WWE Unveils Six New Performance Center Recruits, Including Rikishi’s Son Joseph Fatu

WWE has unveiled its most recent batch of Performance Center recruits — including Rikishi’s son Joseph Fatu!

WWE has officially revealed its six most recent developmental recruits, and it’s certainly an interesting bunch of prospects!

Here’s who’s been signed, and what you need to know about them

  • Joseph Fatu is the son of WWE Hall Of Fame Rikishi, his brothers are current WWE Superstars Jimmy and Jey Uso
  • Ben Buchanan is a former amateur wrestler whose father Bull Buchanon is a former WWE Tag Team Champion
  • Bobby Steveson is a former University Of Minnesota wrestler whose brother Gable just won an Olympic gold medal
  • Brady Booker is a 21-year-old former college linebacker
  • Joshua Dawkins is a 23-year-old hopeful who was trained by WWE Hall Of Famer D-Von Dudley
  • Jessica Woynilko is a 21-year-old gymnast/bodybuilder/CrossFit queen who was trained by the legendary Greg Gagne

This is the first batch of recruits to be signed since it was revealed that WWE was changing its recruitment strategy by hiring younger, physically imposing hopefuls and fewer experienced independent wrestlers.

As we previously reported, WWE’s president Nick Khan recently confirmed that revamp of WWE’s developmental system was imminent.

“We’re doing a complete revamp on NXT, led by Triple H, who is really one of the architects of the original NXT,” Khan said during a recent interview with BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani. “In terms of an NXT rebrand, look for it. In the next couple of weeks, it’s going to have a whole new look, a whole new feel, and we believe because a lot of the ‘Indie wrestlers,’ if you will, have come through our system and are in our system with SmackDown and Raw, we don’t want to just keep doing that same thing,” he continued. “We want to look elsewhere for great young talent.”

Most of the new recruits have very little — if any — experience on the independent scene, and they’re all impressive physical specimens, which lends credence to recent reports that the company is no longer interested in shorter talent. By signing youngsters with little-to-no experience, WWE will be able to claim full credit for the end results.

Source: The Sportster

WWE RAW Preview 8/30/21

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the Paycom Center (recently re-named from the Chesapeake Energy Arena) in Oklahoma City, OK with more build for the upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

Ric Flair Thanks WWE, Vince McMahon, Tony Khan In NWA 73 Promo

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer showed up at last night’s NWA 73 pay-per-view event in St. Louis and cut a promo in which he thanked Vince McMahon, Triple H, Tony Khan, Billy Corgan, Randy Orton, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and every major wrestling promotion in the world.

An emotional Nature Boy began his promo by thanking his wife Wendy.

“Every time I fell down, she picked me up,” Flair said. “Just like Triple H picked me up, just like Shawn, Taker,  Austin, and everybody else. Vince McMahon, I love you. Thank you. That’s why I’m here. You know what…Vince McMahon isn’t going to watch this, but he’s going to hear about it.

“He’s going to say, ‘Ric Flair is back where he belongs, with anybody he wants to be on any given night.’ I deserve that right. And Hunter, thank you for reminding me everytime that I’m Ric Flair, because I let myself down night after night. He would not give up [on me]. Hunter didn’t care about my WCW run, he grew up as an NWA guy.”

Flair then thanked Shawn Michaels for “carrying him” to a great retirement match at WrestleMania XXIV.

Later in the promo, Flair said he wanted 14-time World Champion Randy Orton to break his record of 16 World Titles, but expects his daughter, Charlotte Flair, to eventually capture the record.

After thanking NWA Chairman Billy Corgan for inviting him to NWA 73, Flair also gave a shoutout to AEW President Tony Khan for improving the landscape of the pro wrestling business.

https://twitter.com/SkullsMedia/status/1432154196711673861
https://twitter.com/SkullsMedia/status/1432155662088167425

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Video: CM Punk Reveals 3-Hour Tattoo Coverup Process For Heels

AEW star CM Punk took to Instagram on Sunday to give a shoutout to the two makeup artists who have been covering up his tattoos for his appearance in the Starz series, Heels.

According to Punk, the process of covering up his tattoos takes three hours a day. Punk shared a fast motion video that shows the cover-up process, and wrote the caption:

Jorie and Dwayne the real MVPs. Three hours everyday dealing with me asking myself if I put deodorant on today. Tonight on @starz episode 3 of @heelsstarz. @bonzsomerville KILLS as Vicky, Stone kills as Wolfgang, and Ricky Rabies makes towns, brüther.

Punk’s character, Ricky Rabies, debuted during the third episode of Heels on Sunday night. In a recent media Q&A session, Punk described the process of his tattoo removal.

“It took three, three and a half hours, depending on how many people I had working on me, to cover up all my tattoos,” Punk said. “And go figure, I have more tattoos than I realized, because we would finish and I’d be like ‘okay great.’ Then we’d be shooting a scene where I’d have my pants around my ankles and I’d be like ‘oh s**t. I have other tattoos.’ I got a great picture behind the scenes where I’m sitting in my actors chair in between scenes, and I have the COVID face shield on. And I have hair doing my hair and makeup doing my tattoos and I’m taking a COVID test at the same time.

“So I have a thing up my nose, somebody’s messing with my hair, somebody’s putting makeup over me and I’m just miserable. I sat in makeup I think for fifteen hours before we did anything physical. And the instant we touched it just obliterated my makeup and I was just ‘oh my god.’ But I was fortunate. I was told we have a budget and we were just going to cover it up in post. So I was like ‘oh that’s good.’ But it’s not fun sitting around for fifteen hours in makeup.”

You can see Punk’s Instagram post below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NWA 73 Results 8/29/2021

During the show, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair did a promo in which he thanked Vince McMahon, Triple H, Tony Khan, Billy Corgan, Randy Orton, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and every major wrestling promotion in the world.

Below are the quick results: 

* Allysin Kay, Marti Belle, and Lady Frost defeated Paola Blaze, Taryn Tyrrell, and JennaCide (Pre-show)

* PJ Hawx defeated Colby Corino (Pre-show)

* Tim Storm defeated Crimson and Thom Lattimer (The Brawl in The Lou)

* Mickie James defeated Kylie Rae: After the match Mickie was attacked by Impact Knockouts and AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Deonna Purrazzo

* Tyrus, Jordan Clearwater, and The Mystery Man defeated Da Pope, Odinson, and Parrow

* Chris Adonis (c) defeated James Storm (NWA National Championship Match)

* Judais defeated Sal Rinauro, JTG, Capt. Yuma, Marsche Rockket, Jeremiah Plunkett, Luke Hawx, Matthew Mims, El Rudo, Jamie Stanley, Rush Freeman, and Jaden the Heartthrob (12-Man Battle Royal)

* Kamille (c) defeated Chelsea Green (NWA World’s Women’s Championship Match)

* Le Rebellion (Mecha Wolf and Bestia 666) defeated JR Kratos and Aron Stevens (c) (NWA World Tag Team Championship Match)

*  Trevor Murdoch defeated Nick Aldis (c) (NWA Worlds Championship Match)

NWA EmPowerrr Results 8/28/2021

Awesome Kong made a surprise appearance to announce her retirement from pro wrestling.

Christi Jaynes defeated Sky Blue (Dark March)

Diamante defeated Kylie Rae and Chik Tormenta

NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Semifinal Match
The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) defeated Hell on Heels (Renee Michelle & Sahara 7)

NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Semifinal Match
Red Velvet & KiLynn King defeated The Freebabes (Miranda Gordy & Jazzy Yang)

IMPACT KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Deonna Purrazzo (c) defeated Melina Perez

NWA WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FINALS
The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) defeated KiLynn King & Red Velvet to win the NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship

NWA WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Kamille (c) defeated Leyla Hirsch

NWA WOMEN’S INVITATIONAL CUP GAUNTLET
Chelsea Green defeated Bianca Carelli, Debbie Malenko, Lady Frost, Jamie Senegal (with Pollo Del Mar), Jennacide (with Taryn Terrell), Kiera Hogan, Masha Slamovich, Tootie Lynn, and Thunder Kitty
Green earned NWA World Women’s Championship match at the NWA 73rd Anniversary Show.

Awesome Kong Announces Her Retirement From Pro Wrestling At NWA EmPowerrr

During Saturday night’s NWA EmPowerrr pay-per-view, Awesome Kong announced that she is retiring from pro wrestling.

She made a surprise appearance at the event during a Gail Kim promo. Awesome Kong saved Gail Kim before an attack by Taryn Terrell, Jennacide, and Paola Blaze.

After that according to F4Wonline, she grabbed a microphone and told Gail Kim that she was her greatest foe and there was no other way to end her career than being in the ring with Kim. She then announced that she was done.

Awesome Kong is a former NWA Women’s Champion and a two-time Impact Knockouts Champion. She’s wrestled in several promotions such as Impact Wrestling, AEW, WWE, ROH, Shimmer, and All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW All Out To Air In Movie Theaters

AEW’s All Out pay-per-view will air in select theaters across North America next month.

AEW and Joe Hand Promotions announced today that the All Out pay-per-view on September 5 will air live in select theaters. Participating theaters include Cinemark, AMC, Harkins, Galaxy, Marcus, Emagine, Studio Movie Grill and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in the United States, and Landmark Cinemas in Canada.

AEW CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative Tony Khan commented on how AEW has found a lot of success airing previous pay-per-view events in theaters.

“We’ve had a lot of success bringing the camaraderie and excitement of our pay-per-events to the big screen, and we’re looking forward to delivering another memorable evening next Sunday,” Khan said. “Joe Hand Promotions has been a great partner in delivering top-notch experiences and connecting us with our fans at theatres across North America.”

The full list of participating theaters can be found on the Joe Hand promotions website.

“We’re excited to give wrestling fans the opportunity to experience ALL OUT in their local theatres through our partnership with AEW,” said Joe Hand, Jr., President of Joe Hand Promotions.

AEW All Out will air live from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Sunday, September 5. Below is the current card:

AEW World Title Match
Impact World Champion Christian Cage vs. Kenny Omega (c)

AEW Women’s World Title Match
Kris Statlander vs. Britt Baker (c)

Steel Cage Match for the AEW World Tag Team Titles
Jurassic Express or Lucha Bros vs. The Young Bucks (c)

Chris Jericho vs. MJF
Jericho’s AEW in-ring career will be on the line.

CM Punk vs. Darby Allin

PAC vs. Andrade El Idolo

Paul Wight vs. QT Marshall

Jon Moxley vs. Satoshi Kojima

The Buy In Pre-show: Women’s Casino Battle Royale
Nyla Rose, Julia Hart, Big Swole, The Bunny, Red Velvet, Thunder Rosa, Tay Conti, Penelope Ford, Diamante, 12 more competitors TBA
Winner earns a future shot at the AEW Women’s World Title.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NWA 73rd Anniversary 8/29/2021

The NWA 73 event will take place on Sunday, August 29 from the Khorassan Ballroom at The Chase in St. Louis.

Available on FITE

CARD

Career vs. Title Match
Trevor Murdoch vs. NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis

NWA National Title Match
James Storm vs. Chris Adonis (c)

NWA World Tag Team Titles Match
La Rebelión (Bestia 666, Mecha Wolf 450) vs. Aron Stevens and Kratos (c)

NWA World Women’s Title Match
NWA Women’s Invitational Cup Gauntlet winner vs. Kamille (c)

Brawl In The Lou
Thom Latimer vs. Crimson vs. Tim Storm

Battle Royal
12 participants TBA
Winner becomes the new #1 contender to the NWA National Title

Mickie James vs. Kylie Rae

NWA World Television Champion Tyrus, Jordan Clearwater and The Masked Man vs. The Pope and The End (Odinson, Parrow)

Ric Flair to make a special appearance

NWA EmPowerrr 8/28/2021

The All women’s NWA EmPowerrr pay-per-view will take place this Saturday, August 28 from Khorassan Ballroom at The Chase in St. Louis.

Available on FITE

Main Event: The Inaugural NWA Women’s Invitational Cup
Lady Frost (begins at #1), Tootie Lynn, Chelsea Green, Jamie Senegal, Debbie Malenko, Bianca Carelli, Jennacide, Thunder Kitty, Masha Slamovich, Kiera Hogan
The winner of the ten-woman Gauntlet will challenge the NWA World Women’s Champion the next night at NWA 73. Two competitors will begin the match and a new competitor will enter every 2 minutes. Eliminations are done by pinfall or submission.

90 Day Fiance star Paola Mayfield will appear along side current NWA star and former Impact Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell.

Card

NWA World Women’s Title Match
Leyla Hirsch vs. Kamille (c)

Impact Wrestling Knockouts Title Match
Melina vs. Deonna Purrazzo (c)

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Titles Tournament
The FreeBabes (Miranda Gordy, Hollyhood Haley J, Jazzy Yang) vs. KiLynn King and Red Velvet

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Titles Tournament
Hell on Heels (Renee Michelle, Sahara 7) vs. The Hex (Allysin Kay, Marti Belle)

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Titles Tournament Finals
The Hex or Hell on Heels vs. Red Velvet and KiLynn King or The Freebabes

Battle of The Brands
NWA’s Kylie Ray vs. AAA’s Chika Tormenta vs. AEW’s Diamante

Paola Mayfield vs. Kenzie Paige

Skye Blue vs. Christi Jaynes

Velvet Sky will be on commentary

Maya Valentine will handle backstage interviews