Wrestling Past And Present: 06/17/19

Monday, June 17, 2019

Today we make our long awaited return to southern Illinois to check out Stride Pro Wrestling! In action, the SPW tag titles are on the line as the reunited Sin City Saints - Jay Spade & Tony Flood take on the rookies B-Rad & Will Power. And the SPW Heavyweight Champion Red Daniels takes on the masked man known as The Wraith! From Carterville at the Stride Pro dojo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00fgR9rw0D8

MLW Fusion Episode 62 presented by Salina de la Renta: Flamita vs. Horus, Callihan vs. Warner

NOTE:The following description was provided by the office of Salina de la Renta. MLW in no way, shape or form endorses the below. Salina de la Renta invites you to experience her vision of MLW Fusion as she presents the greatest pro wrestling broadcast in the history of the sport. After producing a ratings smash hit episode last month; Promociones Dorado’s empresaria is back in power as the executive producer for this week’s episode. In the main event, the Midwest Mega-Powers will explode in a loser leaves MLW match. The gross, sweaty warthog Sami Callihan must fight his friend and goat lover Mance Warner… and only one hillbilly can have his hand raised in a match where falls count anywhere. The main event exemplifies Ms. de la Renta’s brilliance at matchmaking. It is guaranteed one of her foes will be vanquished. Will it be the trailer park trash or the repulsive warthog? It doesn’t really matter. What better way to eliminate an enemy than pitting one against the other. Adios, white trash! Parental guidance is recommended as Ricky “El Sicario” fights Low Ki. Witness the greatest Cuban athlete ever dominate the former World Champion. Low Ki will need less creep and more fight if he wants to have a chance against an athlete that drips machismo like Ricky Martinez. Be astonished as Salina de la Renta introduces Flamita to the global stage. One of the most sought-after luchadores will make his debut in a spectacular bout against the Tijuana thriller Rey Horus. Experience the best lucha libre in the world as two of Mexico’s top ranked luchadores compete for the empresaria. Plus, the Puerto Rican powerbroker Ms. de la Renta has brokered another big deal… or two. What could it be? Tune in to find out. Showcasing great Mexican and Cuban athletes, Latin culture and dominance, it is Promociones Dorado’s privilege to celebrate the prolific vision of wrestling’s most vibrant mind as Salina de la Renta presents MLW FUSION. Matches: • Loser Leaves MLW Falls Count Anywhere Match: Sami Callihan vs. Mance Warner • Flamita vs. Rey Horus • Low Ki vs. Ricky “El Sicario” Martinez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pr8GbGWQ7I

Mat Memory- Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) vs. Public Enemy (Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge)

Has German (?) commentary on this. Ted Petty & Johnny Rotten collide with The Legion Of Doom (L.O.D.) in a Tables match at i-Generation Wrestling in Australia on 7-30-00. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFUtBOeEusw

Nick Aldis and Colt Cabana vs. The Briscoes | NWA Ten Pounds of Gold 55

At Ring of Honor's Best in the World, The Briscoes will face NWA National Champion Colt Cabana and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis. This situation with these four men started at the Crockett Cup event on April 27, 2019 when The Briscoes believed they were going to walk the the Rock N Roll Express right onto winning the tournament. The event in Concord, NC features huge moments like Colt Cabana winning the NWA National Championship.

Nick Aldis retained the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at Crockett Cup by defeating his best-friend Marty Scurll in a hard fought, bloody war. The aftermath of that war helped solidify their friendship and their competitive spirit laid another brick in the National Wrestling Alliance. What did come into question at Crockett Cup was the relationship with Kamille and the man holding Ten Pounds of Gold. The Briscoes took to social media after the Crockett Cup to call out the disqualification that cost them the tournament and their anger towards the NWA, Billy Corgan and anyone affiliated with the alliance grew. It was during James Storm vs. Colt Cabana for the NWA National Championship that the anger became violent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYNnzJxSXG8

Update On Low WWE Stomping Grounds Ticket Sales, WWE NXT UK Takeover Tickets

In other WWE ticket news, we recently noted how there were plenty of tickets left for Sunday's WWE Stomping Grounds pay-per-view from the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. Besides WWE offering 2-for-1 ticket deals for the first-ever Stomping Grounds event, they have also closed off all hard-camera sections in an apparent attempt to fill the TV sides. You can see a screenshot of the seating chart below.

On a related note, WWE officials are obviously aware of the low ticket sales for Sunday's pay-per-view and word is that there have been talks on possibly shaking up the card, according to @Wrestlevotes. There's no word yet on what those changes to the card might be, but we could see some changes made during tonight's go-home edition of RAW from Los Angeles.

The second WWE NXT UK Takeover special is almost sold out. According to Ticketmaster UK, there are only two seats left for the NXT UK "Takeover: Cardiff" special set for Saturday, August 31 from the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

When an NXT show sells out and a main roster PPV can't sell out and these desperate measures are taken to try and cover up the fact the products so bad, they can't sell tickets to a PPV? That says it all right there.

Chris Jericho Confirms That He Is An Employee Of AEW, Not An Independent Contractor

Chris Jericho has had a career spanning nearly 30 years where he has seen it all and done it all. Jericho is one of the major players for AEW and recently spoke with wrestling legend Jesse "The Body" Ventura on RT America regarding AEW and possible changes to the controversial independent contractor rule plaguing professional wrestling.

"I think the way that the union will happen is when television stations go through the Screen Actors Guild type of thing to ensure the union happens," Jericho explained. "I think right now is the best time for wrestlers. There is a lot of options, there is a lot of ways to put that money away to be able to take care of yourself. There is a lot of guys from the '80s that weren't able to do that and are having a lot of issues with healthcare and that sort of thing. I believe in helping a lot of those guys in regard to healthcare."

With many talents speaking out against the legality of wrestlers being classified as independent contractors, Jericho feels that AEW will spearhead the change to protect the wrestlers.

"The system is flawed in that respect," Jericho admitted. "I think AEW is definitely more about wrestlers and not just in that respect, but also as far as being in control of who you are as a performer. There is a lot of micromanaging going on in the WWE right now. There are scriptwriters, script doctors, all this sort of thing isn't good for the business either. AEW has a fresh perspective on all of those things. I think it is something that will change the business."

Jericho also revealed that his contract with AEW makes him an employee, not an independent contractor. He admitted Tony Khan and his family's experience with owning pro sports teams gives AEW a pro sports team vibe.

"For myself, I'm an employee of AEW," Jericho said. "There are inroads to that at least for me, I'm a registered employee with the company, so there are options that are opening up more into this sort of vibe. There is a much more of a big-time sports mentality rather than the old school kind of the way wrestling is done mentality"

Legally, the independent contractor clause has long been questioned. But Jericho had a final, pointed question regarding WWE and legalities.

"When has Vince McMahon followed the law?" Jericho joked.

You can hear the interview, which starts at the 14;55 mark here. https://youtu.be/PWsdsWqMzgs

ROH Re-Signs Jonathan Gresham, Signs Female Star Maria Manic

Ring of Honor has come to terms with Jonathan Gresham on a new deal,. Gresham will be relocating to Baltimore and will be getting more involved with the ROH Dojo as part of the new deal. Gresham, 31, who teams regularly with Jay Lethal, has been with the company since 2014.

It's also confirmed that ROH has officially signed female star Maria Manic to a deal. Manic, a four year veteran who was originally trained by Damien Wayne, has emerged over the last year, transforming herself into an extremely powerful brawler who can battle with both men and women. She will absolutely bring a different element to ROH's Women of Honor division. There's been interest in Manic dating back months by ROH:

Brian XL Explains His Actions - House of Glory Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UmjP5o8KTE

Bronx Wrestling Federation (BWF) PRESENTS: FIGHT THE POWER (FULL SHOW)

Bronx Wrestling Federation Presents: Fight the Power (Match line up includes) in a 4 Way Match for the BWF Cruiserweight Championship 1. Brother Greatness vs Nikos Rikos vs Greg Jones vs Wildman Rojas for the BWF United States Championship 2. Chusen vs Astro Morales 3. Karen Bam Bam & Anastasia vs Kiki VanGogh & Dajae Simone 4. Eric Jayden vs Hamlet Hurtssue 5. Tyree Taylor & Mantis vs Steve Lugo & Jeter 6. Bronco International vs Mike Law in a No DQ Match 7. Alvin Alvarez vs "El Jefe" Manny Martinez 8. Masha Slamovich vs Vicious Vicki in a 5 Way Match for the BWF World Heavyweight Championship 9. TJ Marconi vs Hot Dog Starkes vs Adrian Santos vs JD Alpha vs Chris Williams 10. BX Strong vs Yurr Awesome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3EYQM-f2Tg

Two New DDT (Japan) Videos

2019.6.12- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHUI4iqFPd8

2019.6.19- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6huzDLmhX5I

Former WCCW And WWE Star Black Bart Details Moment Before Kerry Von Erich's Suicide

Former NWA Mid-Atlantic and World Class Heavyweight Champion Black Bart was a recent guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show to discuss the Dark Side of the Ring documentary series. Bart, who competed in NWA, WCCW, and WWE, worked with all the former wrestlers featured in each episode.

As explained in the documentary, Kerry Von Erich committed suicide on February 18, 1993 at only the age of 33. Kerry had been addicted to pain killers, primarily stemming from his motorcycle accident in 1986 which led to his right foot being amputated.

Kevin stated in the documentary that Kerry told him that he was going to commit suicide, but Kevin tried to prevent that from happening. They decided to take their guns to Alaska and shoot around, but it did not happen.

The documentary explained that Kerry was supposed to be indicted on drug charges on February 17, and he drove out to his father Fritz's ranch. Kerry walked up to his dad while he was pouring concrete, hugged and told him that he loved him, and drove out to the field. Fritz then discovered his son Kerry dead, committing suicide by shooting himself in the heart.

Bart went into detail the moments leading before Kerry's drive to Fritz's ranch, along with his drug problem.

"I wrestled Kerry, and I was around him a lot. But, when he left to go to [WWE] as Texas Tornado, or whatever they did up there to try to bury him, that's what they were trying to do is bury [him], but he made something out of it, and I give him all the credit for that," said Bart. "But when he left, he had a cocaine problem. And he got zapped. When he [came] back home, he bought more cocaine, and get zapped again. By I mean zapped, I mean the cops got him. And he was facing time.

"I wrestled Kerry that Friday night at the Sportatorium in a cage match, loser leaves. I beat him to the door, one of the first times ever, and double juiced, the whole nine yards. And he went out with his wife, his ex-wife, had two little beautiful daughters, and asked if him and her could get back together. She said, there's no way, no shape, form, or [fashion]. He wrote on a napkin – on the table – that tomorrow, I walk with my brothers. He went that next morning out to Fritz's ranch, and went out and took a jeep and put a .44 right through his chest. [Blew] his heart out the backside. It went in the size of a .44, and came out the size of a basketball. Fritz knew he was out there, and he waited 8, 9 hours before he even went out there."

Bart added that Kerry was "very talkative" in the dressing room backstage "because he was on cocaine and it hypes you up." He also said the Von Erich boys were "sweethearts," but "a little snotty because [of] the way they [were] raised."

You can hear the full interview below, where he also discusses Bruiser Brody, Gino Hernandez, and his theory on Bret Hart knowing about the Montreal Screwjob.

https://youtu.be/zfHfQWaKZO4

Sami Callihan Gone, Savio Vega Coming in And MLW'S Return To Chicago.

It was announced on this week's MLW TV that Savio Vega will be coming in. That has been planned as far back as April and the original plan was for him to debut in the Battle Riot match, but the schedules didn't synch up. The idea is to have him work in a role similar to the one Dave Finlay had with WWE years ago, as a player/coach who helps mentor talent while working with them in the ring. With so many talents who are relatively young and inexperienced in the company, the feeling is that some of them need help with working the crowds, getting heat and controlling it, physicality in the ring, brawling etc. Savio has always gotten high marks as an agent/producer and MLW has been very happy with how the series has been received in Puerto Rico, so this is a natural extension as well.

After losing a Loser Leaves Town match on the most recent MLW Fusion TV over the weekend, Sami Callihan is done with the company. This was a change in plans as the original idea was for Callihan to return under a mask basically doing a "Midnight Rider" like storyline. One story making the rounds is that Callihan caused damage to the venue at the Waukesha, Wisconsin venue during his brawl with Mance Werner, which went all over the place and was damn entertaining. Callihan was seen earlier in the episode kicking at a door into the venue, which MLW wasn't happy about after the fact.

When Konnan returns to MLW TV, the current plan is for him to work as a manager and not wrestle inside the ring. He'll continue to be extremely important behind the scenes.

Advertised for the promotion's return to Chicago on 7/6 are MLW Champion Tom Lawlor vs. Jacob Fatu, LA Park & Hijo del LA Park vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Hijo del Dr. Wagner, plus MLW Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation, CONTRA Unit, MLW National Openweight Champion Alex Hammerstone, Low Ki, Salina de la Renta, MJF, Richard Holliday, Rey Horus, Mance Warner, Gringo Loco, Myron Reed, Ace Austin, and Ariel Dominguez, among others. For ticket information, visit www.MLW.com

Scarlett Bordeau Grabbed By Fan In Mexico

A number of Impact stars worked for AAA in Mexico over the weekend, including Killer Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux and Tessa Blanchard. At one point, Bordeaux was sent into the guard rail, where she was grabbed physically by a fan (who should have been thrown out). Bordeaux took to social media about the incident,

You can see what actually happened, right here.

https://twitter.com/luchablog/status/1140084449301995520

Latest Evan Ginzburg Show.

https://www.facebook.com/VillageConnectionMagazinePublisher/videos/10220147150887900/

World Underground Wrestling- Pure Dominance vs G.O.A.T. W/ Kevin Sullivan In Their Corner.

PURE DOMINACE DEFENDS THE WUW AMERICA TAG TITLES VS G.O.A.T. MEMBERS KING OF GIANT STYLE JACKSON PRICE AND SQUATCH WTH LEGENDARY TASKMASTER KEVIN SULLIVAN IN THEIR CORNER ..

https://www.facebook.com/WorldUndergroundWrestlingAmerica/videos/912072149132390/

Wrestling Past And Present