XFL – What A Beginning

Hi readers of Wrestling News Blog!

Let me give you a little background before starting my take on the opening weekend of the reboot of the XFL.

I’m Ed Boston and I am the co-founder of this website. As a veteran of the United States Army, I have chosen to boycott the National Football League for the past 3 seasons due to the league not mandating that all players must stand and be respectful during the Nation Anthem. That said, I’ve been hungry for some professional football and was guardedly optimistic about the all-new XFL kicking off their season.

After week 1, take the word guardedly out of the equation. Leauge owner, Vince McMahon, appears to have found a winning formula and along with league Commissioner Oliver Luck, and they must be beaming with optimism after the first 4 games are in the books.

Here are the results from week 1:

DC DEFENDERS 31, Seattle DRAGONS 19

Houston ROUGHNECKS 37, Los Angeles WILDCATS 17

New York GUARDIANS 23, Tampa Bay VIPERS 3

St Louis BATTLEHAWKS 15, Dallas RENEGADES 9

And here is the schedule for Week 2 of the XFL.

FEB 15: Guardians @ Defenders; FEB 15: Vipers @ Dragons;FEB 16: Renegades @ BattleHawks and FEB 16: Defenders @ Wildcats.

The quality of play in the games was definitely better than I expected. These weren’t future Hall of Famers playing, and there is much room for improved play, but it was good football.

I really enjoyed the XFL’s unique rules. Click here to read the complete set of rules. The rules were put in place with fan interest and player safety as the top priorities. The rules for the pace of place and the extra point opportunities of 1 pt with the play started at the 2-yard line; 2 points started at the 5-yard line, and 3 points started at the 10-yard line make for interesting decisions from the teams after each score.

Commissioner Luck and the league pulled off a great PR move and gave the league legitimacy by hiring well-known coaches to lead the teams.

Look at this line-up:

DALLAS RENEGADES – Head coach: Bob Stoops

DC DEFENDERS – Head coach: Pep Hamilton

HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS – Head coach: June Jones

LOS ANGELES WILDCATS – Head coach: Winston Moss

NEW YORK GUARDIANS – Head coach: Kevin Gilbride

ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS – Head coach: Jonathan Hayes

SEATTLE DRAGONS – Head coach: Jim Zorn

TAMPA BAY VIPERS – Head coach: Marc Trestman

When you look at the list of Offensive and Defensive Coordinators that were hired, you can see that the league is bound to be taken seriously.  Here is a full list of all head coaches and coordinators.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all of the praise being handed out over the weekend with little to no negative reaction. Troy Aiken was interviewed on the sideline by Pat McAfee. Both respected NFL greats had totally positive things to say about the start of the league. Twitter exploded and XFL trended for most of the weekend, and factor in Sunday night was The Oscars.

One concern I have had from when the announcement was made that the XFL was going to start up again was that they would give the impression that they were too gimmicky, like XFL round 1 was.

CONCERNS RELIEVED!!!

This was real football, played by players who have something to prove, coached by coaches who know the game, and the entire package is fan-friendly.

My very favorite part of the fan experience watching from home was the transparency with letting us see what goes on with the play calling and replay decisions. Watching Chuck long calling plays from the booth and seeing the team execute the calls to near perfection late in the St. Louis game was awesome.

Watching and listening to the replay officials in the booth interact with the head referee on the field was must-see if you are a fan of the game. The fact that they did their jobs quickly and effectively along with the fans getting to watch the process was described by one announcer as this needs to be implemented everywhere -STAT!

I know I’m looking forward to week 2. If you didn’t see week 1, you missed some good football.

WWE RAW Preview 2/10/20

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California with what WWE is billing as two “epic main events” for the show.

WWE has not posted an official preview for tonight’s RAW.

Matches announced:

* RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Becky Lynch vs. Asuka

* The Authors of Pain and RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Murphy vs. Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and The Viking Raiders.

The arena is also advertising Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Rusev, Natalya, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and others, but no appearance by WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

Impact Wrestling Announces King Of The Mountain Match For Their TNA Themed ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ Event At WrestleCon

Impact Wrestling announced Sunday on Twitter (view below) that a King of the Mountain Match will take place at their TNA themed There’s No Place Like Home event that will be part of WrestleCon during WrestleMania 36 weekend.

The event will take place at The Ritz in Ybor City, Florida on Friday, April 3, with tickets ranging from $60 to $150.

Impact has previously announced for the event an Ultimate X Match, and appearances from past TNA stars Scott Steiner, “Wildcat” Chris Harris, Disco Inferno, Petey Williams, Chris Sabin, The Amazing Red, and Aces & 8’s, which will be represented by D’Lo Brown and Ken Anderson.

Participants for the King of the Mountain Match have not yet been announced.

The event will stream live on FITE TV beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1226657029508329472

Source: WrestleView

WWE Announces WrestleMania 37 Location

WrestleMania is returning to the city of angels in 2021, as WWE has announced the annual event will take place at the yet-to-open SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 28, 2021.

WWE will hold a news conference tomorrow at the stadium about the big event.

Below is WWE’s full announcement:

STAMFORD, Conn. – February 10, 2020 – Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. and WWE® (NYSE: WWE) are proud to announce that SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in Los Angeles will host WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania, on Sunday, March 28, 2021.”There is nothing quite like WrestleMania Week,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “It is a one-of-a-kind event that provides an economic boost to the region — and fans from around the world will find a city that is ready to host them and welcomes the spectacle.”

“The city of Inglewood is thrilled to say that WrestleMania will add to the growing number of national and internationally followed events that will be hosted in our city over the next eight years,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. “WrestleMania brings excitement and is followed by almost every age demographic. With the scheduling of this marquee event, we can say without contradiction, the only thing that has changed in Inglewood is…everything.”

“WrestleMania is one of the world’s most-watched events, and we are proud to welcome WWE to the Inglewood community,” said Jason Gannon, Managing Director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “WWE’s commitment to community is consistent with our mission to provide a lasting positive impact in the community. We look forward to making a difference with WWE.”

“On behalf of everyone at WWE, we are excited to bring WrestleMania back to Los Angeles,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “WrestleMania will set the bar for future sports and entertainment events held at SoFi Stadium as we add this facility to the list of iconic venues that have hosted our pop-culture extravaganza.”

WrestleMania is more than just a one-day event; it’s a week-long celebration. In addition to WrestleMania 37, other events include Friday Night SmackDown®, NXT® TakeOver™ and Monday Night Raw® at Staples Center, WrestleMania Axxess, WWE’s interactive fan festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center, as well as the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. WWE will also host more than a dozen community outreach events, including hospital visits and Be a STAR® bullying prevention rallies, designed to give back to the local region.

Over the past 13 years, WrestleMania has generated more than $1.3 billion in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event. This year, WrestleMania 36 takes place Sunday, April 5 from Raymond James Stadium.

Former WWE And WCW Wrestler Bryan Clark Arrested On Drug And Weapon Charges

Former WWE and WCW star (Adam Bomb/Wrath) Emmet Bryan Clark Jr. has been arrested on drug charges in Arizona.

Clark and Dennis Miccolis, who played in 1960s pop band The Buckinghams, were arrested by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona this week. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case.

Clark is facing charges of conspiracy, illegal control of enterprise, transporting or selling narcotics, drug possession and possessing a weapon during a drug offense. These alleged crimes occurred in January and April 2019. Miccolis is facing charges of conspiracy, illegal control of enterprise and transporting or selling narcotics in an incident in January 2019.

In a news release, Clark’s attorneys said the charges against their client are “unreliable and false information.”

“The police report contains alleged facts that have been grossly misconstrued and are incorrect,” said attorney Robbert Jarvis. “This includes incorrect allegations relating to medication and its use.”

Clark’s attorneys stated that the “ludicrous” weapon charge is based on a family heirloom, a Korean War pistol, that was unused and stored at Clark’s home.

“The report also contains speculative opinions which are simply false,” Jarvis said. “Mr. Clark has been targeted because of his notoriety and acquaintances.”

His attorney also said Clark, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran and does philanthropic work, hopes to resolve this issue and return to private life.

Both men are scheduled to be back in court on Wednesday, February 19.

Clark had runs with WWE, WCW and All Japan Pro Wrestling, under the names Adam Bomb, Wrath and The Nightstalker. The former member of KroniK was last released from WWE in November 2001. He is a former two-time WCW World Tag Team Champion.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Image result for Former WWE star "Adam Bomb" Emmet Bryan Clark Jr.

MLW Fusion Preview 2/7/20

For the first-time ever Brian Pillman Jr. will challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship as the second-generation Cincinnati kid rumbles with the undefeated Jacob Fatu for his belt.

After a string of victories and an impressive outing in the 2019 Opera Cup, Pillman Jr. has punched his ticket to title town. Will destiny be on young Pillman’s side as he pursues history in his attempt to dethrone the 300 pounder Samoan Smashing Machine? and his shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Title, as he faces Jacob Fatu. Will CONTRA Unit rise up to take down Pillman? Tune in to find out.

Vowing to prove his fighting style is superior, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt Dominic Garrini looks to prove his nickname to be true as the “Bone Collector” squares off with the high-flying luchador Zenshi. Will South America’s double champion use his speed and finesse to thwart the newest member of Team Filthy?  Or will Garrini ground the impressive international aerialist?

After going to war in a street fight with Gino Medina a few weeks ago, the Caribbean Champion Savio Vega squares off with another member of the Dynasty in Richard Holliday.  “The Pride of Puerto Rico” hopes to bring the wrath of the islands upon Holliday, who doesn’t think to kindly of the legend from Puerto Rico.  Will the “Consumers” be buzzing or will Savio be dancing out of Dallas with a major victory?

After a questionable finish to a title fight, the league evaluates the officiating of matches. How will this impact MLW moving forward? Find out!

The Dynasty have some news that may shock the world. What could the elitists be up to?

Ol Mancer pops open some lite beers as he swings by to discuss his 2020 plans.

Join Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch and Alicia from Dallas/Ft. Worth for a night of top ranked action.

Matches:
•Zenshi vs. Dominic Garrini
•Caribbean Champion Savio Vega vs. Richard Holliday
•World Heavyweight Title Match: Jacob Fatu (Champion) vs. Brian Pillman Jr.

XFL Kicks Off This Weekend

The return of the XFL kicks off this weekend. Games will air on ABC, ESPN and FOX.

Below is the schedule for this weekend:

* Seattle Dragons at DC Defenders from Audi Field at 2pm ET Saturday on ABC

* LA Wildcats at Houston Roughnecks from TDECU Stadium at 5pm ET Saturday on FOX

* Tampa Bay Vipers at New York Guardians from MetLife Stadium at 2pm ET Sunday on FOX

* St. Louis Battlehawks at Dallas Renegades from Globe Life Park at 5pm ET Sunday on ESPN

For information on some of the league rules click HERE.

Full XFL 2020 schedule click HERE.

WWE Announces SummerSlam Week 2020 Details And Tickets

WWE has officially announced that SummerSlam 2020 tickets will go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10am ET. Travel packages will go on sale Tuesday, February 18.

WWE SummerSlam 2020 will take place on Sunday, August 23 from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusettes.

WWE also confirmed today that the TD Garden will host SmackDown on August 21, the NXT “Takeover: Boston” event on August 22, and then RAW on August 24. Tickets for those shows will go on sale beginning Friday, April 17 at 10am ET.

Below is WWE’s full SummerSlam 2020 announcement released today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESUMMERSLAM ® TICKETS AVAILABLE FRIDAY, MARCH 6

TRAVEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

STAMFORD, Conn., February 7, 2020 – WWE ® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that SummerSlam tickets will be available on Friday, March 6 at 10 AM ET. SummerSlam takes place Sunday, August 23, 2020 from TD Garden in Boston and streams live around the world on WWE Network.

Ticket prices range from $25-$500 and can be purchased via http://www.ticketmaster.com or in person at TD Garden Ticket Office. SummerSlam Week four-pack tickets will also be available.*

In addition, SummerSlam Travel Packages, which include tickets to SummerSlam Week events, hotel accommodations and exclusive WWE Superstar meet-and-greet experiences, will be available Tuesday, February 18 beginning at 12 noon ET at http://www.SummerSlamTravel.com.

TD Garden will also host three other spectacular WWE live events including Friday Night SmackDown ® on August 21, NXT ® TakeOver ® on Saturday, August 22 and Monday Night Raw ® on August 24. Individual tickets for those events will be available beginning Friday, April 17 at 10 AM ET.

SummerSlam Week also includes activities designed to give back to the local community including Be a STAR® bullying prevention rallies, hospital visits and Make-A-Wish events. Additional information on these events will be announced in the future at https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam.

*All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/7/20

Tonight’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown will take place from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg will return to the blue brand tonight, presumably to reveal his Super ShowDown opponent

  • SmackDown to reveal “Who’s next for Goldberg?”
  • “Firefly Fun House” returns after Bray Wyatt’s Royal Rumble victory
  • Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Carmella and Dana Brooke meet in high-stakes Fatal 4-Way Match
  • The Miz & John Morrison to bring back “The Dirt Sheet” this Friday night on SmackDown
  • Daniel Bryan returns to Friday Night SmackDown

Shayna Baszler Reportedly Headed To The WWE RAW Roster

Former NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler is headed to the WWE RAW roster, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Baszler is scheduled to be a regular on the RAW brand soon. The move has been planned for a long time, close to a year or so.

There’s no word yet on what WWE has planned for Baszler on the red brand, but she’s been rumored for a WrestleMania 36 match with RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. It will be interesting to see how Baszler debuts on RAW in the next few weeks to set that match up, if that is the plan.

Baszler coming to RAW also opens the door for a potential storyline with fellow Horsewoman Ronda Rousey. There’s no update on Rousey returning to WWE, but she’s recently expressed interest in working a shorter schedule.