Dwayne The Rock Johnson’s Production Company Working On Docuseries About Fall Of WCW

In addition to his status as a major movie star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has his own production company, known as Seven Bucks Productions. In addition to producing movies he stars in, Johnson has endeavored to finance other projects, such as the recent “Tales from the Territories,” the documentary “Stuntman,” and the film “Fighting With My Family.” A new report from Deadline indicates that another wrestling project is on the horizon for Johnson. This time, it’s a docu-series focused on the history of World Championship Wrestling, the once-dominant Turner promotion that folded in the early 2000s and was bought out by WWE. Deadline stated that Seven Bucks is partnering with Vice Media for the series, though it’s not known when it’s planned for release.

The report referred to the end of WCW as “mysterious,” hinting that the upcoming series will focus on the reasons behind the company’s downfall. WCW got its start in 1988 when Ted Turner purchased the assets of Jim Crockett Promotions, turning them into a new brand that would air on his TV networks. Though the company eventually rose to challenge and even briefly surpassed WWE, it wouldn’t last. The last real WCW match took place in March 2001, and the company was bought out several months later.

Appearing on the latest “Wrestling Observer Radio,” co-hosts Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez poked fun at the idea of labeling WCW’s downfall as “mysterious.” Additionally, the two men pointed out that Johnson was likely too busy at the time to be watching WCW’s programming, and if he had watched the company’s shows, the reasons behind WCW’s demise wouldn’t be a mystery. Meltzer also believes he has an idea of how the finished product will come across.

“I presume that they’ll have Bischoff all over it, and once you have Bischoff all over it, you’re just going to have the total ‘full of st’ story,” Meltzer said. “‘All those people [were] out to get us’ as opposed to — you know, you just f*ed up. You drove all your fanbase away. … I don’t want to say it’s just him, but he was part of that deal.”

Meltzer stated that the reasons behind the end of WCW were the falling ratings and loss of profits, making it relatively straightforward to determine why the company went out of business when it did.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Ex-WCW Star Buff Bagwell Was Recently Arrested For Speeding & DUI

Former WCW and WWE star Marcus ‘Buff’ Bagwell was arrested earlier this month, it has been confirmed.

Bagwell was arrested on July 13, according to Cobb County records in Marietta, GA, and was pulled over for speeding, which is a misdemeanor.

Bagwell was also charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, also a misdemeanor, and was released from jail on July 15.

This is the latest setback for Bagwell, who has a history of prior legal issues, many stemming from substance abuse-related reasons.

Earlier this year, Bagwell revealed that he was seven months clean after a lengthy battle with addiction.

Source: eWn

Bam Bam Bigelow And Others Will Reportedly Be Dark Side Of The Ring Subjects

The fourth season of VICE’s “Dark Side of the Ring” is in production. The documentary series, which focuses on controversial topics throughout the history of pro wrestling, will see the late Bam Bam Bigelow, Abdullah the Butcher, and the late Mike Awesome be profiled in the new season, according to PWInsider. It’s said that Mick Foley, Jim Cornette, Terry Funk, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan have all been interviewed for upcoming episodes.

Bigelow, who performed for promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WWE, World Championship Wrestling, ECW and the Memphis Wrestling territory throughout his career, faced many struggles in his personal life. In his younger years, the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion was often arrested and was once incarcerated in Mexico City for six months. Years later, Bigelow struggled with his health and addiction. He passed away in January 2007.

Meanwhile, Abdullah the Butcher – a WWE Hall of Famer – is known for performing in hardcore matches around the globe. Because of his activities in such bouts, Butcher has several scars on the top of his head from excessive blading. In 2014, the former All Japan Pro Wrestling star was forced to pay out $2.3 million in damages to Canadian wrestler Devon Nicholson, who had accused Butcher of blading without consent and infecting him with hepatitis C. Regarding Awesome, he controversially departed ECW and signed with WCW while still reigning ECW World Champion in the 1990s. The former WWE Hardcore Champion was tragically found dead at his home in February 2007.

“Dark Side of the Ring,” created by Evan Husney and Jason Eisener, first aired in 2019 and has previously covered topics such as the Montreal Screwjob and Vince McMahon’s steroid trial. Chris Jericho has narrated the show since season two.

Source: Wrestling Inc,

Bobby Eaton Has Passed Away At The Age Of 62

Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has sadly passed away at the age of just 62.

Bobby Eaton, famed for his time as one half of The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of 62.

The wrestling world is waking up to the loss of another legend this morning. Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of just 62. Eaton’s sister confirmed the news on Facebook in the early hours of Thursday morning. What caused Eaton’s death is currently unknown.

“My Little Brother Beautiful Bobby Eaton passed away last night,” Eaton’s sister Debbie revealed on Facebook. Debbie posted a tribute to her late brother, also revealing Eaton’s daughter Taryn was the one who found him. A particularly tough time for the family as Taryn’s mom, Eaton’s wife Donna, only passed away a month ago, also aged 62.

While Eaton was also an incredibly talented singles wrestler, his most famous run in the business was as one half of The Midnight Express. Commonly referred to as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history, Eaton was the tandem’s mainstay throughout the team’s run. First alongside Dennis Condrey, and then partnered with Stan Lane after Eaton’s first partner departed JCP.

While Eaton’s stellar tag team work will always overshadow what he did as a part of The Midnight Express, it cannot be ignored. He may have never been a World Champion, but he did defeat Arn Anderson for the WCW TV Title in the early ’90s. Eaton even had the chance to be the one to break Goldberg’s legendary undefeated streak in WCW. Goldberg revealed that he pitched the idea to higher-ups, suggesting it happen off TV in Eaton’s hometown. They didn’t like the idea so it never happened.

While it is unclear what caused Eaton to pass away at this time, the former Tag Team Champion has reportedly been in poor health as of late. The wrestler suffered a bad fall last month which resulted in him being hospitalized. He was also hospitalized with heart issues back in 2019. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

WWE issued a statement on Eaton’s passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Bobby Eaton passed away at the age of 62.
A Huntsville, Alabama native, Eaton built a reputation as one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time during his nearly 40-year career. Eaton broke in at the age of 17 with NWA Mid-America and in just two years captured his first championship by teaming with Leapin’ Lanny Poffo to claim the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Titles.
After a stint with the Continental Wrestling Association, Eaton joined forces with Dennis Condrey to carry the torch for the memorable Midnight Express. “Beautiful” Bobby & “Lover Boy” Dennis quickly rose to prominence in Jim Crockett Promotions and won the NWA World Tag Team Titles from The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. Following Condrey’s departure, Midnight Express carried on with “Sweet” Stan Lane teaming with Eaton for memorable rivalries against The Samoan S.W.A.T. Team, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Steiner Brothers and more on their way to a United States Tag Team Title reign.
Eaton would make a strong singles run following the departure of Lane and defeated Arn Anderson to win the World Television Championship at SuperBrawl I. An ensuing run with Rick Rude, Larry Zbyszko, Steve Austin and Anderson of The Dangerous Alliance culminated with a legendary double-ring War Games Match at WrestleWar 1992 against Sting’s Squadron. After stops with Smoky Mountain Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Eaton would return to WCW before competing on the independent circuit up until 2015.
Eaton amassed countless accolades during his career but perhaps none more meaningful than the impact he left on his peers with Mick Foley, Steve Austin and others having praised Eaton as one of the most underrated and nicest Superstars in the business.
WWE extends its condolences to Eaton’s family, friends and fans.

WCW Legend Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael Diagnosed With ALS

WCW legend and former NFL star Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael has revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Mongo revealed that he was diagnosed with the disease three month ago.

“I promise you,” Mongo told the Tribune, “this epitaph that I’m going to have on me now? This ain’t ever how I envisioned this was going to end.”

According to the man himself, Mongo will no longer be able to make public appearances. “I want everybody to realize why they’re no longer going to see me around,” he said.

Steve McMichael was a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears between 1981 and 1993. He is best remembered by wrestling fans for his stint in WCW between 1995 – 1999.

Mongo also appeared at ringside at WrestleMania XI in support of his NFL colleague Lawrence Talyor, who was taking on Bam Bam Bigelow in the main event.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Silver King Passes Away At 51 Years Old After Collapsing During Match, WWE Issues Statement

Lucha legend Silver King passed away at age 51 on Saturday.

Before he passed, Silver King was competing against Juventud Guerrera at the Roundhouse Theatre in North London for the promotion Lucha Libre World. During the match, Silver King collapsed. After not getting up off the mat for a long time and having a defibrillator used on him, an ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital. According to PWInsider, it was believed that he had suffered a heart attack while in the ring.

Silver King whose real name is Cesar Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez Barron, debuted in 1985 and was in many promotions like AAA, IWGR, and CMLL. From 1997 to 2000, he was in WCW and was a member of the Latino World Order. King also wrestled in NJPW as the Black Tiger character, which was adopted before by both Mark Rocco and Eddie Guerrero.

Silver King was in the film Nacho Libre as the villain Ramses.

https://twitter.com/luchablog/status/1127344428547440641

WWE issued a statement on his passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Lucha Libre legend and former WCW star Silver King has passed away at age 51.

A champion luchador in his native Mexico, Silver King, real name César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón, entertained audiences across the globe, and was a standout in WCW’s Cruiserweight division in the late ’90s. Outside the ring, he appeared under a mask as the villainous Ramses in the popular 2006 comedy “Nacho Libre.”

WWE extends its deepest condolences to Silver King’s family, friends and fans.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former WCW Star Psicosis Saves Friend From Drowning After Serious Car Accident In Canada

Canadian indie wrestling promoter “Hotshot” Danny Duggan announced on Facebook that he was involved in a bad car accident with Robin Lekimi and former WCW star Psicosis on Wednesday while driving through winter weather in Ontario.

Duggan revealed that Psicosis saved him from drowning as the car was upside down in a body of water. He details the accident in the post below. Duggan said he is lucky to be alive right now as he suffered a severe concussion and several other injuries. Psicosis and Robin escaped the wreck with cuts and bruises.

“I’ve got a severe concussion, my head is swollen, my legs are smashed and beat up pretty bad, likely due to sitting so close to the dash but nothing majorly damaged, some very severe and deep lacerations, cuts, and chunks of skin gone on my scalp, ear, legs, arms, and my hands being mangled and bloody pretty bad. And a whole lot of pain throughout my back and body. But I am alive. We’re alive. Psicosis and Robin luckily managed to escape with what appears to be so far only some cuts and bruises. Hopefully nothing more,” Duggan wrote.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Duggan at this link. As of this writing, they have raised $990 of a $6,500 goal, by 26 people in 7 hours.

You can see Duggan’s full Facebook post below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Wrestling Veteran Vampiro Announces Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Wrestling veteran and current AAA Director of Talent Vampiro took to Facebook earlier today to announce that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Got some results from the doctor yesterday,” he wrote. “Not the best of news. But in my heart I know it’s a fight I am gonna win. I am not worried about anything. I am worried about how I can give more back to everyone who needs support. I Don’t give a f–k about being sick , as me and my doctors have a plan! And I will be fine!”

The former WCW Tag Team Champion returned to Facebook this evening and posted a video for his fans. He noted that the disease in the beginning stages and said it’s “not that big of a deal” to him because he knows he will beat it.

You can read Vampiro’s original, full post below and see the video below:

Got some results from the doctor yesterday
Not the best of newsBut in my heart I know it’s a fight I am gonna win

I am not worried about anything

I am worried about how I can give more back to everyone who needs support

I
Don’t give a f–k about being sick , as me and my doctors have a plan! And I will be fine!

Alzheimer’s is bulls–t. I am scared about potential Parkinson’s disease because it might f–k up my PlayStation time

I have been beaten up for so long , this is an easy one

Also

Look at the news of the world

So much
Bulls–t going down

Just do what’s right and be cool to everyone

Don’t get involved in the stupid s–t

Not worth it

Be safe y’all and talk soon

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Buff Bagwell Says He Doesn’t ‘Get’ AEW, Plus Bagwell talks About His Time In WCW & WWE

In an interview with Wrestling Inc,’s WINCLY podcast Buff Bagwell gave his thoughts on the upstart promotion All Elite Wrestling, saying he doesn’t know Cody or the Young Bucks. Here are highlights:

On AEW: “At my age, [WWE is the only option], because these other boys are for the young kids and unfortunately, they don’t get it. Nobody knows them. I’m in the industry and don’t know them,” Bagwell said of Cody and The Young Bucks. “So, if I don’t know them, y’all don’t know them. So I don’t get it.”

On his brief tenure in WWE: “It wasn’t my fault that I was 30 and when I joined the WWF and I was going to take somebody’s job. Every single star, when I signed, was 12 years older than me…. It wasn’t my fault, but I sure as heck paid for it.”

On his backstage reputation: “Backstage gossip… hard to get along with, complains. My mom, when she started coming on the road with me…they thought he was acting up, obviously. She realized one day that her son was doing everything right and still, it was just rules in WCW.”

On WCW White Box Rule: One of those WCW rules was a white box that all talent had to enter a code into to document their arrival at each show.”If you didn’t check the box before 12:00, you got fined $500. The second time was a grand and the third time was I think fired. Do y’all really think us being late is our problem,” asked Bagwell. Bagwell said the white box became a headache for all of the WCW talent and affected the morale of everyone. “White box half a shoe box,” Bagwell said about the box. “At any time there was a line of $10 million worth of talent waiting to put the code in so you didn’t get fined off your check. “That’s a true story and Lex Luger and Goldberg and everybody would go to that little box and everybody checked in.”

On his health: “I’m about 80 percent almost back. Not body-wise, muscle-wise, but I’m gonna be 100 percent back in 3-4 months.”

On getting respect he deserves: Bagwell feels he doesn’t always get the respect he deserves for his contributions to pro wrestling. However, he contends that he’s done something that no one else has ever done in the tag team division.

“Most importantly, I think everyone, except you, has always announced me as a five-time world tag team champion and I’m truthfully a six-time world tag team champion with five different partners,” Bagwell told Nick Hausman. “How many guys have had six tag team titles with five different partners? Please let me know. It’s never been done brother.”

On his stand up comedy routine: Bagwell is now telling his wrestling stories via Tall Tales at Doc Holliday’s Saloon in Georgia. He teased one of those stories about a late night encounter with Brian Pillman in which Pillman knocked on his hotel door at 3 am “asking for a razor.”

“It’s three in the morning, so y’all do the math,” said Bagwell before adding “God rest his soul, but he was done before he was 40. I’ve wrestled 70 dead guys now.”

Bagwell uses that backdrop to set up his on stage routine and to detail everything he’s been through in the wrestling world. He says his comedy routine is unique and not something that even the best comics in the world could replicate.

“If Kevin Hart had my material, he couldn’t make it up. It’s too deep. It’s too crazy. That’s what makes this such a great idea and hopefully guys and girls will turn out to raise awareness of this thing. It’s a big deal as people are hungry out there. So I’m really, really excited about it.”

Former WWE & WCW Star Rex King/Timothy Well Passes Away

Image result for Rex King/Timothy Well

Former WWE and WCW star Timothy Smith, known by the ring names Rex King and Timothy Well, passed on Monday due to complications from kidney failure. He was 55 years old.

Smith is known to WWE fans for his Well Dunn tag team with Steve Doll. He last worked for WWE in 1995. Smith was named as one of the wrestlers in the class-action lawsuit filed by lawyer Konstantine Kyros back in July of 2016, alleging that WWE concealed the risks of traumatic brain injuries.

Source: WrestlingINC

Below are some videos from Smith’s career: