Friday, June 19, 2020
Thunder Rosa v Viva Van (CWFH)
WOMEN'S DIVISION MATCH | THUNDER ROSA v VIVA VAN
NWA Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa is in the house. Women's Division action is always incredible, especially with these 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIacsal4OdQ
NWA Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa is in the house. Women's Division action is always incredible, especially with these 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIacsal4OdQ
More Promotions Sever Ties With Talent Following #SpeakingOut,
Many independent promotions cut ties with David Starr earlier this week after a woman alleged that Starr sexually assaulted and abused her. Starr is being stripped of titles that he held in RevPro U.K., OTT, TNT Extreme and Ultimate Pro Wrestling.
Starr denied accusations that he was a sexual predator, although admitted that he was "an awful partner." Starr said that he's fine if this is the end of wrestling for him, adding, "No matter what I say, I'm the bad guy. No pity party. It is what it is."
Starr has since deactivated his social media accounts.
Accusations have since surfaced online against talent in WWE, AEW, Impact and ROH, as well as wrestling legends and a top NWA executive. There will clearly be a lot more on these stories in the coming days and weeks.
WWE already issued a statement regarding an accusation from a woman who claimed that WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin abused her. She posted photos on her Twitter of bruises on her body which she alleged were caused by Devlin, which she since deleted. WWE's statement read, "We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter."
British Wrestling Revolution noted that they removed a member of their roster weeks ago due to an accusation of inappropriate behavior. They are not releasing the name "out of respect to the wishes of the victim."
Black Label Pro announced that they are severing all ties with Johnathan Wolf after a woman claimed that he had verbally and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Jim Cornette's attorney, Steve New, indicated that they would be taking legal action regarding some serious allegations made against Cornette and his wife.
A number of people in the industry have commented on the movement. Paige wrote, "I'm only just catching up properly with social media and wow. Seeing so many of you speaking out against these disgusting humans makes me so sad to see your experiences but proud of you for telling your story. Keep using your voice. We love you and have your back"
Big E also commented on the movement, writing, "I pray our industry is swiftly rid of all these predators & abusers. To everyone brave enough to tell their story, I'm so sorry you had to endure this."
Starr denied accusations that he was a sexual predator, although admitted that he was "an awful partner." Starr said that he's fine if this is the end of wrestling for him, adding, "No matter what I say, I'm the bad guy. No pity party. It is what it is."
Starr has since deactivated his social media accounts.
Accusations have since surfaced online against talent in WWE, AEW, Impact and ROH, as well as wrestling legends and a top NWA executive. There will clearly be a lot more on these stories in the coming days and weeks.
WWE already issued a statement regarding an accusation from a woman who claimed that WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin abused her. She posted photos on her Twitter of bruises on her body which she alleged were caused by Devlin, which she since deleted. WWE's statement read, "We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter."
British Wrestling Revolution noted that they removed a member of their roster weeks ago due to an accusation of inappropriate behavior. They are not releasing the name "out of respect to the wishes of the victim."
Black Label Pro announced that they are severing all ties with Johnathan Wolf after a woman claimed that he had verbally and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Jim Cornette's attorney, Steve New, indicated that they would be taking legal action regarding some serious allegations made against Cornette and his wife.
A number of people in the industry have commented on the movement. Paige wrote, "I'm only just catching up properly with social media and wow. Seeing so many of you speaking out against these disgusting humans makes me so sad to see your experiences but proud of you for telling your story. Keep using your voice. We love you and have your back"
Big E also commented on the movement, writing, "I pray our industry is swiftly rid of all these predators & abusers. To everyone brave enough to tell their story, I'm so sorry you had to endure this."
PROGRESS Severs Ties With Talent And Announces Suspensions Following Abuse Allegations
The Speaking Out movement has given an outlet for survivors of sexual assault and abuse in the wrestling industry to share their stories and experiences. Their stories have exposed a culture of predatory behavior that several trainers, wrestlers and promoters have been accused of.
PROGRESS Wrestling has issued out a statement in regards to the allegations made against wrestlers on their roster. They announced that David Starr and Marc "Paz" Parry will not longer work with Progress, and that Travis Banks, Jordan Devlin and Scotty Davis will be suspended indefinitely. They also stated that the tag team titles held by Devlin and Davis will be vacated.
They also wrote, "we take these allegations extremely seriously. Those under suspension will have their situation reviewed periodically between now, and events starting again. We continue to monitor and listen to the Speaking Out movement so that we can take appropriate action where necessary."
Progress issued the following statement addressing the Speak Out movement:
"The last couple of days feel like a watershed moment for the British wrestling scene. Stories being bravely told, about abuse that has been suffered within the wrestling business, are heartbreaking and eye-opening. We stand with you, and we hear you. Please keep speaking out.
"We have spent today consulting with trusted colleagues within the wrestling business about how we can improve our work environment and make it safer for all involved - talent, crew and fans. These have been incredibly positive discussions and we are excited to get to work making them reality. It will take time, but as a wrestling community we can clean this scene up and make it better, and safer."
A man by the name of David Lloyd shared a story where Havoc alleged punched Lloyd in the face unprompted. Lloyd shared a screenshot from Progress that claims that Havoc was "protecting his character" as seen below:
PROGRESS Wrestling has issued out a statement in regards to the allegations made against wrestlers on their roster. They announced that David Starr and Marc "Paz" Parry will not longer work with Progress, and that Travis Banks, Jordan Devlin and Scotty Davis will be suspended indefinitely. They also stated that the tag team titles held by Devlin and Davis will be vacated.
They also wrote, "we take these allegations extremely seriously. Those under suspension will have their situation reviewed periodically between now, and events starting again. We continue to monitor and listen to the Speaking Out movement so that we can take appropriate action where necessary."
Progress issued the following statement addressing the Speak Out movement:
"The last couple of days feel like a watershed moment for the British wrestling scene. Stories being bravely told, about abuse that has been suffered within the wrestling business, are heartbreaking and eye-opening. We stand with you, and we hear you. Please keep speaking out.
"We have spent today consulting with trusted colleagues within the wrestling business about how we can improve our work environment and make it safer for all involved - talent, crew and fans. These have been incredibly positive discussions and we are excited to get to work making them reality. It will take time, but as a wrestling community we can clean this scene up and make it better, and safer."
A man by the name of David Lloyd shared a story where Havoc alleged punched Lloyd in the face unprompted. Lloyd shared a screenshot from Progress that claims that Havoc was "protecting his character" as seen below:
As He Debuts On Smackdown Tonight... WWE Issues Statement On Sexual Assault Allegations Against Matt Riddle
WWE issued the following statement to Adam Silverstein in regards to allegations made against WWE SmackDown Superstar Matt Riddle:
"We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter."
This is the same statement WWE released in regards to allegations made against WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin, which we noted at this link.
A woman named Candy Cartwright has accused Riddle of assaulting her in a van when she denied a sexual advance. She says she then performed oral sex to avoid having intercourse with him. Cartwright called the incident "incredibly humiliating" for her.
You can see Cartwright's full statement with tweets on the 2018 incident below:
"I'm posting this because I have been so sad for so long. I didn't realize that what he did to me was not ok. I realize now, reading these other brave women's stories, that I can't be afraid anymore and I have to #speakout Back in May of 2018 I was riding with Matt Riddle and a few other wrestlers. During the van ride, when the 3 other wrestlers had fallen asleep, Matt asked me to 'hop on his dick'. When I refused (although we had previously been together I was incredibly uncomfortable in that setting ) When I said no, he grabbed me by my throat, choked me and said 'what if I just made you?' I ended up giving him oral sex (praying someone wouldn't wake up) to get out of having intercourse with him. It was incredibly humiliating. It is never ok to put your hands on a woman, it's also not ok to not listen when she says no."
Riddle is set to debut on tonight's SmackDown episode on FOX.
"We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter."
This is the same statement WWE released in regards to allegations made against WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin, which we noted at this link.
A woman named Candy Cartwright has accused Riddle of assaulting her in a van when she denied a sexual advance. She says she then performed oral sex to avoid having intercourse with him. Cartwright called the incident "incredibly humiliating" for her.
You can see Cartwright's full statement with tweets on the 2018 incident below:
"I'm posting this because I have been so sad for so long. I didn't realize that what he did to me was not ok. I realize now, reading these other brave women's stories, that I can't be afraid anymore and I have to #speakout Back in May of 2018 I was riding with Matt Riddle and a few other wrestlers. During the van ride, when the 3 other wrestlers had fallen asleep, Matt asked me to 'hop on his dick'. When I refused (although we had previously been together I was incredibly uncomfortable in that setting ) When I said no, he grabbed me by my throat, choked me and said 'what if I just made you?' I ended up giving him oral sex (praying someone wouldn't wake up) to get out of having intercourse with him. It was incredibly humiliating. It is never ok to put your hands on a woman, it's also not ok to not listen when she says no."
Riddle is set to debut on tonight's SmackDown episode on FOX.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
OVER THE TOP WRESTLING & OTHERS DECLARES THEIR CHAMPIONSHIPS VACANT IN WAKE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ACCUSATIONS
Ireland's top independent wrestling promotion Over the Top Wrestling announced this morning that their championship is now vacant:
While the promotion did not name the previous champion or their reasoning for stripping him of the title, over the last 24 hours, there have been sexual assault accusations made against David Starr by Victoria, a woman he once dated, who came forward several years after the incident in question.
Starr responded to those accusations via Twitter, but in doing so, at one point accused his accuser of leaking nude photos of him and all but admitted there had indeed been an incident between the two after attending a concert together that Starr even admitted might have been non-consensual. In his responses, Starr apologized for being a "c**t" towards former girlfriends, naming several other women by first names, which has left him open to criticism that he may have outed other potential former victims by their first name. The fact that some of his tweeted responses were listed as "sponsored" led to accusations Starr had paid to have his responses promoted in an attempt to raise their awareness was also met with criticism on Twitter.
Victoria wrote, "It took a long f**king time to get over the trauma of dealing with you and trust me I’ve tried all of the ways. Anger, sadness, trying to be nice. Literally anything. I left Twitter for a year to never see your name again, I left wrestling, the only thing that meant anything to me because you shat on it and I hate who I became after you. But I did it, I healed and I came back and I was fine so why do I have a girl I don’t know reaching out to me to discuss the shit ways you treat women. Emotionally. Sexually. Mentally. You rape women and you gaslight them after. I know you know you do it because you told people you were scared I would speak up. How dare you have the audacity to tell me you don’t remember that night in the hotel and then telling your future girlfriends about it. That wasn’t even the only time you pressure me into sex. You pressure a lot of women into sex it seems.”
Victoria claimed that Starr kept screenshots of previous communications in order to attempt to make her look "crazy" to downplay if she ever came forward. Starr quicky released a number of letters he had written to her as well as screenshots of notes he stated were previously written as he's been going through therapy and trying to address previous issues.
He later wrote, "I can’t take away the lying and cheating. I can’t take away the emotional and mental pain I’ve caused my partners and myself. I can make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’ve accepted my wrongs and whatever those consequences are, no excuses, but I am not a sexual predator."
There is at least a belief other accusations are about to be made.
Revolution Pro Wrestling and TNT Extreme Wrestling have also stripped Starr of their Championships:
Starr, 29, originally broke into the business through the Wild Samoans School in Pennsylvania. He was a regular for CZW and made appearances for independents across the United States and Europe before moving to the UK and settling into the European wrestling scene. His bout with WALTER for OTT was one of the best matches in the history of the promotion. In recent months, he has pushed for the unionization of professional wrestling and attacked larger wrestling promotions for how they treat talents. At the same time, he has argued against charges that his push was simply a backdrop of move merchandise based around the movement. Today, that group #WeTheIndependent, announced that Starr has ended his association with them. With the accusations that came out yesterday and potentially more on the horizon, Starr's future in professional wrestling is no longer clear, to say the least, and the doors to working for larger, national promotions are likely shut forever.
Starr continues to profess his innocence, writing the following on Twitter:
UPDATE!!! 6-18-20 11:30 pm
Look who got rid of his Twitter account.
That's right. David Starr. Makes you go, HHMMM.
While the promotion did not name the previous champion or their reasoning for stripping him of the title, over the last 24 hours, there have been sexual assault accusations made against David Starr by Victoria, a woman he once dated, who came forward several years after the incident in question.
Starr responded to those accusations via Twitter, but in doing so, at one point accused his accuser of leaking nude photos of him and all but admitted there had indeed been an incident between the two after attending a concert together that Starr even admitted might have been non-consensual. In his responses, Starr apologized for being a "c**t" towards former girlfriends, naming several other women by first names, which has left him open to criticism that he may have outed other potential former victims by their first name. The fact that some of his tweeted responses were listed as "sponsored" led to accusations Starr had paid to have his responses promoted in an attempt to raise their awareness was also met with criticism on Twitter.
Victoria wrote, "It took a long f**king time to get over the trauma of dealing with you and trust me I’ve tried all of the ways. Anger, sadness, trying to be nice. Literally anything. I left Twitter for a year to never see your name again, I left wrestling, the only thing that meant anything to me because you shat on it and I hate who I became after you. But I did it, I healed and I came back and I was fine so why do I have a girl I don’t know reaching out to me to discuss the shit ways you treat women. Emotionally. Sexually. Mentally. You rape women and you gaslight them after. I know you know you do it because you told people you were scared I would speak up. How dare you have the audacity to tell me you don’t remember that night in the hotel and then telling your future girlfriends about it. That wasn’t even the only time you pressure me into sex. You pressure a lot of women into sex it seems.”
Victoria claimed that Starr kept screenshots of previous communications in order to attempt to make her look "crazy" to downplay if she ever came forward. Starr quicky released a number of letters he had written to her as well as screenshots of notes he stated were previously written as he's been going through therapy and trying to address previous issues.
He later wrote, "I can’t take away the lying and cheating. I can’t take away the emotional and mental pain I’ve caused my partners and myself. I can make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’ve accepted my wrongs and whatever those consequences are, no excuses, but I am not a sexual predator."
There is at least a belief other accusations are about to be made.
Revolution Pro Wrestling and TNT Extreme Wrestling have also stripped Starr of their Championships:
Starr, 29, originally broke into the business through the Wild Samoans School in Pennsylvania. He was a regular for CZW and made appearances for independents across the United States and Europe before moving to the UK and settling into the European wrestling scene. His bout with WALTER for OTT was one of the best matches in the history of the promotion. In recent months, he has pushed for the unionization of professional wrestling and attacked larger wrestling promotions for how they treat talents. At the same time, he has argued against charges that his push was simply a backdrop of move merchandise based around the movement. Today, that group #WeTheIndependent, announced that Starr has ended his association with them. With the accusations that came out yesterday and potentially more on the horizon, Starr's future in professional wrestling is no longer clear, to say the least, and the doors to working for larger, national promotions are likely shut forever.
Starr continues to profess his innocence, writing the following on Twitter:
UPDATE!!! 6-18-20 11:30 pm
Look who got rid of his Twitter account.
Championship Wrestling From Arizona - Airdate June 14, 2020
On the latest episode of Championship Wrestling From Arizona, we took a look back at then-AZ State Champion R3's title defense against the former three-time champion EJ Sparks, which took place at our sister promotion, Championship Wrestling From Hollywood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxntVPCYHfc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxntVPCYHfc
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
This Has Got To Be One Of The Most Pathetic Looking Title Belts I've Ever Seen
The AEW TNT Championship, God fucking awful to say the least.
Did some kid make that shitty looking thing in art class or something? Somebody didn't really go ahead and actually, spend money.. On this thing, did they? LOL.
It looks like something you'd take off the shelf in the toy section of Walmart, LMAO!
But I guess this is what you get when a wrestling company is owned by a billionaire... Spend tons of money on talent nobody cares about but don't spend a lot on a title belt, LOL.
Did some kid make that shitty looking thing in art class or something? Somebody didn't really go ahead and actually, spend money.. On this thing, did they? LOL.
It looks like something you'd take off the shelf in the toy section of Walmart, LMAO!
But I guess this is what you get when a wrestling company is owned by a billionaire... Spend tons of money on talent nobody cares about but don't spend a lot on a title belt, LOL.
Welcome To The Bruce Prichard Era As.. Today's WWE TV Tapings Described As Having A "Lack Of Leadership" And Being A "Total Clown Show"
As we've noted, there's been a lot of frustration at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando today after TV tapings began late while talent & employees waited on their test results from Tuesday's COVID-19 testing.
After today's SmackDown taping for next Friday was canceled, WWE began to tape Main Event, 205 Live, next week's RAW, and next week's RAW Talk. They started to tape while some people were still waiting for their test results.
One person working the tapings at the Performance Center described the day as a "full blown clusterf--k," according to a new report from @Wrestlevotes. The source also said there was a lack of leadership, and that the company should be embarrassed.
"How can I put this nicely: a complete, unbelievable, lack of leadership, full blown CLUSTERf--k. They should be embarrassed. Total clown show," the source reportedly wrote back after being asked if things were a mess.
The tapings originally changed this week after Tuesday had to be canceled because a NXT developmental talent recently tested positive for the coronavirus. Tuesday's tapings were nixed so they could give everyone COVID-19 tests. After the other shows tape mentioned above, WWE NXT will air live or on a slight tape delay tonight from Full Sail University, and next week's NXT will be taped after that.
And this is what happens when you demote Paul Heyman and put Bruce Prichard in charge, LOL!
And Where was Vince McMahon when all this was happening? Oh, I guess he thought this was all 'normal', eh?
After today's SmackDown taping for next Friday was canceled, WWE began to tape Main Event, 205 Live, next week's RAW, and next week's RAW Talk. They started to tape while some people were still waiting for their test results.
One person working the tapings at the Performance Center described the day as a "full blown clusterf--k," according to a new report from @Wrestlevotes. The source also said there was a lack of leadership, and that the company should be embarrassed.
"How can I put this nicely: a complete, unbelievable, lack of leadership, full blown CLUSTERf--k. They should be embarrassed. Total clown show," the source reportedly wrote back after being asked if things were a mess.
The tapings originally changed this week after Tuesday had to be canceled because a NXT developmental talent recently tested positive for the coronavirus. Tuesday's tapings were nixed so they could give everyone COVID-19 tests. After the other shows tape mentioned above, WWE NXT will air live or on a slight tape delay tonight from Full Sail University, and next week's NXT will be taped after that.
And this is what happens when you demote Paul Heyman and put Bruce Prichard in charge, LOL!
And Where was Vince McMahon when all this was happening? Oh, I guess he thought this was all 'normal', eh?
Bret Hart Says He Would Have "Figured Out A Way To Stay In WWE", Regrets Signing With WCW
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was a guest on WWE Backstage where he revealed details about Stone Cold Steve Austin's early days in the ring. He also opened up about his time in WCW saying they didn't know what to do with him.
"The funny thing about it is I remember Vince saying that to me. WCW would never know what to do with a Bret Hart," Hart recalls. "It's like after about three or four months there, I realized how incredibly true that was. They really didn't know what to do with me.
"They had no appreciation for my skills or for my abilities, and I remember often going to Eric Bischoff going, 'how about throwing me with this guy? How about putting me with Booker T? How about I do this?' They would always come up with the most lame reason why I couldn't wrestle you [Booker T] because you were wrestling someone else. I remember going, 'that's not even a reason.' They really didn't know what they were doing, and I'm not sure what the politics of all that [was]."
Booker T joked that it was because they were good workers that they were held back as to not make the top guys in WCW look bad. He then asked Hart what he would do if he could go back in time. Hart says he would have tried to stay in WWE and apologizes for going to WCW.
"If I could do it all over again, I think I'd try to figure out a better way to stay in WWE," Hart admits. "Knowing what I know about WCW, I'm sorry that I ever went there."
Hart left WWE to sign with WCW in late 1997. He largely floundered in the company before finally winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice in 1999. Hart vacated the championship in January 2000 due to a career-ending injuries he suffered during a match with Goldberg at Starrcade 1999. WCW terminated their contract with Hart in October of 2000.
"The funny thing about it is I remember Vince saying that to me. WCW would never know what to do with a Bret Hart," Hart recalls. "It's like after about three or four months there, I realized how incredibly true that was. They really didn't know what to do with me.
"They had no appreciation for my skills or for my abilities, and I remember often going to Eric Bischoff going, 'how about throwing me with this guy? How about putting me with Booker T? How about I do this?' They would always come up with the most lame reason why I couldn't wrestle you [Booker T] because you were wrestling someone else. I remember going, 'that's not even a reason.' They really didn't know what they were doing, and I'm not sure what the politics of all that [was]."
Booker T joked that it was because they were good workers that they were held back as to not make the top guys in WCW look bad. He then asked Hart what he would do if he could go back in time. Hart says he would have tried to stay in WWE and apologizes for going to WCW.
"If I could do it all over again, I think I'd try to figure out a better way to stay in WWE," Hart admits. "Knowing what I know about WCW, I'm sorry that I ever went there."
Hart left WWE to sign with WCW in late 1997. He largely floundered in the company before finally winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice in 1999. Hart vacated the championship in January 2000 due to a career-ending injuries he suffered during a match with Goldberg at Starrcade 1999. WCW terminated their contract with Hart in October of 2000.
A Leaked Tape Ruins Everything... Brother | Carnyland 004
Another week in Carnyland and scandal strikes... When a lead tape ruins everything for one of the candidates in the Carnyland Mayoral race. This hot scoop was broken exclusively by Stu Bennett using his time-machine last week on Episode 003 and for a week speculation has grown which of the candidates would step down on this episode.
Last week Nick Aldis, Aron Stevens, Eli Drake, Allysin Kay, Ester Addington, Thunder Rosa, Zicky Dice, and others threw their name in the hat to be the next mayor. With all these stars of the National Wrestling Alliance chasing the power and the primary election a week away,. you will find out tonight who is out. And by the clickbait headline, we're letting you know exactly how one is forced out of the race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Wc4VT0R78
Last week Nick Aldis, Aron Stevens, Eli Drake, Allysin Kay, Ester Addington, Thunder Rosa, Zicky Dice, and others threw their name in the hat to be the next mayor. With all these stars of the National Wrestling Alliance chasing the power and the primary election a week away,. you will find out tonight who is out. And by the clickbait headline, we're letting you know exactly how one is forced out of the race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Wc4VT0R78
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Mat Memory- World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) - 01-07-1984
Gordy & Roberts vs Von Erichs
Jimmy Garvin vs Chris Adams.
Jose Lothario vs Blackie Gordman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW45DFeltfo
Jimmy Garvin vs Chris Adams.
Jose Lothario vs Blackie Gordman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW45DFeltfo
NASSAU COLISEUM IN LONG ISLAND, A LONGTIME WWE STAPLE, SHUTTING DOWN
Bloomberg.com is reporting that the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island will be shuttered indefinitely. Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov’s Onexim Sports and Entertainment, which operates the arena under a lease from Nassau County, is currently seeking investors to take over operations of the and pick up the remaining debt on the building, according to their report. Their report indicates there are $100 million in loans on the property.
WWE has been run the venue for decades, dating back to the early 1970s when the Coliseum opened. The first episode of Saturday Night's Main Event was taped in the venue and the second Wrestlemania had it's New York portion featuring Mr. T boxing Roddy Piper hosted there. The venue also hosted a number of PPVs over the years, including Summerslam 2002 which saw Shawn Michaels return to the ring against HHH, Brock Lesnar win his first WWE championship and was one of the best top to bottom WWE shows ever. The Coliseum also hosted Jim Crockett Promotions in 1987 and 1988 including JCP's first-ever PPV, the Bunkhouse Stampede in January 1987. JCP last ran the venue in April 1988.
The Coliseum was shut down in 2015 with WWE running a farewell Raw taping that saw Vince McMahon pay tribute to the venue. It was remodeled and reopened in 2017 with WWE returning for TV tapings and live events. They last ran the venue in July 2019.
WWE has been run the venue for decades, dating back to the early 1970s when the Coliseum opened. The first episode of Saturday Night's Main Event was taped in the venue and the second Wrestlemania had it's New York portion featuring Mr. T boxing Roddy Piper hosted there. The venue also hosted a number of PPVs over the years, including Summerslam 2002 which saw Shawn Michaels return to the ring against HHH, Brock Lesnar win his first WWE championship and was one of the best top to bottom WWE shows ever. The Coliseum also hosted Jim Crockett Promotions in 1987 and 1988 including JCP's first-ever PPV, the Bunkhouse Stampede in January 1987. JCP last ran the venue in April 1988.
The Coliseum was shut down in 2015 with WWE running a farewell Raw taping that saw Vince McMahon pay tribute to the venue. It was remodeled and reopened in 2017 with WWE returning for TV tapings and live events. They last ran the venue in July 2019.
ECPW Adrenaline: Legends Edition (June 2020, Part 1)
On This Episode of ECPW Adrenaline,
- Robbie E vs Nunzio
- Crazy Ivan / Spike Dudley Fatal Four Way match
- Timothy Theory & Ken Canada w/ Mr. B.I.G & General Romero vs Tito Santana & Lou Nova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hihEQJExDCo
- Robbie E vs Nunzio
- Crazy Ivan / Spike Dudley Fatal Four Way match
- Timothy Theory & Ken Canada w/ Mr. B.I.G & General Romero vs Tito Santana & Lou Nova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hihEQJExDCo
Mat Memory- Championship Wrestling From Florida (Featuring Dusty Rhodes & Wahoo McDaniel) (August 9th, 1978)
Broadcast Date - August 12th, 1978
Mike Graham & Steve Keirn Interview
Killer Karl Kox vs Terry Gibbs
Dusty Rhodes Interview
Highlights of Dusty Rhodes vs The Spoiler (8-2-78)
Interview with Wahoo McDaniel
Highlights of Rhodes/McDaniel vs Kox/Duncum (8-8-78)
Highlights of Graham/Keirn vs Sato/Saito (8-8-78)
Mr. Sato & Mr. Saito vs Tiger Conway Jr. & Steve Brody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGukPqwmpbw
Mike Graham & Steve Keirn Interview
Killer Karl Kox vs Terry Gibbs
Dusty Rhodes Interview
Highlights of Dusty Rhodes vs The Spoiler (8-2-78)
Interview with Wahoo McDaniel
Highlights of Rhodes/McDaniel vs Kox/Duncum (8-8-78)
Highlights of Graham/Keirn vs Sato/Saito (8-8-78)
Mr. Sato & Mr. Saito vs Tiger Conway Jr. & Steve Brody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGukPqwmpbw
Kamille and Nick Aldis on NWA & NWA Powerrr | What's Causin Aldis 004
Episode 004 of What's Causin Aldis feature a nearly hour in-depth discussion between Nick Aldis and Kamille Kamille debuted with the National Wrestling Alliance at NWA 70 as the Insurance Policy to help counter Brandi Rhodes in Nick Aldis vs. Cody Rhodes 2.
The mystery around Kamille has grown since that day as she never spoke on NWA Powerrr until Episode 21 on Super Powerrr. In this long-form discussion, Nick Aldis dives into Kamille's background in the LFL (Legends Football League), where she got her wrestling training, the phone call from the National Wrestling Alliance, evolving her execution of Kamille, the match at Crockett Cup vs. Marty Scurll, the decision to cut her first promo and the first match she had on NWA Super Powerr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Z4FAPOTjM
The mystery around Kamille has grown since that day as she never spoke on NWA Powerrr until Episode 21 on Super Powerrr. In this long-form discussion, Nick Aldis dives into Kamille's background in the LFL (Legends Football League), where she got her wrestling training, the phone call from the National Wrestling Alliance, evolving her execution of Kamille, the match at Crockett Cup vs. Marty Scurll, the decision to cut her first promo and the first match she had on NWA Super Powerr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Z4FAPOTjM
Former WWE Star Is A Confidential Witness In Lawsuit Against The Company
A former WWE wrestler is now a confidential witness against the company.
WrestleNomics released documents from an amended class action lawsuit against the company that were filed last week on June 8th claiming that WWE misrepresented their dealings with Saudi Arabia. The document stated that the wrestler worked for the company from 2012 to April of 2020 and participated in the Crown Jewel event last October.
Following Crown Jewel, WWE talent and crew were delayed in the country for a day before finally flying back to the U.S. The delay caused most of the SmackDown crew to miss that week's Friday Night SmackDown On FOX, resulting in NXT stars being used on the show. At the time, former WWE Spanish commentator Hugo Savinovich said that WWE was owed millions of dollars for two of the shows that the company held in Saudi Arabia. According to Savinovich, Vince McMahon retaliated by cutting off the Crown Jewel live TV feed in the country. Savinovich said that The Crown Prince was so upset over McMahon's move that he ordered the WWE talent to be taken off of the plane right before the flight was scheduled to take off.
WWE denied that the flight issues had anything with Saudi Arabia owing them money, and said that the feed issues were "entirely unrelated" to anything regarding a payment. Vince McMahon later held a meeting with talent and said that the delay out of Saudi Arabia was due to mechanical issues with the plane.
In the lawsuit, the former wrestler, identified as CW-2, said that he asked a stewardess on the flight about the delay, and was told that "it seems someone doesn't want us to leave the country." He added that the pilot sounded "distressed" when he told the passengers that the flight was unable to depart.
The wrestler allegedly asked WWE Senior Director of Talent Relations Mark Carrano about what was happening. Carano reportedly told him that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and McMahon had gotten into an argument over money due from the June 7, 2019 Super ShowDown event.
Several wrestlers were released in April that had worked Crown Jewel, including Rusev, Erick Rowan, Cain Velasquez, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Curtis Axel, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder.
A Former WWE Wrestler Confirms He and Other Wrestlers Were Detained in Saudi Arabia Following the October 31, 2019 Crown Jewel Event as Part of a Dispute Between the Crown Prince and Defendant McMahon
216. A former wrestler for the WWE, who performed for the Company as a wrestler from 2012 to April 2020 and who participated in the October 31, 2019 Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, confirms the substance (of media reports about the flight issues). CW-2 (the witness) explained that following the Crown Jewel October 31, 2019 event, he along with other WWE personnel were scheduled to leave the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (where the event was held) and head to a private airport to take a charter plane to Buffalo, New York for the SmackDown event which was scheduled for the next night. CW-2 stated that while his group was waiting to depart, Defendant McMahon, other WWE executives, and big-name talent such as Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan boarded different flights than the rest of the group and took off, appearing to be "in a hurry."
217. CW-2 recalled that he was initially told the charter flight he was scheduled to leave on was delayed because the plane needed to be pulled around, and once they boarded, they were removed from the airplane after 20-30 minutes. CW-2 explained that he spoke with a stewardess on the flight about the delay, who told him that "it seems someone doesn't want us to leave the country." CW-2 further explained that the pilot sounded "distressed" when he informed the passengers that the flight was unable to take off. CW-2 recalled that then they were told that it was because of mechanical issues, but he recalled seeing a "ton" of guards wearing black "militia" attire and wearing guns that were blocking their exit and "staring at the wrestlers."
218. CW-2 became aware that something was wrong and explained that a number of the other personnel were referring to the event as a "hostage" situation." CW-2 explained that he asked the Senior Director of Talent Relations, Mark Carrano, about what was going on and that Carrano told him that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and McMahon had gotten into an argument over late payments in connection with the June 7, 2019 Super ShowDown event. Carrano also informed CW-2 that McMahon had cut the live feed for the Crown Jewel event and that this had made the Crown Prince "very mad."
219. CW-2 advised the he and other WWE personnel looked into the prospect of booking flights on their own at a different airport for early the next morning. After a few hours, CW-2 explained, he and about 10-12 other wrestlers, cameramen, and agents were put on another flight to Buffalo. CW-2 further noted that at this point he wondered why, if other planes were available, that they did not get everyone out of Saudi Arabia.
220. CW-2 also heard that while on the plane, other wrestlers communicated back home that the military police were holding the wrestlers, and that McMahon didn't air the first 30 minutes of the pay-per-view, and that as retaliation the Prince was holding them.
221. CW-2 recalled a number of wives being very concerned on social media and then when wrestlers returned home there were a lot of messages expressing how grateful they were to be home. CW-2 stated that after he returned, the WWE put out a letter that attempted to remove all blame from the company and that, in his opinion, many wrestlers were scared of speaking out due to the limited job opportunities in the industry and the WWE's comparatively high salaries. CW-2 explained that many spoke on the condition of anonymity to journalists and the WWE denounced these stories as "conspiracies" and "laughable." Nevertheless, after the event, CW-2 said that he and a co-worker partner went straight to Talent Relations and said they would not go back to Saudi Arabia. CW-2 noted that other wrestlers tried to do the same, but the WWE "abused" their "power" and threatened the future trajectory of their careers if they did not go.
WrestleNomics released documents from an amended class action lawsuit against the company that were filed last week on June 8th claiming that WWE misrepresented their dealings with Saudi Arabia. The document stated that the wrestler worked for the company from 2012 to April of 2020 and participated in the Crown Jewel event last October.
Following Crown Jewel, WWE talent and crew were delayed in the country for a day before finally flying back to the U.S. The delay caused most of the SmackDown crew to miss that week's Friday Night SmackDown On FOX, resulting in NXT stars being used on the show. At the time, former WWE Spanish commentator Hugo Savinovich said that WWE was owed millions of dollars for two of the shows that the company held in Saudi Arabia. According to Savinovich, Vince McMahon retaliated by cutting off the Crown Jewel live TV feed in the country. Savinovich said that The Crown Prince was so upset over McMahon's move that he ordered the WWE talent to be taken off of the plane right before the flight was scheduled to take off.
WWE denied that the flight issues had anything with Saudi Arabia owing them money, and said that the feed issues were "entirely unrelated" to anything regarding a payment. Vince McMahon later held a meeting with talent and said that the delay out of Saudi Arabia was due to mechanical issues with the plane.
In the lawsuit, the former wrestler, identified as CW-2, said that he asked a stewardess on the flight about the delay, and was told that "it seems someone doesn't want us to leave the country." He added that the pilot sounded "distressed" when he told the passengers that the flight was unable to depart.
The wrestler allegedly asked WWE Senior Director of Talent Relations Mark Carrano about what was happening. Carano reportedly told him that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and McMahon had gotten into an argument over money due from the June 7, 2019 Super ShowDown event.
Several wrestlers were released in April that had worked Crown Jewel, including Rusev, Erick Rowan, Cain Velasquez, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Curtis Axel, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder.
A Former WWE Wrestler Confirms He and Other Wrestlers Were Detained in Saudi Arabia Following the October 31, 2019 Crown Jewel Event as Part of a Dispute Between the Crown Prince and Defendant McMahon
216. A former wrestler for the WWE, who performed for the Company as a wrestler from 2012 to April 2020 and who participated in the October 31, 2019 Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, confirms the substance (of media reports about the flight issues). CW-2 (the witness) explained that following the Crown Jewel October 31, 2019 event, he along with other WWE personnel were scheduled to leave the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (where the event was held) and head to a private airport to take a charter plane to Buffalo, New York for the SmackDown event which was scheduled for the next night. CW-2 stated that while his group was waiting to depart, Defendant McMahon, other WWE executives, and big-name talent such as Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan boarded different flights than the rest of the group and took off, appearing to be "in a hurry."
217. CW-2 recalled that he was initially told the charter flight he was scheduled to leave on was delayed because the plane needed to be pulled around, and once they boarded, they were removed from the airplane after 20-30 minutes. CW-2 explained that he spoke with a stewardess on the flight about the delay, who told him that "it seems someone doesn't want us to leave the country." CW-2 further explained that the pilot sounded "distressed" when he informed the passengers that the flight was unable to take off. CW-2 recalled that then they were told that it was because of mechanical issues, but he recalled seeing a "ton" of guards wearing black "militia" attire and wearing guns that were blocking their exit and "staring at the wrestlers."
218. CW-2 became aware that something was wrong and explained that a number of the other personnel were referring to the event as a "hostage" situation." CW-2 explained that he asked the Senior Director of Talent Relations, Mark Carrano, about what was going on and that Carrano told him that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and McMahon had gotten into an argument over late payments in connection with the June 7, 2019 Super ShowDown event. Carrano also informed CW-2 that McMahon had cut the live feed for the Crown Jewel event and that this had made the Crown Prince "very mad."
219. CW-2 advised the he and other WWE personnel looked into the prospect of booking flights on their own at a different airport for early the next morning. After a few hours, CW-2 explained, he and about 10-12 other wrestlers, cameramen, and agents were put on another flight to Buffalo. CW-2 further noted that at this point he wondered why, if other planes were available, that they did not get everyone out of Saudi Arabia.
220. CW-2 also heard that while on the plane, other wrestlers communicated back home that the military police were holding the wrestlers, and that McMahon didn't air the first 30 minutes of the pay-per-view, and that as retaliation the Prince was holding them.
221. CW-2 recalled a number of wives being very concerned on social media and then when wrestlers returned home there were a lot of messages expressing how grateful they were to be home. CW-2 stated that after he returned, the WWE put out a letter that attempted to remove all blame from the company and that, in his opinion, many wrestlers were scared of speaking out due to the limited job opportunities in the industry and the WWE's comparatively high salaries. CW-2 explained that many spoke on the condition of anonymity to journalists and the WWE denounced these stories as "conspiracies" and "laughable." Nevertheless, after the event, CW-2 said that he and a co-worker partner went straight to Talent Relations and said they would not go back to Saudi Arabia. CW-2 noted that other wrestlers tried to do the same, but the WWE "abused" their "power" and threatened the future trajectory of their careers if they did not go.
This Never Ending Saga Continues As... JARRETT VS. ANTHEM HEARING THIS FRIDAY IN NASHVILLE
There will be a pre-trial conference in the Jeff Jarrett and Global Wrestling Entertainment (Which is basically, Just Jeff Jarrett) lawsuit against Anthem Wrestling, the parent company of Impact Wrestling this Friday 6/19 in advance of their scheduled trial on 6/30.
As part of the conference, Chief Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. will have to rule on a number of recent motions, determining whether certain material will be fair game during the jury trial. Among the things Judge Crenshaw will have to make determinations on are the following:
*Jarrett's side has filed a motion requesting that court prevent Anthem from "from offering evidence, by introduction, reference, documents, declaration, deposition testimony, or live testimony, of any information related to Mr. Jarrett’s conduct while intoxicated resulting from his alcoholism." In that filing, it was noted that Jarrett was suspended (and later terminated) by Ed Nordholm due to personal issues stemming from his battle with alcoholism and that Jarrett is recovering from that battle. Jarrett's side noted in a 6/5 filing that they do not wish to prevent mentions of Jarrett's suspension/termination from Impact or "any general, non-specific reference to Mr. Jarrett’s battle with alcoholism" but that anything beyond that during the trial is "is unnecessary and unwarranted" as his alleged conduct and statements are "not relevant; are highly prejudicial; and seek to introduce hearsay outside any exception." It appear Jarrett's side is arguing that when it comes to the issues at hand - the Jeff Jarrett trademark and the issues surrounding the ownership/use of the GFW Amped! content - his alleged behavior at the time has no bearing on the facts at hand.
*Anthem has filed a motion seeking to exclude an expert report of Glen Perdue. Purdue is, based on a Google search, the managing member of Kraft Analytics, LLC, which focuses upon valuation, forensic and transaction advisory services in Nashville, TN. The motion was sealed so there is no further details as to Anthem's reasoning.
*Anthem also filed a motion to exclude "Evidence of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.'s Corporate Structure and Financial Condition." Noting that Anthem Sports was dismissed as a defendant, Anthem Wrestling argued in their motion, "While Anthem Sports is Anthem Wrestling’s parent entity, the two are completely separate business entities that do not share assets. Any evidence of Anthem Sports’ financials could prejudice the jury against Anthem Wrestling by leading them to believe that Anthem Wrestling has assets that it does not have and would not be able to use to pay any potential award to Plaintiffs. Finally, any such evidence would confuse a jury and waste time. The details of the relationship between Anthem Wrestling and its non-party parent and the parent’s financial condition are neither relevant nor helpful to the jury’s analysis of the substantive issues. Complicated financial and structural evidence will serve only to confuse the jury unnecessarily and waste time during trial."
*Anthem also filed a motion asking the court to "Exclude Spreadsheets Not Created in the Normal Course of Business", noting that discovery came across spreadsheet documents created by Ed Nordholm. In the motion, Anthem argued, "These documents are all copies and/or drafts of a spreadsheet created by Edward Nordholm, who testified the spreadsheet was not kept in the ordinary course of Anthem Wrestling’s business and, because the data in the spreadsheet was likely provided by Plaintiff Jeffrey Jarrett without documentary evidence to support the data, as such, the spreadsheets are inherently untrustworthy. Therefore, the spreadsheets are hearsay and the Court should exclude them from the evidence at trial."
Anthem also filed a motion asking that "Hearsay Testimony and Documentary Evidence of Consumer Confusion" be excluded from the jury, arguing "certain deposition testimony of Plaintiff Jeffrey Jarrett and social media and website records produced by Plaintiffs within their sixth production (which includes documents with bates numbers GFE-0000674 through GFE-001133) in so far as they contain hearsay regarding consumer confusion." Anthem is arguing that statements Jarrett made during a deposition about fans asking him if he's left GFW since he exited Impact and fans being confused online about the relationship between GFW and Impact fall under heresay and shouldn't be brought up before the jury.
*Anthem also requested that the court rule that they are excluding "any Testimony of an Oral Agreement by Plaintiffs' that is Inconsistent with Their Discovery Responses." The motion noted, "For the first time during summary judgment briefing, Plaintiffs admit that Anthem Wrestling had an implied license to use the Amped Content at issue but states that the license was contingent upon the merger closing. This alleged agreement making the use of the Amped Materials contingent on a successful merger is not in either of the written agreements identified in Plaintiffs’ discovery responses. Pursuant to the Federal Rules of Case Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs should not be allowed to present or rely on new testimonial evidence regarding this alleged agreement because of their failure to identify this evidence during discovery or through supplementary discovery responses. Plaintiffs’ failure is not justified or harmless, and Anthem Wrestling will be greatly disadvantaged if Plaintiffs are allowed to present this new testimonial evidence for the first time at trial." Basically, they want the court to rule that if Jarrett/GWE said "A" during the discovery process, they cannot now say "B" during the trial.
The two sides have gone back and forth with responses to the motions, including some that were sealed. It will be up to the Judge to decide what is fair game or not before the jury over the course of the trial.
The two sides also filed a joint proposed pre-trial order on 6/12, listing the issues at hand and what each side will be seeking to prove before a jury. Interestingly, that document included the following - "The sale and marketing of the Amped Content was not successful and turned less than $10,000 in profit." It also noted that bad press was a factor leading to Jarrett's exit from the company.
The two sides are also working out jury instructions and how social distancing and safety measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 (witnesses wearing masks during testimony, etc.) Based on statements and filings with the court, Jeff Jarrett, Ed Nordholm, Scott D'Amore and Josh Mathews are all slated to testify over the course of the trial.
There are expected to be in the area of ten witnesses with the trial lasting at least five business days...unless the two sides opt to come to a settlement before the that.
Credit to Mike Johnson at PWInsider for this.
As part of the conference, Chief Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. will have to rule on a number of recent motions, determining whether certain material will be fair game during the jury trial. Among the things Judge Crenshaw will have to make determinations on are the following:
*Jarrett's side has filed a motion requesting that court prevent Anthem from "from offering evidence, by introduction, reference, documents, declaration, deposition testimony, or live testimony, of any information related to Mr. Jarrett’s conduct while intoxicated resulting from his alcoholism." In that filing, it was noted that Jarrett was suspended (and later terminated) by Ed Nordholm due to personal issues stemming from his battle with alcoholism and that Jarrett is recovering from that battle. Jarrett's side noted in a 6/5 filing that they do not wish to prevent mentions of Jarrett's suspension/termination from Impact or "any general, non-specific reference to Mr. Jarrett’s battle with alcoholism" but that anything beyond that during the trial is "is unnecessary and unwarranted" as his alleged conduct and statements are "not relevant; are highly prejudicial; and seek to introduce hearsay outside any exception." It appear Jarrett's side is arguing that when it comes to the issues at hand - the Jeff Jarrett trademark and the issues surrounding the ownership/use of the GFW Amped! content - his alleged behavior at the time has no bearing on the facts at hand.
*Anthem has filed a motion seeking to exclude an expert report of Glen Perdue. Purdue is, based on a Google search, the managing member of Kraft Analytics, LLC, which focuses upon valuation, forensic and transaction advisory services in Nashville, TN. The motion was sealed so there is no further details as to Anthem's reasoning.
*Anthem also filed a motion to exclude "Evidence of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.'s Corporate Structure and Financial Condition." Noting that Anthem Sports was dismissed as a defendant, Anthem Wrestling argued in their motion, "While Anthem Sports is Anthem Wrestling’s parent entity, the two are completely separate business entities that do not share assets. Any evidence of Anthem Sports’ financials could prejudice the jury against Anthem Wrestling by leading them to believe that Anthem Wrestling has assets that it does not have and would not be able to use to pay any potential award to Plaintiffs. Finally, any such evidence would confuse a jury and waste time. The details of the relationship between Anthem Wrestling and its non-party parent and the parent’s financial condition are neither relevant nor helpful to the jury’s analysis of the substantive issues. Complicated financial and structural evidence will serve only to confuse the jury unnecessarily and waste time during trial."
*Anthem also filed a motion asking the court to "Exclude Spreadsheets Not Created in the Normal Course of Business", noting that discovery came across spreadsheet documents created by Ed Nordholm. In the motion, Anthem argued, "These documents are all copies and/or drafts of a spreadsheet created by Edward Nordholm, who testified the spreadsheet was not kept in the ordinary course of Anthem Wrestling’s business and, because the data in the spreadsheet was likely provided by Plaintiff Jeffrey Jarrett without documentary evidence to support the data, as such, the spreadsheets are inherently untrustworthy. Therefore, the spreadsheets are hearsay and the Court should exclude them from the evidence at trial."
Anthem also filed a motion asking that "Hearsay Testimony and Documentary Evidence of Consumer Confusion" be excluded from the jury, arguing "certain deposition testimony of Plaintiff Jeffrey Jarrett and social media and website records produced by Plaintiffs within their sixth production (which includes documents with bates numbers GFE-0000674 through GFE-001133) in so far as they contain hearsay regarding consumer confusion." Anthem is arguing that statements Jarrett made during a deposition about fans asking him if he's left GFW since he exited Impact and fans being confused online about the relationship between GFW and Impact fall under heresay and shouldn't be brought up before the jury.
*Anthem also requested that the court rule that they are excluding "any Testimony of an Oral Agreement by Plaintiffs' that is Inconsistent with Their Discovery Responses." The motion noted, "For the first time during summary judgment briefing, Plaintiffs admit that Anthem Wrestling had an implied license to use the Amped Content at issue but states that the license was contingent upon the merger closing. This alleged agreement making the use of the Amped Materials contingent on a successful merger is not in either of the written agreements identified in Plaintiffs’ discovery responses. Pursuant to the Federal Rules of Case Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs should not be allowed to present or rely on new testimonial evidence regarding this alleged agreement because of their failure to identify this evidence during discovery or through supplementary discovery responses. Plaintiffs’ failure is not justified or harmless, and Anthem Wrestling will be greatly disadvantaged if Plaintiffs are allowed to present this new testimonial evidence for the first time at trial." Basically, they want the court to rule that if Jarrett/GWE said "A" during the discovery process, they cannot now say "B" during the trial.
The two sides have gone back and forth with responses to the motions, including some that were sealed. It will be up to the Judge to decide what is fair game or not before the jury over the course of the trial.
The two sides also filed a joint proposed pre-trial order on 6/12, listing the issues at hand and what each side will be seeking to prove before a jury. Interestingly, that document included the following - "The sale and marketing of the Amped Content was not successful and turned less than $10,000 in profit." It also noted that bad press was a factor leading to Jarrett's exit from the company.
The two sides are also working out jury instructions and how social distancing and safety measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 (witnesses wearing masks during testimony, etc.) Based on statements and filings with the court, Jeff Jarrett, Ed Nordholm, Scott D'Amore and Josh Mathews are all slated to testify over the course of the trial.
There are expected to be in the area of ten witnesses with the trial lasting at least five business days...unless the two sides opt to come to a settlement before the that.
Credit to Mike Johnson at PWInsider for this.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Mat Memory- North Wrestling (UK)- Heavier Than Air
We should be celebrating at the Riverside, with what would be our 25th show. Well, we can't! So, let's celebrate the last show we were able to put on, back in Feb 2020... //NCL.23/ HEAVIER THAN AIR!
NORTH Tag Team Title Tournament First Round Match
Alexander Henry & Liam Slater vs. Conor Renshaw & Shreddybrek
Dani Luna vs. Roxxy
NORTH Tag Team Title Tournament First Round Match
Amir Jordan & Gene Munny vs. The Anti-Fun Police (Chief Deputy Dunne & Los Federales Santos Jr.)
Eddie Kingston vs. Rory Coyle
TK Cooper vs. HT Drake
Mad Kurt vs. Fraser Thomas vs. Gia Adams vs. Zeo Knox
NORTH Title Match
Spike Trivet (c) vs. Screwface Ahmed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBAf1iXIJMM
NORTH Tag Team Title Tournament First Round Match
Alexander Henry & Liam Slater vs. Conor Renshaw & Shreddybrek
Dani Luna vs. Roxxy
NORTH Tag Team Title Tournament First Round Match
Amir Jordan & Gene Munny vs. The Anti-Fun Police (Chief Deputy Dunne & Los Federales Santos Jr.)
Eddie Kingston vs. Rory Coyle
TK Cooper vs. HT Drake
Mad Kurt vs. Fraser Thomas vs. Gia Adams vs. Zeo Knox
NORTH Title Match
Spike Trivet (c) vs. Screwface Ahmed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBAf1iXIJMM
Mat Memory- Portland Wrestling TV (October 7th, 1989)
1) The Juicer vs Moondog Moretti
2) Al Madril vs Carl Styles
3) Scotty the Body vs Rex King
4) Steve Doll vs Jonathan Boyd
5) The Grappler vs Rip Oliver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=008zQGmdLzg
2) Al Madril vs Carl Styles
3) Scotty the Body vs Rex King
4) Steve Doll vs Jonathan Boyd
5) The Grappler vs Rip Oliver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=008zQGmdLzg
Mat Memory- Southeastern Championship Wrestling - July 29, 1978
Featuring:
Kevin Sullivan & Ted Allen vs. Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson w/Ron Wright
Bob Roop & Jimmy Golden vs. Abdul Zaatar & Lucky Davis
Personality Profile on Jimmy Golden
Ronnie Garvin vs. Steve Kyle
Gorgeous George Jr w/Don Carson vs. Rip Smith
Plus: Boris Malenko, Robert Fuller, Mongolian Stomper and more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHBVFhQ3MgE
Kevin Sullivan & Ted Allen vs. Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson w/Ron Wright
Bob Roop & Jimmy Golden vs. Abdul Zaatar & Lucky Davis
Personality Profile on Jimmy Golden
Ronnie Garvin vs. Steve Kyle
Gorgeous George Jr w/Don Carson vs. Rip Smith
Plus: Boris Malenko, Robert Fuller, Mongolian Stomper and more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHBVFhQ3MgE
Saturday, June 13, 2020
AMW-TV Episode 197: June 13, 2020
AMW-TV 197:
We take one final look at two of the very top competitors in the southeast as Derek Neal takes on Wayne Adkins from Barbourville, KY
Kyle Maggard gives us a special look at some exclusive content coming only to the AMW Network
TV MAIN EVENT
AMW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(C)John Noble vs. Shawn Cruz
(never before seen match from Manchester, KY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhj0q321QdU
We take one final look at two of the very top competitors in the southeast as Derek Neal takes on Wayne Adkins from Barbourville, KY
Kyle Maggard gives us a special look at some exclusive content coming only to the AMW Network
TV MAIN EVENT
AMW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(C)John Noble vs. Shawn Cruz
(never before seen match from Manchester, KY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhj0q321QdU
Championship Wrestling From Hollywood Episode #63
Today's line-up includes:
CHALLENGE MATCH | RAY ROSAS v HAPPY MAN
Watch this one closely. Sometimes your big mouth gets you in trouble... and anything can happen on the fastest hour in pro wrestling! (hint, hint!)
WOMEN'S DIVISION MATCH | THUNDER ROSA v VIVA VAN
NWA Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa is in the house. Women's Division action is always incredible, especially with these 2.
SINGLES MATCH | LEVI SHAPIRO with HOWDY PRICE v ADRIEL NOCTIS
Howdy's Classic Connection is now broken up... and Howdy's riding with Levi Shapiro. Can Noctis steal an upset?
MAIN EVENT | DANNY LIMELIGHT RIVERA v ICE WILLIAMS
2 of the most athletic wrestlers in our league square off 1 on 1 in an action-packed thriller! You will NOT want to miss this.
PLUS | Not only will we hear prematch comments from our Main Event but we'll also see a special feature entitled "Who is Danny Limelight?"
All this + MORE on the FASTEST HOUR IN PRO WRESTLING!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpB-5bQtC3w
CHALLENGE MATCH | RAY ROSAS v HAPPY MAN
Watch this one closely. Sometimes your big mouth gets you in trouble... and anything can happen on the fastest hour in pro wrestling! (hint, hint!)
WOMEN'S DIVISION MATCH | THUNDER ROSA v VIVA VAN
NWA Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa is in the house. Women's Division action is always incredible, especially with these 2.
SINGLES MATCH | LEVI SHAPIRO with HOWDY PRICE v ADRIEL NOCTIS
Howdy's Classic Connection is now broken up... and Howdy's riding with Levi Shapiro. Can Noctis steal an upset?
MAIN EVENT | DANNY LIMELIGHT RIVERA v ICE WILLIAMS
2 of the most athletic wrestlers in our league square off 1 on 1 in an action-packed thriller! You will NOT want to miss this.
PLUS | Not only will we hear prematch comments from our Main Event but we'll also see a special feature entitled "Who is Danny Limelight?"
All this + MORE on the FASTEST HOUR IN PRO WRESTLING!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpB-5bQtC3w
New Jack on Abdullah The Butcher
ECW Original and Hardcore Wrestling Icon New Jack discusses what the background of his heat with controversial WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah The Butcher is all about. Abdullah once accused New Jack of having AIDS which he later produced blood test results showing The Butcher was lying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcUuIksLKp8
Friday, June 12, 2020
Get A Load Of This Petty Shit By WWE As.. Billy Gunn Reportedly Is Unable To Use Last Name In AEW Due To WWE
AEW wrestler and producer Billy Gunn is reportedly unable to use the "Gunn" last name in AEW.
It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that the WWE Hall of Famer is not allowed to use the word "Gunn" in AEW as his last name due to WWE lawyers getting involved.
AEW refers to the former DX member as "Billy of The Gunn Club" and they also bill him as "Billy and Austin Gunn" when he's with his son, but officially his ring name in AEW is just Billy.
There's no word on what exactly happened with WWE lawyers. Chris Jericho previously joked on AEW commentary that Billy lost his last name in a poker game.
As seen below, the full "Billy Gunn" name was used for the graphic attached to The Gunn Club's theme song on YouTube:
It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that the WWE Hall of Famer is not allowed to use the word "Gunn" in AEW as his last name due to WWE lawyers getting involved.
AEW refers to the former DX member as "Billy of The Gunn Club" and they also bill him as "Billy and Austin Gunn" when he's with his son, but officially his ring name in AEW is just Billy.
There's no word on what exactly happened with WWE lawyers. Chris Jericho previously joked on AEW commentary that Billy lost his last name in a poker game.
As seen below, the full "Billy Gunn" name was used for the graphic attached to The Gunn Club's theme song on YouTube:
WWE CONSOLIDATES CREATIVE TEAM, BRUCE PRICHARD TO LEAD THE TEAM
WWE has announced a significant change to their creative process.
In a statement issued today, it was announced that WWE has consolidated their creative teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group. Bruce Prichard will lead the group, while Paul Heyman will now focus on his role as an on-screen performer.
"In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group, led by Bruce Prichard," WWE announced. "Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer."
It was announced in June 2019 that Heyman had been named executive director of Raw. Eric Bischoff was named executive director of SmackDown then but was replaced by Prichard in October.
The decision, obviously, was a Vince McMahon call. One source noted that Vince McMahon had been "very upset" and openly "frustrated" with Monday Night Raw of late. That series has taken the hardest hit in terms of viewership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in April, McMahon commented on WWE's ratings being down during the company's 2020 first quarter earnings call, noting, "In terms of the why, it goes back to the product itself, and we are the only, you're right, sports environment at the moment. But again, it's a different feel completely than in front of a live audience. We were the first sports to have interaction with live audience as many, many years ago, it was yay, boo. That's the first interaction, and we don't have that now. But we're doing really well, I think, beyond anyone's expectations actually by doing the show without an audience, and everything we do is about the audience and how they react and what you read them and to fund and what have you that they all have by coming to WWE event. So that's really I think why and we need to be able to figure out ways, which we are in that, we will hear the performers putting the bad mouth on each other and so forth, which you never hear before, minimize some of the more creative words, we will say, but nonetheless, there are advantages and we can go outside of the environment too. So we don't want to stay there for two or three matches. You need some relief there. In one form or another, we're figuring that out as well. A lot of things to figure out in this sort of environment, what can you do and what resonates and things of that nature. So it's really, it's brand new for us and for anyone. So there is no audience and it's a different show, completely different show, and I think we're going to get there with...we may be able to take this negative and already turned it into somewhat of a positive as far as ratings and what have you concerned. SmackDown has virtually seen no change, very little. Raw has suffered, but not necessarily because of the environment. It's suffered because we bring in a lot of new talent into Raw and it takes a while to get these new talents over. We no longer have Brock Lesnar obviously, but we have a new champion and a lot of new performers coming out, it takes a while. So that's the reason. And how you use those performers in this story or that story, what have you. So with new talent, it's just going to take a little while. And then, so the Raw's ratings are kind of bounced back considerably."
Thus far, Raw's ratings have not bounced back.
Heyman was named the Executive Director of Monday Night Raw in June 2019. Eric Bischoff was named the same for Friday Night Smackdown, later replaced by Bruce Prichard. At the time, WWE announced that the Executive Director positions had been created to free up Vince McMahon so he did not have to be deep "in the weeds", so to speak, for the weekly WWE broadcasts. At that point, McMahon was also ramping up the return of XFL, which has shuttered in the wake of the pandemic with its parent company Alpha Entertainment filing for bankruptcy.
With Heyman's exit from his position on Raw, Bruce Prichard rises up to become one of the top executives for the company, which was always the plan.
There is no word yet whether consolidating the creative teams will lead to additional cuts to creative. WWE had been seeking a new Lead Writer in the wake of Christopher DeJoseph's exit from the Smackdown team and was in the process of new hires for creative within recent weeks.
In a statement issued today, it was announced that WWE has consolidated their creative teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group. Bruce Prichard will lead the group, while Paul Heyman will now focus on his role as an on-screen performer.
"In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group, led by Bruce Prichard," WWE announced. "Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer."
It was announced in June 2019 that Heyman had been named executive director of Raw. Eric Bischoff was named executive director of SmackDown then but was replaced by Prichard in October.
The decision, obviously, was a Vince McMahon call. One source noted that Vince McMahon had been "very upset" and openly "frustrated" with Monday Night Raw of late. That series has taken the hardest hit in terms of viewership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in April, McMahon commented on WWE's ratings being down during the company's 2020 first quarter earnings call, noting, "In terms of the why, it goes back to the product itself, and we are the only, you're right, sports environment at the moment. But again, it's a different feel completely than in front of a live audience. We were the first sports to have interaction with live audience as many, many years ago, it was yay, boo. That's the first interaction, and we don't have that now. But we're doing really well, I think, beyond anyone's expectations actually by doing the show without an audience, and everything we do is about the audience and how they react and what you read them and to fund and what have you that they all have by coming to WWE event. So that's really I think why and we need to be able to figure out ways, which we are in that, we will hear the performers putting the bad mouth on each other and so forth, which you never hear before, minimize some of the more creative words, we will say, but nonetheless, there are advantages and we can go outside of the environment too. So we don't want to stay there for two or three matches. You need some relief there. In one form or another, we're figuring that out as well. A lot of things to figure out in this sort of environment, what can you do and what resonates and things of that nature. So it's really, it's brand new for us and for anyone. So there is no audience and it's a different show, completely different show, and I think we're going to get there with...we may be able to take this negative and already turned it into somewhat of a positive as far as ratings and what have you concerned. SmackDown has virtually seen no change, very little. Raw has suffered, but not necessarily because of the environment. It's suffered because we bring in a lot of new talent into Raw and it takes a while to get these new talents over. We no longer have Brock Lesnar obviously, but we have a new champion and a lot of new performers coming out, it takes a while. So that's the reason. And how you use those performers in this story or that story, what have you. So with new talent, it's just going to take a little while. And then, so the Raw's ratings are kind of bounced back considerably."
Thus far, Raw's ratings have not bounced back.
Heyman was named the Executive Director of Monday Night Raw in June 2019. Eric Bischoff was named the same for Friday Night Smackdown, later replaced by Bruce Prichard. At the time, WWE announced that the Executive Director positions had been created to free up Vince McMahon so he did not have to be deep "in the weeds", so to speak, for the weekly WWE broadcasts. At that point, McMahon was also ramping up the return of XFL, which has shuttered in the wake of the pandemic with its parent company Alpha Entertainment filing for bankruptcy.
With Heyman's exit from his position on Raw, Bruce Prichard rises up to become one of the top executives for the company, which was always the plan.
There is no word yet whether consolidating the creative teams will lead to additional cuts to creative. WWE had been seeking a new Lead Writer in the wake of Christopher DeJoseph's exit from the Smackdown team and was in the process of new hires for creative within recent weeks.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Legacy of Harley Race | Inside The NWA 004
Inside The NWA returns with Episode 004 with a deep dive discussion on the legacy of Harley Race. joe Galli hosts a special discussion with NWA Superstar Trevor Murdoch and NWA Powerrr announcer David Marquez.
In this discussion, you'll hear the cultural impact that Harley Race had on professional wrestling from two men who worked closely with the 8x NWA Worlds Champion after he retired from he ring. David Marquez worked with Harley Race doing WLW in the 90s. Trevor Murdoch was trained by Harley Race.
These two men's passion for the great NWA Champion comes through in this interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hynlJSHPWg
In this discussion, you'll hear the cultural impact that Harley Race had on professional wrestling from two men who worked closely with the 8x NWA Worlds Champion after he retired from he ring. David Marquez worked with Harley Race doing WLW in the 90s. Trevor Murdoch was trained by Harley Race.
These two men's passion for the great NWA Champion comes through in this interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hynlJSHPWg
Championship Wrestling From Arizona - Airdate: June 7, 2020
On this week's episode of Championship Wrestling From Arizona, the Red Rock Royale is back to determine the No. 1 contender to the AZ State Championship! Plus, Watson faces his former mentor Tomaste.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-P_4x-Bec
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-P_4x-Bec
Mr. Wrestling 2 Johnny Walker Passes Away
Will have more on this as the day goes on but in case some internet mark tries to call bullshit.
Here's the video of the announcement by Bill Apter.
https://youtu.be/ouxHtWhNPsc
Here's the video of the announcement by Bill Apter.
https://youtu.be/ouxHtWhNPsc
Carnyland 003 | A Mayor Is You... Maybe?
The stars of the National Wrestling Alliance return with Carnyland 003 "A Mayor is You... Maybe?" On Episode 002 of Carnyland, William Patrick Corgan announced that a Mayoral Race would begin soon and today you get to meet the candidates. But there is a rumble of the future of ONE of the talents who steps forward. Who from the NWA Powerrr roster is going to run? Who might not? We won't spoil it too soon but there might be someone who either has a crystal ball or a car that might go over 87 miles an hour.
Carnyland has been called a strange place by those who haven't taken the time to visit, but the citizens of Carnyland have found a unique utopia where true political leaders don't lie... they stretch the truth. This mayoral race in Carnyland will pit the best of the best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZHehXeUSx4
Carnyland has been called a strange place by those who haven't taken the time to visit, but the citizens of Carnyland have found a unique utopia where true political leaders don't lie... they stretch the truth. This mayoral race in Carnyland will pit the best of the best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZHehXeUSx4
HUGE Announcement on Tessa Blanchard's IMPACT World Championship!| IMPACT! Highlights June 9 , 2020
This was pretty horrible to watch. No fans, no noise and Scotty D'Amore needs to not be an on camera talent. This reminded me why I haven't watched Impact in weeks, and why I won't be watching much more of it in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0AY8xGWkVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0AY8xGWkVY
Deonna Purrazzo DEBUTS, Assaults Knockouts Champion! | IMPACT! Highlights June 9, 2020
Deonna Purrazzo makes her highly-anticipated debut in IMPACT Wrestling and immediately puts the entire Knockouts Division ON NOTICE in shocking fashion!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMYn_Hs8mKs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMYn_Hs8mKs
Al Snow on Stretching Wannabe Wrestlers
Al Snow on Stretching Wannabe Wrestlers
WWE Legend, Former ECW & Impact Wrestling star Ohio Valley Wrestling owner and former WWE Head Trainer Al Snow discusses the old practice of "stretching" wannabe professional wrestlers to make them respect the business prior to training them in other words roughing them up a little bit to test their toughness. This practice is no longer around and it's easier to call yourself a wrestlers than ever which has helped lead to the current state of the wrestling business which is in a decline hitting all time ratings lows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY17DnaJGFo
WWE Legend, Former ECW & Impact Wrestling star Ohio Valley Wrestling owner and former WWE Head Trainer Al Snow discusses the old practice of "stretching" wannabe professional wrestlers to make them respect the business prior to training them in other words roughing them up a little bit to test their toughness. This practice is no longer around and it's easier to call yourself a wrestlers than ever which has helped lead to the current state of the wrestling business which is in a decline hitting all time ratings lows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY17DnaJGFo
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Doug Williams & Nick Aldis | Whats Causin Aldis 003 | NWA Carnyland
The NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis returns with the Carnyland Exclusive What's Causin Aldis to interview one of the most important talents in his career... Doug Williams.
On this episode of Whats Causin Aldis, Nick Aldis dives deep into the impact that Doug Williams had on his career. Doug Williams and Nick Aldis share stories on their first meeting, being paired together on TNA Wrestling as the British Invasion, the best way to have a prolonged career in professional wrestling, Doug's final run in wrestling before returning and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb3Zib_8szM
On this episode of Whats Causin Aldis, Nick Aldis dives deep into the impact that Doug Williams had on his career. Doug Williams and Nick Aldis share stories on their first meeting, being paired together on TNA Wrestling as the British Invasion, the best way to have a prolonged career in professional wrestling, Doug's final run in wrestling before returning and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb3Zib_8szM
MLW SIGNS DEAL WITH DAZN, MORE ON MLW'S FUTURE PLANS
Major League Wrestling has signed a deal with sports streaming giants DAZN, making MLW the first professional wrestling property to stream on that platform.
Neither side has made an official announcement, but MLW Fusion TV episodes as well as the complete MLW Opera Cup event are already available for VOD streaming and MLW will be rolled into DAZN’s linear programming schedule. if and when MLW resumes live events, DAZN will be carrying some of that content live as well. This would give MLW the platform to broadcast live PPV specials on DAZN as well.
For those unfamiliar with DAZN, it is the Netflix of sports, with a massive international footprint, holding rights for BELLATOR as well as Canelo Alvarez boxing fights. John Skipper, who ran ESPN, is DAZN’s Executive Chairman. DAZN launched in September 2018 and is $19.99 per month or $99.00 for an annual subscription. DAZN touted earlier this year that it has eight million subscribers globally, which puts MLW before more potential eyeballs than the WWE Network has ever had.
We are told the DAZN deal is not a replacement for MLW Fusion’s run on BeIN Sport but is in addition to their relationship with BeIN, giving Major League Wrestling a bigger footprint overall. Currently, that cable sports network airs MLW content nightly with MLW broadcasts often the top rated broadcast of the day. MLW is not leaving BeIN Sport. We are told, however, MLW Fusion is unlikely to continue in the future to be distributed on YouTube as those within promotion (specifically Bauer) have noted that monetization via YouTube has been poor and the feeling is that the series would be better monetized elsewhere. There is a feeling within MLW that WWE gets the preferential treatment for advertising dollars on the platform.
MLW has/had been in discussions with ESPN about potentially bringing programming to some of ESPN’s platforms. Those talks began in January 2020 and pre-dated WWE providing ESPN with Sunday evening TV content of old Wrestlemania broadcasts. Once that content began airing on ESPN, it complicated and slowed the MLW discussions. The WWE relationship ended quickly with vintage Wrestlemania broadcasts shifting over to FS1. the DAZN deal would not mean the end of MLW pursuing additional cable deals, whether that be ESPN or elsewhere.
Neither side has made an official announcement, but MLW Fusion TV episodes as well as the complete MLW Opera Cup event are already available for VOD streaming and MLW will be rolled into DAZN’s linear programming schedule. if and when MLW resumes live events, DAZN will be carrying some of that content live as well. This would give MLW the platform to broadcast live PPV specials on DAZN as well.
For those unfamiliar with DAZN, it is the Netflix of sports, with a massive international footprint, holding rights for BELLATOR as well as Canelo Alvarez boxing fights. John Skipper, who ran ESPN, is DAZN’s Executive Chairman. DAZN launched in September 2018 and is $19.99 per month or $99.00 for an annual subscription. DAZN touted earlier this year that it has eight million subscribers globally, which puts MLW before more potential eyeballs than the WWE Network has ever had.
We are told the DAZN deal is not a replacement for MLW Fusion’s run on BeIN Sport but is in addition to their relationship with BeIN, giving Major League Wrestling a bigger footprint overall. Currently, that cable sports network airs MLW content nightly with MLW broadcasts often the top rated broadcast of the day. MLW is not leaving BeIN Sport. We are told, however, MLW Fusion is unlikely to continue in the future to be distributed on YouTube as those within promotion (specifically Bauer) have noted that monetization via YouTube has been poor and the feeling is that the series would be better monetized elsewhere. There is a feeling within MLW that WWE gets the preferential treatment for advertising dollars on the platform.
MLW has/had been in discussions with ESPN about potentially bringing programming to some of ESPN’s platforms. Those talks began in January 2020 and pre-dated WWE providing ESPN with Sunday evening TV content of old Wrestlemania broadcasts. Once that content began airing on ESPN, it complicated and slowed the MLW discussions. The WWE relationship ended quickly with vintage Wrestlemania broadcasts shifting over to FS1. the DAZN deal would not mean the end of MLW pursuing additional cable deals, whether that be ESPN or elsewhere.
Monday, June 8, 2020
NJPW Special Online Press Conference (English subtitles)
A special press conference discusses NJPW's return to action!
Announced events will all broadcast LIVE on NJPW World!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-ePaa_4FeM
Announced events will all broadcast LIVE on NJPW World!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-ePaa_4FeM
Demolition - When We Wrestled Andre the Giant & Haku in WWF
Demolition (Ax and Smash) discuss their legendary matches vs Andre the Giant & Haku, British Bulldogs, Strike Force & more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bbd-i5np0o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bbd-i5np0o
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Mat Memory- NWA Georgia Wrestling June 1984
NWA Georgia Wrestling June 1984
06-10-84
23) PWI Press Conference with the Spoiler
24) Roadwarriors vs. Greg Brown & Dale Veasy
25) Footage of Dusty Rhodes’s attack on Paul Jones in which he places the figure-four leglock on Jones but is attacked by Kamala in the progress
26) Ted DiBiase vs. Tom Cooper
06-16-84
27) Show begins as Gordon Solie and Ole Anderson announce that NWA President Bob Geigel is requiring Ric Flair to wrestle TV Champion Ronnie Garvin on today’s show
28) Interview with Ric Flair on Bob Geigel’s announcement that he must wrestle Garvin
29) Nikolai Volkoff vs. Greg Brown
30) Interview with Jake “the Snake” Roberts on his upcoming TV Title Match with Ron Garvin
31) Zamboui Express vs. Steve Starr & Roger Bond
32) National TV Title Match 33) Ric Flair vs. Champion: Ron Garvin; time-limit draw
06-17-84
34) Footage of Kamala vs. King Cobra
35) Roadwarriors vs. Marice Cooper & Mike Starbuck
36) Interview with Ric Flair on Flair’s upcoming tour of “Von Erich” land and Florida; Flair invites his “great cousin” Ole Anderson to come out and the two shake hands
37) Ted DiBiase vs. Greg Brown
38) Wahoo McDaniels vs. Roger Bond
06-23-84
39) Interview with Jake “the Snake” Roberts and the TV Title being “held up” because of Roberts’ using the DDT in his match against Garvin
40) The Spoiler vs. Dave Dillenger
41) Interview with Ric Flair; Ric Flair remains with Solie for the next several segments to provide commentary
42) Steve Travis vs. Bob Owens
43) Video footage of Kamala vs. Italian Stallion
44) Nikolai Volkoff vs. Bob Brown; Ole Anderson joins Ric Flair and Gordon Solie for ringside commentary
45) Interview with Michael P.S. Hayes: “I’m still the same! I hate Von Erichs, I hate the Dodgers, but I still love to Rock & Roll!!!”; Hayes responds to comments made by the Roadwarriors concerning the Freebirds
46) Roadwarriors vs. Mike Jackson & Randy Barber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlkWZ7bXkEM
06-10-84
23) PWI Press Conference with the Spoiler
24) Roadwarriors vs. Greg Brown & Dale Veasy
25) Footage of Dusty Rhodes’s attack on Paul Jones in which he places the figure-four leglock on Jones but is attacked by Kamala in the progress
26) Ted DiBiase vs. Tom Cooper
06-16-84
27) Show begins as Gordon Solie and Ole Anderson announce that NWA President Bob Geigel is requiring Ric Flair to wrestle TV Champion Ronnie Garvin on today’s show
28) Interview with Ric Flair on Bob Geigel’s announcement that he must wrestle Garvin
29) Nikolai Volkoff vs. Greg Brown
30) Interview with Jake “the Snake” Roberts on his upcoming TV Title Match with Ron Garvin
31) Zamboui Express vs. Steve Starr & Roger Bond
32) National TV Title Match 33) Ric Flair vs. Champion: Ron Garvin; time-limit draw
06-17-84
34) Footage of Kamala vs. King Cobra
35) Roadwarriors vs. Marice Cooper & Mike Starbuck
36) Interview with Ric Flair on Flair’s upcoming tour of “Von Erich” land and Florida; Flair invites his “great cousin” Ole Anderson to come out and the two shake hands
37) Ted DiBiase vs. Greg Brown
38) Wahoo McDaniels vs. Roger Bond
06-23-84
39) Interview with Jake “the Snake” Roberts and the TV Title being “held up” because of Roberts’ using the DDT in his match against Garvin
40) The Spoiler vs. Dave Dillenger
41) Interview with Ric Flair; Ric Flair remains with Solie for the next several segments to provide commentary
42) Steve Travis vs. Bob Owens
43) Video footage of Kamala vs. Italian Stallion
44) Nikolai Volkoff vs. Bob Brown; Ole Anderson joins Ric Flair and Gordon Solie for ringside commentary
45) Interview with Michael P.S. Hayes: “I’m still the same! I hate Von Erichs, I hate the Dodgers, but I still love to Rock & Roll!!!”; Hayes responds to comments made by the Roadwarriors concerning the Freebirds
46) Roadwarriors vs. Mike Jackson & Randy Barber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlkWZ7bXkEM
OVW TV 1086 - "Nightmare Rumble 2020"
Thirty people enter, one person leaves with a shot at the OVW Heavyweight Championship. Gilbert Corsey, Steve Johnson, and Shannon The Dude host the 2020 Nightmare Rumble while Bryan Kennison deals with his own vehicular nightmare at the Davis Arena.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iCOIKjmNPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iCOIKjmNPA
How Stupid Is WWE? WWEELL, They Asked To Use Zack Ryder's Pool, AFTER, They Fired Him (LOL!)
Yes it's true, it's damn true, WWE is really this fucking stupid. And yet people still actually WANT to work there.
Matt Cardona (fka WWE's Zack Ryder) was among numerous WWE Superstars who were cut in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn't keep WWE from making a strange request from the former WWE Intercontinental Champion.
On Cardona and former WWE Superstar Brian Myers's (Curt Hawkins) podcast, The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Cardona tells the story of WWE wanting to use his pool for one of their SmackDown segments.
"I'm sitting by the pool with Chelsea, and she has a weird look on her face," Cardona began. "She's checking her phone, and I'm like, 'Babe, what's up?' She's like, 'Uh, someone from WWE asked me if Otis, Mandy Rose, and a camera crew can come here to film a pool scene for SmackDown.' I was shaking in anger. Shaking in anger. You fired me, but you want to use my pool?
"I had a tweet sent, and I say this sometimes, 'Don't press send.' [Laughs] It was a 'Don't press send' tweet. I was just very, like, 'You fired me, but you want to use my pool a couple weeks later?' ... I was pissed. The fact is they didn't even ask me, they asked her!"
Just when you though people at WWE coiuldn't get any more stupid? There you go, proof indeed.. That they can and WILL, get even more stupid.
Matt Cardona (fka WWE's Zack Ryder) was among numerous WWE Superstars who were cut in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn't keep WWE from making a strange request from the former WWE Intercontinental Champion.
On Cardona and former WWE Superstar Brian Myers's (Curt Hawkins) podcast, The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Cardona tells the story of WWE wanting to use his pool for one of their SmackDown segments.
"I'm sitting by the pool with Chelsea, and she has a weird look on her face," Cardona began. "She's checking her phone, and I'm like, 'Babe, what's up?' She's like, 'Uh, someone from WWE asked me if Otis, Mandy Rose, and a camera crew can come here to film a pool scene for SmackDown.' I was shaking in anger. Shaking in anger. You fired me, but you want to use my pool?
"I had a tweet sent, and I say this sometimes, 'Don't press send.' [Laughs] It was a 'Don't press send' tweet. I was just very, like, 'You fired me, but you want to use my pool a couple weeks later?' ... I was pissed. The fact is they didn't even ask me, they asked her!"
Just when you though people at WWE coiuldn't get any more stupid? There you go, proof indeed.. That they can and WILL, get even more stupid.
AMW-TV Episode 196: June 6, 2020
AMW-TV 196:
We take one final look at previous AMW WEEKEND OF CHAMPIONS events.
This week's program will feature:
COAL MINERS GLOVE ON A POLE MATCH.
Kyle Maggard vs. The Mega Destroyer with Lemonjuice McGee. Whomever climbs the pole and captures the loaded coal miners glove can legally use it on their opponent.
We will also see highlights of The Wild Eyed Southern Boy Tracy Smothers induction into the AMW Hall of Fame.
TV MAIN EVENT
AMW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(C)Stan Sierra vs. Bobby Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bmTbBrHq4I
We take one final look at previous AMW WEEKEND OF CHAMPIONS events.
This week's program will feature:
COAL MINERS GLOVE ON A POLE MATCH.
Kyle Maggard vs. The Mega Destroyer with Lemonjuice McGee. Whomever climbs the pole and captures the loaded coal miners glove can legally use it on their opponent.
We will also see highlights of The Wild Eyed Southern Boy Tracy Smothers induction into the AMW Hall of Fame.
TV MAIN EVENT
AMW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(C)Stan Sierra vs. Bobby Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bmTbBrHq4I
Road Warrior Animal Full Shoot Interview 2020
Road Warrior Animal Full Shoot Interview 2020
WWE Hall of Famer, Japanese Wrestling Legend and multiple time World Tag Team Champion in every major organization of his time Road Warrior Animal of The Legion of Doom does a follow up shoot interview with The Hannibal TV discussing topics such as the current state of wrestling in WWE, AEW and NWA, what he thought of the Dark Side of The Ring Road Warriors Documentary, a story on Hawk breaking an expensive motorcycle, stories about his brother John Laurinaitis and how he's married to the Bella's mom, thoughts on the current riots going on in the US, personal best lifts in the gym, the famous Powers of Pain Feud, Rachel Ellering getting fired, memories of wrestling in Japan and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaL8OjgyyyY
WWE Hall of Famer, Japanese Wrestling Legend and multiple time World Tag Team Champion in every major organization of his time Road Warrior Animal of The Legion of Doom does a follow up shoot interview with The Hannibal TV discussing topics such as the current state of wrestling in WWE, AEW and NWA, what he thought of the Dark Side of The Ring Road Warriors Documentary, a story on Hawk breaking an expensive motorcycle, stories about his brother John Laurinaitis and how he's married to the Bella's mom, thoughts on the current riots going on in the US, personal best lifts in the gym, the famous Powers of Pain Feud, Rachel Ellering getting fired, memories of wrestling in Japan and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaL8OjgyyyY
Mat Memory- WWF Wrestling @ MSG 6/28/82
WWF Wrestling @ MSG 6/28/82
1. Rick McGraw vs Johnny Rodz
2. Laurent Soucie vs Swede Hanson
3. Baron Mikel Scicluna vs Salvatore Bellomo
4. Pedro Morales vs. Cowboy Bob Orton (IC Title)
5. S.D. Jones vs Blackjack Mulligan
6. Charlie Fulton vs Steve Travis
7. Bob Backlund vs. Jimmy Snuka (World Title; Cage Match)
8. Jules & Jay Strongbow vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito (Guest Referee Ivan Putski; Tag Titles))
9. Tony Garea vs Adrian Adonis
10. Tony Atlas vs Greg Valentine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkt7l7zK9Y
1. Rick McGraw vs Johnny Rodz
2. Laurent Soucie vs Swede Hanson
3. Baron Mikel Scicluna vs Salvatore Bellomo
4. Pedro Morales vs. Cowboy Bob Orton (IC Title)
5. S.D. Jones vs Blackjack Mulligan
6. Charlie Fulton vs Steve Travis
7. Bob Backlund vs. Jimmy Snuka (World Title; Cage Match)
8. Jules & Jay Strongbow vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito (Guest Referee Ivan Putski; Tag Titles))
9. Tony Garea vs Adrian Adonis
10. Tony Atlas vs Greg Valentine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkt7l7zK9Y
Saturday, June 6, 2020
“The Bad Boy” Joey Janela Gets Owned And Punked On Twitter (And Goes From 'Bad Boy' to 'Bitch Boy')
For weeks on and off I've made the not so 'Bad Boy' and AEW'S resident moron Joey Janela look like a total moron and dipshit on Twitter. It really doesn't take much since his own actions show, he really IS, a fucking moron and a dumb ass. But it came to a head and in the end.. When someone like me punks someone with their own shit? They ALWAYS, show what little bitch boys they really are when they have to go and hide, behind blocking people, because the truth bitch slaps them that much.
And now here's where the truth comes and makes ol Joeypoo look like a total dumb fuck. I guess maybe he just can't help himself, and being a dumb shit is all he knows how to be.
Yes AEW, you can proud to know, you choose to employ, someone this dumb assed. Good for you for keeping the dumb ass quota filled by letting him work for you.
The round that had me own Joey for good started with, this thread.
The link I clobbered him with, is this. My story of Combat Zone Wrestling being exposed. https://billsbrandnewblog.blogspot.com/2020/05/combat-zone-wrestling-exposed-and-its.html
In that story there's THIS from ol Jelly Joey himself.
Yep.. In the midst of a story about how Combat Zone Wrestling exploited their women talent, there's Joey, showing what a dumb fuck he really is.. Like I said, I guess he just can't help himself on the fact he's a fucking moron.
SSOO, what does the "BBBBAAAD BOY" do when the truth comes and gives him a good punk slap full of reality? He goes from being the 'Bad Boy" to now.. being a bitch boy because the truth hurts too much and he had to resort? To this, LMAO!
And now here's where the truth comes and makes ol Joeypoo look like a total dumb fuck. I guess maybe he just can't help himself, and being a dumb shit is all he knows how to be.
Yes AEW, you can proud to know, you choose to employ, someone this dumb assed. Good for you for keeping the dumb ass quota filled by letting him work for you.
The round that had me own Joey for good started with, this thread.
In that story there's THIS from ol Jelly Joey himself.
Yep.. In the midst of a story about how Combat Zone Wrestling exploited their women talent, there's Joey, showing what a dumb fuck he really is.. Like I said, I guess he just can't help himself on the fact he's a fucking moron.
SSOO, what does the "BBBBAAAD BOY" do when the truth comes and gives him a good punk slap full of reality? He goes from being the 'Bad Boy" to now.. being a bitch boy because the truth hurts too much and he had to resort? To this, LMAO!
Yep, see how fast he bitches up when the truth smacks him, and no snarly come back in the world will help him knowing I just showed beyond a doubt, what a fucking moron he is?
They ALWAYS, have to hide behind a block when I put their dumb asses in check, and put em in their place where they belong. You can thank me for showing that when push comes to shove? Ol Joey Jelly or Jelly Joey turned into jelly because he couldn't handle getting punked so easily.
And I'm not the only example of Joey getting handed his ass so easily either.. There's this guy below, that easily made Joey his bitch too.
Boom! Joey seems to get smacked a lot on Twitter. Maybe, just Maybe.. Joey should stay silent. because when he speaks? he gets checked, with ease. And we now see what happens when he can't handle getting checked, with ease, LMAO!
Indie Star Faye Jackson Slams Ring Of Honor
Ring of Honor sent out a message yesterday about the protests that are currently taking place in the U.S.
The message was the following:
ROH stands with the peaceful protests occurring around the country that are forcing important conversations and action to address racism in this country. ROH supports a diverse, inclusive community that treats all people with the respect and dignity that they deserve, and we will use our platform to expose instances of racism and prejudice in all forms.
We all extend our sincere condolences to the Floyd family and hope that as a country we can come together and ensure incidents like this never happen again
Earlier this afternoon, independent wrestler Faye Jackson responded to their message. She shared that while she was in Ring of Honor, she was never invited to the Women of Honor locker room meetings.
Jackson tweeted, "I remember the days of 'Women of Honor' having locker room meetings but I was never invited. The one time I invited myself I was met with stares and eye rolls. Inclusive right?"
She added, "I'm sure I'm gonna be more blackballed after that statement but it had to be said. PTSD is real."
Faye Jackson also tweeted that the locker room incident was only a "small thing of many things" that she went through with ROH.
"And this is only a small thing of many things I went through. But this ain't the platform. I'm already exhausted from it and no I don't want to go on your podcast to talk about it. I've BEEN tired."
The message was the following:
ROH stands with the peaceful protests occurring around the country that are forcing important conversations and action to address racism in this country. ROH supports a diverse, inclusive community that treats all people with the respect and dignity that they deserve, and we will use our platform to expose instances of racism and prejudice in all forms.
We all extend our sincere condolences to the Floyd family and hope that as a country we can come together and ensure incidents like this never happen again
Earlier this afternoon, independent wrestler Faye Jackson responded to their message. She shared that while she was in Ring of Honor, she was never invited to the Women of Honor locker room meetings.
Jackson tweeted, "I remember the days of 'Women of Honor' having locker room meetings but I was never invited. The one time I invited myself I was met with stares and eye rolls. Inclusive right?"
She added, "I'm sure I'm gonna be more blackballed after that statement but it had to be said. PTSD is real."
Faye Jackson also tweeted that the locker room incident was only a "small thing of many things" that she went through with ROH.
"And this is only a small thing of many things I went through. But this ain't the platform. I'm already exhausted from it and no I don't want to go on your podcast to talk about it. I've BEEN tired."
Friday, June 5, 2020
WWA (Kentucky) - Amplified - Episode 03
Check out some big moments from the past on this episode of WWA Amplified!
-Ray Waddell announces the formation of The System and reveals the first member.
-Lucas Tyler faces wrestling veteran Madd Mexx.
-Kahaji Khan and Nick Willis go one on one at Independence Day 2015.
-A young, rookie Teddy King has a match against fellow fan-favorite, Jordan Whittaker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbLdgVnzJd8
-Ray Waddell announces the formation of The System and reveals the first member.
-Lucas Tyler faces wrestling veteran Madd Mexx.
-Kahaji Khan and Nick Willis go one on one at Independence Day 2015.
-A young, rookie Teddy King has a match against fellow fan-favorite, Jordan Whittaker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbLdgVnzJd8
Yes, This Long And Lame Ass Shit Is STILL Going On As.. Anthem's Final Attempt To Have Jarrett Lawsuit Dismissed Fails
The sad part about all this is, is nobody outside Anthem Sports or Jeff Jarrett really gives two shits about all this at this point. This is like a very bad, never ending fucking soap opera that nobody on God's green earth is or has, gotten into. The only reason why I'm posting it is to show how stupidly long this has dragged out for, and how dumb it is that they keep fighting over something.. Truthfully? Is pretty fucking worthless.
Would you believe that this bullshit, has been going on now for OVER A YEAR AND A HALF? Yep, 21 months and counting this has been dragged out for, and for what.. Global Force Wrestling isn't worth shit at this point, it's more or less now considered to be one of the biggest jokes in wrestling history..
Here.. I'll break it down for those who chose not to remember this asinine joke of a promotion Jeff Jarrett try to swindle people with.
Here's a pic of the 'BIG' announcement about GFW.
Then came this.. The "HUGE" Announcement of the GFW "Amped", Remember that debacle?
Then of course right afterwards Jarrett's "GLOBAL (ahem, yeah right) FORCE WRESTLING was gonna 'merge' with Impact Wrestling. And OOHH lookie lookie, at how that turned out.
Would you believe that this bullshit, has been going on now for OVER A YEAR AND A HALF? Yep, 21 months and counting this has been dragged out for, and for what.. Global Force Wrestling isn't worth shit at this point, it's more or less now considered to be one of the biggest jokes in wrestling history..
Here.. I'll break it down for those who chose not to remember this asinine joke of a promotion Jeff Jarrett try to swindle people with.
Here's a pic of the 'BIG' announcement about GFW.
Then came this.. The "HUGE" Announcement of the GFW "Amped", Remember that debacle?
Then of course right afterwards Jarrett's "GLOBAL (ahem, yeah right) FORCE WRESTLING was gonna 'merge' with Impact Wrestling. And OOHH lookie lookie, at how that turned out.
YYEEAAHH, really impressive looking title, yep, yessiree, impressive indeed. That is if you want to go and create titles in an elementary school art class.
And after all that? How successful ticket sales wise was this, so called "Global Phenomenon
Uhh, this says it all right here.
"OOOOOOOO, look at that" Look at all the seats that they COULDN'T FILL, LMAO! Truly a success truly a success, if you were expecting nobody to show up, LOL!
Then there's always this video that shows what a joke the whole company really was.. right here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3TXsuhU3fU
So yeah after all that.. Who the fuck really thinks that ANYTHING of or from GFW is worth anything? Nobody, except maybe Jeff Jarrett and Anthem Sports. Nobody else on the face of the earth thinks so and most people with the I.Q. higher than zero will know that anything related to Global Force Wrestling is, pretty useless and worthless. Especially since Jarrett had to go back and beg Vince McMahon for a job.. You know, if you're gonna be with Kurt Angle's ex-wife, you have to do something more than pyramid schemes about gold if you 'become a member of team Jarrett'.
So after all this, if you really insist on wanting more of this pathetic fucking soap opera that just won't go away? Well.. here you go.. Enjoy the headache you're gonna get from reading it.
the lawsuit brought on by Jeff Jarrett and his company Global Force Entertainment (aka Global Force Wrestling) against Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC, the parent company of Impact Wrestling will go to a jury trial on Tuesday 6/30 after an attempt at settling the lawsuit failed.
Anthem’s last attempt to gain victory via summary judgment against Jarrett’s side was shut down on 5/27 after Judge Wavery D. Crenshaw Jr. denied their final attempt to have Jarrett and GFE’s remaining claims thrown out of court.
In a 13-page ruling filed on 5/27 , Judge Crenshaw noted that for the second time in “less than a year” the United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee (Nashville Division) was being called upon to address issues coming out of “the failed merger” between the two sides. Crenshaw noted that the first time this happened, “the Court spent 21-pages denying motions to dismiss” with the exception of GFE’s copyright claims and Anthem Sports & Entertainment, which was named as a defendant but later dismissed from the proceedings.
Noting that the previous filings led to “an exhaustive briefing” from Anthem and was followed up by back and forth filings from each side, Crenshaw wrote that “the Court need not spend nearly the same amount of time resolving Anthem Wrestling’s pending Motion for Summary Judgment” as based on TN law, the court must only grant “summary judgment only where (1) the movant has shown “that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact,” and (2) “the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.”
Noting, “Anthem Wrestling has submitted 74 paragraphs of facts running 21-pages, to which GFE has added another 109 paragraphs covering 27- pages. Those statements of fact are not “concise” under Local Rules 56.01(b) and (c), although some dispensation must be allowed for the dozen claims Plaintiffs have chosen to assert. Regardless, they are hardly “undisputed material facts,” as each party characterizes them. Otherwise, there would be no need for the parties to spend paragraph after paragraph trying to demonstrate a dispute in their respective responses, and Anthem Wrestling would not have felt compelled to file a reply to GFE’s responses in contravention of this Court’s Local Rules. It is tempting to conclude that there are bound to be questions of material fact when 183 statements of supposedly undisputed facts are submitted in a two-plaintiff, one defendant case that raises no exotic claims, particularly when those statement are accompanied by hundreds of pages of exhibits. However, the Court does not rest on what could be a cynical conclusion. Instead, as this Court stated during the telephone conference on April 15, 2020, it read and considered all of the filings that had been made to date, and tentatively reached the conclusion that summary judgment would be inappropriate because the case would likely turn on the jury’s assessment of the credibility of Ed Nordholm, Anthem Wrestling’s President, and Jeffrey Jarrett, a longtime professional wrestler and the founder of GFE.”
So, Judge Crehshaw feels the case will come down to whether the jury will believe Jeff Jarrett or Ed Nordholm’s testimony of the events that led to the lawsuit, therefore he has declined to throw out the case.
Crenshaw also cited that the case is now 21 months old and there remains a question “as to the citizenship of the only remaining defendant”, Anthem Wrestling. Anthem had stated previously that they were out of the scope of this court of law being based in Canada, thus the lawsuit should be dismissed. Crenshaw took issue with that and denied the motion.
In explaining his ruling, Crenshaw noted that Anthem Wrestling “is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business in Toronto, Canada,” stating that claim was entirely consistent with filings made with the Tennessee Secretary of State through 2/27/20. However, in a declaration made last month, Ed Nordholm, as part of a reply made by Anthem Wrestling’s reply, stated that Anthem Wrestling has always had its principal place of business in the State of Tennessee, and that according to Nordhold’s declaration, “Anthem Wrestling’s only office is located in Tennessee,” and “during the time period relevant to this lawsuit, several of Anthem’s executives were located in Tennessee.” Despite that, Crenshaw noted that “None of those executives, however, made it to the Court-ordered mediation on April 15, 2020, even as a stand-in for Nordholm who apparently was stuck in Toronto as a result of the Canadian travel advisory related to COVID-19.” While nothing that Anthem has stated this was a result of a paralegal error, Crenshaw was not moved to dismiss the case based on the issue.
Another major argument made by Anthem is that the usage of the GFW Amped! Material by Impact Wrestling, which distributed the content via PPV and DVD, was done via an implied license given by Jeff Jarrett, as Jarrett was in charge of making the decisions regarding that content while employed by the company.
On this matter, Crenshaw wrote, “Ultimately, Anthem Wrestling’s jurisdictional argument hinges on this Court declining to exercise supplement jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367 in the absence of a viable federal claim. It argues that “all of Plaintiff’s Lanham Act and other trademark related claims3 fail because Plaintiffs’[sic] gave Anthem Wrestling an implied license to use Plaintiffs’ marks because all such use was done under Jeff Jarrett’s watch as Chief Creative Officer of Anthem Wrestling.” “
Citing previous legal rulings to explain there “is no precise formula for determining whether an implied license exists.” Crensaw wrote that the key issue is “is intent, and the key question is whether the facts and the circumstances demonstrate that ‘the copyright owners intended that their copyrighted works be used in the manner in which they were eventually used.”
Crenshaw stated that a jury could conclude that Anthem Wrestling had an implied license because, as Anthem Wrestling has argued:
*Jeff Jarrett was Anthem Wrestling’s Chief Creative Officer for which he received a salary when all of the allegedly infringing acts began.
*Jeff Jarrett was directly involved with adding the GFW mark to Impact Wrestling’s logo.
*Jeff Jarrett was responsible for Impact Wrestling’s creative content, including integrating GFW’s wrestlers and championship belts into Impact Wrestling.
*Jeff Jarrett was involved in choosing the color and text of the logo.
*Jeff Jarrett’s idea was to divide the GFW Amped! content into four PPV events, three of which aired while Jarrett was employed as Anthem’s Chief Creative Officer.
At the same time, the jury could also find that the implied license hinged on Impact and GFW having a successful merger (which did not happen, obviously, as Jarrett was fired, destroying the merger) or that Anthem Wrestling “exceeded” the scope of their implied license.
Crenshaw wrote, in explaining the Court’s position, “This is perhaps best illustrated by what occurred when Nordholm suspended Jarrett and was considering his termination from employment. In response to a query from Nordholm about how Anthem Wrestling should fill its October and December pay-per view slots under those circumstances, Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore sent what is now a cringe-worthy email suggesting the “Amp’d show” be aired, notwithstanding that Jarrett might “sue if he has the balls” to do so. (Doc. No. 110 at 2-3). D’Amore also proposed alternatives if Anthem Wrestling did not “want a legal battle.” (Id. at 3). Arguably, there would be little concern about the possibility of a lawsuit if, in fact, the implied license was as clear as Anthem Wrestling claims”
Crenshaw also cited the Term Sheet for the Impact/GFW merger, which stated, “the rights to the 16-episodes of GFW Amped . . . “will remain with GFE and be included as a part of the merger.”
It was also noted, “Perhaps this is why, in an October 23, 2017 email terminating Jarrett and the proposed merger, Anthem Wrestling stated that it “remain[ed] open to a reasonable arrangement with respect to the GFW content that has been broadcast.”
Crenshaw stated, “There would be no need for Anthem Wrestling to remain “open” to paying for the content if it had an implied license, or so a reasonable jury could conclude. The issue of whether an implied license existed also impacts the viability of Plaintiffs’ claim for unjust enrichment, which requires proof of “1) [a] benefit conferred upon the defendant by the plaintiff’; 2) ‘appreciation by the defendant of such benefit’; and 3) ‘acceptance of such benefit under such circumstances that it would be inequitable for him to retain the benefit without payment of the value thereof.” Freeman Indus., LLC v. Eastman Chem. Co., 172 S.W.3d 512, 525 (Tenn. 2005). If Anthem Wrestling did not have an implied license, then it may have been unjustly enriched by the use of Global Force’s wrestling marks. This remains so even though Jarrett and his wife were paid annual salaries($250,000 and $52,000, respectively) because Global Force is the entity bringing the unjust enrichment claim.”
So again, Crenshaw feels it will be up to the jury to decide which side is correct in this matter.
On the argument that Anthem Wrestling is right to maintain their trademark on the name Jeff Jarrett, which is another point of contention in the lawsuit, Crenshaw points out, “Anthem Wrestling argues that Plaintiffs’ request for trademark cancellation fails because they cannot show that Anthem Wrestling has abandoned the JEFF JARRETT (“JJ”) mark. After all, Anthem Wrestling registered the mark and it is therefore entitled to a presumption that the mark is valid, enforceable and incontestable under 15 U.S.C. § 1065.”
Crenshaw, however, pointed out that a trademark can be abandoned if either of the following occurs:
*When its use has been discontinued with intent not to resume such use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances. Nonuse for 3 consecutive years shall be prima facie evidence of abandonment. “Use” of a mark means the bona fide use of such mark made in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark.
*When any course of conduct of the owner, including acts of omission as well as commission, causes the mark to become the generic name for the goods or services on or in connection with which it is used or otherwise to lose its significance as a mark. A claim for abandonment must be supported by “substantial evidence.”
Noting that Ed Nordholm has declared four different times, in support of Anthem Wrestling’s motion that the trademark for Jeff Jarrett has been in “continuous use” and that Anthem has no contention of abandoning it, Crenshaw responded, “This may in fact be true, but under the statute use or intent to use a mark must be “bona fide” and “not made merely to reserve a right in a mark." "
Crenshaw followed up, “Nordholm’s declaration is obviously self-serving (elsewise why file it?), and it will be for the jury to determine his credibility. This is particularly necessary here because Plaintiffs contend the JJ mark has long been used by World Wrestling Entertainment, and Jarrett has used the JJ mark since his termination by Anthem Wrestling, without objection. At a minimum, this calls into question whether Anthem Wrestling truly intends to use and protect the mark”
Crenshaw also warned that if Jarrett and GWE can prove the trademark was abandoned before a jury, “Anthem Wrestling will no longer own valid and enforceable rights in the JJ mark, meaning that the consent Jarrett signed for Anthem Wrestling’s predecessor to register and use the mark in 2006 would be largely irrelevant.”
In circling the issue regarding the GFW Amped! Ownership, Crenshaw stated, “Plaintiffs’ claims for negligence and conversion/trover differ from the others because they relate to the possession and destruction of the only set of masters of the sixteen one-hour episodes of GFW Amped. Anthem Wrestling argues both claims fail because it was required to pay KSTV (Plaintiffs’ creditor) $40,000 to obtain the masters, and it would not have returned Plaintiffs’ tapes absent repayment of that money. As a consequence, Plaintiffs cannot show (1) “a right to immediate possession of the item converted at the time of the alleged conversion,” for purposes of their conversion/trover claim; or (2) a duty that required Anthem Wrestling to maintain the master on its servers for purposes of their negligence claim.”
Crenshaw, however, noted that Anthem Wrestling has provided no agreement between the two sides that allowed Anthem “to destroy the tapes or hold them hostage. Indeed, under the Term Sheet, Plaintiffs owned the masters, and a jury could conclude that once Jarrett was terminated and the merger was dead, GFE was entitled to the return of the masters. It could also conclude that the $40,000 paid to KSTV (assuming GFE owed that sum) was for Anthem Wrestling’s benefit because it would not have to produce its own wrestling content at a significant cost.”
Crenshaw also noted that whether the notion that professional wrestling is sport or entertainment for audiences has become the crux of one of Anthem’s claims for dismissal. One of the claims made against Anthem Wrestling by Jarrett and GFE is that the GFW Amped! Material being used violated The Tennessee Personal Rights Protection Act. Anthem has argued against this because sports broadcasts are exempt under Tennesee law.
Stating this “may be the most interesting genuine issue of material fact”, Crenshaw reviewed a number of previous legal cases that led to some sports stating professional wrestling falls under sport while others have decided it falls under entertainment.
As to where professional wrestling falls for this case, Crenshaw ruled:
“For its part, the Court has no hesitation in concluding that Greco-Roman wrestling – as reintroduced in Athens, Greece at the first modern Olympics in 1896, and as practiced by high school and college athletes in gymnasiums and auditoriums across the country – is a “sport.” Professional wrestling is different, of that there can be little doubt. Some of its mystery over the years has been due to professional wrestling’s penchant for “kayfabe”: In the world of wrestling, the portrayal of staged events as real – the suspension of disbelief that is central to the proceedings – is known as kayfabe. For decades, maintaining kayfabe was de rigueur: “babyfaces” (or “faces”) [good guys] and heels [villians] didn’t ride together or associate in public, and reporters got slapped for suggesting that wrestling was fake. The line between kayfabe and reality began to blur during pro wrestling’s popularity boom during the late ’90s, and these days – thanks to the omnipresence of social media, the sunshine of the internet, and the WWE’s forays into reality TV – kayfabe is effectively dead. While “kayfabe” may now be dead, the staged performances and elaborate personas are not. In fact Plaintiffs proclaim that “professional wrestling involves a script, a predetermined outcome, and ‘out-of-arena’ content that involves storytelling and drama” that is “akin to live action theatre where the audiences does not know the outcome of the event, but the actors and actresses do.” Whether that is the case, or whether professional wrestlers are “athletes engaging in highly dangerous feats of athletic display” as Anthem Wrestling contends for the jury to decide.”
So, the jury will decide, at least for the scope of the lawsuit, whether professional wrestling is sport or entertainment.
The court noted that in denying summary judgment to Anthem, “the Court has fully considered all of the arguments raised and, therefore, Anthem Wrestling need not waste any time or effort contemplating a motion to reconsider. In preparing for the trial that begins on June 30, 2020.”
Crenshaw did also offer the following advice to everyone involved:
“Plaintiffs should rethink whether a dozen causes of action are necessary, lest the jury be overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) by the evidence presented. Better yet, as a part of trial preparations, the parties should reconsider their respective positions on settlement because the summary judgment record suggests to the Court that either party could be pinned to a count of three.”
Currently, the two sides are preparing questions for the potential jury.
Credit to Mike Johnson at PWInsider for writing all this up.. Makes you wonder if got as much of a headache writing it, as people are gonna get from reading it...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)