Published on Dec 4, 2017
Credit: Kevin McClennon. 11-18-17
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPmgnNG3jksTuesday, December 5, 2017
JJ Dillon on Ric Flair
Published on Dec 3, 2017
JJ Dillon on Ric Flair
In this clip legendary Professional wrestling manager, leader of the 4 horsemen, WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE office Executive and WCW office worker James J. Dillon talks about his long relationship with "WWE Hall of Famer" Nature Boy Ric Flair!
In this clip legendary Professional wrestling manager, leader of the 4 horsemen, WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE office Executive and WCW office worker James J. Dillon talks about his long relationship with "WWE Hall of Famer" Nature Boy Ric Flair!
Kevin Sullivan on the Luger vs Brody Cage Incident!
Published on Dec 4, 2017
Kevin Sullivan on the Lex Luger vs Bruiser Brody Cage Incident!
Former WCW head writer and legendary wrestler "The Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan talks about the late Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish, their matches together as well as the infamous cage match incident between Brody and Lex Luger where Lex left the cage unscripted during that match that Sullivan was in the building for.
Former WCW head writer and legendary wrestler "The Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan talks about the late Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish, their matches together as well as the infamous cage match incident between Brody and Lex Luger where Lex left the cage unscripted during that match that Sullivan was in the building for.
For those who like this kind of stuff. Alberto Del Rio Talks Breakup With Paige And What Caused It
Alberto Del Rio and Paige have ended their relationship. Speaking on Keeping It 100 with Konnan, Del Rio broke his silence by confirming that he and his fiancé have been broken up for the last few weeks.
"We decided to end our relationship because she's in Orlando, I'm in San Antonio, and now she's back on the road and the schedule over there is nonstop, Del Rio said. "And my schedule is nonstop."
Paige made her return from over a year on medical leave last month on Raw. Besides wrestling for Impact as Alberto El Patron, Del Rio other projects include work with Telemundo, Mexico TV, Combate Americas, a clothing line and charity events.
"We were not seeing each other," Del Rio stated. "And because she was training and getting ready to go back, they were not letting her come to San Antonio. I couldn't go to Orlando because I have three little kids. I was coming home for two or three days and had to choose between going to Orlando or seeing my kids. Of course, I decided to stay with my kids."
After their relationship was made public in the early summer of 2016, they became engaged the following October. Though they ended their relationship some weeks ago, they agreed to keep it under wraps until now.
"We both agreed not to say absolutely anything because we got tired of the media, people, everyone, having an opinion about us. Including family."
As noted, a friend of Paige's uploaded a video confirming their relationship was over. Though they took it down soon after, Del Rio was questioned about it. Now that everything is out in the open, he's addressing the "incidents" involving law enforcement, specifically the one in Orlando which was rumored to involve a physical altercation between the two.
"That crap in Orlando, which is completely fake because nothing happened," Del Rio said. "I never hurt her, she never hurt me. It was just internet BS and people believing it."
Del Rio agrees that they both have strong tempers and that they are passionate in their actions and reactions. He says that he kept his silence on the issue in hopes to protect his then-future wife.
"I didn't say anything because, number one, I was already suspended. The company and their zero-tolerance thing had me thinking they were going to fire hire. And as you know, unfortunately for female wrestlers, it's impossible to exist or nearly impossible to exist outside of WWE."
"We had an amazing relationship," he continued. "We decided to do this because it was the best for our careers and for my kids."
The two have gone their separate ways and Del Rio claims that they ended on good terms.
"She wants the best for me. I want the best for her. I know she's going to be the most successful Diva in history."
Paige made her return from over a year on medical leave last month on Raw. Besides wrestling for Impact as Alberto El Patron, Del Rio other projects include work with Telemundo, Mexico TV, Combate Americas, a clothing line and charity events.
"We were not seeing each other," Del Rio stated. "And because she was training and getting ready to go back, they were not letting her come to San Antonio. I couldn't go to Orlando because I have three little kids. I was coming home for two or three days and had to choose between going to Orlando or seeing my kids. Of course, I decided to stay with my kids."
After their relationship was made public in the early summer of 2016, they became engaged the following October. Though they ended their relationship some weeks ago, they agreed to keep it under wraps until now.
"We both agreed not to say absolutely anything because we got tired of the media, people, everyone, having an opinion about us. Including family."
As noted, a friend of Paige's uploaded a video confirming their relationship was over. Though they took it down soon after, Del Rio was questioned about it. Now that everything is out in the open, he's addressing the "incidents" involving law enforcement, specifically the one in Orlando which was rumored to involve a physical altercation between the two.
"That crap in Orlando, which is completely fake because nothing happened," Del Rio said. "I never hurt her, she never hurt me. It was just internet BS and people believing it."
Del Rio agrees that they both have strong tempers and that they are passionate in their actions and reactions. He says that he kept his silence on the issue in hopes to protect his then-future wife.
"I didn't say anything because, number one, I was already suspended. The company and their zero-tolerance thing had me thinking they were going to fire hire. And as you know, unfortunately for female wrestlers, it's impossible to exist or nearly impossible to exist outside of WWE."
"We had an amazing relationship," he continued. "We decided to do this because it was the best for our careers and for my kids."
The two have gone their separate ways and Del Rio claims that they ended on good terms.
"She wants the best for me. I want the best for her. I know she's going to be the most successful Diva in history."
Ken Anderson On What Frustrates Him With WWE, Paul Heyman Helping Him During His TNA Run, Bischoff
Recently on The Steve Austin Show, 'Global Icon & National Treasure' Steve Austin spoke with Ken Anderson, formerly WWE's Mr. Kennedy, on a number of professional wrestling topics including his thoughts on the current WWE product, the main difference between working for WWE and Impact Wrestling, and the importance of learning the basics for new pro wrestlers.
According to Anderson, he is frustrated by WWE's apparent reluctance to offer great creative freedom to its performers. Requiring WWE Superstars to strictly stick to the script has a middling affect where the talent is not permitted to succeed for fail on their own terms.
"The thing that's frustrating to me is that it seems to me that guys are told, and girls are told, exactly what to do paint-by-numbers," Anderson said. "It's not 'just go out there and try some stuff and see what works and what doesn't work' and it's just people are handed a script and told, 'say this exactly verbatim.' That's what's frustrating to me. I wish more people were given the opportunity to fail on their own or succeed on their own. That's the only thing that really frustrates me."
When asked what was the major difference between working for WWE and Impact Wrestling, the former TNA, Anderson divulged that WWE was a much more tense environment than Impact.
"When I was at the WWE, it felt like, at least towards the end, that everybody was walking around on eggshells. Everybody was worried that 'tomorrow might be my last day if I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, I'm going to get fired.' When I got to TNA… And I think that's the sort of management style of WWE. It's the way they always wanted everybody to be sort of on edge. When I got to TNA, it felt like, 'go out there and do your job and do it to the best of your ability.' Cool. There weren't any politics or anything like that in TNA and the biggest thing, the biggest difference, for me was Eric Bischoff was a big part of me coming to TNA. Like, and when I got there, he said, 'I know that they're sort of hamstringing you, to a degree, in WWE and telling you, 'this is what you have to say - this is when you say it,' he said, 'I'm just going to give you bulletpoints. I don't care how you get there, just here's this main point we want to get to. You just figure out how Ken Anderson is going to get us there.'"
Notably, Anderson shared that he would call ECW maestro Paul Heyman for advice during 'The Head Asshole In Charge''s Impact run and Heyman wrote a lot of Anderson's material.
"The interesting thing was Vince Russo and whoever else was writing at the time, would hand me a script and a lot of the times, I would call Paul Heyman," Anderson revealed. "I was really good friends with Paul and I would say, 'here's what they got for me, here's what I'm thinking, what do you think?' and a lot of times, he would really help me out and come up with a better way to say everything and do it, so Paul actually wrote a lot of my stuff at TNA when I first started."
As previously noted, Anderson and Shawn Daivari run The Academy: School For Professional Wrestling and have Shawn's brother, Ariya, as a trainer. Ariya, aka WWE 205 Live's Dinero Daivari, told Anderson that 205 Live roster does impressive aerial maneuvers, but get critiqued for their in-between work by WWE brass.
"You might be able to execute this pretty, beautiful move, but it's the in-between stuff that looks like crap. That's actually, Ariya Daivari is in WWE right now and he told us the guys on 205 Live do all the pretty stuff, but their in-between sucks sometimes and when they get back through the curtain, that's what they're hearing. They're not hearing, 'oh, that move you did was fantastic.' They're hearing, 'man, your rear chinlock sucked,' 'your punches suck,' 'your forearms suck.'"
"The thing that's frustrating to me is that it seems to me that guys are told, and girls are told, exactly what to do paint-by-numbers," Anderson said. "It's not 'just go out there and try some stuff and see what works and what doesn't work' and it's just people are handed a script and told, 'say this exactly verbatim.' That's what's frustrating to me. I wish more people were given the opportunity to fail on their own or succeed on their own. That's the only thing that really frustrates me."
When asked what was the major difference between working for WWE and Impact Wrestling, the former TNA, Anderson divulged that WWE was a much more tense environment than Impact.
"When I was at the WWE, it felt like, at least towards the end, that everybody was walking around on eggshells. Everybody was worried that 'tomorrow might be my last day if I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, I'm going to get fired.' When I got to TNA… And I think that's the sort of management style of WWE. It's the way they always wanted everybody to be sort of on edge. When I got to TNA, it felt like, 'go out there and do your job and do it to the best of your ability.' Cool. There weren't any politics or anything like that in TNA and the biggest thing, the biggest difference, for me was Eric Bischoff was a big part of me coming to TNA. Like, and when I got there, he said, 'I know that they're sort of hamstringing you, to a degree, in WWE and telling you, 'this is what you have to say - this is when you say it,' he said, 'I'm just going to give you bulletpoints. I don't care how you get there, just here's this main point we want to get to. You just figure out how Ken Anderson is going to get us there.'"
Notably, Anderson shared that he would call ECW maestro Paul Heyman for advice during 'The Head Asshole In Charge''s Impact run and Heyman wrote a lot of Anderson's material.
"The interesting thing was Vince Russo and whoever else was writing at the time, would hand me a script and a lot of the times, I would call Paul Heyman," Anderson revealed. "I was really good friends with Paul and I would say, 'here's what they got for me, here's what I'm thinking, what do you think?' and a lot of times, he would really help me out and come up with a better way to say everything and do it, so Paul actually wrote a lot of my stuff at TNA when I first started."
As previously noted, Anderson and Shawn Daivari run The Academy: School For Professional Wrestling and have Shawn's brother, Ariya, as a trainer. Ariya, aka WWE 205 Live's Dinero Daivari, told Anderson that 205 Live roster does impressive aerial maneuvers, but get critiqued for their in-between work by WWE brass.
"You might be able to execute this pretty, beautiful move, but it's the in-between stuff that looks like crap. That's actually, Ariya Daivari is in WWE right now and he told us the guys on 205 Live do all the pretty stuff, but their in-between sucks sometimes and when they get back through the curtain, that's what they're hearing. They're not hearing, 'oh, that move you did was fantastic.' They're hearing, 'man, your rear chinlock sucked,' 'your punches suck,' 'your forearms suck.'"
How does "Creative not have anything for them'?' It sure makes a Creative team look bad when that excuse is used.
For those who have asked where 205 Live's Gran Metallik and TJP have disappeared
to, we are told neither is injured but it's a case of WWE not having anything
for them at the moment. Rather then spend money to fly them around the country
to hang around backstage, they are being kept at home until creative works them
back into the mix.
FIRST ARO LUCHA TV TAPING THIS SUNDAY IN NASHVILLE WITH REY MYSTERIO & MORE,
Aro Lucha, the new promotion from former Impact Wrestling minority owner and
production company Aroluxe, will hold a pilot TV taping this Sunday 12/10 at
5:30 PM Central time in Nashville, TN at the Nashville Fairgrounds (aka the
former TNA Asylum) with former WWE World champion Rey Mysterio headlining an
event featuring a mix of former WWE and lucha libre talents. Tickets for the
taping begin at $21.83 for general admission.
As previously reported by many wrestling news sources, Aroluxe had been funding Impact tapings in exchange for a percentage of ownership in the company and as many news sources reported in 2016, the company was in a position to claim ownership over Impact had Dixie Carter not maintained regular payments reimbursing Aroluxe. As it turned out, Anthem Media would come in as an investor and eventually purchase Impact from Carter's company Impact Ventures LLC. That left Aroluxe out in the cold as they were not retained as Impact's production company.
Scheduled for the taping:
*Rey Mysterio & Pentagon vs Rush & John Hennigan.
*Jack Evans & Shane Helms & Maximo vs. Garza Jr & La Mascara & Daga
*MVP vs. Sammy Guevara
*Keyra & Lacey Lane vs. Vanilla Vargas & Taya
*Demus vs. Mascarita Dorada
*William McClinton (aka Willie Mack) vs. Mr. 450
Konnan has been announced as the lead writer for the project, which will be headed by Jason Brown and Ron and Don Harris of Aroluxe. Bob Rosen, who heads Impact's ring crew, is working in a similar role for Aroluxe with these tapings.
The Twitter account for Aro Lucha promises, "High-energy Lucha Libre for the entire Authentic family. Authentic stars, characters & stories. Live events & digital content. Lucha for the fans by the fans."
For ticket information to the taping, click here.
As previously reported by many wrestling news sources, Aroluxe had been funding Impact tapings in exchange for a percentage of ownership in the company and as many news sources reported in 2016, the company was in a position to claim ownership over Impact had Dixie Carter not maintained regular payments reimbursing Aroluxe. As it turned out, Anthem Media would come in as an investor and eventually purchase Impact from Carter's company Impact Ventures LLC. That left Aroluxe out in the cold as they were not retained as Impact's production company.
Scheduled for the taping:
*Rey Mysterio & Pentagon vs Rush & John Hennigan.
*Jack Evans & Shane Helms & Maximo vs. Garza Jr & La Mascara & Daga
*MVP vs. Sammy Guevara
*Keyra & Lacey Lane vs. Vanilla Vargas & Taya
*Demus vs. Mascarita Dorada
*William McClinton (aka Willie Mack) vs. Mr. 450
Konnan has been announced as the lead writer for the project, which will be headed by Jason Brown and Ron and Don Harris of Aroluxe. Bob Rosen, who heads Impact's ring crew, is working in a similar role for Aroluxe with these tapings.
The Twitter account for Aro Lucha promises, "High-energy Lucha Libre for the entire Authentic family. Authentic stars, characters & stories. Live events & digital content. Lucha for the fans by the fans."
For ticket information to the taping, click here.
D'Amore was ALREADY the Senior booker, DUH! SCOTT D'AMORE, DON CALLIS HIRED AS SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM FOR IMPACT WRESTLING
Impact Wrestling issued the following press release moments ago, announcing
that Scott D'Amore and Don Callis have been hired as Executive Vice Presidents
of the company. D'Amore has been working closely with Ed Nordholm in recent
months and has effectively filled the position that Jeff Jarrett previously
held.
it was first broke that Callis would be coming to work for Impact Wrestling. Initially, the plan had been for him to start in November but his contract had not been completed. Interesting to note that today's press release states that he will retain his position as announcer for New Japan Pro Wrestling. New Japan had been planning for Callis' departure and had several possible replacements in mind, so it will be interesting to see if Callis actually does remain, long term.
The official announcement reads:
IMPACT Wrestling Hires Senior Executive Team
TORONTO – Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions LLC, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.and parent company of IMPACT Wrestling, announced today that Don Callis and Scott D’Amore have joined the company as Executive Vice Presidents. Reporting to Ed Nordholm, President of the Company, they will form a 3-member Executive Committee with overall responsibility for developing the creative direction for the Company and managing the execution of the Company’s business plan.
Don Callis has built a critically acclaimed 15-year career in the wrestling business as a performer, color commentator and writer for WWF, ECW and TNA. After retiring from wrestling in 2004, he obtained an MBA and established another successful career in international business. Callis recently returned to the world he loves and is now the color commentator for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (a role that he will retain) and co-hosts the hit podcast “Killing the Town” on The Jericho Network.
Scott D'Amore has held just about every position in the wrestling industry, including performer, trainer, promoter, writer and producer. D’Amore is an IMPACT Wrestling original, having been with the company from its early days in the Asylum until his departure in 2010. In his time away from the organization, D’Amore applied his entrepreneurial spirit to transform The D'Amore Group from a family-run construction company into a multi-faceted real estate development company. He has kept his hand in the industry, running Border City Wrestling in Windsor in collaboration with the Entertainment Technology program at St. Clair College. He also owns and operates Can-Am Wrestling, a successful professional wrestling training facility that has produced numerous top talents in the wrestling industry today.
”I am excited that Don and Scott have made this commitment to the Company,” said Ed Nordholm, president of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. “The 50 years of experience and success in the wrestling industry brought by Don and Scott, combined with the global media, marketing, sales and financial expertise of Anthem, provide the management depth and expertise that will propel IMPACT Wrestling to greater success as we continue to expand our footprint, embrace digital opportunities and grow the brand
it was first broke that Callis would be coming to work for Impact Wrestling. Initially, the plan had been for him to start in November but his contract had not been completed. Interesting to note that today's press release states that he will retain his position as announcer for New Japan Pro Wrestling. New Japan had been planning for Callis' departure and had several possible replacements in mind, so it will be interesting to see if Callis actually does remain, long term.
The official announcement reads:
IMPACT Wrestling Hires Senior Executive Team
TORONTO – Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions LLC, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.and parent company of IMPACT Wrestling, announced today that Don Callis and Scott D’Amore have joined the company as Executive Vice Presidents. Reporting to Ed Nordholm, President of the Company, they will form a 3-member Executive Committee with overall responsibility for developing the creative direction for the Company and managing the execution of the Company’s business plan.
Don Callis has built a critically acclaimed 15-year career in the wrestling business as a performer, color commentator and writer for WWF, ECW and TNA. After retiring from wrestling in 2004, he obtained an MBA and established another successful career in international business. Callis recently returned to the world he loves and is now the color commentator for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (a role that he will retain) and co-hosts the hit podcast “Killing the Town” on The Jericho Network.
Scott D'Amore has held just about every position in the wrestling industry, including performer, trainer, promoter, writer and producer. D’Amore is an IMPACT Wrestling original, having been with the company from its early days in the Asylum until his departure in 2010. In his time away from the organization, D’Amore applied his entrepreneurial spirit to transform The D'Amore Group from a family-run construction company into a multi-faceted real estate development company. He has kept his hand in the industry, running Border City Wrestling in Windsor in collaboration with the Entertainment Technology program at St. Clair College. He also owns and operates Can-Am Wrestling, a successful professional wrestling training facility that has produced numerous top talents in the wrestling industry today.
”I am excited that Don and Scott have made this commitment to the Company,” said Ed Nordholm, president of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. “The 50 years of experience and success in the wrestling industry brought by Don and Scott, combined with the global media, marketing, sales and financial expertise of Anthem, provide the management depth and expertise that will propel IMPACT Wrestling to greater success as we continue to expand our footprint, embrace digital opportunities and grow the brand
NorCal Hall of Fame 2017 Showcase
Streamed live on Dec 3, 2017
One night a year, NorCal wrestling promotions all come together to induct the newest members of the Hall of Fame and put on a show for the men who paved the way for them to step into the ring.
-- Roland Alexander Memorial Battle Royal
-- Wrestling For Charity Heavyweight Title
-- Best of the West & CenCal Pro Tag Team Title
-- Gold Rush Pro Wrestling Showcase
-- Pro Wrestling Bushido TV Title
-- Supreme Pro Wrestling Showcase
-- East Bay Pro Wrestling Championship
-- All Pro Wrestling Gym Wars Original Main Event
-- Roland Alexander Memorial Battle Royal
-- Wrestling For Charity Heavyweight Title
-- Best of the West & CenCal Pro Tag Team Title
-- Gold Rush Pro Wrestling Showcase
-- Pro Wrestling Bushido TV Title
-- Supreme Pro Wrestling Showcase
-- East Bay Pro Wrestling Championship
-- All Pro Wrestling Gym Wars Original Main Event
Have to get my fix of Fight Pro Wrestling Episode in, so here's the latest show right here.
Published on Dec 3, 2017
Mac Mayhem takes on Adam Ugly while Sicend challenges Ricky Reyes. The main event sees Killian McMurphy vs Shawn Blaze in a Technical Division match. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwInwc0fM5E
Watch PWInsider, Meltzer, Torch,etc play catch to me again on this. NWA suspends Jocephus after injuring NWA Worlds Champion Tim Storm
Published on Dec 4, 2017
The aftermath of the Jocephus vs. Tim Storm Match saw a vicious assault on the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion by the crazed Jocephus. The stipulation for the match called for no outside interference or weapons. In a hard fought victory, Tim Storm successfully fought back the challenge of Jocephus. Second after the bell rang, Jocephus assaulted Tim Storm and used a ladder to injure the ribs of the champion.
This breaking news bulletin just released by the NWA reveals the decision made by William Patrick Corgan as it announces the ramifications of this attack and the fallout. Both sides were reached out to for comment and also the status of Tim Storm’s next scheduled appearance at CZW is covered.
This breaking news bulletin just released by the NWA reveals the decision made by William Patrick Corgan as it announces the ramifications of this attack and the fallout. Both sides were reached out to for comment and also the status of Tim Storm’s next scheduled appearance at CZW is covered.
Monday, December 4, 2017
Indy things (with some remarks thrown in)
Hoosier Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Columbus, IN before 180 fans: Ace Jackson d Tim Lutz, Echo the Clown b Scarecrow, Vic the Bruiser b Omega Pitbull-DQ Butcher Manson b Buck Sexton, Bambino Family b Fireball & Prime, Kenny Cage b Dynamite Dillen to win the HPW title. Next show is 1/6.
Smash Wrestling from yesterday in Toronto: Allie b Gail Kim(So much for her 'retirement', lol) , Rosemary b Mercedes Martinez, Cheerleader Melissa b Xandra Bale, Alexis Nicole b Jordynne Grace, Jewels Malone b Samantha Heights, Kaitlin Diemoind b Gisele Shaw, Veda Scott b Danyah. This was the annual USA vs. Canada show. It came down to Allie vs. Kim with Aliie winning. After Kim lost she asked Allie to represent Canada on the show next year. Grace was given an award for best breakout performer. Shaw looked like she had WWE potential. (Like that's something to brag about knowing how lame WWE has been).
ACPW from Saturday night in Wellington, NZ: Brook Duncan b Taylor Adams, Falcon Kid won four-way over T-Rex, Chad Howard and Liam Fury, Ashlee Spencer b Britanay, Jade Priest b Fury, Kane Kahn & JK Moody b Michael Richards & Mason Daniels, Marcus Kool b Shane Sinclair, Jonah Rock b Paul Sayres.
Cleveland Knights Pro Wrestling announced that their 2/9 show featuring Eric Bischoff will be live on FITE TV for $15. ($15.00 just for a show with Bischoff as a 'big name'? fuck that).
CZW on Saturday night at Rastelli's Complex in Sewell, NJ for the Cage of death show headlined by Rickey Shane Page vs. Shane Strickland vs. Joe Gacy in the cage of death, Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier vs. Nate Carter & Dave McCall vs. Alex Reynolds & Matt Palmer vs. Dave & Jake Crist, Jimmy Havoc vs. Jimmy Jacobs, Matt Tremont vs. Jimmy Lloyd in a thumbtacks massacre match and David Starr vs. Ethan Page. NWA champion Tim Storm also appears and they are doing a Toys for Tots drive at the show.
Smash Wrestling from yesterday in Toronto: Allie b Gail Kim(So much for her 'retirement', lol) , Rosemary b Mercedes Martinez, Cheerleader Melissa b Xandra Bale, Alexis Nicole b Jordynne Grace, Jewels Malone b Samantha Heights, Kaitlin Diemoind b Gisele Shaw, Veda Scott b Danyah. This was the annual USA vs. Canada show. It came down to Allie vs. Kim with Aliie winning. After Kim lost she asked Allie to represent Canada on the show next year. Grace was given an award for best breakout performer. Shaw looked like she had WWE potential. (Like that's something to brag about knowing how lame WWE has been).
ACPW from Saturday night in Wellington, NZ: Brook Duncan b Taylor Adams, Falcon Kid won four-way over T-Rex, Chad Howard and Liam Fury, Ashlee Spencer b Britanay, Jade Priest b Fury, Kane Kahn & JK Moody b Michael Richards & Mason Daniels, Marcus Kool b Shane Sinclair, Jonah Rock b Paul Sayres.
Cleveland Knights Pro Wrestling announced that their 2/9 show featuring Eric Bischoff will be live on FITE TV for $15. ($15.00 just for a show with Bischoff as a 'big name'? fuck that).
CZW on Saturday night at Rastelli's Complex in Sewell, NJ for the Cage of death show headlined by Rickey Shane Page vs. Shane Strickland vs. Joe Gacy in the cage of death, Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier vs. Nate Carter & Dave McCall vs. Alex Reynolds & Matt Palmer vs. Dave & Jake Crist, Jimmy Havoc vs. Jimmy Jacobs, Matt Tremont vs. Jimmy Lloyd in a thumbtacks massacre match and David Starr vs. Ethan Page. NWA champion Tim Storm also appears and they are doing a Toys for Tots drive at the show.
News On A Top Impact Star Asking For Their Release (Spoiler On Thursday's Impact Included
As I posted here, Squared Circle Sirens that Laurel Van Ness had reportedly requested her release from Impact. Van Ness was still under contract as of Friday morning but it was believed that officials would be granting the release soon.
The former WWE Tough Enough competitor, who dates Zack Ryder, will win the Knockouts title on the Impact Wrestling episode that airs this coming Thursday night.
Various sources reported that Van Ness requested her release on the same night that she won the title at the recent set of TV tapings. Van Ness agreed that she should have told them about wanting to leave earlier in the tapings, before they gave her the title. It's likely that the company wants her to drop the title before granting the release. It's believed the release will be granted once she drops the title.
Various sources reported that Van Ness requested her release on the same night that she won the title at the recent set of TV tapings. Van Ness agreed that she should have told them about wanting to leave earlier in the tapings, before they gave her the title. It's likely that the company wants her to drop the title before granting the release. It's believed the release will be granted once she drops the title.
EVOLVE VS. FLO UPDATE, FITE TV CARRYING EVOLVE iPPVS THIS WEEKEND AND MORE
Although this was expected as soon as Flosports filed their amended lawsuit
against WWNLive, WWN's attempts to have the lawsuit thrown out were rejected by
the court on 11/30. They will be able to argue their points again, once they
specifically respond to the amended version of the suit. WWN is expected to
file a counter-suit.
Interesting to note that despite being shut down, the Floslam website has not been updated to reflect that the service is done. In a podcast he recorded after being let go by the service, writer Brent Brookhouse admitted that he had tried in vain to get management to drop the price point of the service and attempted to find other promotions for the service to work with after they cut ties with WWNLive, but management would never sign off on anything. Brookhouse admitted that after the WWN lawsuit was filed by Flosports, there was nothing, from a fan's perspective, that he would have wanted to subscribe to the service for, gave management options to fix things and basically was hired to do one job and trapped doing another.
In a story that completely infuriated some people listening to the podcast, Brookhouse stated that he was preparing to drive three hours to EVOLVE's events to cover them for the service when he began getting messages from fans asking about the lawsuit Flosports had filed days before - so the service didn't even inform their point person in charge of creating content for the service about the lawsuit before it broke publicly. That basically meant Flosports would have been putting Brookhouse into a position to drive three hours and then walk into a show where he would have been seen as the "enemy" from the company that was now suing WWNLive, without any knowledge of the situation. In the end, Brookhouse was told not to attend the shows (as Flosports decided to pull EVOLVE's live streams hours before they went on the air) but the fact that no one thought to inform him privately is WCW-level ridiculousness.
What really angered some people, was hearing Brookhouse recount that he learned the platform was shut down when people began contacting after hearing the reports via Twitter. So, the guy (who has one young child and another baby on the way) found out he was fired from a job that sought him out from social media, well before he was able to actually get someone from the actual company to give him the respect of telling him what was going on. Actually, that sounds worse than even the worst WCW stupidity, but what should I expect from a company that responded to an email from me asking what they intended to do to replace WWNLive content so people didn't cancel their subs by actually CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION instead of responding to the question.
Gabe Sapolsky has continued to work backstage at WWE NXT TV tapings, so if anyone expected that lawsuit to have a ripple effect on WWN's relationship with WWE, that has not happened.
WWN's EVOLVE promotion has a pair of events this weekend, both of which will air on The Fite App, which you can download for free for your cell phone or mobile device by clicking here. Fite can be streamed from your phone to Samsung Smart TVs and recently debuted a Roku channel as well. The app is HIGHLY recommended by yours truly and is free to download as well with tons of weekly free programming, including ROH's weekly TV series, Booker T's Reality of Wrestling and more.
EVOLVE returns to Queens, NY this Friday 12/9 with WWNLive champion Keith Lee defending against WALTER, Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi in a bout where they can be no rope breaks, EVOLVE Tag Team champions Jaka & Tracy Williams vs. James Drake & Anthony Henry, EVOLVE champion Zack Sabre Jr. vs. DJZ, Darby Allin vs. Austin Theory, AR Fox vs. Jason Kincaid, plus Jarek 1:20, Shane Mercer, Stephen Wolf, Joey Lynch. William Regal will be signing at the event as he's in town to do a seminar the day before for the company.
Sunday's 12/10 Melrose, MA event will feature EVOLVE champion Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Jaka, Matt Riddle vs. WALTER, WWN Champion Keith Lee vs. Tracy Williams with Stokely Hathaway vs. Darby Allin in a non-title bout, FIP champion Fred Yehi vs. Austin Theory, AR Fox vs. DJ Z, Jason Kincaid vs. Jarek 1:20 plus James Drake, Anthony Henry, Shane Mercer, Stephen Wolf and Brandon Watts (who is awesome) appearing. The idea is that Watts is getting a tryout match, which I am actually offended hearing, even if it's a storyline as that guy is an asset to any promoter smart enough to book him.
Daisuke Sekimoto will be coming in from Japan to work for the WWNLive umbrella events in New Orleans. He's pretty awesome.
Interesting to note that despite being shut down, the Floslam website has not been updated to reflect that the service is done. In a podcast he recorded after being let go by the service, writer Brent Brookhouse admitted that he had tried in vain to get management to drop the price point of the service and attempted to find other promotions for the service to work with after they cut ties with WWNLive, but management would never sign off on anything. Brookhouse admitted that after the WWN lawsuit was filed by Flosports, there was nothing, from a fan's perspective, that he would have wanted to subscribe to the service for, gave management options to fix things and basically was hired to do one job and trapped doing another.
In a story that completely infuriated some people listening to the podcast, Brookhouse stated that he was preparing to drive three hours to EVOLVE's events to cover them for the service when he began getting messages from fans asking about the lawsuit Flosports had filed days before - so the service didn't even inform their point person in charge of creating content for the service about the lawsuit before it broke publicly. That basically meant Flosports would have been putting Brookhouse into a position to drive three hours and then walk into a show where he would have been seen as the "enemy" from the company that was now suing WWNLive, without any knowledge of the situation. In the end, Brookhouse was told not to attend the shows (as Flosports decided to pull EVOLVE's live streams hours before they went on the air) but the fact that no one thought to inform him privately is WCW-level ridiculousness.
What really angered some people, was hearing Brookhouse recount that he learned the platform was shut down when people began contacting after hearing the reports via Twitter. So, the guy (who has one young child and another baby on the way) found out he was fired from a job that sought him out from social media, well before he was able to actually get someone from the actual company to give him the respect of telling him what was going on. Actually, that sounds worse than even the worst WCW stupidity, but what should I expect from a company that responded to an email from me asking what they intended to do to replace WWNLive content so people didn't cancel their subs by actually CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION instead of responding to the question.
Gabe Sapolsky has continued to work backstage at WWE NXT TV tapings, so if anyone expected that lawsuit to have a ripple effect on WWN's relationship with WWE, that has not happened.
WWN's EVOLVE promotion has a pair of events this weekend, both of which will air on The Fite App, which you can download for free for your cell phone or mobile device by clicking here. Fite can be streamed from your phone to Samsung Smart TVs and recently debuted a Roku channel as well. The app is HIGHLY recommended by yours truly and is free to download as well with tons of weekly free programming, including ROH's weekly TV series, Booker T's Reality of Wrestling and more.
EVOLVE returns to Queens, NY this Friday 12/9 with WWNLive champion Keith Lee defending against WALTER, Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi in a bout where they can be no rope breaks, EVOLVE Tag Team champions Jaka & Tracy Williams vs. James Drake & Anthony Henry, EVOLVE champion Zack Sabre Jr. vs. DJZ, Darby Allin vs. Austin Theory, AR Fox vs. Jason Kincaid, plus Jarek 1:20, Shane Mercer, Stephen Wolf, Joey Lynch. William Regal will be signing at the event as he's in town to do a seminar the day before for the company.
Sunday's 12/10 Melrose, MA event will feature EVOLVE champion Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Jaka, Matt Riddle vs. WALTER, WWN Champion Keith Lee vs. Tracy Williams with Stokely Hathaway vs. Darby Allin in a non-title bout, FIP champion Fred Yehi vs. Austin Theory, AR Fox vs. DJ Z, Jason Kincaid vs. Jarek 1:20 plus James Drake, Anthony Henry, Shane Mercer, Stephen Wolf and Brandon Watts (who is awesome) appearing. The idea is that Watts is getting a tryout match, which I am actually offended hearing, even if it's a storyline as that guy is an asset to any promoter smart enough to book him.
Daisuke Sekimoto will be coming in from Japan to work for the WWNLive umbrella events in New Orleans. He's pretty awesome.
KONNAN GONE FROM CRASH LUCHA LIBRE
The Tijuana, Mexico-based Crash Lucha Libre promotion announced today that
Konnan, who had been working as a booker and head of creative for the company,
was gone from the company.
We are told that Konnan was let go this past Thursday following a locker room meeting and the decision to announce it today was to not distract from the promotion's events over this past weekend in Mexico. Konnan had joined the promotion after he and AAA fell out of favor, sparking a lot of talent to move to Crash and leading the promotion to running more events outside of Tijuana on a regular basis.
The promotion issued the following statement to PWInsider.com this morning after we requested comment in an attempt to confirm the story:
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 not announce that Carlos Santiago Espada "Konnan", will no longer be working with The Crash.
We thank him for the time and support and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
We will be announcing the dates for 2018 with the best matches and our debut in the United States.
We are told a Spanish-language version of the statement was issued to media in Mexico this morning as well.
Politically, it should be interesting to see what this means for Crash Lucha Libre's working relationship with Impact Wrestling, especially since Konnan is a regular for Impact as part of the LAX faction.
Konnan was recently announced as the head writer for the Aro Lucha promotion out of Nashville, TN, a position we are told Impact Wrestling has given him permission to pursue. One would have expected that Konnan would have been the conduit to bring Crash talents in for that group, which is taping a TV pilot this Sunday 12/10 in Nashville, TN. Whether this exit changes that remains to be seen as well.
Crash Lucha Libre is slated to run New Orleans over Wrestlemania 34 weekend in April 2018 as part of Wrestlecon. It should be interesting to see how much of their plans going forward change with Konnan's dismissal.
Konnan has not, as of yet, commented on his departure and was retweeting fans' comments about Crash's weekend events as if he was still associated with the company
We are told that Konnan was let go this past Thursday following a locker room meeting and the decision to announce it today was to not distract from the promotion's events over this past weekend in Mexico. Konnan had joined the promotion after he and AAA fell out of favor, sparking a lot of talent to move to Crash and leading the promotion to running more events outside of Tijuana on a regular basis.
The promotion issued the following statement to PWInsider.com this morning after we requested comment in an attempt to confirm the story:
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 not announce that Carlos Santiago Espada "Konnan", will no longer be working with The Crash.
We thank him for the time and support and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
We will be announcing the dates for 2018 with the best matches and our debut in the United States.
We are told a Spanish-language version of the statement was issued to media in Mexico this morning as well.
Politically, it should be interesting to see what this means for Crash Lucha Libre's working relationship with Impact Wrestling, especially since Konnan is a regular for Impact as part of the LAX faction.
Konnan was recently announced as the head writer for the Aro Lucha promotion out of Nashville, TN, a position we are told Impact Wrestling has given him permission to pursue. One would have expected that Konnan would have been the conduit to bring Crash talents in for that group, which is taping a TV pilot this Sunday 12/10 in Nashville, TN. Whether this exit changes that remains to be seen as well.
Crash Lucha Libre is slated to run New Orleans over Wrestlemania 34 weekend in April 2018 as part of Wrestlecon. It should be interesting to see how much of their plans going forward change with Konnan's dismissal.
Konnan has not, as of yet, commented on his departure and was retweeting fans' comments about Crash's weekend events as if he was still associated with the company
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Wrestlecade Fan Fest Special - Mick Foley, Christian, Jim Cornette, Al Snow
Title Match host Kevin Kelly (http://twitter.com/realkevinkelly) grabbed these exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names at Wrestlecade Fan Fest! This event happened over Thanksgiving weekend in Winston-Salem, NC. Hear from stars like Mick Foley, Christian, Jim Cornette, Al Snow, Kevin Sullivan, Shane Helms, Midnight Express, Gillberg, Kikutaru & many many more! Big thank you to our amazing host Kevin Kelly as well as Wrestlecade for another tremendous weekend in Winston-Salem, NC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkOYRhc9swQ
Let me go and again beat PWInsider,Meltzer, etc with this. NWA – Tim Storm vs. Jocephus – Championship Wrestling From Hollywood 12/3/17
It starts at the 4 1/2 minute mark. Why? Have no idea but that's where it starts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOGLOzuwXW4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOGLOzuwXW4
Some more Indy Wrestling stuff..
PCW Ultra from Friday night in Wilmington, CA before about 600 fans: Graves b Brody King, Hammerstone NC Brian Cage, Ethan Page b Kikutaro, ACH b Mecha Wolf, Jacob Fatu b Willie Mack, Douglas James b Zack Sabre Jr. to keep the light heavyweight title, Warbeast Josef b Sandman, Penta 0M b John Hennigan (Morrison) to win the PCW title but Hennigan laid him out with a belt shot after the match. Stan Hansen was there as a guest. Terry Funk was scheduled to wrestle but pulled out due to what they said was an illness in his family. Davey Richards also wasn't there. Great Muta was announced for the next show on 1/19.
House of Hardcore from last night in Waukesha, WI: Guido Maritato b Nick Cutler MVP b Jay Bradley, Nick Aldis b Carlito, Bull James won over Curt Stallion, Connor Braxton and Arik Cannon, Willie Mack b Brian Cage, Al Snow & Swoggle b The Squad World Order (Mikey & Kenny of the Sprit Squad), Abyss b Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore match with a black hole slam into thumbtacks, Candice Michelle b Lisa Marie Varon, Austin Aries b Joey Mercury with help from Dreamer in a ref shirt after Shane Douglas threw a chain to Mercury to hit Aries. They mentioned the next show was 1/26 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena on Twitch.
Best of the West returns to local TV in Fresno on 1/7 in a Sunday at 10 a.m. time slot on KAIL TV 53. They are taping on 12/16 at Fresno City College at 6 P.M. with Eli Drake vs Karl Fredericks. Lucha Xtreme TV is doing a TV taping on 12/17 with a free holiday show and food drive at the Long Field Center in Hanford, CA at 3 p.m with free admission with two canned food items for the local canned food drive for the Hanford food bank.
AWS from last night in South Gate, CA: Joey Ryan b Twisted Tate, Ray Rosas & Peter Avalon b SoCal Crazy & Mariachi Loco to win tag titles Mercedes Martinez & Priscilla Kelly & Cheerleader Melissa b Delilah Doom & Deonna Purrazzo & Chelsea Green, Ariel Monroe won Battle Royal, Jake Atlas b B-Boy, Lufisto & Jordynne Grace b Ruby Raze & Sage Sin, Body King b Papadon, Toni Storm b Dust, Shotzi Blackheart b Rosemary, Tyler Bateman b Big Daddy Tito in falls count anywhere, Kris Wolf b Nicole Savoy to win the AWS women's title. Green flew out after the show with no sleep for a show today in Belleville, MI.
House of Hardcore from last night in Waukesha, WI: Guido Maritato b Nick Cutler MVP b Jay Bradley, Nick Aldis b Carlito, Bull James won over Curt Stallion, Connor Braxton and Arik Cannon, Willie Mack b Brian Cage, Al Snow & Swoggle b The Squad World Order (Mikey & Kenny of the Sprit Squad), Abyss b Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore match with a black hole slam into thumbtacks, Candice Michelle b Lisa Marie Varon, Austin Aries b Joey Mercury with help from Dreamer in a ref shirt after Shane Douglas threw a chain to Mercury to hit Aries. They mentioned the next show was 1/26 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena on Twitch.
Best of the West returns to local TV in Fresno on 1/7 in a Sunday at 10 a.m. time slot on KAIL TV 53. They are taping on 12/16 at Fresno City College at 6 P.M. with Eli Drake vs Karl Fredericks. Lucha Xtreme TV is doing a TV taping on 12/17 with a free holiday show and food drive at the Long Field Center in Hanford, CA at 3 p.m with free admission with two canned food items for the local canned food drive for the Hanford food bank.
AWS from last night in South Gate, CA: Joey Ryan b Twisted Tate, Ray Rosas & Peter Avalon b SoCal Crazy & Mariachi Loco to win tag titles Mercedes Martinez & Priscilla Kelly & Cheerleader Melissa b Delilah Doom & Deonna Purrazzo & Chelsea Green, Ariel Monroe won Battle Royal, Jake Atlas b B-Boy, Lufisto & Jordynne Grace b Ruby Raze & Sage Sin, Body King b Papadon, Toni Storm b Dust, Shotzi Blackheart b Rosemary, Tyler Bateman b Big Daddy Tito in falls count anywhere, Kris Wolf b Nicole Savoy to win the AWS women's title. Green flew out after the show with no sleep for a show today in Belleville, MI.
All sorts of Indy Wrestling stuff for you...
Northeast Wrestling from Friday night in Waterbury, CT: Adrenaline Rush won over Amazing Graysons, Battle Brothers and Ron Zombie & Bull Dredd, Josh Briggs b Punishment Martinez, Casey Katal b Kaitlim Diemond, Cam Zagami b Jake Manning, Adrenaline Rush won the tag titles in a ladder match over Vinny Marseglia & TK O'Ryan, and The Now, Wrecking Ball Legursky b Jack Swagger, Flip Gordon won the NEW title in a three-way over Cody Rhodes and Brad Hollister. Rhodes had been champion. Vik Dalishus injured his leg or ankle and had to leave the ladder match early.
AAW from last night in LaSalle, IL before 375 fans: Allysin Kay (Sienna in Impact) b Samantha Heights, AR Fox won three-way over Myron Reed and Sammy Guevera, Matt Riddle d ACH 15:00 (best match on show), Trey Miguel & Stephen Wolf won over Dave & Jake Crist, Devin & Mason Cutter and Paco & Ace Perry, Trevor Lee NC Hurricane Helms, Trevor Lee & David Starr b Hurricane Helms & Jimmy Jacobs, Jake Something won six-way over CJ Esparza, Brett Gakiya, Cody Rice, Mike Hartenbower, Kobe Durst and Brubaker, DJZ b Ethan Page to keep the Heritage title, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Keith Lee & Sean Strickland to keep the tag titles in an excellent match, Jessicka Havok won an eimination match over Rachael Ellering and Ivelisse to become the first AAW women's champion. Kay challenged Havok after the match.
Next AAW show is 132/30 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Michael Elgin vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, Eddie Kingston vs. David Starr plus Sean Waltman, Sami Callihan, AR Fox, Penta 0M and more.
Rise on Friday night in South Gate, CA: Maritz Janett & Hyannis b Trixie Trash & Willow Nightmare, Deonna Purrazzo b Kylie, Priscilla Kelly won over Chelsea Green, ACR and Ayokha, Cheerleader Melissa b Kikyo-DQ when Bull Nakano attacked, LuFisto b Dust, Taya Valkyrie & Andrew Everett & Heather Monroe & Penelope Ford b Jimmy Jacobs & Sage Sin & Ruby Raze & Savanna Evans (Taya beat Jacobs in the last elimination), Nicole Savoy b Ariel Monroe, Kris Wolf b Shotzi Blackheart with help from Nakano and Madusa did a promo on Nakano after, Toni Storm b Mercedes Martinez to retain the World of Stardom title, Delilah Doom b Rosemary in a cage match to keep the Phoenix of Rise title. Main event was a bloody match.
Rise on Saturday in South Gate, CA: Dust b Willow Nighingale, Deonna Purrazzo b Chelsea Green, Mercedes Martinez b Kris Wolf, Toni Storm b Shotzi Blackheart.
Rise announced a show in Chicago with a team captained by Bull Nakano against a team captained by Madusa. It looks like a six-woman's match with the captains cornering them.
XICW on 12/10 in Warren, MI at Hot Rock Sports Bar in a benefit for the Gleaners Community Food Bank. Admission is $5 or five canned goods....
AAW from last night in LaSalle, IL before 375 fans: Allysin Kay (Sienna in Impact) b Samantha Heights, AR Fox won three-way over Myron Reed and Sammy Guevera, Matt Riddle d ACH 15:00 (best match on show), Trey Miguel & Stephen Wolf won over Dave & Jake Crist, Devin & Mason Cutter and Paco & Ace Perry, Trevor Lee NC Hurricane Helms, Trevor Lee & David Starr b Hurricane Helms & Jimmy Jacobs, Jake Something won six-way over CJ Esparza, Brett Gakiya, Cody Rice, Mike Hartenbower, Kobe Durst and Brubaker, DJZ b Ethan Page to keep the Heritage title, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett b Keith Lee & Sean Strickland to keep the tag titles in an excellent match, Jessicka Havok won an eimination match over Rachael Ellering and Ivelisse to become the first AAW women's champion. Kay challenged Havok after the match.
Next AAW show is 132/30 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Michael Elgin vs. Rey Fenix for the AAW title, Eddie Kingston vs. David Starr plus Sean Waltman, Sami Callihan, AR Fox, Penta 0M and more.
Rise on Friday night in South Gate, CA: Maritz Janett & Hyannis b Trixie Trash & Willow Nightmare, Deonna Purrazzo b Kylie, Priscilla Kelly won over Chelsea Green, ACR and Ayokha, Cheerleader Melissa b Kikyo-DQ when Bull Nakano attacked, LuFisto b Dust, Taya Valkyrie & Andrew Everett & Heather Monroe & Penelope Ford b Jimmy Jacobs & Sage Sin & Ruby Raze & Savanna Evans (Taya beat Jacobs in the last elimination), Nicole Savoy b Ariel Monroe, Kris Wolf b Shotzi Blackheart with help from Nakano and Madusa did a promo on Nakano after, Toni Storm b Mercedes Martinez to retain the World of Stardom title, Delilah Doom b Rosemary in a cage match to keep the Phoenix of Rise title. Main event was a bloody match.
Rise on Saturday in South Gate, CA: Dust b Willow Nighingale, Deonna Purrazzo b Chelsea Green, Mercedes Martinez b Kris Wolf, Toni Storm b Shotzi Blackheart.
Rise announced a show in Chicago with a team captained by Bull Nakano against a team captained by Madusa. It looks like a six-woman's match with the captains cornering them.
XICW on 12/10 in Warren, MI at Hot Rock Sports Bar in a benefit for the Gleaners Community Food Bank. Admission is $5 or five canned goods....
Where it took PWInsider 2 days, it's taken Dave Meltzer 3 DAYS to catch up... LOL!
Hope Impact Wrestling isn't expecting a percentage for the booking. Matt Sydal misses BCW events, promotion calls him out for not returning his booking deposit
Matt Sydal did not appear at two British Championship Wrestling events as advertised over the weekend and the promotion has gone public with his refusal to return his portion of a $1,500 booking deposit. Sydal’s booking agent Bill Behrens returned his $300 portion of the deposit and the thus the promotion claims Sydal owes $1,2000.
The promotion ran the response that Sydal gave them when they asked for their deposit back. “A deposit is a deposit,” Sydal wrote. “It’s so that you can announce and promote me and sell tickets, which you did. I made every effort reasonable to make the show. I let you know as soon as there was an issue and I never intended to make your life so challenging. I don’t have $ to buy myself a ticket. I tried to work with British Airways but they were no help and neither were you. I would have loved to make the shows and collect my pay days. But you get to keep those. I would apply the deposit towards another show which is what reasonable people do.” Follow the promotion online at Twitter.com/bcwofficial.
In the past when members of the TNA/GFW/Impact Wrestling roster take an indy booking TNA?GFW/Impact gets a percentage of it. So maybe if you want to keep your good name (and still get future indy bookings) just send the fucking money back, cheap ass.
The promotion ran the response that Sydal gave them when they asked for their deposit back. “A deposit is a deposit,” Sydal wrote. “It’s so that you can announce and promote me and sell tickets, which you did. I made every effort reasonable to make the show. I let you know as soon as there was an issue and I never intended to make your life so challenging. I don’t have $ to buy myself a ticket. I tried to work with British Airways but they were no help and neither were you. I would have loved to make the shows and collect my pay days. But you get to keep those. I would apply the deposit towards another show which is what reasonable people do.” Follow the promotion online at Twitter.com/bcwofficial.
In the past when members of the TNA/GFW/Impact Wrestling roster take an indy booking TNA?GFW/Impact gets a percentage of it. So maybe if you want to keep your good name (and still get future indy bookings) just send the fucking money back, cheap ass.
Sami Callihan On Why He Requested WWE Release, Impact Negative Media, Lucha Underground Returning
Impact Wrestling star Sami Callihan, f.k.a. Solomon Crowe in WWE NXT and Jeremiah Crane in Lucha Underground, was recently interviewed by Interactive Wrestling Radio. You can check out the full interview by clicking here, they sent us these highlights.
His debut at Impact's Bound for Glory:
"It was great, man! One of the things I really pride myself on is I like to be unpredictable. You don't know when or where I'm going to show up. I can legit show up anywhere. I think that kind of adds to my aura and makes me cool."
The negative media attention towards Impact:
"Well, the first week I was there man, it is pretty bad ass. They are pretty much giving us the opportunity. I think the big thing is management hasn't always been the best. The best way I can describe it is if you were a fan of WCW back in 1992-1993 when people were running WCW that wasn't wrestling fans, that didn't know wrestling. That kind of thought, "I'm going to run this company and do what I want." I kind of attribute it to that. That kind of is where TNA (Impact) was for a while. But now, they have smart people on top. They have guys on top that were on top when TNA was at their best. Now, Scott D'Amore is helping with, majorly helping with the company. Sonjay Dutt, majorly helping with the company. Abyss, majorly helping with the company. These are guys that were helping with the company when it first was amazing. Change doesn't happen overnight. But, these guys are slowly putting plans into motion to change TNA back to what it was. Within the next year, TNA is going to totally pull a 180 and people are going to start noticing it again."
Wrestling outside of WWE:
"I think wrestling outside of WWE is the new wrestling boom. In the 80's, it was the Hogan era. In the 90's, it was the Attitude Era. In the 2000's, it was the Ruthless Agression John Cena that really peaked business again. But, now, it is independent wrestling. It is all these other companies from around the world that now have the access to the fans through the Internet, through social media, and screaming devices. Right now, I truly believe that everything else is what is booming the wrestling business and is making everything better as a whole."
Being one of the first to request to leave WWE:
"I don't think I was a trendsetter. I just was... mediocrity is dead with me. I'm not complacent just sitting around collecting a paycheck. It really didn't matter about being a trendsetter. I wasn't going to jsut sit around collecting a paycheck, even though it was a very good paycheck to do nothing. I was ready to go out and show them why hired a 5'7 kid in the first place."
His take of the Lucha Underground product:
"I thought it was amazing. That is the way wrestling is going. I love that style of wrestling. I love to be in a fictitious world where zombies can exist and undead goblins, dragons, and time travelers... I love that aprt of pro wrestling. Thinking of it in a logical way, I'd like wrestling to have more in common with Game of Thrones than an actual sporting event. It doesn't change the fact that we're going out there and doing some of the coolest things on the planet and are some of the greatest athletes on the planet and can do everything in one take. But, the whole back end of it, that is the kind of wrestling that I love."
His debut at Impact's Bound for Glory:
"It was great, man! One of the things I really pride myself on is I like to be unpredictable. You don't know when or where I'm going to show up. I can legit show up anywhere. I think that kind of adds to my aura and makes me cool."
The negative media attention towards Impact:
"Well, the first week I was there man, it is pretty bad ass. They are pretty much giving us the opportunity. I think the big thing is management hasn't always been the best. The best way I can describe it is if you were a fan of WCW back in 1992-1993 when people were running WCW that wasn't wrestling fans, that didn't know wrestling. That kind of thought, "I'm going to run this company and do what I want." I kind of attribute it to that. That kind of is where TNA (Impact) was for a while. But now, they have smart people on top. They have guys on top that were on top when TNA was at their best. Now, Scott D'Amore is helping with, majorly helping with the company. Sonjay Dutt, majorly helping with the company. Abyss, majorly helping with the company. These are guys that were helping with the company when it first was amazing. Change doesn't happen overnight. But, these guys are slowly putting plans into motion to change TNA back to what it was. Within the next year, TNA is going to totally pull a 180 and people are going to start noticing it again."
Wrestling outside of WWE:
"I think wrestling outside of WWE is the new wrestling boom. In the 80's, it was the Hogan era. In the 90's, it was the Attitude Era. In the 2000's, it was the Ruthless Agression John Cena that really peaked business again. But, now, it is independent wrestling. It is all these other companies from around the world that now have the access to the fans through the Internet, through social media, and screaming devices. Right now, I truly believe that everything else is what is booming the wrestling business and is making everything better as a whole."
Being one of the first to request to leave WWE:
"I don't think I was a trendsetter. I just was... mediocrity is dead with me. I'm not complacent just sitting around collecting a paycheck. It really didn't matter about being a trendsetter. I wasn't going to jsut sit around collecting a paycheck, even though it was a very good paycheck to do nothing. I was ready to go out and show them why hired a 5'7 kid in the first place."
His take of the Lucha Underground product:
"I thought it was amazing. That is the way wrestling is going. I love that style of wrestling. I love to be in a fictitious world where zombies can exist and undead goblins, dragons, and time travelers... I love that aprt of pro wrestling. Thinking of it in a logical way, I'd like wrestling to have more in common with Game of Thrones than an actual sporting event. It doesn't change the fact that we're going out there and doing some of the coolest things on the planet and are some of the greatest athletes on the planet and can do everything in one take. But, the whole back end of it, that is the kind of wrestling that I love."
His story with Mil Muretes and if it was told as planned:
"Ivelisse broke her ankle. That was real life. People think that was part of the character. No, she broke her ankle for real. It sucks because I'm sure the story line would have went somewhere else. But, something happened in a match, she rolled her ankle real bad. She was out for the whole mid-part of the season. But, I like how it all ended up turning out. I had a really cool story line. They put a lot of faith in me."
If he will return for Lucha Underground Season 4:
"You never know, man. That's the thing about me. You never know where I'm going to be. I love to have that secrecy, that aura. Like, the Undertaker never got on social media for years upon years upon years. That is why he had such a cool aura. Sure, I have social media. I run my mouth a lot. But, I also like to be unpredictable. People don't know where I'm going to show up. One day I'm in California, the next day I'm in Maine!"
"Ivelisse broke her ankle. That was real life. People think that was part of the character. No, she broke her ankle for real. It sucks because I'm sure the story line would have went somewhere else. But, something happened in a match, she rolled her ankle real bad. She was out for the whole mid-part of the season. But, I like how it all ended up turning out. I had a really cool story line. They put a lot of faith in me."
If he will return for Lucha Underground Season 4:
"You never know, man. That's the thing about me. You never know where I'm going to be. I love to have that secrecy, that aura. Like, the Undertaker never got on social media for years upon years upon years. That is why he had such a cool aura. Sure, I have social media. I run my mouth a lot. But, I also like to be unpredictable. People don't know where I'm going to show up. One day I'm in California, the next day I'm in Maine!"
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Wish I could've went to this. I grew up on this
What, you want MORE Indy Wrestling? Fine fine, here. :) AWA Supreme Last Word Episode 9: Boston's Baddest
Published on Nov 29, 2017
On this edition, catch highlights of the Mid America Heavyweight Championship match between "Boston's Baddest" Angus Barnett and champion "Tailor Made" Roger Malcolm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nm0xcQYWN0
Tonight's Indy Wrestling feature is... Appalachian Mountain Wrestling AMW-TV: Dec 2, 2017
Published on Dec 2, 2017
Catch up on everything from our HUGE cards from Thanksgiving and Black Friday and get ready for Season's Beatings in Viper, Kentucky.
Plus, hear from all the stars of AMW and hear about an event just added to the schedule you can't miss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKj_-m78Zb8Plus, hear from all the stars of AMW and hear about an event just added to the schedule you can't miss.
Jim Cornette Farewell
From his last appearance as a manager, managing Dan Severn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sOKSDdHE0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sOKSDdHE0w
Jim Cornette on Managing for the Final Time (Dan Severn, WrestleCade 2017)
Jim talks about his final appearance as a manager (unless something he can't say no to is offered) managing Dan Severn at WrestleCade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF9Rkf3d2WU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF9Rkf3d2WU
ProWrestling.Net a day late and a dollar short, and is also playing catch up to me on this.
Damn, awesome watching the 'big boy' news sites always playing catch up to me. ProWrestling.Net took TWO DAYS (just like PWInsider) to finally get around to catching up to me.
Man these guys are some slow fucks, LOL.
https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/02/nwa-video-billy-corgan-sets-stage-tim-storm-vs-jocephus-championship-wrestling-hollywood-taping-sunday/
Man these guys are some slow fucks, LOL.
https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/02/nwa-video-billy-corgan-sets-stage-tim-storm-vs-jocephus-championship-wrestling-hollywood-taping-sunday/
Brandi Rhodes On The Pressure Of Being In The Rhodes Family
Brandi Rhodes spoke with Fansided on a number of topics in and outside of pro wrestling. Here are some of the highlights:
Ring of Honor's Women of Honor division:
"Since I've only been a part of Women of Honor for a short time, I'm going to speak to the girls that have been there for a while. Folks like Mandy Leon, Sumie [Sakai], Kelly Klein, those are the girls who really built this division and made it what it is today. And they have worked with nothing, basically, and then got it somewhere, and now are hopefully taking it other places. Then, at this point, here I am coming in and hoping to help. But I think it's definitely a testament to their talent, to their abilities and just their 'gung-ho-ness' — wanting to work with this and make it something that can stand on its own. That was the most important thing to Women of Honor, to be able to stand on their own, not to kind of coattail off of Ring of Honor. They're doing their own thing, they're not part of the Ring of Honor show. Women of Honor is its own separate sect. So, I think they've done a great job. They definitely have contoured an audience, and we'll see where we can take it from here."
The pressure of being in the Rhodes family:
"I'll say one thing, and that is that being married to Cody does not help me in any way as far as confidence goes, because he's a fantastic wrestler and he comes from a family of fantastic wrestlers. Here I am, a girl — the only girl in the bunch — and there's all this lineage to try and keep up with and push the name along in a positive way. It's a lot pressure. Of course, where it does come in handy is that, he's an amazing wrestler. So, I'm able to get in the ring with him, I'm able to bounce ideas off of him and then things that I, of course, wouldn't have available to me, I do because of him and because he loves wrestling so much. I've never had him say 'Hey, hon', I can't go with you today, I can't do this, I can't help you train.' Or if I want to learn something or I'm probably going to end up popping him in the face or something ridiculous, I've never heard him once say 'Uh, maybe we shouldn't do this today,' or 'Maybe I'm not the person to do this, someone else can show you.' He's always there and he will do whatever it takes to make me happy with what I'm learning. It's great.
If she ever spoke with Kelly Kelly (Barbie Blank) who was previously on E!'s WAGS:
"No, actually. Barbie, actually, she was friends more so with Cody than me. I really don't know Barbie very well. I was on my way in when she was on her way out. I feel like it would've been weird for me to reach out to her. I'm sure at some point we'll run into each other. I think she and Cody even trained together at [Ohio Valley Wrestling], so they've known each other for a long time, which is cool. But, I guess if there's anything I learned from Barbie and watching her on the show is, she, in my opinion, was herself, which is great. There are always going to be people who, I think, miss the mark because they try so hard to be something on a show like this, what they think other people expect them to be or whatever. I feel like the people who resonate the most are the one's who are themselves, rather than trying to be somebody they're not. And I think Barbie was herself on the show, which is why she's had success with it."
Source: Fansided
"Since I've only been a part of Women of Honor for a short time, I'm going to speak to the girls that have been there for a while. Folks like Mandy Leon, Sumie [Sakai], Kelly Klein, those are the girls who really built this division and made it what it is today. And they have worked with nothing, basically, and then got it somewhere, and now are hopefully taking it other places. Then, at this point, here I am coming in and hoping to help. But I think it's definitely a testament to their talent, to their abilities and just their 'gung-ho-ness' — wanting to work with this and make it something that can stand on its own. That was the most important thing to Women of Honor, to be able to stand on their own, not to kind of coattail off of Ring of Honor. They're doing their own thing, they're not part of the Ring of Honor show. Women of Honor is its own separate sect. So, I think they've done a great job. They definitely have contoured an audience, and we'll see where we can take it from here."
The pressure of being in the Rhodes family:
"I'll say one thing, and that is that being married to Cody does not help me in any way as far as confidence goes, because he's a fantastic wrestler and he comes from a family of fantastic wrestlers. Here I am, a girl — the only girl in the bunch — and there's all this lineage to try and keep up with and push the name along in a positive way. It's a lot pressure. Of course, where it does come in handy is that, he's an amazing wrestler. So, I'm able to get in the ring with him, I'm able to bounce ideas off of him and then things that I, of course, wouldn't have available to me, I do because of him and because he loves wrestling so much. I've never had him say 'Hey, hon', I can't go with you today, I can't do this, I can't help you train.' Or if I want to learn something or I'm probably going to end up popping him in the face or something ridiculous, I've never heard him once say 'Uh, maybe we shouldn't do this today,' or 'Maybe I'm not the person to do this, someone else can show you.' He's always there and he will do whatever it takes to make me happy with what I'm learning. It's great.
If she ever spoke with Kelly Kelly (Barbie Blank) who was previously on E!'s WAGS:
"No, actually. Barbie, actually, she was friends more so with Cody than me. I really don't know Barbie very well. I was on my way in when she was on her way out. I feel like it would've been weird for me to reach out to her. I'm sure at some point we'll run into each other. I think she and Cody even trained together at [Ohio Valley Wrestling], so they've known each other for a long time, which is cool. But, I guess if there's anything I learned from Barbie and watching her on the show is, she, in my opinion, was herself, which is great. There are always going to be people who, I think, miss the mark because they try so hard to be something on a show like this, what they think other people expect them to be or whatever. I feel like the people who resonate the most are the one's who are themselves, rather than trying to be somebody they're not. And I think Barbie was herself on the show, which is why she's had success with it."
Source: Fansided
Former WWE Women's Champion On Getting Yelled At By Lita, Injuries Ending Her WWE Career, Retirement
Candice Michelle spoke to On Milwaukee before her upcoming retirement match at House of Hardcore 36 on December 2, which will air live on Twitch. Here are some of the highlights:
When she first started with WWE, getting called out by Lita in the locker room:
"It was brutal. I remember I was in the locker room with Lita, who is very intimidating. I went to put my makeup on; I thought I took the worst spot in the locker room. I thought I was being respectful. I sat on the floor by a mirror. And she got up in my face, and she was like, 'What? Do you think you can walk in here and take the best spot in the locker room?' And I was like, 'I'm sitting on the floor!' I was considered the Hollywood girl. These wrestling girls, they paved the way of going to these indie shows and training camps and putting their bodies through this for so long. And I just come from Hollywood and show up. So I get their side of it. I had to earn the wrestling respect side of it."
How injuries ended her WWE career:
"We were coming back from a two-week European tour, and it was our last match in Nebraska before we got a break. It was a big match with me and Beth Phoenix, and I went up to the top rope for a spot where she was gonna hit the rope and I was gonna eat it. But my boot caught, and I nose dived. So I was knocked out, on live TV. The next thing I remember is waking up in the ambulance, and they said, 'Your husband's being flown in.' When you're in a neck brace, and you're in an ambulance, and they're flying your husband in, it's pretty scary. Thankfully, I just had a broken collar bone and a concussion. But the hardest part is it shelved me. I worked so hard to get that spot, and that recognition from my coworkers, and from the fans. And now I'm shelved for six months.
I think most wrestlers have a very relentless mentality. Somehow, I had to convince [Producer] Johnny Laurinaitis and the doctors there that my collarbone was not broken anymore, even though the X-rays show it was still. Somehow, I weaseled my way into a match, and the first drop kick, I shattered it. But, I finished the match. I was shelved another six months. Then I was coming back, and WrestleMania was coming up, just being in overdrive. I did a Superman punch, landed on my ankle and tore two ligaments. That was the final injury where I got the call to say, 'All right, kid. You're done.'"
Training for upcoming retirement match:
"I did training at Knox Pro Wrestling Academy, back in L.A. That first bump, woo! That s--- hurts. You forget. And my body forgot. I trained for a month and a half there a couple times a week. I cried every time I was there. Whether it was because I was in pain or because I missed it, or because of facing those spirits."
Source: On Milwaukee
"It was brutal. I remember I was in the locker room with Lita, who is very intimidating. I went to put my makeup on; I thought I took the worst spot in the locker room. I thought I was being respectful. I sat on the floor by a mirror. And she got up in my face, and she was like, 'What? Do you think you can walk in here and take the best spot in the locker room?' And I was like, 'I'm sitting on the floor!' I was considered the Hollywood girl. These wrestling girls, they paved the way of going to these indie shows and training camps and putting their bodies through this for so long. And I just come from Hollywood and show up. So I get their side of it. I had to earn the wrestling respect side of it."
How injuries ended her WWE career:
"We were coming back from a two-week European tour, and it was our last match in Nebraska before we got a break. It was a big match with me and Beth Phoenix, and I went up to the top rope for a spot where she was gonna hit the rope and I was gonna eat it. But my boot caught, and I nose dived. So I was knocked out, on live TV. The next thing I remember is waking up in the ambulance, and they said, 'Your husband's being flown in.' When you're in a neck brace, and you're in an ambulance, and they're flying your husband in, it's pretty scary. Thankfully, I just had a broken collar bone and a concussion. But the hardest part is it shelved me. I worked so hard to get that spot, and that recognition from my coworkers, and from the fans. And now I'm shelved for six months.
I think most wrestlers have a very relentless mentality. Somehow, I had to convince [Producer] Johnny Laurinaitis and the doctors there that my collarbone was not broken anymore, even though the X-rays show it was still. Somehow, I weaseled my way into a match, and the first drop kick, I shattered it. But, I finished the match. I was shelved another six months. Then I was coming back, and WrestleMania was coming up, just being in overdrive. I did a Superman punch, landed on my ankle and tore two ligaments. That was the final injury where I got the call to say, 'All right, kid. You're done.'"
Training for upcoming retirement match:
"I did training at Knox Pro Wrestling Academy, back in L.A. That first bump, woo! That s--- hurts. You forget. And my body forgot. I trained for a month and a half there a couple times a week. I cried every time I was there. Whether it was because I was in pain or because I missed it, or because of facing those spirits."
Source: On Milwaukee
Almost TWO DAYS LATER PWInsider finally catches up to me on this, two days later, LOL.
https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113939/nwa-title-returns-to-ecw-arena.html?p=1
PWInsider finally catches up me. Boy is Mike Johnson at PWInsider 'slow', LMAO!
Friday, December 1, 2017
A reader of this blog called Dave Meltzer's bluff, and Meltzer punked out.
According to Mr. Neal Meltzer has since gone very silent in replying now. Imagine that, LOL. Meltzer has his bluff card called and Meltzer folded and punked out, LOL!
Like I said before, it doesn't seem to take much to make Meltzer look like an idiot.
Tonite's Featured Indy company's latest tv show is... Reality of Wrestling TV: Episode 187
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7_Qvy_NAVw
Published on Nov 30, 2017
(Reality of Wrestling) is a wrestling promotion owned by Booker T that runs out of Houston, Texas showcasing the top unsigned talent from around the world in a weekly episodic series.
Twice today beating Meltzer, Scherer, Pwinsider, etc with.. William Patrick Corgan interview on Jocephus Confrontation and Tim Storm Match
The little blog that could beats the big boys of wrestling news sites again. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-E1TJBmeV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-E1TJBmeV4
Published on Dec 1, 2017
On Wednesday Night, William Patrick Corgan (aka Billy Corgan) was confronted by Jocephus about his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title match with Tim Storm that took place in Clarksville, TN at Tried N true Pro Wrestling. Our cameras were waiting at Corgan's recording session to capture the confrontation.
The one thing not captured during the confrontation was the audio of the meeting. After the meeting, Jocephus told his side of the story - indicating he had an NWA Worlds Championship match this Sunday in Hollywood.
Mr. Corgan (as president of the National Wrestling Alliance) sets the record straight on what was said, what the stipulation of the match is on Sunday at Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and his hopes for the content.
The one thing not captured during the confrontation was the audio of the meeting. After the meeting, Jocephus told his side of the story - indicating he had an NWA Worlds Championship match this Sunday in Hollywood.
Mr. Corgan (as president of the National Wrestling Alliance) sets the record straight on what was said, what the stipulation of the match is on Sunday at Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and his hopes for the content.
Again beating Meltzer, PWInsider, and some others with GHOSTS OF SWANSON & RITNER - NWA Ten Pounds of Gold - Episode Eight
Published on Nov 30, 2017
in 1994, the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title was thrown down moments after Shane Douglas won it at the corner of Swanson and Ritner. This was the rebel act of ECW that officially christened them Extreme Championship Wrestling. On that night, National Wrestling Alliance was declared dead by Shane Douglas. in November of 2017, NWA Worlds Champion Tim Storm carried the Ten Pounds of Gold back into the former ECW Arena (2300 Arena) by the invite of ECW Original Tommy Dreamer. This episode of Ten Pounds of Gold covers that day.
Tim Storm's journey as the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion has brought him into the limelight. With challengers like Nick Aldis and Jocephus looming, on this night at Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore - another challenger emerged. The story of the Ten Pounds of Gold and the men who have held it can not be discussed without mentioning Shane Douglas. What happened when our cameras approached Shane? What is next for the famous Ten Pounds of Gold?
Tim Storm's journey as the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion has brought him into the limelight. With challengers like Nick Aldis and Jocephus looming, on this night at Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore - another challenger emerged. The story of the Ten Pounds of Gold and the men who have held it can not be discussed without mentioning Shane Douglas. What happened when our cameras approached Shane? What is next for the famous Ten Pounds of Gold?
JOHN CENA BEING SUED BY FORD
WXYZ in Detroit is reporting that the Ford Motor Company have
a lawsuit in US District Court against John Cena regarding violation of a
contract with the automaker regarding the sale of a $500,000 custom Ford GT
super car. The multi-time WWE champion signed a deal to retain the car for at
least two years as an ambassador for the brand. Apparently, according to the
article, John quickly sold the car to liquidate for cash to take care of
expenses.
Both sides released statements.
Ford saying the following:
"Mr. Cena has unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle, and Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity and customer goodwill due to the improper sale."
John Cena learned of the violation and had the following response:
"I completely understand and as stated am willing to work with Ford to make it right. My sincerest apologies."
Both sides released statements.
Ford saying the following:
"Mr. Cena has unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle, and Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity and customer goodwill due to the improper sale."
John Cena learned of the violation and had the following response:
"I completely understand and as stated am willing to work with Ford to make it right. My sincerest apologies."
NXT TO AIR ON THE USA NETWORK
The USA website is
listing that NXT will air on their network on Wednesday 12/13 at 7 p.m. It has
been picked up by many cable guides includling Comcast, which owns USA, FIOS and
DirecTV. It precedes the movie Thor.
It's possible that it's a mistake, but it's also the week that WWE takes over the USA Network so it's also just as possible that they will get a national showing of the great NXT product. The fact that USA is listing it by name is interesting.
If this is indeed NXT's show that will air it will be the first time that the current incarnation of the product airs on the USA Network.
It's possible that it's a mistake, but it's also the week that WWE takes over the USA Network so it's also just as possible that they will get a national showing of the great NXT product. The fact that USA is listing it by name is interesting.
If this is indeed NXT's show that will air it will be the first time that the current incarnation of the product airs on the USA Network.
VINCE RUSSO ONCE AGAIN SHOWS WHY HE IS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS
Somebody tweeted a gif from the Pete Dunne/Mark Andrews vs. Trent Seven/Tyler
Bate match on NXT last night where Andrews did an Hurracanrana on Bate into
Dunne who finished him with a powerbomb.
Vince Russo then tweeted: "Yeah---THAT would happen if the match was real. Suspension of disbelief is forever gone in professional wrestling. And that's why all the casuals went bye-bye. Only the marks and the kids remain."
Pete Dunne responded: "If you're that worried about suspending disbelief you wouldn't tweet stuff like this.#Hypocrisy"
Fit Finlay then tweeted: "@PeteDunneYxB don’t let idiots trying
to keep themselves relevant and who couldn’t even put a headlock on derail you
on your journey. #fastTalkingLoudMouth. Yes you @THEVinceRusso"
Russo replied back: "Because I'm a wrestling fan of 45 years and I have an opinion that equates to me being an idiot who's trying to stay relevant? No reason to insult me because your opinion differs from mine. EXACT reason WWE has lost all casual fans-this same kind of disrespect over their opinion."
Finlay replied: "I never told you my opinion. Why deflate young guys navigating their way through this business?"
Vince Russo then tweeted: "Yeah---THAT would happen if the match was real. Suspension of disbelief is forever gone in professional wrestling. And that's why all the casuals went bye-bye. Only the marks and the kids remain."
Pete Dunne responded: "If you're that worried about suspending disbelief you wouldn't tweet stuff like this.
Fit Finlay then tweeted: "
Russo replied back: "Because I'm a wrestling fan of 45 years and I have an opinion that equates to me being an idiot who's trying to stay relevant? No reason to insult me because your opinion differs from mine. EXACT reason WWE has lost all casual fans-this same kind of disrespect over their opinion."
Finlay replied: "I never told you my opinion. Why deflate young guys navigating their way through this business?"
NASHVILLE OFFICE CLOSED, NEW IMPACT SIGNING AND MORE
Yesterday was the final official day the Impact Wrestling Nashville office
will be open.
Impact Wrestling has officially signed Matt Sydal to a contract.
Eddie Edwards' current deal expires in February 2018, so he'll be the next talent the company is trying to sign to a new deal.
Joseph Park posted the following on Twitter, and yes, the phone number works:
Impact announced the following sale:
Shop Impact are now selling a Samoa Joe Collection DVD and interestingly enough, the GFW Amped Anthology: Part 1 DVD. Given that their relationship with Jeff Jarrett has gone to hell, it should be interesting to see where the rights to the GFW DVD stand.
Impact Wrestling has officially signed Matt Sydal to a contract.
Eddie Edwards' current deal expires in February 2018, so he'll be the next talent the company is trying to sign to a new deal.
Joseph Park posted the following on Twitter, and yes, the phone number works:
We’re here to serve all your legal needs. https://t.co/B0epuYgG6s— Joseph Park (@JOSEPHPARK_esq) December 1, 2017
Impact announced the following sale:
Our annual Seasons Beatings Sale begins today! Plus, we also start our 12 day FREE Giveaway with any order. Today it’s an IMPACT Soundtrack CD FREE with all orders! #12Days pic.twitter.com/DxEehOXeNl— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) December 1, 2017
Shop Impact are now selling a Samoa Joe Collection DVD and interestingly enough, the GFW Amped Anthology: Part 1 DVD. Given that their relationship with Jeff Jarrett has gone to hell, it should be interesting to see where the rights to the GFW DVD stand.
JIMMY JACOBS TALKS REHAB, END OF HIS WWE RUN, MARIA KANELLIS BLOGS ABOUT THE MOMENT HER HUSBAND ADMITTED A PRESCRIPTION PILL ADDICTION
During his appearance on Chris Jericho's podcast this week, former WWE
Creative Team member Jimmy Jacobs revealed that he put himself in a 30 day rehab
for a opiate addiction following Wrestlemania 33 earlier this year. As we noted
in our reporting of his departure at the time, Jacobs "had taken some time off
to deal with a personal issue before returning to work this past summer, and
that may have put a target on his back." Rehab was the reason.
Jacobs said that after he went through rehab, he didn't care as much about the job or about working for WWE and when asked if he was trying to get fired by taking a photo with the Young Bucks he commented he wasn't trying to get fired, but wasn't trying to not get fired either.
Maria Kanellis Bennett wrote an incredible blog on her Facebook page discussing the trials and tribulations when she learned about her husband Michael Kanellis revealing that he was struggling with prescription medication and needed help. Here is an excerpt, but it's really worth reading the entire thing;
The day that everything changed, I was about 2 weeks pregnant. We, of course, didn’t know I was pregnant. We were supposed to go to Universal Studios, my favorite place ever, and Mike was not getting out of bed. I went to the gym. He was supposed to be ready to switch hotels for our mini vacation when I got back. I came back and he was still was in bed. I was frustrated and I didn’t think I could take it anymore. He promised he would be ready. He promised to have a fun day with me. And still, he laid in bed. I think about all the things, I did for him and I think I am finally ready to have the horrible talk about the D word. Finally, an hour later he brings his stuff down to the lobby. We head to lunch. I’m pissed and he is grumpy. It’s too late to go to Universal Studios and then he says he can’t afford a ticket to go tomorrow. WHAT? Now, going to Universal Studios and paying for a ticket may be understandable but the repeated failure to pay for things was not. Health insurance, rent, cable, gas, electric, or a grocery store run was usually paid for by me. What happened to equality? I was always the haughty woman that said she would never be with someone that treated her as, less than. And now this, something I looked forward to, I was done. Or I thought I was…
We fight, I cry, he gets real quiet.
“I don’t wanna die,” he says through tears. “I think I have a problem
Jacobs said that after he went through rehab, he didn't care as much about the job or about working for WWE and when asked if he was trying to get fired by taking a photo with the Young Bucks he commented he wasn't trying to get fired, but wasn't trying to not get fired either.
Maria Kanellis Bennett wrote an incredible blog on her Facebook page discussing the trials and tribulations when she learned about her husband Michael Kanellis revealing that he was struggling with prescription medication and needed help. Here is an excerpt, but it's really worth reading the entire thing;
The day that everything changed, I was about 2 weeks pregnant. We, of course, didn’t know I was pregnant. We were supposed to go to Universal Studios, my favorite place ever, and Mike was not getting out of bed. I went to the gym. He was supposed to be ready to switch hotels for our mini vacation when I got back. I came back and he was still was in bed. I was frustrated and I didn’t think I could take it anymore. He promised he would be ready. He promised to have a fun day with me. And still, he laid in bed. I think about all the things, I did for him and I think I am finally ready to have the horrible talk about the D word. Finally, an hour later he brings his stuff down to the lobby. We head to lunch. I’m pissed and he is grumpy. It’s too late to go to Universal Studios and then he says he can’t afford a ticket to go tomorrow. WHAT? Now, going to Universal Studios and paying for a ticket may be understandable but the repeated failure to pay for things was not. Health insurance, rent, cable, gas, electric, or a grocery store run was usually paid for by me. What happened to equality? I was always the haughty woman that said she would never be with someone that treated her as, less than. And now this, something I looked forward to, I was done. Or I thought I was…
We fight, I cry, he gets real quiet.
“I don’t wanna die,” he says through tears. “I think I have a problem
You know things are bad at Impact Wrestling when, TOP IMPACT KNOCKOUT ASKS FOR HER RELEASE
Squared Circle Sirens is reporting that Laurel Van Ness a.k.a.
Chelsea Green has asked Impact Wrestling for a release from Impact Wrestling.
While Impact has yet to grant her a release they are told it should be coming
shortly. As of this morning, no release has been granted. Van Ness' current Impact deal
runs through the summer of 2018
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Indy stuff.
Battleground Championship Wrestling on 12/15 in Feasterville, PA at The Sportsplex has Billy Gunn, Sean Studd, Bull James, Matt Tremont, Joey Ryan and Dan Maff appearing. There is a meet and greet at 6 p.m and a live show at 8 p.m.
ECCW tomorrow night in Pitt Meadows, BC at Kazie First Nation Health Building.
Overcome Wrestling on 12/16 in Hamilton, ONT at the Lincoln Alexander Centre.
Kayfabe Dojo on 12/9 in Rochester NY at Pineapple Jack's at 4 p.m.
Adam Rose has a seminar tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando and he'll headline a show that night at 8 p.m. at the Dojo.
AAW on Saturday in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus has Ivelisse vs. Rachael Ellering vs. the winner of the Jessicka Havoc vs. Candice LeRae match for the women's title, Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega defend the tag titles against Shane Strickland & Keith Lee, Hurricane Helms vs. Trevor Lee, Jimmy Jacobs vs. David Starr, Matt Riddle vs. ACH, AR Fox vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Myron Reed, Zema Ion vs. Ethan Page, Dave & Jake Crist vs. Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Trey Miguel & Stephen Wolf and more.
Added with Ron Simmons at the CWE legends convention is.......
Barry Windham, Ron Simmons and Jim Brunzell were announced for the CWE Legends of Wrestling Convention 2 on 2/24 in Winnipeg at the CanAd Inns in Garden City.
Rise IPPV cancelled.
The Rise iPPV scheduled for tomorrow night was canceled. They said their test of the broadcast on the Internet failed and didn't want to risk doing a show, so they scrapped the iPPV plans and have refunded money to everyone who ordered.
A show with Sandman, Terry Funk, Kevin Sullivan and Stan Hansen? Whoa.....
Terry Funk & Sandman vs. Warbeast managed by Kevin Sullivan is headlining a show in Wilmington, CA tomorrow night that also has Penta 0M vs. John Hennigan, Douglas James vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Willie Mack vs. Ethan Page, Brian Cage vs. Hammerstone, ACH vs. Mecha Wolf 450 and Brody King vs. Joe Graves. Stan Hansen will also be there...
One of the Indy feds I look forward to watching every week. S01E08 SEASON FINALE - Absolute Wrestling: Uprising
Published on Nov 29, 2017
Tonight's episode features a huge match when Mark Coffey takes on Rampage Brown. Commissioner Brian Flynn also confronts the Forgotten!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62s8wup0CqM
What did I tell you, the catching up to me has begun. ProWrestling.Net is the first. :)
Boom. Always love watching the so called 'bigger news sites' play catch up to me. Really awesome.
https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/30/nwa-video-billy-corgan-confronted-jocephus/
https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/30/nwa-video-billy-corgan-confronted-jocephus/
Jerry Lawler On Most Difficult WrestleMania Celebrity, Vince McMahon Instructing Commentators
Recently on The Ross Report, 'Good Ol' J.R.' Jim Ross interviewed his former WWE announce partner, Jerry 'The King' Lawler. Among many other things, Lawler talked about the most difficult celebrity guest at WrestleMania. Additionally, Lawler shared a story about confronting WWE Commentator Michael Cole for a less than flattering call.
In Lawler's estimation, Aretha Franklin was the most difficult celebrity to deal with at WrestleMania. 'The King' went on to describe 'The Queen Of Soul' as a royal pain.
"Aretha Franklin is still alive. Remember what a pain in the butt she was at WrestleMania that year? Oh my gosh! Way passed her glory days, but still the biggest diva that we'd ever seen. Very high maintenance, Aretha Franklin."
Also during the podcast, Lawler shared a story about how he chewed out Michael Cole for saying that 'The King' had suffered "anal bleeding" from a slam delivered by Mark Henry. Apparently, Cole told the legend of Memphis pro wrestling that the call was WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's idea.
"We could do a whole show about the things we know that Vince either told [Ross] to say or told Michael Cole to say. The most embarrassing one that I can remember, and later on I went to him and I went, 'what the hell, man?' and he said, 'I swear, Vince told me to say it. I swear. You know I never would have thought about it.' And it was the time Mark Henry picked me up, and I don't know if I was wrestling Mark or what happened, but anyway, he picked me up and slammed me through the announce table and they carried me out or whatever. And then, after the break, he said, 'we want to give you an update on 'The King'. He's not doing too well' and then he says, 'he's suffering from anal bleeding.' So that's when I went to Cole afterwards and said, 'what the hell are you doing.' He said, 'I swear, Vince told me to say it.'"
"Aretha Franklin is still alive. Remember what a pain in the butt she was at WrestleMania that year? Oh my gosh! Way passed her glory days, but still the biggest diva that we'd ever seen. Very high maintenance, Aretha Franklin."
Also during the podcast, Lawler shared a story about how he chewed out Michael Cole for saying that 'The King' had suffered "anal bleeding" from a slam delivered by Mark Henry. Apparently, Cole told the legend of Memphis pro wrestling that the call was WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's idea.
"We could do a whole show about the things we know that Vince either told [Ross] to say or told Michael Cole to say. The most embarrassing one that I can remember, and later on I went to him and I went, 'what the hell, man?' and he said, 'I swear, Vince told me to say it. I swear. You know I never would have thought about it.' And it was the time Mark Henry picked me up, and I don't know if I was wrestling Mark or what happened, but anyway, he picked me up and slammed me through the announce table and they carried me out or whatever. And then, after the break, he said, 'we want to give you an update on 'The King'. He's not doing too well' and then he says, 'he's suffering from anal bleeding.' So that's when I went to Cole afterwards and said, 'what the hell are you doing.' He said, 'I swear, Vince told me to say it.'"
TWO PROMOTIONS ADDED TO IMPACT'S GLOBAL WRESTLING NETWORK
Future Stars Of Wrestling has reached an agreement to join the Global
Wrestling Network. FSW will provide GWN with thousands of hours from its
extensive library, featuring Impact Champion Eli Drake, Matt Hardy, John
Morrison, Kenny King, Reno Scum, Willie Mack, Lance Hoyt, Kevin Kross, Sami
Callihan, Brian Cage along with the many superstars FSW has had come thru its
doors including Ricochet, Rich Swann, AR Fox, Tony Nese, Chris Sabin, Austin
Aries, Keith Lee, Kevin Nash, Chris Masters, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Davey
Boy Smith Jr, Roderick Strong, ACH, Young Bucks, Trevor Lee, Shane Strickland,
Jeff Cobb, and more. To see more FSW footage go to www.youtube.com/futurestarswrestling.
Defy Wrestling announced that not only will a match between Randy Myers and Sami Callihan from DEFY9 be shown on this week's Impact Wrestling but the Washington state-based promotion will be a part of the Global Wrestling Network.
Defy Wrestling announced that not only will a match between Randy Myers and Sami Callihan from DEFY9 be shown on this week's Impact Wrestling but the Washington state-based promotion will be a part of the Global Wrestling Network.
May have to make Dave Meltzer (Wrestling Observer) look like an idiot again.
The man just can't help himself I guess. Just can't keep from making dumb comments that make him look like a total fool.
The fact he keeps replying to a reader of this blog but has yet to contact me about how stupid I keep making him look? is amazing, LOL.
More on this later tonight.
The fact he keeps replying to a reader of this blog but has yet to contact me about how stupid I keep making him look? is amazing, LOL.
More on this later tonight.
FLOSLAM DEAD
Flosports made the decision today to shutter their Floslam streaming service,
laying off their staff and closing the door on its attempt to become a
destination for professional wrestling fans.
Officially launched in October 2016 and based out of Austin, Texas, Floslam had been designed to become a major streaming subscription content hub with the idea of signing deals with a number of top independent professional wrestling companies and placing them under one umbrella.
Despite announcing in August of 2016 that its parent company Flosports had "received $21.2 million in new funding to accelerate the online sports network’s growth into new sports and expand its existing verticals" from a number of investors, including World Wrestling Entertainment, the attempt to build a Floslam just never clicked.
On paper and from a financial standpoint, the concept should had everything going for it to the point that some expected Floslam would have the backing to change the landscape of pro wrestling. The theory went like this: Floslam would pay a top premium price for indy promotion content and possibly even professional wrestlers (by putting specific wrestler under contract and farming him/her out to Floslam partner promotions.) By doing so, they would drive up the worth of independent wrestling content. In execution, it never really got out of the starting gate.
Despite its best efforts, Flosports were unable to secure deals with Ring of Honor or New Japan Pro Wrestling, both of which would have been major attractions for the service. An attempt to reach a deal with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (which was never even an option given the way PWG's business model works, as the promotion is set up as a nexus that exists just outside of contractual obligations for various promotions) was equally fruitless. No deals with any of the major lucha groups were signed.
Instead, the service ended up hanging its hat on a seven figure deal with WWNLive, Inc. That deal led to WWN producing five live events per month for the service, becoming its cornerstone. As well documented, that relationship ended just a year into the signed five year agreement with Flosports alleging in a lawsuit that WWN had misled them on how many iPPV buys the company was doing on its own streaming service, leading to WWN being overpaid for their content. Whether Floslam was tricked into wrongly overpaying or not is a matter for the courts to decide, but at the end of the day, they put all their eggs in the WWNLive basket and it didn't pan out. In fact, all the WWNLive deal really accomplished out of the gate was sparking WWE signing deals with PROGRESS and ICW for a potential WWE Network tiered-system that still has yet to launch.
Other promotions, including House of Hardcore, had agreements that saw multiple events streamed live via Floslam before moving on, while others streamed their events as unique, one time specials. While there was great excitement early for the concept of the service among independent promoters, especially when word made the rounds about WWN's seven figure deal, that was greatly tempered when it was obvious the major money went to WWNLive as they were first in line to sign and everyone that followed were getting lesser and lesser deals. In fact, there were a few independent companies that turned their offers down, feeling that locking themselves in to deals that could potentially see them lose access to ROH and other companies' talent wasn't worth the risk, even short-term.
The pricing was an error from day one in my opinion. Priced at $20 a month ot $150 for a year (more than most major streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime AND the WWE Network), Floslam was going to be a hard sell unless it had top, premium talent. Without the major groups signing on, that price point was out of wack with what fans were realistically willing to spend. When the company raised the monthly price to $30 without notice, they likely went past the point of no return when it came to servicing their potential audience. WWE had changed the price point for what fans were willing to pay for top notch, slicky produced pro wrestling content with the WWE Network - how could Floslam realistically expect fans to pay $20-$30 for independent wrestling shows that had no real production value or lighting, despite costing double or triple of the industry leader?
The rollout for the service was, in many ways, completely haphazard one as well, absent of any sort of promotion or marketing plan for the service (for example, PWInsider.com never received ONE press release from Flosports about the service and never once received any email inquiries returned) and featured a confusing rollout that saw Flosports' Roku platform crash depending on what Roku device you would be using, a failure to expand to other streaming device platforms, a basic interface hat made it impossible to easily seek out specific content. Staffing changes in management only helped to fuel a vortex that never allowed the service a chance to even course-correct. They had put a plane in the air without any landing gear and proceeded to then shove the pilots out the door.
None of these made the paid subscription service something that was going to earn positive word of mouth and as noted, there was no major marketing or advertising campaign to create awareness of the service. Whatever buzz and following Floslam had, it was based specifically on whatever buzz there was for that week's WWN and House of Hardcore event, not the other way around. Once out of the gate, other than providing a home for the live streaming events, there was really nothing done to increase the reach of Floslam by Flosports. Not only was the plane in the air doomed, everyone shrugged once they realized it was.
After the lawsuit against WWNLive was filed, Floslam made all of the WWN content free for all (possibly in an attempt to hurt the value of the content elsewhere), all of the streaming content's live events schedule was canceled and in recent weeks, it acted as a site that featured news, columns and podcasts. In what is a completely maddening and unfair turn of events, the staff that was hired to populate Floslam with content was laid off today, despite the fact that none of the deals and none of the fallout of those deals had anything to do with them. To me, that's a completely disgusting situation. I don't know any of the staff that were hired on any level, but these were people who were trying to feed their family with their work and believed they were getting into bed with a legitimate streaming provider that was going to be in business for a long term. They were sought out by Floslam and made the decision to take the plunge. All they did was go to work and in the end, they got screwed over - weeks before Christmas. I feel horrible for them on a personal level, despite having never spoken to any of them. They deserved better than Floslam gave them and everyone involved in the treatment of the staff should be Goddamned ashamed of themselves.
Back in 2016, a few people wrote, "There has been some great excitement within certain circles as to a new money player putting some money into independent wrestling promotion. Over the next week or so, we should have a greater understanding of exactly what this all means and how much, if at all, this will be change the landscape of the independent realm, but it is certainly an interesting development."
At the end of the day, Flosports changed the landscape, but for the worse There were hopes Floslam was going to change the business for the better on the independent scale. Some decreed that was going to happen before the service signed one deal.
Instead, the story of Floslam will just be another story we recount about "what could have been" if the right people had been involved, if the right deals had been made and had they actually tried to make it work instead of spending some money and waiting for everyone to rush to subscribe. Instead, what's left? A lot of money spent, a lawsuit against WWN, a situation with Joey Styles that left him so disgusted he fled pro wrestling for good, missed opportunities that for some promotions may never come back around, goodwill on all sides that has been destroyed and most importantly, a group of wrestling fans who got their hopes up only to have those hopes ruined, disappointing all who cared to invest their time and money on the service.
What's left is yet another big crater of regret in the minefield that is professional wrestling. What's left is a huge trail of doubt and destruction that will no doubt give the next potential big backer reason to give pause before wanting to better professional wrestling on an independent level. That will be the legacy of Floslam, whether anyone involved wants to personally admit it or place the blame on the next person.
Floslam: 2016 - 2017.
Officially launched in October 2016 and based out of Austin, Texas, Floslam had been designed to become a major streaming subscription content hub with the idea of signing deals with a number of top independent professional wrestling companies and placing them under one umbrella.
Despite announcing in August of 2016 that its parent company Flosports had "received $21.2 million in new funding to accelerate the online sports network’s growth into new sports and expand its existing verticals" from a number of investors, including World Wrestling Entertainment, the attempt to build a Floslam just never clicked.
On paper and from a financial standpoint, the concept should had everything going for it to the point that some expected Floslam would have the backing to change the landscape of pro wrestling. The theory went like this: Floslam would pay a top premium price for indy promotion content and possibly even professional wrestlers (by putting specific wrestler under contract and farming him/her out to Floslam partner promotions.) By doing so, they would drive up the worth of independent wrestling content. In execution, it never really got out of the starting gate.
Despite its best efforts, Flosports were unable to secure deals with Ring of Honor or New Japan Pro Wrestling, both of which would have been major attractions for the service. An attempt to reach a deal with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (which was never even an option given the way PWG's business model works, as the promotion is set up as a nexus that exists just outside of contractual obligations for various promotions) was equally fruitless. No deals with any of the major lucha groups were signed.
Instead, the service ended up hanging its hat on a seven figure deal with WWNLive, Inc. That deal led to WWN producing five live events per month for the service, becoming its cornerstone. As well documented, that relationship ended just a year into the signed five year agreement with Flosports alleging in a lawsuit that WWN had misled them on how many iPPV buys the company was doing on its own streaming service, leading to WWN being overpaid for their content. Whether Floslam was tricked into wrongly overpaying or not is a matter for the courts to decide, but at the end of the day, they put all their eggs in the WWNLive basket and it didn't pan out. In fact, all the WWNLive deal really accomplished out of the gate was sparking WWE signing deals with PROGRESS and ICW for a potential WWE Network tiered-system that still has yet to launch.
Other promotions, including House of Hardcore, had agreements that saw multiple events streamed live via Floslam before moving on, while others streamed their events as unique, one time specials. While there was great excitement early for the concept of the service among independent promoters, especially when word made the rounds about WWN's seven figure deal, that was greatly tempered when it was obvious the major money went to WWNLive as they were first in line to sign and everyone that followed were getting lesser and lesser deals. In fact, there were a few independent companies that turned their offers down, feeling that locking themselves in to deals that could potentially see them lose access to ROH and other companies' talent wasn't worth the risk, even short-term.
The pricing was an error from day one in my opinion. Priced at $20 a month ot $150 for a year (more than most major streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime AND the WWE Network), Floslam was going to be a hard sell unless it had top, premium talent. Without the major groups signing on, that price point was out of wack with what fans were realistically willing to spend. When the company raised the monthly price to $30 without notice, they likely went past the point of no return when it came to servicing their potential audience. WWE had changed the price point for what fans were willing to pay for top notch, slicky produced pro wrestling content with the WWE Network - how could Floslam realistically expect fans to pay $20-$30 for independent wrestling shows that had no real production value or lighting, despite costing double or triple of the industry leader?
The rollout for the service was, in many ways, completely haphazard one as well, absent of any sort of promotion or marketing plan for the service (for example, PWInsider.com never received ONE press release from Flosports about the service and never once received any email inquiries returned) and featured a confusing rollout that saw Flosports' Roku platform crash depending on what Roku device you would be using, a failure to expand to other streaming device platforms, a basic interface hat made it impossible to easily seek out specific content. Staffing changes in management only helped to fuel a vortex that never allowed the service a chance to even course-correct. They had put a plane in the air without any landing gear and proceeded to then shove the pilots out the door.
None of these made the paid subscription service something that was going to earn positive word of mouth and as noted, there was no major marketing or advertising campaign to create awareness of the service. Whatever buzz and following Floslam had, it was based specifically on whatever buzz there was for that week's WWN and House of Hardcore event, not the other way around. Once out of the gate, other than providing a home for the live streaming events, there was really nothing done to increase the reach of Floslam by Flosports. Not only was the plane in the air doomed, everyone shrugged once they realized it was.
After the lawsuit against WWNLive was filed, Floslam made all of the WWN content free for all (possibly in an attempt to hurt the value of the content elsewhere), all of the streaming content's live events schedule was canceled and in recent weeks, it acted as a site that featured news, columns and podcasts. In what is a completely maddening and unfair turn of events, the staff that was hired to populate Floslam with content was laid off today, despite the fact that none of the deals and none of the fallout of those deals had anything to do with them. To me, that's a completely disgusting situation. I don't know any of the staff that were hired on any level, but these were people who were trying to feed their family with their work and believed they were getting into bed with a legitimate streaming provider that was going to be in business for a long term. They were sought out by Floslam and made the decision to take the plunge. All they did was go to work and in the end, they got screwed over - weeks before Christmas. I feel horrible for them on a personal level, despite having never spoken to any of them. They deserved better than Floslam gave them and everyone involved in the treatment of the staff should be Goddamned ashamed of themselves.
Back in 2016, a few people wrote, "There has been some great excitement within certain circles as to a new money player putting some money into independent wrestling promotion. Over the next week or so, we should have a greater understanding of exactly what this all means and how much, if at all, this will be change the landscape of the independent realm, but it is certainly an interesting development."
At the end of the day, Flosports changed the landscape, but for the worse There were hopes Floslam was going to change the business for the better on the independent scale. Some decreed that was going to happen before the service signed one deal.
Instead, the story of Floslam will just be another story we recount about "what could have been" if the right people had been involved, if the right deals had been made and had they actually tried to make it work instead of spending some money and waiting for everyone to rush to subscribe. Instead, what's left? A lot of money spent, a lawsuit against WWN, a situation with Joey Styles that left him so disgusted he fled pro wrestling for good, missed opportunities that for some promotions may never come back around, goodwill on all sides that has been destroyed and most importantly, a group of wrestling fans who got their hopes up only to have those hopes ruined, disappointing all who cared to invest their time and money on the service.
What's left is yet another big crater of regret in the minefield that is professional wrestling. What's left is a huge trail of doubt and destruction that will no doubt give the next potential big backer reason to give pause before wanting to better professional wrestling on an independent level. That will be the legacy of Floslam, whether anyone involved wants to personally admit it or place the blame on the next person.
Floslam: 2016 - 2017.
Watch PWInsider, Torch and the rest play catch up. Jocephus Confronts NWA President William Patrick Corgan (Aka Billy Corgan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iziyfnvmXBw
Published on Nov 29, 2017
This confrontation just occurred between Jocephus and William Patrick Corgan (AKA Billy Corgan - President of the NWA - National Wrestling Alliance) at a music recording session. Tim Storm’s Journey as the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion has been documented via Ten Pounds of Gold including the most recent episode that covered the five day span that Tim defended the title against Nick Aldis and Jocephus.
After the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title match against Jocephus at Tried N True Pro Wrestling, Jocephus claimed that Tim Storm used some sort foreign substance to rub in his eye.
Earlier today, the NWA announced that Tim Storm would be returning to Championship Wrestling From Hollywood this Sunday for their Milestone event. Upon this news,Jocephus demanded a meeting with the NWA President William Patrick Corgan. Our team was there at Mr. Corgan’s recording session when Jocephus arrived. We present this video to report what happened in this meeting.
Follow the story this Sunday via all of the NWA’s social media channels including http://www.Facebook.com/NWA, http://www.Twitter.com/NWA, http:/www.Instagram.com/NWA and http://www.Youtube.com/NWA.
After the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title match against Jocephus at Tried N True Pro Wrestling, Jocephus claimed that Tim Storm used some sort foreign substance to rub in his eye.
Earlier today, the NWA announced that Tim Storm would be returning to Championship Wrestling From Hollywood this Sunday for their Milestone event. Upon this news,Jocephus demanded a meeting with the NWA President William Patrick Corgan. Our team was there at Mr. Corgan’s recording session when Jocephus arrived. We present this video to report what happened in this meeting.
Follow the story this Sunday via all of the NWA’s social media channels including http://www.Facebook.com/NWA, http://www.Twitter.com/NWA, http:/www.Instagram.com/NWA and http://www.Youtube.com/NWA.
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