Tag: Konnan

Konnan To Induct Rey Mysterio Into The 2023 WWE Hall Of Fame

According to the Los Angeles Times, former WCW and IMPACT star Konnan will be inducting Rey Mysterio, into the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame. WWE announced during Friday night’s live SmackDown from Pittsburgh that Mysterio is the first to be inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame.

The report also notes that Konnan, who is still signed with MLW, has known Mysterio since he was was 11-years-old.

Mysterio, 48, made his debut in Mexico on April 30, 1989, when he was 14 years old. He was trained by his uncle Rey Misterio Sr.  He made his debut in the United States in ECW in 1995. After he departed ECW, he signed with WCW in 1996 and stayed with the company until it was acquired by WWE in March 2001. He would then sit out for the remainder of his then AOL/Time Warner contract, before signing with WWE in 2002.

In WWE, Mysterio held the World Heavyweight Champion twice, the WWE Champion once, the Intercontinental and United States Championship each twice. In the now defunct WCW, he held the promotion’s Cruiserweight Championship three times and has was co-holder of the WCW Tag Team Championships, once with Konnan. He also held WCW’s Cruiserweight Championship five times and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles with Billy Kidman.

The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, March 31, immediately following the WrestleMania 39 go-home show of WWE Friday Night SmackDown. WWE SmackDown will air live from the same venue.

The 2023 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air live on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.

Source: WrestleView

Konnan Says Impact Wrestling’s New TV Home Will Be “Substantially Better” Than Pursuit

It’s no secret that things haven’t gone well between Impact and Pursuit which was highlighted by the network airing a re-run of Impact instead of a new episode recently. That has sparked more conversation about Impact needing to find a new home and Konnan addressed why Pursuit isn’t the best option when he spoke to Wrestling Inc. on the recent edition of their WINCLY podcast.

“First of all no one can get the channel and second of all it’s a hunting channel,” said Konnan. “It doesn’t matter how good you are if no one is watching you. And that’s a problem because we’re real good right now. …No one can really see it unless you get it on Twitch and a lot of people don’t wanna go on Twitch.

“So, I think them looking for a better platform, which I think they will find, will help image-wise, morale-wise and people will be watching a really good product.”

Konnan was asked which specific channel would be better, but he wouldn’t say it because he doesn’t want to give it away before Impact announces it.

“Just about anything…you could be on MTV3 and that would be better than being there,” Konnan said of Pursuit. “The place they are going is substantially better.”

While Impact doesn’t appear to be a fan of Pursuit, they do seem to be fans of The Rascalz. Konnan talked about Impact embracing stoner humor with the group.

“I think wrestling, sports and politicians have been behind the curve,” Konnan stated. “Let’s get real: [marijuana] is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic like heroin. Really? Like cocaine, really?”

Konnan then gave the history of marijuana in the United States and how it was made illegal for racial reasons, particularly to keep down Mexicans and other minorities. He then mentioned the medical uses for marijuana and brought up that many NFL players prefer cannabis over opioids.

“I’m a cannabis smoker myself. Not only that, I was a big fan of Cheech and Chong’s Up In Smoke and Half Baked. Those movies were great and they’re stoner-centric,” Konnan said of his love for that culture.

Konnan is 55 now and has gone through numerous health issues, but he seems to be holding up and enjoys working as much as he’s able to.

“[Working] is better than the other option: being unemployed. I just enjoy everything, especially at my age. I’m not an active wrestler but I’m still able to work in what I love to do,” said Konnan.

Konnan can be seen every Friday night, 10 pm EST, on Impact Wrestling via Pursuit and Twitch.

Wrestling Inc’s full interview with Konnan was included in yesterday’s episode of their WINCLY podcast. It can be listened to HERE at this link. During the interview Konnan discusses what’s next for LAX, LAX’s “beautiful” feud with the Lucha Bros, why he told Michael Elgin not to work for Triple A, Impact looking for a new TV home, The Rascalz pushing stoner humor and more.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Konnan Undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery

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Impact Wrestling star Konnan revealed on Twitter that he is undergoing hip replacement surgery today.

It was reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last October that Konnan, who is now 54 years old, planned on having a retirement tour after surgery.

Konnan previously underwent hip replacement surgery in early 2007, and his appearances in TNA from then on as the mouthpiece of LAX saw him frequently appear in a wheelchair. During an interview with the New York Daily News talking about drug abuse among wrestlers, Konnan believed his hip degenerated after years of steroid abuse and the physical toll of wrestling. He also said painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs ruined his kidney, leading him to undergo kidney transplant surgery in July 2007.

Source: WrestlingINC

The Crash Lucha Libre Parts Ways With Konnan

the crash lucha libre konnan parts ways released

The Crash wrestling promotion in Mexico announced today that they’ve parted ways with Konnan and released a statement that sounds like things didn’t end on the best of terms.

The statement on Facebook reads: “The Crash Lucha Libre brand is known for the way we treat people and value each and every single person that works in this company. Bettering the economical and habitual needs. Showing the support for each element and giving opportunity to new talent. In this way, the value and professionalism shown between each of its partners.”

“Not being able to comply to the Crash Lucha Libre code of ethic, is something that we do not tolerate in this company. With that being said, We now announce that Carlos Santiago Espada “Konnan”, will no longer be working with The Crash.”

It’s unclear at this point what caused the two sides to split. There’s also no word on whether this will affect Konnan’s relationship with Impact Wrestling, who are affiliated with The Crash.

As we previously reported though, Konnan was recently announced as the head writer of the new startup promotion Aro Lucha — fronted by the production team who used to work with Impact.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Konnan Announced As Head Writer For New Lucha Libre Project, Ex-Impact Producers Involved

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Aroluxe Media announced yesterday that Carlos “Konnan” Ashenoff will lead the writing team for its upcoming Lucha Libre project.

For those who may recall, Aroluxe was funding episodes of Impact in exchange for ownership shares in TNA and at one time tried to purchase the company.

Konnan currently runs The Crash in Mexico and is featured on Impact Wrestling with LAX.

Former TNA wrestlers Ron and Don Harris are also involved with Aro Lucha.

Below is is details on the announcement:

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Arolucha, Inc. announced today that Carlos “Konnan” Ashenoff will lead the writing team for its upcoming Lucha Libre project. Effective November 1st, 2017, Konnan will lead the writing team to produce character-driven, authentic, and original storylines for the Aro Lucha world of Lucha Libre.

Konnan is regarded as one of the brightest and most creative minds in the wrestling and sports entertainment industry. Spanning over 3 decades, Konnan’s career has ranged from professional wrestler and on-screen talent, to color commentator, booker and creative consultant. He has worked for nearly all major professional wrestling organizations including AAA, CMLL, WCW, Impact, and WWE.

“When you’re creating an authentic Lucha Libre product in the United States, I’m not sure if there is any other person you want at the core of your company than Carlos, (Konnan)” said Jason Brown, CEO or AroLucha, Inc, “He brings an authenticity and a knowledgebase to the project that is unmatched.”

Konnan is best known to his legion of fans as one of the biggest box office draws in the history of Mexico. Breaking attendance records as the main event in virtually every major city, including Mexico City and Los Angeles. Although his success as a professional wrestler launched Konnan’s career, his lasting impact on the industry continues through his own Mexico-based promotion, The Crash Lucha Libre, where he is co-owner, lead writer, and executive producer. Konnan has a keen eye for talent, bringing to light the likes of Rey Mysterio and Psychosis, and more recently Penta Zero M and Rey Fenix. He continues to influence and foster young talent through his perpetual support of Hispanic performers within the professional wrestling industry.

“Carlos loves this industry. He has given his life to professional wrestling and there is no one else that we could see as a better partner within the US,” said Ron Harris of Aro Lucha.

For more information visit arolucha.com.

Press Contacts:

For AroLucha, Inc
Luis Quintanta
social(at)arolucha(dot)com

About AroLucha, Inc.

Aro Lucha is a high energy, family-friendly Lucha Libre promotion based in the United States. Its principals have produced over 200 hours of network television, specifically in the professional wrestling arena. They are focused on bringing authentic Stars, Characters, and Storylines to their fans through live events, social media, and digital content. Aro Lucha is a company that fans can be proud to support.

Konnan Not Happy With Impact – AAA Alliance

As noted, Jeff Jarrett, Nordholm and Jeremy Borash were at AAA’s annual Rey de Reyes tournament this past weekend and announced an alliance between AAA and Impact Wrestling. Jarrett noted that Impact still plans to work with Konnan’s CRASH promotion in Mexico. Konnan was asked on Twitter if he was “OK” with the alliance between AAA and Impact, and he admitted that he wasn’t:

Konnan did confirm that despite the AAA – Impact partnership, CRASH talent like the Laredo Kid and Garza Jr. will still be featured on Impact Wrestling.

Source: WrestlingINC

Incident With Konnan At Impact Tapings

WrestlingINC reports that there were a couple of issues with Konnan at this past Friday’s Impact Wrestling taping. He had showed up for the show late and had an altercation with a fan. Konnan later went off on officials. It was considered to be one of those “in the heat of the moments” by many, but Impact Wrestling officials emphasized he “can’t treat talent like he does in Mexico.”

A Couple Of Big Names Reported To Appear At This Weeks Impact Wrestling Tapings, Two Indy Talents To Appear

PWInsider is reporting that former TNA World Champion Magnus is scheduled to appear at this week’s TNA Impact Wrestling tapings, which kick off tonight and run through Sunday. Konnan is also slated to be there. It was noted that independent wrestlers Kongo Kong and Mario Bokara will also be at the tapings.

Source: WrestlingINC