Hulk Hogan And Titus O’Neil Announced As WrestleMania 37 Hosts

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and Titus O’Neil have been announced as the hosts of WrestleMania 37.

WWE announced this morning that Hogan and Titus will host the two-night event from Raymond James Stadium. Hogan will be inducted into the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame Class that weekend with the nWo, while Titus is a fixture in the Tampa Bay community.

WrestleMania 37 will take place on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Below is the updated card:

Hosts: Titus O’Neil and WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan

WWE Universal Title Match
WWE Hall of Famer Edge vs. Roman Reigns (c)

WWE Title Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley (c)

SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks (c)

RAW Tag Team Titles Match
Omos and AJ Styles vs. The New Day (c)

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT UK Special Event Announced For WrestleMania 37 Week, Main Event Revealed

The next WWE NXT UK special event has been announced for WrestleMania 37 Week.

It was announced during today’s NXT UK episode that “NXT UK: Prelude” will air on Thursday, April 8 at 3pm ET on the WWE Network.

This special will air in the usual weekly NXT UK timeslot on the WWE Network. Thursday, April 8 is also the same date that Night 2 of NXT “Takeover: Stand and Deliver” will air, also on the WWE Network.

Prelude will be headlined by Rampage Brown vs. NXT UK Champion WALTER with the title on the line. Today’s NXT UK episode saw WALTER cut a promo on how he was looking for a new challenger. Brown interrupted and they came to blows. The match was later confirmed for Prelude.

Prelude will also feature Tyler Bate vs. Noam Dar under Heritage Cup Rules. The winner of that match will become the new #1 contender to NXT UK Heritage Cup Champion A-Kid.

This will be the fourth NXT UK special event to take place. The brand previously held a “Takeover: Blackpool” event on January 12, 2019, a “Takeover: Cardiff” event on August 31, 2019, and a “Takeover: Blackpool II” event on January 12, 2020. “Takeover: Dublin” was scheduled for April 26, 2020 but it was nixed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point it was re-scheduled for June 20 of this year, but there’s no word yet on if it’s still in the plans.

Keith Lee Issues Statement To Fans Following Recent WWE Absence

WWE RAW Superstar Keith Lee took to Twitter today to issue a statement for his fans.

Lee has been off WWE TV for longer than one month now, and there’s no confirmation on why he has been away. Lee thanked his fans for their support and said one day he will explain what’s been going on. He also said he will return at some point.

“I hear many of you. I see many of the messages. One day, I will explain it all for the ones true to me. For now, know that I more than appreciate the continued support. And WHEN I return, it will be filled with all the love I have for those that represent this #LEEGION,” Lee wrote.

Lee recently changed his Twitter name to “Impatient Lee” and told fans back on March 8 that he misses them too.

https://twitter.com/RealKeithLee/status/1372620911619215362
https://twitter.com/RealKeithLee/status/1369089509904769033

WWE noted at one point that Lee was injured, which is why they pulled him from the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 21. He was scheduled to work a Triple Threat with Riddle and current WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, but was replaced by John Morrison to what WWE said were injuries. That match saw Riddle capture the United States Title from Lashley.

Lee has not wrestled defeating WWE United States Champion Riddle on the February 8 RAW show. Before that match he spent several weeks out of the ring, last wrestling on the January 11 RAW show in a win over Sheamus, which came after teaming with Sheamus to defeat The Miz and John Morrison earlier in the show.

Lee and Mia Yim (Reckoning) were engaged to be married back on February 11. Yim returned to the ring in late February after announcing a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in late January, but it was never reported that Lee had the coronavirus.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Eric Bischoff Announced For The WWE Hall Of Fame

WWE has announced Eric Bischoff for the 2021 Hall of Fame Class.

Bischoff appeared on WWE’s After The Bell podcast today with Corey Graves and Vic Joseph, where WWE confirmed the induction.

Bischoff will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 37 Week on Tuesday, April 6. The ceremony will air live on the WWE Network. He joins Molly Holly as confirmed names for the 2021 class so far.

As noted, the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame class will also be inducted during WrestleMania 37 Week this year. Names for that class include Batista, JBL, The Bella Twins, The British Bulldog, Jushin Thunder Liger and the nWo (Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman).

Bischoff last worked for WWE as the SmackDown Executive Director in June 2019. He was released from that role just a few months later in October. Bischoff has made three special appearances on AEW Dynamite since then.

Below is WWE’s full announcement, along with a clip from After The Bell:

Eric Bischoff to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Eric Bischoff, a pioneer behind the scenes in sports-entertainment, as well as an incredibly entertaining performer in front of the camera, is the latest inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. He was surprised with the news of his induction on WWE After the Bell, which you can listen and subscribe to on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

He will enter the WWE Hall of Fame during the 2021 Induction Ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, April 6, streaming exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network in the rest of the world.

Bischoff broke into the sports-entertainment industry in the late 1980s for fellow Hall of Famer Verne Gagne’s AWA. He started off in sales but soon became an on-air talent, hosting the AWA’s shows on ESPN and interviewing the legendary territory’s stars. But as the 1990s arrived, the AWA was on the brink of going out of business, so Bischoff made a move that would eventually change the industry.

He joined World Championship Wrestling in 1991, hosting shows and calling the action on WCW’s weekly television shows. But by the mid-1990s, Bischoff had risen the ranks and became executive producer of WCW. He helped bring Hulk Hogan to the company and launched WCW Monday Nitro, the competitor to WWE’s Monday Night Raw that kicked off the infamous Monday Night War that helped make sports-entertainment a pop culture phenomenon.

Bischoff didn’t shy away from the camera either, joining up with 2020 WWE Hall of Fame inductees The nWo as they ran roughshod on the promotion. After WWE purchased WCW in 2001, he brought his brand of ruthless leadership to WWE in 2002 as the first General Manager of Monday Night Raw. His arrival was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, and his time in charge of the red brand was defined by one simple phrase: “Controversy creates cash.”

Bischoff never strayed far away from controversy as General Manager, as he engaged in rivalries with the likes of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena. He continued to innovate, as well, with concepts like Raw Roulette and the Elimination Chamber, which lives on as one of WWE’s annual pay-per-view events.

For Bischoff’s innovation behind the scenes and his memorable performance in front of the camera, there is no greater honor than induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Don’t miss Eric Bischoff take his place in the WWE Hall of Fame during the 2021 Induction Ceremony, Tuesday, April 6, streaming exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else. The ceremony will honor both the 2020 and 2021 classes.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Andrade Breaks Silence On WWE Status Reports

Andrade says the reports on his WWE status are true.

As noted last week, Wrestling Inc. exclusively revealed that Andrade requested his WWE release while backstage at the March 8 edition of RAW. It was later reported that he looked “absolutely miserable” while at the taping. This was revealed after Andrade dropped the “WWE” from his Twitter handle and removed WWE from his bio.

Andrade broke his silence on Twitter this morning and said the rumors are true. He said he does not know what the future holds, but he wants his dreams to come true.

“The rumors are true and I don’t know what the future holds but I want to make my dreams come true. thank you for giving me so much support these last days Los rumores son ciertos y no se lo que me prepara el futuro, pero quiero hacer realidad mis sueños. Gracias por tanto apoyo [folded hands emoji],” he wrote.

There is no word yet on if WWE has changed their mind on granting Andrade’s release request, but it’s been reported that he would not be released. He is still listed as a RAW Superstar as of this writing on the official WWE roster page. Andrade was not backstage for this week’s RAW but that is not unusual as he has not been backstage for most shows since taking a hiatus last year.

Andrade, who is engaged to be married to Charlotte Flair, last appeared on the WWE Draft edition of RAW in October of last year. He was taken out by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in his last appearance. He then took some time off to undergo a minor procedure after the Draft, but was never officially drafted to RAW or SmackDown. Andrade was scheduled to be out of action for around a month, but has not been seen since then. There were rumors of a return to WWE NXT or a possible RAW storyline with Charlotte, but nothing ever came of those rumors.

After strong runs in Mexico and New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE signed Andrade to work NXT in November 2015. He made his in-ring debut in January 2016 at a NXT live event, and had a successful run on the brand until being called up to SmackDown in April 2018 as a part of the Superstar Shake-Up. He is currently a one-time NXT Champion and a one-time WWE United States Champion. Andrade last wrestled on the October 12 RAW Draft show, which was a loss to Angel Garza.

https://twitter.com/AndradeElIdolo/status/1372539679053074435

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Kylie Rae Set To Make Pro Wrestling Return This Summer

Kylie Rae is set to make her return to pro wrestling in June.

Warrior Wrestling out of Chicago has announced that Rae will defend her Warrior Wrestling Women’s Title on Saturday, June 5 at the first event in The Warrior Wrestling Stadium Series. There is no word yet on who her challenger will be.

Kylie has not wrestled since the October 13 Impact Wrestling episode, where she defeated Kimber Lee. She made headlines back in 2019 when she became the first women’s wrestler signed by AEW. She left the promotion after wrestling just one match, which was the Fatal 4 Way at Double Or Nothing 2019. That match also featured Nyla Rose, Awesome Kong, and the winner, Britt Baker. Rae ended up going to Impact soon after leaving AEW, where she feuded with Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo. She was scheduled to challenge Purrazzo at the Bound For Glory 2020 pay-per-view, but she did not appear. Rae announced a few days later that she was “unwell” and was no longer a pro wrestler.

Rae won the Warrior Wrestling Women’s Title from Tessa Blanchard back on September 12 of last year. She made her first successful title defense over Madison Rayne on September 26. She has not defended the title since then.

The Warrior Wrestling Stadium Series is a “collection of outdoor, socially-distanced, safe” pro wrestling events that will be hosted on Marian Catholic’s Dave Mattio Field in Chicago Heights, IL. The first event will be held on June 5, which will feature Rae’s return. The other two shows will take place on Saturday, July 17 and a date to be determined in August.

Other wrestlers announced for the June 5 show include Warrior Wrestling Champion Trey Miguel, Brian Pillman Jr., Brian Cage, Thunder Rosa, and IWTV Champion Lee Moriarty, among others. Matches and more talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

Kids 16 and under will be admitted to the Warrior Wrestling summer shows for free with a paying adult. General Admission Field Seating tickets are $47.50 while Bleachers/Standing Room tickets are $32.50. Parking is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online at warriorwrestling.net. A scaled-down, socially-distanced VIP Fan Fest will take place before the show from 5-6:30pm, with tickets going for $75. Doors to the wrestling show will open to the public at 6:30 and bell time is at 7pm. This will be a family-friendly event.

A Season Pass for the whole summer is being sold for $300, and is a $450 value. The Season Pass includes a Field Seat at all three shows, entry to all 3 VIP Fan Fest events to meet all of the wrestlers, and to receive an autograph from every wrestler on items that you bring or buy, and a photo on your phone with every wrestler. The Season Pass also includes a Warrior Wrestling mask, a poster for each show, and an overall series poster. Season Pass holders are allowed to bring up to 3 kids under 16 for free, and they get free parking.

Warrior Wrestling has announced that COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at these contact-free events. Masks are required and fans will receive temperature checks upon entry. Fans are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Also, hand sanitizer will be available.

A portion of proceeds from the June 5 show will go to benefit scholarships and student activities at Marian Catholic High School. You can find more on the school at marianchs.com and more on Warrior Wrestling at warriorwrestling.net.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Britt Baker And Thunder Rosa Battle In A Wild Unsanctioned Lights Out Match On Dynamite

The main event of last night’s AEW Dynamite: St. Patrick’s Day Slam was Britt Baker taking on Thunder Rosa in a Unsanctioned Lights Out/Anything Goes Match. The long rivalry between the two AEW stars hit a climax at the end of the show.

Thunder Rosa picked up the pinfall victory after hitting a thunder driver off the apron and through a table. The wild match saw both wrestlers get busted open — Baker, in particular. Along with chairs, tables, and a ladder, thumbtacks were also introduced into the match with Baker taking a powerbomb on them at one point in the bout. Rosa picked up the pin fall victory after hitting a thunder driver off the apron and through a table.

AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida was seen watching on a monitor in the back, so it’s possible the winner of this match may take her on in the near future.

After her win, an emotional Rosa spoke to Tony Schiavone on the AEW Dynamite Post-Show.

“I’m very emotional right now,” said Rosa, while trying to hold back tears. “This means everything to me. As you guys know, I come from nothing. And seven months ago I came here [from NWA] to make a statement: and that was to put women’s wrestling on the map.”

She continued, “And tonight, with blood, sweat, and tears, I just showed you that women should be valued everywhere. And I’m very proud of this.”

Rosa, still under contract with NWA, thanked AEW fans for embracing her and believing in the Thunder Army.

“Thank you everybody for believing in me and the Thunder Army.”

MLW Fusion Preview 3/17/21

MLW presents Fusion TONIGHT at 7pm ET featuring 2 championship bouts on YouTube and other platforms (learn more about where to watch).

  • World Tag Team Championship: Los Parks (Champions) vs. Injustice (Challengers)
  • World Middleweight Championship: Lio Rush’s Open Contract 
  • Mil Muertes vs. Parrow
  • Student vs. Teacher: TJP vs. Bu Ku Dao

Injustice gets their first shot at tag team gold as they challenge Los Parks for the World Tag Team Championship on this edition of Fusion, presented by newlawoffice.com.

As their war with CONTRA continues to intensify, “The Young GOAT” Myron Reed and Jordan Oliver will have to put all of that to the side as they look to wrestle the championship away from Los Parks.

Can Injustice take down the self-proclaimed realest family of lucha and get their first taste of tag team gold? With CONTRA lurking in the shadows, and Azteca Underground’s mysterious proprietor “El Jefe” committed to protecting his investments by any means, it certainly won’t be a walk in the park for the scrappy but unrelenting Reed and Oliver!

For a week the World Middleweight Championship open contract has been signed and sealed. Who signed the dotted line? Will the unknown challenger topple “The Man Of The Hour” or will Reed knockoff another pretender to the World Middleweight Championship? Find out this week!

For nearly 2 months questions have swirled around Azteca Underground? What is it? A Who is “El Jefe”?  What’s their end game? Alicia Atout journeys into the shadows for an exclusive Azteca Underground Exposé!

Parading around with Alex Hammerstone’s National Openweight Championship since seizing the belt last week, “The Man Of 1,000 Deaths” Mil Muertes will be in action on FUSION. Standing across the ring from him is bruising heavyweight Parrow. Parrow, who has been outspoken about Muertes since the luchador put Savio Vega six feet under, is determined to beat some respect into Azteca Underground’s force of nature.

With Never Say Never coming up, FUSION takes an in-depth look at the 355 lb super athlete “The Heavyweight Hustle” Calvin Tankman as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life against World Heavyweight Champ Jacob Fatu.

Plus! Hammerstone has demanded air time to address Mil Muertes and the vicious attack and title belt theft that went down last week in the closing moments.

In other action, Bu Ku Dao clashes with his former idol and friend TJP. TJP claims his former student is “soft” and “uncoachable,” but Bu Ku claims TJP is and always has been a bully. Will Bu Ku outfight and outfinnesse his mentor in the squared circle? Tune-in to find out.

After saving ACH from a beatdown courtesy of Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy last week, we’ll hear from the Von Erichs.

Join Rich Bocchini, fight analyst Saint Laurent and backstage correspondent Alicia Atout for a night of high profile bouts headlined by a marquee World Tag Team title fight.

Fans can also watch nationwide on cable and dish via beIN SPORTS on Saturday nights at 10pm ET and on demand anytime, anywhere on DAZN. MLW airs on Fubo Sports Network and the Roku Channel on Friday nights 7pm / 10pm ET. Learn more about where to watch.

AEW Dynamite St. Patrick’s Day Slam Preview 3/17/21

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite: St. Patrick’s Day Slam episode airs on TNT at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

* Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston vs. The Good Brothers

* Cody Rhodes with Arn Anderson vs. Penta El Zero Miedo

* Jurassic Express and Bear Country vs. Matt Hardy, Private Party, The Blade, and The Butcher with The Bunny

* Jade Cargill in action

* Rey Fenix vs. Angelico

* Christian Cage speaks

* Tony Schiavone interviews Sting and AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin

* Britt Baker with Rebel vs. Thunder Rosa (Unsanctioned Lights Out Match – Anything Goes) – Main Event

WWE NXT Preview 3/17/2021

Tonight’s WWE NXT episode on the USA Network will feature more build for the upcoming two-night “Takeover: Stand and Deliver” event during WrestleMania 37 Week.

WWE is teasing more in the new feud between Karrion Kross and NXT Champion Finn Balor for tonight’s episode.

It was previously announced that Leon Ruff vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott would be happening tonight, plus tag team action with Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Imperium’s Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner, but the WWE website indicates that those matches may have been pulled, possibly due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

As of this writing the following matches are being advertised for tonight:

* Karrion Kross sets his sights on NXT Champion Finn Balor

* NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin returns to the United States to confront NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar

* Austin Theory vs. Dexter Lumis

* LA Knight makes his NXT in-ring debut