Tag: NWA

Legendary Mid-Atlantic & WCW Announcer Bob Caudle Passes Away at 95

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices, as Bob Caudle, a staple of Mid-Atlantic, NWA, and WCW programming for decades, has passed away at the age of 95. His son Mike confirmed the news, sharing that Caudle died peacefully in his sleep.

Caudle’s career in broadcasting began humbly in Wilmington, North Carolina, before moving to Savannah, Georgia, where he first stepped into the world of wrestling as the host of a studio show. After returning to North Carolina, he became the weatherman for Raleigh’s WRAL — the same station where NWA Atlantic Wrestling was taped weekly — setting the stage for the role that would cement his place in wrestling history.

For fans of Jim Crockett Promotions, Caudle’s voice is unforgettable. He fronted some of the company’s most recognizable programs, including All-Star Wrestling, Wide World Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and World Wide Wrestling. His calm, steady delivery and genuine warmth made him one of wrestling’s most beloved broadcasters.

Caudle also teamed with Jim Ross on several major NWA/WCW pay-per-views in the late ’80s, adding credibility and tradition during a transformative time for the company. After leaving WCW in 1991, he continued calling action in Smoky Mountain Wrestling until the promotion closed its doors.

Bob Caudle’s contributions helped shape the sound and feel of an entire era of professional wrestling. His legacy lives on through countless classic broadcasts and the many fans who grew up hearing his signature sign-off: “So long for now.”

WrestlingNewsBlog extends heartfelt condolences to the Caudle family and everyone touched by his legendary career.

NWA Lands Exclusive Streaming Deal with Roku Channel, Weekly Shows Kick Off This Summer

Big news for wrestling fans — and an even bigger move for the National Wrestling Alliance.

The NWA has inked an exclusive streaming rights deal with Roku, bringing its hard-hitting brand of pro wrestling to The Roku Channel starting July 29. As part of the new partnership, NWA programming will air weekly on Roku’s Sports Channel, with episodes dropping every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Best of all? It’s completely free to stream for viewers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

This marks a major step for the NWA as it looks to expand its reach with a more accessible digital platform. Under the leadership of Billy Corgan, the promotion has been steadily rebuilding its presence, and this move to Roku gives fans a consistent, no-cost destination to follow all the action.

Whether you’ve been riding with the NWA through its YouTube days or you’re a lapsed fan ready to jump back in, Tuesday nights just got a little more old-school — and a lot more exciting.

Set your reminders for July 29 — NWA Tuesdays are about to hit the big screen.

You can check out the official announcement below:

Roku Inks North American Streaming Rights Deal with Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance

Partnership kicks off on July 29 on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel

SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2025 — Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced a new partnership that exclusively brings the promotion’s live professional wrestling matches to The Roku Channel. Starting on July 29, NWA matches will stream for free in the U.S. every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel. In Canada and Mexico, audiences will be able to watch for free on The Roku Channel.

“We’re thrilled to call The Roku Channel the streaming home of the National Wrestling Alliance, and as Billy and his team continue to excite audiences, we look forward to tapping into the scale of our platform to bring this historic and storied promotion to millions of viewers,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media.

“When I purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, it was understood we were inheriting the history and legacy of the most storied brand in all combat sports, so to announce today we have now partnered with the #1 TV streaming platform in North America is indeed a moment to be proud of,” said Billy Corgan, Owner, National Wrestling Alliance. “I look forward to sharing new episodes of ‘NWA Powerrr’ with the incredible audience that Roku brings.”

Established in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands worldwide. In 2017, internationally renowned recording artist William Patrick Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) acquired the NWA with the vision of reinventing the brand for the modern era while honoring its legacy from the 1980s. The NWA has expanded its programming, starting with the critically acclaimed “Ten Pounds Of Gold” docuseries, followed by weekly broadcasts of “NWA Powerrr.” You can follow the NWA across social media platforms such as Meta, X, and YouTube for exclusive content.

The Roku Channel is available to stream on Roku devices or TVs and can be easily accessed online at TheRokuChannel.com and on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs and other Android TV OS devices.

NWA Bringing Back Texas Championship This Sunday

The National Wrestling Alliance has announced that it will bring back the NWA Texas Championship at an event this Sunday.

See NWA’s announcement below:

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is proud to revive a legendary championship that dates back to the 1930s. This Sunday, at the NWA Texas: Paradox Presents Mutual Combat wrestling show, a new chapter will be written as the NWA crowns its newest NWA Texas Champion.

The NWA Texas Championship is a storied title with a rich history of legendary wrestlers, including David Von Erich, Fritz Von Erich, Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, Bruiser Brody, and Kevin Von Erich, among many others. Now, it’s making a historic comeback in an exciting eight-man tournament that will determine the next holder of this prestigious belt.

Date: Sunday, May 25th

Location: Big’z Burger Joint UTSA, 5539 UTSA Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78249

Doors: VIP: 5:30 PM / General Admission: 6:00 PM

Bell Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets:

General Admission: $15

VIP 1st Row: $20

Ticket purchases will be made at the door.

VIP front-row tickets include a limited edition poster, early admission to the meet-and-greet, and a group photo with the wrestling superstars.

This is a family-friendly wrestling event, perfect for fans of all ages! Big’z Burger Joint offers delicious food and a full bar, making it an ideal place for a fun and exciting night out with the whole family.

Dogg Pound Championship Wrestling, in partnership with the NWA, is proud to host this historic event in the San Antonio area, a vital part of the NWA’s territory system, which also includes shows in Dallas run by TSW.

Quote from Rodney Mack, Co-Owner of Dogg Pound Championship Wrestling:

“Reviving the NWA Texas Championship is a huge honor, not only for us but for wrestling fans

everywhere. This title’s history is legendary, and we’re proud to make history again by crowning a

new champion in San Antonio. It’s a milestone for our sport and a testament to the incredible talent here.”

Quote from Joe Galli, COO of the NWA:

“Growing the NWA’s presence in our territory system is vital to our mission of showcasing the best in professional wrestling. The San Antonio area is filled with incredible athletes, and this event highlights the rich wrestling heritage and bright future of our sport.”

Interviews with wrestlers are available before or at the show. Please contact us to arrange interviews of for additional information.

Join us this Sunday as history is made and a new NWA Texas Champion is crowned. Don’t miss

your chance to witness this historic moment in wrestling history!

Natalya Falls Short in NWA Women’s Title Bid at Crockett Cup 2025

WWE veteran Natalya stepped into unfamiliar territory this past weekend, making her long-awaited debut in the National Wrestling Alliance — but came up just short in her pursuit of gold.

Competing under the name Nattie Neidhart, the multi-time WWE champion challenged reigning NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige during the Crockett Cup 2025 event at the historic ECW Arena in Philadelphia. Despite a hard-fought effort, Neidhart was unable to unseat Paige, who retained her title in a match that was taped for an upcoming episode of NWA Powerrr.

This cross-promotional showdown had been brewing since last month’s GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII, where Paige ambushed Natalya following her victory over Miyu Yamashita. That post-match confrontation laid the groundwork for the NWA title clash, which marked Natalya’s first bout since Bloodsport — and her first ever inside an NWA ring.

Though not active in the WWE ring since that Bloodsport appearance, Natalya has continued to appear on Raw, occasionally featured in backstage segments alongside Maxxine Dupri and the Alpha Academy. For her NWA debut, she made a powerful statement with her presentation, once again entering to Rage Against the Machine’s iconic “Killing in the Name” — backed by her crew, giving the entrance a defiant and gritty vibe fitting the venue and occasion.

Natalya has been vocal about her passion for wrestling beyond the confines of WWE, citing her longtime friendship with NWA owner and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan as one reason she pushed hard to compete in the promotion. “I’ve wanted to wrestle in NWA for years,” she said in a recent interview, adding that she did “everything in [her] power” to make the Crockett Cup appearance happen.

While the NWA World Women’s Championship slipped through her fingers, Natalya isn’t slowing down. She remains ambitious about her future in WWE, where she’s got her eyes on newly launched titles: the Women’s United States Championship and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. With decades of experience and a renewed fire, it’s clear that Natalya is looking to carve out her legacy both inside and outside of WWE rings.

Natalya Set for NWA Debut at Crockett Cup 2025

Veteran WWE star Natalya is set to make her mark in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as she has officially been announced for the NWA Crockett Cup 2025. The event, which takes place on May 17th at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA, will be Natalya’s first-ever appearance in an NWA ring. The news was revealed on Busted Open Radio, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament.

This move follows another major announcement for the former WWE Women’s Champion, as she was recently confirmed to compete at Bloodsport, a hard-hitting, hybrid wrestling event that focuses on a more MMA-inspired style. With these appearances, Natalya is proving she’s ready to test herself outside of WWE and showcase her versatility in different wrestling environments.

Natalya’s involvement brings even more prestige to an event already known for its rich history and high-caliber competition.

https://twitter.com/nwa/status/1896970810436231176

Former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Jax Dane Passes Away at 48

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Jeremy Laymon, better known to fans as Jax Dane. The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced Dane’s passing on Thursday, revealing that the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion died on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the age of 48 due to complications from a heart attack he suffered in late November.

A Champion’s Journey

Jax Dane began his professional wrestling career in 2012, making his debut with NWA Houston alongside Raymond Rowe—now known as Erik of WWE’s War Raiders. Together, they formed the tag team “The Path of Resistance,” establishing themselves as a force in the NWA scene.

Dane’s career soon skyrocketed, with appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 2013, where he squared off with internationally renowned talents like KUSHIDA, Shelton Benjamin, and the team of Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.

In 2015, Dane achieved a rare feat, capturing both the NWA National Heavyweight Championship and the prestigious NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. He claimed the world title by defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, cementing his place in NWA history. Dane held the gold for an impressive 419 days, one of the longest reigns of the modern NWA era, before losing it to Tim Storm in 2016.

Beyond the NWA

After his world title reign, Dane ventured into other major promotions. He appeared in Ring of Honor, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and even IMPACT Wrestling under the name Wilcox. Despite his travels, Dane’s connection to the NWA remained strong. He returned to the organization in 2020, where he secured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship twice more.

Most recently, Dane was seen wrestling in October 2024 on an episode of NWA Powerrr, where he teamed with Tim Storm to defeat Jake Dumas and Zyon. This return to the ring showcased his enduring passion for the sport and his continued commitment to the NWA.

Tributes to a Legend

Tim Storm, a former rival and later a tag team partner of Dane, expressed his admiration and grief in a statement shared by the NWA.

“Very few people have been as influential to my wrestling career as Jax,” Storm said. “He was completely unselfish. That is no more evident than in our current tag team. He put me squarely on his shoulders and made it happen.”

Dane’s legacy in professional wrestling is one of strength, resilience, and generosity. From his dominant title reigns to his willingness to elevate others, Jax Dane’s impact on the sport will not be forgotten.

Remembering Jax Dane

As fans and fellow wrestlers reflect on his storied career, Jax Dane will be remembered as a powerhouse in the ring and a mentor outside of it. His contributions to the NWA and the wider wrestling world leave a lasting imprint, ensuring his legacy endures for years to come.

Rest in peace, Jax Dane.

NWA Expands Into World League Wrestling

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) has announced that World League Wrestling is its new official territory.

World League Wrestling was founded a quarter-century ago by late NWA legend Harley Race. “

The NWA stated that the promotion based in Missouri has been designated as a territory.

For fans, this partnership means a more diverse lineup of matches and storylines, as well as the potential for regional events that bring wrestling closer to local communities. As NWA and WLW work together, fans can expect a robust mix of nostalgia, fresh faces, and new rivalries.

You can read the details here.

NWA President Billy Corgan Claims To Have Signed New TV Deal

It’s been a big week for Billy Corgan, as the Smashing Pumpkins lead singer and NWA owner’s new reality series, “Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland,” has dropped on the CW app, chronicling Corgan’s life as he attempts to balance his personal life and career with the Pumpkins with running the NWA. As it turns out though, Corgan’s deals with the CW app to air “Carnyland” and “NWA Empowerrr” aren’t the only things he has up his sleeve.

In an interview with “TV Insider” to promote “Carnyland” and the NWA, Corgan spilled the beans on some news that should help in raising the NWA’s profile.

“I just signed another TV deal, which I haven’t announced yet,” Corgan said. “I saw someone in wrestling media wave off the NWA’s success, but I don’t know a lot of companies out there that have three television deals as an independent solely funded by me. We’re really fighting a lot of wars here not only to create a wrestling product that fans will like but also to beat the world’s perception that it can’t be done. That unless you have a billion dollars in your pocket you can’t manifest enough energy. 

“But what people don’t understand is I’m one of the only people in the world who understands how to take something literally from nothing and take it to the top of the mountain multiple times. I know it can be done with faith, dedication, and hard work. It will be interesting to see the behind-the-scenes stuff going on, which by the way is not work…I insisted on real and organic storylines. It will be interesting to see if people perceive that as integrity or weakness on the part of the company. I think it’s a strength because we have nothing to hide.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Video: Trailer For Billy Corgan’s Adventures In Carnyland Unscripted NWA Reality Show

While it hasn’t always been an easy road getting there, Billy Corgan was able to find the NWA a home, with the promotion’s flagship show, “NWA Powerrr,” currently airing on the CW app. It won’t be the only bit of content Corgan has airing on the app, however, as his long-anticipated reality show, “Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland,” is finally ready to see the light of day this Tuesday.

As such, it’s only right that there would be a trailer, which dropped earlier this afternoon via The Smashing Pumpkins’ account on X. Perhaps the biggest revelation from the trailer is that the show will not just focus on Corgan running the NWA, but on Corgan’s overall life, from him continuing to tour with the Pumpkins, to his marriage to long-time girlfriend, Chloe Mendel, which occurred last September.

There was still plenty of wrestling content to be featured, however, with highlights from NWA events sprinkled all around, as Corgan could be seen jokingly questioning his decisionmaking in entering the wrestling business given his “day job” with the Pumpkins. Corgan also noted the lack of interest in wrestling from those close to him, including Mendel and his Pumpkins bandmates James Ilha and Jimmy Chamberlain. Several wrestlers were seen being interviewed, including former NWA Women’s Champion Kamille, who departed the promotion earlier this year, and has since reportedly signed with AEW.

“Adventure in Carnyland” will be the first docuseries on Corgan’s foray into wrestling to be completed, though it is not the first attempt to chronicle it. The Pumpkins front man had previously attempted to put a reality series together regarding his ownership of Chicago indie promotion, Resistance Pro Wrestling, back in the early 2010s. The project was ultimately never completed.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NWA Powerrr To Begin Airing On The CW App On February 6

The National Wrestling Alliance took to Twitter on Thursday to announce that new episodes of Powerrr will be airing on The CW app beginning in February. The new shows will appear on the app starting February 6th.

You can check out the official announcement below:

“We are thrilled to announce that all-new NWA programming will appear on @TheCwApp starting February 6th!

The app is available in all AppStores, streaming devices and viewable in your browser!

If you haven’t already seen what @thecw is building on this platform, there’s no better time than now to check it out!

We can’t wait for all of the excitement to come in 2024!

https://www.cwtv.com/shows/nwa-powerrr/”

Source: eWn