultimately Bray’s star power was squandered.
He was repackaged as The Fiend, a flamboyant horror-inspired character that seemed popular at first but quickly polarized fans.
Following his release, Wyatt’s former on-screen protégé Alexa Bliss took to Twitter to share a touching tribute to her friend.
“I really am at a loss for words… thank you so much Windham for everything you’ve done for this company. The most fun I’ve had is working with you. Such an amazing talent & the most kind person. I’m just in shock,” Alexa wrote.
Source: The Sportster
A new King and Queen will be crowned at Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming.
Homecoming is available exclusively Saturday at 8 PM ET on Impact Plus.
Below is the card for Homecoming:
King & Queen Tournament Opening Round Matches:
Hernandez & Alisha vs. Deonna Purrazzo & Mystery Partner
Petey Williams & Jordynne Grace vs. Matt Cardona & Chelsea Green
Decay vs. Fallah Bahh & Tasha Steelz
Tommy Dreamer & Rachael Ellering vs. Brian Myers & Mystery Partner
X-Division Championship:
Josh Alexander (c) vs. Black Taurus
Violent Brawl:
W. Morrissey vs. Eddie Edwards
King and Queen Tournament information below:
The first-round winners will carry over to the second round and so forth until one team is left standing. The winners will carry the title of Impact’s 2021 Homecoming King and Queen.
A possible hint on who Purrazzo’s partner might be is “The Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt (fka Aiden English). Before tonight’s broadcast, Rehwoldt tweeted out the following statement:
“[eyes emoji] On Impact Wrestling the next few days…just saying.”
Starting at Slammiversary, Impact began promoting multiple vignettes that showed someone painting the words “Long Live The Drama King” on a blank canvas and covering it up with other colors of paint. Rehwoldt, a former NXT Tag Team Champion, was let go from WWE during “Black Wednesday” last year.
Former two-time WWE Divas Champion Paige has provided an encouraging update on her career-ending neck injury.
Earlier on Friday, Paige informed fans via Twitter that she’s able to squat 185 lbs again and that her “neck is feeling so awesome.”
Paige tweeted:
You guys I’m getting stronger. squatting 185lbs again. I know it’s not a ton but it’s a big accomplishment for me who was worried to do any gym stuff because of my neck. But my neck is feeling so awesome. I’m so proud of myself.
As seen in the tweet below, WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix congratulated Paige on her progress. Others such as Zelina Vega, RAW Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. and Bronson Reed also sent out encouraging tweets.
Earlier this year, Paige said she was hoping to follow in the footsteps of WWE Hall of Famer Edge and Daniel Bryan, who overcame the odds and returned from career-ending injuries.
The 28-year-old Paige retired in 2018 after suffering a neck injury during a house show.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown on FOX will take place from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
No matches have been announced for tonight’s show but WWE is teasing fallout from last week’s show where Finn Balor challenged WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who accepted. WWE is also asking what’s next for John Cena now that Reigns has accepted the Balor challenge.
Cena is being advertised for tonight’s show, along with WWE Hall of Famer Edge. Advertised locally is Cena and The Mysterios vs. Reigns and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, plus Sasha Banks vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.
It remains to be seen if Banks will actually return to TV or not on tonight’s show.
AEW star Frankie Kazarian will make his seven-year in-ring return to Impact Wrestling next week.
Kazarian will be joining Sami Callihan and Eddie Edwards in a massive six-man tag team match against The Elite (Impact World Champion Kenny Omega and the Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers).
“The Elite Hunter” made his return on tonight’s show after The Elite went down to the ring to call out Impact Management for making a No. 1 Contender Battle Royal that’s set for two weeks from now. The winner of the event will face Omega for his World Championship at Emergence.
During Callis’ monologue, Sami Callihan interrupted him and announced that not only will he participate in this Battle Royal, but he also spoke with Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore about setting up this six-man main event for next week. Outraged by this power move, The Elite were met with a major beatdown by Frankie Kazarian, who attacked them from behind.
At Slammiversary, Callihan and Omega squared off in the main event for the Impact World Championship. Omega won by the skin of his teeth when he hit the One-Winged Angel during their No Disqualification matchup.
As mentioned above, Impact will bring Emergence back next month. At this event, Omega will defend his Impact World Championship against the Battle Royal winner.
Last year, Emergence was a two-night event that saw The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) retain their Impact World Tag Team Titles against The North (Ethan Page and Josh Alexander) on Night One. Then, on Night Two, Deonna Purrazzo retained her Knockouts Championship against Jordynne Grace in the company’s first-ever 30-Minute Iron Woman Match.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett was reportedly released from the company a few months back along with other budget cuts.
WWE quietly released Jarrett back in April, according to a new report from WhatCulture.
Jarrett, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018, was hired to work as a producer in January 2019, and then it was reported in March 2019 that he had been promoted to the creative team.
It was noted that Jarrett has been reaching out to other promotions for bookings, but he is said to be under a non-compete with WWE, but there is no word on the length of that clause. If true, this would be interesting because WWE non-competes usually do not go for longer than 90 days, and even if Jarrett was released on April 30, the clause would have expired by now.
It remains to be seen if WWE plans to bring Jarrett back, as they have done in similar situations with other talent.
Jarrett first announced his “My World” podcast back on April 9, and the premiere episode was released in May.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
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