SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • Chris Jericho Gives A Big Update On AEW’s TV Negotiations (Audio)

    Chris Jericho Gives A Big Update On AEW’s TV Negotiations (Audio)

    Chris Jericho appeared on Busted Open Radio on Thursday morning to discuss All Elite Wrestling and dropped some new information about AEW’s television negotiations and signings. Jericho said that there is a lot of ‘infrastructure’ being built behind the scenes to make AEW a full fledged major league wrestling promotion. AEW hasn’t just been signing wrestlers to contracts in recent weeks. There’s a whole backstage element that’s being signed, from talent relations to booking agents, directors and more.

    He then discussed AEW’s ongoing negotiations with television networks. Jericho said he’s aware of two networks trying to secure AEW programming and if either goes through, the entire industry will be saying, “Holy sh*t. They’re the real deal.”

    Jericho said, “I wouldn’t have gone to All Elite if there wasn’t a strong TV deal on the table being worked on, and there’s a couple that I know of and both are like, ‘Wow.’ When it’s announced, if it’s one of those two, you’ll go, ‘Well, that’s what they need.’”

    Busted Open host Bully Ray chimed in and told Jericho he doesn’t need specifics, but he wanted to clarify: if one of these networks picks up AEW’s programming, fans around the world, the entire industry, they’re going to say, “Holy sh*t. They’re the real deal.”

    Jericho said, “Agreed. Yes.” He also talked about what he brings to the table in terms of star power, which opens doors for AEW in terms of landing a TV deal. “A lot of people don’t know Kenny, or Cody or the Bucks. We know them, but your average fan doesn’t.”

    (Did he just say Kenny? Yes, he did.)

    He added that certain WWE performers who are making a good living but think they can do better will take notice of him joining AEW and will follow suit.

    Listen to Chris Jericho’s comments from Busted Open Radio, which airs weekday mornings on SiriusXM Channel 93: 

    AEW Potential Television Deals

    Tony Khan appeared on Sean “X-Pac” Waltman’s podcast recently. He addressed potential television deals for the new promotion as well. Although he stated he was not able to go into details on negotiations, he did confirm there are several interested parties.

    Jim Ross on AEW Potential Television Deal

    Jim Ross also commented on a possible AEW television deal this week. Ross believes a television deal is all but finalized for the promotion.

    “I think a TV deal is basically done,” Ross said. “Why would you do all this celebration? Why would you have this major announcement, this huge event, if you didn’t have TV pretty much locked up?”

  • R-Truth To Perform Jack Swagger’s Ring Walk Music For Bellator Fight

    R-Truth To Perform Jack Swagger’s Ring Walk Music For Bellator Fight

    Jake Hager (aka Jack Swagger) will make his MMA debut at the end of the month for Bellator. When he does, R-Truth will be there to play him to the ring. MMA journalist James Lynch recently spoke to Hager, who revealed that R-Truth will be performing at the show and several WWE Superstars will be in attendance.

    Hager will be fighting at heavyweight and will take on J.W. Kiser in his MMA debut at Bellator 214. His fight will be on the undercard for Ryan Bader vs Fedor Emelianenko.

    The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion signed a deal with Bellator in 2017. He commented on training for his MMA debut in an interview with Wrestling Inc this summer.

    “Training is coming along very well,” he said. “It’s amazing, and has been incredibly tough with the transitions that I have gone through from where I was in WWE. It has actually taken off a lot of the aches and pains. My body feels amazing; I am stronger and more flexible than ever. I am in the best shape of my life. That is pretty impressive at 36 years old, so it is going good.”

    Head over to our partner site MMANews.com for much more news from the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

  • Revival Member Applies For “FTR” Trademark

    Revival Member Applies For “FTR” Trademark

    Wrestling fans might be familiar with the term “FTR” as it relates to WWE tag team The Revival. Whether that stands for “Forever The Revival” or something else entirely, they are taking steps to protect and monetize the phrase.

    According to the US Patent and Trademark office, a Daniel Wheeler of Winter Park, Florida (Dash Wilder) registered an application to claim the phrase #FTR back on January 1st for “Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer.”

    Many fans noticed that on Monday’s Raw, Dash and Dawson had #FTR on their trunks during their lumberjack match against Raw Tag Team Champions Bobby Roode and Chad Gable.

    https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1082460043965071365

    The Legend of #FTR

    The Revival has had a friendly rivalry with The Elite going back to 2017. The Revival and The Young Bucks have taken some jabs at each other, which was the genesis of #FTR (“F” The Revival). The Elite even sells an #FTR shirt at Pro Wrestling Tees, which might become a collectors item sooner or later based on the trademark filing.

    As for what they declared the hashtag stood for, TR=the Revival but there has been some debate over what the F stands for.

    https://twitter.com/nickjacksonyb/status/898948411516485633

    Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder have a different opinion of what it stands for, however:

    https://twitter.com/ScottDawsonWWE/status/886002777046102016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E886002777046102016&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cagesideseats.com%2Fwwe%2F2017%2F7%2F16%2F15979400%2Fftr-young-bucks-the-revival-rivalry-being-the-elite

  • WWE Files For New Trademark

    WWE Files For New Trademark

    WWE has filed for a new trademark, one that could indicate a new show or PPV. According to the US Patent and Trademark office, WWE applied to trademark the term “Worlds Collide” for wrestling purposes on January 3rd.

    Recent WWE Trademarks

    Other interesting recent trademarks from WWE include “Work Horse Open Challenge” which was filed this summer. “The Awesome One” was also trademarked by WWE last year.

    Many of their recent filings have been for new WWE Network shows. “WWE Kitchen Smackdown” was filed late last year. “Fashion Files: Cold Case Unit” was also trademarked for Tyler Breeze and Fandango’s show on the WWE Network recently.

    Worlds Collide and When Worlds Collide

    “When Worlds Collide” was the name of a famous 1994 PPV put on by AAA Lucha Libre in Los Angeles. In a show which drew 13, 000 fans, Konnan defeated Perro Aguayo in the main event. Eddie Guerrero was also featured on the show’s semi-main event, teaming with Art Barr. They lost to the team of Octagon and El Hijo del Santo.

    ECW used “When Worlds Collide” as the name of a PPV in 1994 as well. It should be noted, however, that WWE has applied to trademark “Worlds Collide”, however, and not “When Worlds Collide.”

  • NJPW President Comments On Departing Talent & Critics Of Booking

    NJPW President Comments On Departing Talent & Critics Of Booking

    New Japan Pro Wrestling President, Harold Meij, recently took part in an interview with NJPW1972.com. During the interview, Meij commented about the departures of Kenny Omega and the members of the Elite. He also issued a response to his critics who say NJPW is currently too focussed on international expansion.

    NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton, provided the translations.

    “Meij: ‘Talent will come & go. That’s life. Half of Japanese people have had more than one occupation. More overseas. There are different life stages, priorities change. What counts is that while here, ppl shine as bright as possible & produce the best product possible for us’”

    Harold Meij On NJPW Booking and Departing Talent

    Meij has come under criticism from some NJPW fans as of late for what they perceive as focussing too much on appealing to international fans.

    “I often see talk along the lines of ‘since Meij came in, they’re only looking at international, they don’t care about Japan.’ That couldn’t be more wrong,” Meij continued.

    “New Japan has gotten to the stage that the world has taken notice of it and we can do these things abroad. I’m not pushing the company international; if anything it’s the other way round. I’m doing my job as a professional to fulfill very strong demand.”

  • AEW Announces “Double or Nothing” At MGM Grand Garden Arena, May 25th

    AEW Announces “Double or Nothing” At MGM Grand Garden Arena, May 25th

    All Elite Wrestling will present Double or Nothing on May 25th, 2019 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The announcement was made at today’s AEW rally by Nick Jackson.

    “We’re running May 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Garden Arena!” Nick Jackson shouted before either Matt Jackson or Cody had the chance to.

    MGM Grand Garden Arena

    The famous arena has a capacity listed at just under 18,000. The MGM has hosted numerous high-profile boxing and MMA events. WCW used to run their Halloween Havoc PPV from the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as well. The highest attendance WCW ever got for their Havoc shows in the arena was 12, 500 for Hogan vs Piper in 1997. Their final Halloween Havoc in the building in 2000 drew under 8000 for a card featuring Booker T vs Scott Steiner for the WCW title and Goldberg vs both members of Kronik. Several episodes of Nitro were also filmed in the arena.

    The MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted over 40 UFC cards. It has also been the venue for several Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson fights as well.

    Statement From Tony Khan On All Elite Wrestling

    All Elite Wrestling President, Tony Khan, sent out a statement earlier today.

    “The wrestling community is a constant; its members are diverse, we are physically located on all corners of the planet, yet we are constantly connected. Recently, a new family has formed, bonded by love and respect for wresting but armed with a vision and resources that have never before been available to the wrestling community. Our objective is to connect our community closer than ever before through All Elite Wrestling, or AEW.”

  • Ed Nordholm Addresses Impact Roster, Talks Recent Successes For Impact & Anthem

    Ed Nordholm Addresses Impact Roster, Talks Recent Successes For Impact & Anthem

    Anthem Sports and Entertainment’s Ed Nordholm addressed the Impact Wrestling roster yesterday in Nashville. The promotion filmed episodes of Impact Wrestling last night.

    According to a report from PW Insider, Nordholm spoke to the roster about the new television deal and the benefits it offers for not just Impact Wrestling but all of Anthem Sports and Entertainment.

    Impact Wrestling’s Role In The Fight Network’s Success

    Nordholm mentioned Anthem purchased Impact Wrestling because it is one of the better ratings draws for the Fight Network. Anthem also owns the Fight Network. The combat sports dedicated TV network has distribution deals all over the world and recently announced new deals in 2018 in the United Kingdom and Mexico. The Fight Network’s growth in 2018 is also an accomplishment Impact Wrestling can take partial credit for. Impact has value to Anthem beyond revenue earned from TV deals or PPVs, they are helping to expand the reach of the Fight Network and other properties of Anthem Sports and Entertainment.

    Is Anthem Looking to Sell Impact Wrestling?

    Nordholm also denied reports that the company was looking to sell. There had been reports that the company was looking to sell to AEW. Nordholm, however, denied the company was looking to sell.

    Impact Wrestling On The Pursuit Channel

    Nordholm also addressed the benefits of the new TV deal in the United States, where the promotion will air on the Pursuit channel. He again mentioned that part of the reason Anthem purchased Impact Wrestling was to provide benefits to their other properties, such as the Pursuit channel, which Anthem owns a minority stake in.

    Another benefit of the new deal with Pursuit is that they are able to post full episodes to Twitch and even air them live at the same time as the show airs on Pursuit, Friday’s at 10 PM est. Now anyone with access to the internet can watch episodes of Impact Wrestling as they air for free.

    Impact Wrestling is expected to hold another PPV in April. The promotion traditionally holds their Lockdown PPV in April. It’s not clear if the all steel cage PPV will be returning in 2019, however.

  • Braun Strowman Reportedly Still Not Medically Cleared To Compete

    Braun Strowman Reportedly Still Not Medically Cleared To Compete

    Braun Strowman is scheduled to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. According to a recent report from Wrestling Observer radio, however, Strowman is still recovering from recent elbow surgery.

    “I want to make something clear, Braun Strowman is not cleared,” Dave Meltzer said. “That’s also why what happened tonight happened because he’s not cleared for anything physical yet.”

    Strowman was involved in a promo segment with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman this week.

    Braun Strowman Recovering From Shoulder Surgery

    Strowman had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. He has only wrestled once since November, which was at TLC against Baron Corbin. On that night, several WWE Superstars were required to help him defeat the temporary Raw General Manager.

    Braun Strowman Takes The Polar Bear Plunge

    Strowman recently raised $2500 for the Boys and Girls Club of America by taking the Polar Bear Plunge. Strowman took the plunge on Friday.

    “I am asking for donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County and in exchange, I will go find a frozen lake, cut a hole in it and will jump in – all to support Boys & Girls Club,” Strowman wrote on his GoFundMe page for the event.

    Video of his plunge can be watched below:

  • Shad & Tony Khan Release Statements On All Elite Wrestling

    Shad & Tony Khan Release Statements On All Elite Wrestling

    Shad and Tony Khan have released statements to the wrestling media about their new upstart wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. Notably, Shad Khan reveals he is the lead investor in AEW and promises something new and authentic for wrestling fans worldwide.

    Shad Khan Statement On All Elite Wrestling

    “I am the lead investor, a supporter and a backer of All Elite Wrestling, and I anticipate great things today and into the future for AEW and everyone who has worked passionately on this week’s launch,” said Shad Khan, the 68-year-old patriarch of the family. “I know AEW will be welcomed by wrestling fans here in the U.S. and throughout the world who are ready for something new and authentic. AEW will work hard to deliver on that promise.”

    Khan then turned attention to his son’s role in the promotion:

    “As important, I am the father – the proud father – of Tony Khan, who will serve in a leadership role at AEW during the 2019 launch and in the years ahead. Tony will assemble a great team to take AEW over the top, for the benefit of everyone who loves the wrestling industry, while continuing to serve in his current capacities with the Jaguars and Fulham.”

    He also stated that AEW will not take away from his other work:

    “AEW will operate as an organization completely independently from my other interests. It will not deter attention or divert resources from any of my businesses, teams, projects or investments. At the same time, AEW will enjoy the same full commitment I given to everything and everyone in my life – my family and friends, my business and, in recent years, to sports, hospitality and now entertainment.”

    Tony Khan Statement On All Elite Wrestling

    “Wrestling fans are a community unlike most others,” the longtime wrestling fan stated. “I’ve been a part of this community since I was 7 years old, and I can tell you that wresting fans see the world every day through a special lens. We see wrestling in Hollywood films and tv shows, we see elements of wrestling in the presentation of sports and in the marketing of grandiose star athletes, and we certainly see wrestling in politics.”

    Khan continued to talk about the wrestling community.

    “The wrestling community is a constant; its members are diverse, we are physically located on all corners of the planet, yet we are constantly connected. Recently, a new family has formed, bonded by love and respect for wresting but armed with a vision and resources that have never before been available to the wrestling community. Our objective is to connect our community closer than ever before through All Elite Wrestling, or AEW.”

    Tony Khan also pointed out his work with All Elite Wrestling won’t take away from his other obligations.

    “AEW does not mean any less of a continued commitment to existing obligations and duties that I have, or my family has, to our business and sports interests. That will never be the case. What’s important is that every individual decision we make as family, whether it’s ownership or investment in a team or property, is 100 percent beneficial to those specific interests. I will always welcome that accountability and responsibility, as nothing is more important than serving our supporters and friends.

    AEW will launch with a roster of the top wrestlers in the world. While they’ll clash in what will be some of the most intense and fast-paced contests ever sanctioned in the squared circle, they’ll also share a common goal: to make this the true golden age, to make this the greatest time ever to be a wrestling fan. Likewise, as a business, by treating our wrestlers with respect and warmth, we also seek to make this the golden age for the performers themselves.”

    He then encouraged fans to watch.

    “I urge everyone who believes in what we’re doing, or wants to believe in dreams coming true, to support AEW by spreading the word and passing the wrestling bug onto someone else. My message: Get in on the ground floor with AEW today and help lead our movement to grow the wrestling community and ensure that the voices of the wrestling fans, their creative minds and their remarkable ideas, will always be heard.”

  • KUSHIDA To Face Hiroshi Tanahashi In Final NJPW Match

    KUSHIDA To Face Hiroshi Tanahashi In Final NJPW Match

    After 8 years with the promotion, KUSHIDA is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling. In his final match for NJPW, he’ll face IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, on January 29th.

    “Wow. January 29, will be KUSHIDA’s Final NJPW Match: one on one with Tanahashi!”

    KUSHIDA Leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Chris Charlton provided some translations of KUSHIDA’s comments from the recent press conference in Tokyo where he announced his departure.

    “I will leave NJPW on January 31,” Kushida said. “This was an extremely tough condition made with Meij, Sugabayashi and Kidani. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. I will head overseas and to see the world of pro wrestling.”

    Kushida then said, “I am contracted with this company until the end of January so I won’t be talking much about beyond then. But it has been my dream for a long time to travel the world with professional wrestling. And that’s what I will be doing.

    KUSHIDA To WWE Speculation

    In December, a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted WWE’s interest in the junior heavyweight.

    “Kushida is a name has been talked about for weeks and we’ve been hearing more and more about it,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “He’s under contract to New Japan until the end of January so we shouldn’t be hearing his name, but WWE has been more forward about trying to get people and not caring about contracts.”

    Kushida lost the IWGP Junior heavyweight championship to Taiji Ishimori this weekend at Wrestle Kingdom. He has held the title 8x.

  • Cain Velasquez Wants To Wrestle In WWE

    Cain Velasquez Wants To Wrestle In WWE

    Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez, wants to wrestle with WWE. The man who defeated Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 has already trained at the WWE Performance Center.

    Velasquez recently commented on how he wants to go to WWE on an episode of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.

    Cain Velasquez Trains At WWE PC

    Velasquez trained at the WWE Performance Center this summer. He was asked about the experience in an interview for WWE.com.

    “My experience here has been amazing,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to being here and learning as much as I can. I’ve been a fan of the sport since I was a little kid, and now I get to participate in it.”

    “I had a great time over the last couple days getting a few workouts in at the @wweperformctr and attending @wwenxt,” Velasquez later Tweeted. “Thanks to everyone at @wwe for the Invite and first-class treatment. ”

    Cain Velasquez To WWE?

    At 36 years-of-age, Velasquez will have to make the jump in the next few years if he’s serious. According to his comments, however, Velasquez is still focussed on his fighting career. Injuries have hampered his career. He hasn’t fought since the summer of 2016 and has only fought 9 times over the last 9 years.

  • Kenny Omega Taking Time Off From New Japan, Talks Going To WWE-AEW

    Kenny Omega Taking Time Off From New Japan, Talks Going To WWE-AEW

    New Japan Pro Wrestling held a press conference on Monday from Tokyo, Japan to address some of the fallout from Wrestle Kingdom 13 weekend. While Kenny Omega was absent from the New Year’s Dash show from Korakuen Hall, he was at the press conference.

    According to NJPW commentator Chris Charlton, Omega said that there is currently no place for him in NJPW and he needs time away.

    “‘There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW). I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”

    Charlton also cited this article from Japan’s Tokyo Sports news publication with a more aggressive framing, that Omega is “leaving” New Japan.

    During an interview with Tokyo Sports, Omega spoke directly about the possibility of signing with either WWE or the upstart All Elite Wrestling. Omega said (translated),  “If I go to WWE, the fans there will be pleased, and the fans there will be pleased if I go to AEW. I want to be in a place where I’m going to be happy.” Omega added, “I do not know what will happen myself .”

    It is believed that Kenny Omega’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expires later this month. At this time, we don’t have any further details about whether or not Omega is taking time off as part of a storyline or if he is legitimately leaving Japan.

    WWE Reportedly Make Kenny Omega A “Fantastic Offer”

    Omega’s comments indicate he could be leaving NJPW. This could mean he will sign with All Elite Wrestling or WWE. Then again, it could also just be Omega giving an excuse for taking some time off before coming back for trilogy match with Tanahashi.

    It was reported that if Omega doesn’t sign with WWE this year, it won’t be because WWE wasn’t interested.

  • Impact Episodes Will Premiere Weekly At The Same Time As Pursuit Channel

    Impact Episodes Will Premiere Weekly At The Same Time As Pursuit Channel

    This Friday night, Impact Wrestling premieres on the Pursuit Channel, the show’s new home on cable television. Many fans of the product have been disgruntled about this news since Pursuit is not widely available on television providers throughout the United States. On Sunday night, Impact made an announcement that is good news for everybody.

    In addition to new episodes of Impact premiering Friday nights at 10PM ET on Pursuit Channel, the shows will premiere concurrently on Impact Wrestling promotion’s Twitch online streaming channel for free. That’s right: No pursuit, no problem.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMRSO5WKoGo

    Impact Wrestling Promises Edgier Product On Pursuit

    Don Callis addressed a change in direction for the product with the move to the Pursuit channel on his podcast.

    “A lot of fans thought, ‘Wow, you guys should be on a different network with a different demographic’ so we announced this week we’re moving to Pursuit which is an exciting thing for me,” Callis said.

    Judging by what we have seen on Impact Wrestling PPVs versus their television program, it’s possible more hardcore wrestling could be in store for the promotion.

    “It’s a great strategic move for us,” Callis continued. “And I think people are going to love to see a sexier, edgier, maybe even a little more hardcore IMPACT Wrestling. I’m really, really pumped about that.”

    The first episode of Impact Wrestling on the Pursuit channel, and now also on their Twitch channel begins Friday, January 11th, 2019 at 10 PM est.

    Impact Wrestling will hold a show tomorrow at the Asylum as well. Presumably, this is where they will be taping the next couple of episodes and the first with this new direction.

  • Taya Valkyrie Wins Knockouts Championship

    Taya Valkyrie Wins Knockouts Championship

    There is a new Knockouts champion. Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard tonight at Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming PPV from Nashville TN.

    The match will go down as controversial, however. Special guest referee, Gail Kim, hit Blanchard with Eat Defeat before allowing Taya Valkyrie to hit the Road to Valhalla for the victory.

    Tension had been brewing between Kim and Blanchard for weeks on episodes of Impact Wrestling as well as after several near-falls in this match.

    Taya Valkyrie Knockouts Champion

    Valkyrie becomes the 22nd woman to won the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship. The inaugural champion, Gail Kim, having been the one to count the 3 tonight. She is already a 2x Reina de Reinas champion for AAA and also got a run with the infamous Iron Heavymetalweight championship for the comedy promotion in Japan, DDT.

    The win for Taya ends Tessa Blanchard’s reign with the belt at 147 days. Blanchard has spent the 12th most combined days with the belt out of the 22 champions in its lineage. Two days ago, she passed Velvet Sky who is at 145 days. Blanchard falls short of ODB, who held the title for 153 days over the course of 4 runs with the belt.

    Tessa Blanchard vs Gail Kim

    Based on the actions of Kim and Blanchard in this match, it’s possible Kim comes out of retirement for one last match with Blanchard. Kim has said if she does wrestling again, it would be with Impact.

  • Rosemary Returns To Impact Wrestling At Homecoming PPV

    Rosemary Returns To Impact Wrestling At Homecoming PPV

    Rosemary has returned to Impact Wrestling. She had been on the shelf since last April after suffering a torn ACL. Tonight, Rosemary popped out of a coffin to attack Su Yung and confront Dark Allie.

    Su Yung and Dark Allie had just defeated Jordynne Grace and Kiera Hogan. They were continuing the beatdown on Hogan when Yung motioned for her undead bridesmaids to bring the coffin to ringside. When they opened the coffin, however, Rosemary popped out.

    She then took out Su Yung and the bridesmaids before turning towards Dark Allie.

    She has since issued the following statement to Allie:

    Rosemary Returns To Impact Wrestling

    Rosemary was last seen in Impact at the Bound For Glory PPV. She appeared in a segment in the undead realm, where Allie had traveled to save Kiera Hogan from Su Yung.

    Homecoming PPV

    Join us for live coverage of Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming PPV.

    • Impact World Championship
      Johnny Impact (c) vs Brian Cage
    • Knockouts Championship
      Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
    • X-Division Championship
      Ultimate X Match
      Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel vs Jake Crist vs Ethan Page
    • Impact Tag Team Championships
      LAX (c) vs The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix)
    • Monster’s Ball
      Abyss vs Eli Drake
    • Falls Count Anywhere
      Moose vs Eddie Edwards
    • Sami Callihan vs Willie Mack
    • Allie & Su Yung vs Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace
  • Rich Swann Wins The X-Division Championship At Homecoming

    Rich Swann Wins The X-Division Championship At Homecoming

    Rich Swann is the new X-Division champion after having won the return of Ultimate X tonight at Homecoming. The Ultimate X ladder match kicked off the PPV. Swann defeated Trey Miguel, Jake Crist, and Ethan Page to become the new champion.

    Rich Swann on the X-Division Championship

    I had the chance to ask Swann about being a fan of the X-Division growing up on an episode of Impact Wrestling Press Pass last year.

    “Oh man, I was such a fan,” Swann said of the early days of the X-Division. “Seeing guys like Frankie Kazarian, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal.”

    “At that point in time in professional wrestling, there was only one company,” Swann continued. “Then to see these guys kind of throw out this style, this cruiserweight style, this style that had kind of been forgotten about thrown out and abandoned, and put it on TV, it mesmerized me.”

    “Growing up aspiring to be a professional wrestler my size and stature that was one of my goals, if not the goal, to be in the X-Division to be in Impact, to get the X-Division championship.”

    Impact Wrestling Homecoming

    The Ultimate X match kicked off Impact Wrestling’s return to Nashville for Homecoming. Join us for live coverage of the event here.

  • Several Independent Wrestlers Injured In Car Accident

    Several Independent Wrestlers Injured In Car Accident

    Multiple independent wrestlers were injured this weekend after being involved in a major car accident. Independent wrestlers, Kevin Blackwood and Daniel Garcia, are currently in hospital being treated for broken bones and other injuries. Wrestlers Puf and Kevin Bennett were treated for minor injuries.

    Smash Wrestling posted the following in relation to the accident:

    Kevin Blackwood and Daniel Garcia

    Kevin Blackwood is an independent wrestler from Buffalo, NY. He was ranked #468 on the most recent edition of the PWI Top 500. “I’m overwhelmed with the amount of love my friends and I have received,” Blackwood Tweeted recently. “I promise, nothing can stop us. Your words mean more than you could ever know.”

    Daniel Garcia is also an independent wrestler from Buffalo. He wrestled a match against Drew Gulak on 205 Live last summer.

    Garcia was ranked 488 in the last PWI Top 500. Kevin Bennett was ranked 417th while the 4th wrestler involved, Puf, occupies the coveted #500 spot.

    Pepper Parks sent out a Facebook update on their condition.

    “Hey everybody … our boys Kevin Bennett Kevin Blackwood Daniel Garcia and Nick Pufpaff were in a major car accident last night. Danny and Blackwood are getting surgery today. They hit black ice on the way home from a show and a guardrail nearly cut the car in half. This is a very sad situation but definitely could have been worse. I don’t have children but these four are closest thing I have to that. Please send positive thoughts and prayers their way”

  • Impact Wrestling Homecoming PPV Live Results & Coverage

    Impact Wrestling Homecoming PPV Live Results & Coverage

    Impact Wrestling presents their first PPV of 2019 tonight. Homecoming takes place in the Asylum in Nashville, TN.

    • Impact World Championship
      Johnny Impact (c) vs Brian Cage
    • Knockouts Championship
      Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
    • X-Division Championship
      Ultimate X Match
      Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel vs Jake Crist vs Ethan Page
    • Impact Tag Team Championships
      LAX (c) vs The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix)
    • Monster’s Ball
      Abyss vs Eli Drake
    • Falls Count Anywhere
      Moose vs Eddie Edwards
    • Sami Callihan vs Willie Mack
    • Allie & Su Yung vs Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace

    The PPV gets going at 8 PM est.

    Refresh this page for live updates and results. 

    Ultimate X will kick things off!

    1. X-Division Championship
      Ultimate X Match
      Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel vs Jake Crist vs Ethan Page

    Rich Swann has won the X-Division championship by winning the return match of Ultimate X. It was a match with plenty of high-spots as you would expect. It even started off with all 4 climbing the ropes above the ring, only to hurricanrana each other off.

    Ethan Page speared Jake Crist off the ropes which left Swann and Trey Miguel all alone in the ring. Swann was able to beat Miguel to the belt and ended up catching the falling title with his legs in what was likely not exactly the planned finish.

    Winner and new X-Division Champion: Rich Swann

    Rich Swann was a big fan of the X-Division growing up.

    2. Allie & Su Yung vs Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace

    Rosemary returns! And perhaps she has the ability to return Dark Allie’s soul…

    Jordynne Grace looked to have this match under control after slamming both Su Yung and Allie at the same time but things went sour rather fast after. Su Yung blew poison mist in the face of Grace, leaving Kiera Hogan alone in the ring. Allie put on the gross glove Yung carries around and locked in the mandible claw on Hogan for the win.

    Winners: Dark Allie & Su Yung

    After the match, Yung motioned for the undead bridesmaids to bring the coffin to the ring. When they did, however, Rosemary came out of it. Rosemary attacked the undead brides and then threw Su Yung into them. She then walked into the ring and looked to place her hand over Allie, only Allie backed out of the ring before she could.

    3. Falls Count Anywhere
    Eddie Edwards vs Moose

    Impact has promised an edgier product when they debut on Pursuit next week. That could mean more hardcore wrestling like we saw tonight between Eddie Edwards and Moose. Edwards attacked his rival before the match and things went from there.

    They brawled all throughout the Asylum. Eventually, Edwards got control by backdropping Moose on top of a guardrail. Then he pulled out Kenny, his Singapore cane. Evidently, Eddie wasn’t caning Moose good enough because Alisha Edwards ran to the ring to show him how. She hit Moose several times before giving the cane back to Edwards to finish the job. Edwards then gave Moose the DDT for the win.

    Winner: Eddie Edwards

    4. Willie Mack vs Sami Callihan

    It took quite a bit, but Sami Callihan defeated Willie Mack here. Mack looked to have Callihan beat after giving him the Stunner but Callihan got his foot to barely touch the rope. Callihan then distracted the referee while Dave Crist prevented Mack from jumping off the top rope. Callihan gave him a Death Valley Driver off the top but only got a 1-count. Mack then kicked out of lariat at a 1 as well. Eventually, however, Callihan gave him the Cactus Driver and got the 3-count.

    Winner: Sami Callihan

    5. Monster’s Ball
    Eli Drake vs Abyss

    Eli Drake has won Monster’s Ball. He defeated Abyss tonight after bashing him over the head several times with a paddle. This was a match which involved Drake being choke-slammed into thumbtacks, suplex’ed through tables, and several other big spots. Drake at one point attempted to use zip-ties to bound Abyss’ hands together but wasn’t able to do it. So instead, he just started hammering Abyss with a chair several times in the back instead.

    Winner: Eli Drake

    6. Impact Tag Team Championships
    LAX (c) vs The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix)

    After a back and forth match, full of double team combinations, the Lucha Bros hit their spiked piledriver and looked like they were going to win. The pin was broken up at the last second, however. Then LAX hit Street Sweeper on Pentagon but Fenix broke up the pin at the last moment.

    LAX then hit a crazy string of double team moves on Fenix and got the pin.

    Winners and Still Champions: LAX

    After the match, Konnan hit the ring. He cut a promo saying he was wrong and that both teams can still be allies after going to war. Konnan then praised the match and the four men celebrated in the ring.

    7. Knockouts Championship
    Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie

    Taya Valkyrie is the new Impact Knockouts champion. She defeated Tessa Blanchard here in the 3rd bout of her trilogy with Tessa Blanchard. The match was not without a tremendous amount of controversy, however.

    After several near-falls, Tessa Blanchard and Gail Kim became significantly annoyed with one another. Kim then gave Blanchard the Eat Defeat which allowed Taya to hit the Road to Valhalla for the victory.

    Winner and new Knockouts Champion: Taya Valkyrie

    8. Impact World Championship
    Johnny Impact (c) vs Brian Cage

    Johnny Impact is still the Impact World champion but the match was not without controversy. Cage had seemingly hit Johnny with everything in his offensive arsenal but Johnny kicked out after each move.

    Members of the cast of Survivor were at ringside and ended up getting into a shoving contest with Cage. This led to the referee leaving the ring to deal with them. Cage then hit Drill Claw but there was no referee for the count. When the referee finally did come to, Johnny was able to kick out before 3.

    Things didn’t seem to go quite as planned at the finish of the match as both Cage and Impact spilled from the top rope. After they fell, Impact pinned Cage to retain his title.

    Winner and Still Champion: Johnny Impact

    After the match, Killer Kross attacked Johnny on the entrance ramp. He then power-bombed Taya into the stands.

  • Lacey Evans Wrestles Her Final NXT Match

    Lacey Evans Wrestles Her Final NXT Match

    The Lady of NXT is about to become the Lady of the WWE main roster. Lacey Evans was recently announced as one of several call-ups expected on the main roster shortly. She wrestled her last match in NXT this weekend at a house show in Durham.

    https://twitter.com/pipkinbrand/status/1082043764611403776?s=12

    Lacey Evans Headed To The Main Roster

    The 5ft 8 former member of the US Marine Corps began training in 2014 and was offered a WWE contract in 2016. In 2017, ESPN did a piece on the up and coming prospect. Evans told ESPN she is motivated to succeed because she came from a home which had little.

    “I had nothing, I come from nothing, but I am something and I will continue to be something,” Evans said in reference to coming from a home torn by drug and alcohol abuse.

    “The way that I’ve been raised and the things I’ve had to do has given me grit that is unmatchable unless you were beside me. I don’t give up, I go down fighting in everything I do — being a mother, being a wife, being a wrestler, being a Marine, being a sister. I wouldn’t want to get in the ring with me, I can promise you that.”

    The full interview can be read here.

    Lacey Evans On Priscilla Kelly Tampon Spot

    Evans also recently commented on the Priscilla Kelly viral tampon spot which has been making the rounds on social media recently.

    She also commented recently on what it’s like traveling with UK Women’s champion, Rhea Ripley.

  • Brian Cage Hypes Homecoming, On Why He Signed With Impact, more…

    Brian Cage Hypes Homecoming, On Why He Signed With Impact, more…

    Brian Cage has a chance to win the Impact Wrestling World championship tonight. He’ll face the current champion, Johnny Impact, tonight at the Homecoming PPV in Nashville.

    Cage was a guest on Impact Wrestling’s Press Pass recently to hype the show. At the same time, Cage mentioned why it is he chose to sign with Impact Wrestling.

    “Unfortunately, while everyone’s singing my praises, no one has given me the opportunity,” Cage said on other promotions who have shown interest in him.  ” (Lucha) Underground definitely got me on the map and Impact offered me a deal and led the way. They gave me the ball and gave me an opportunity and I took it and ran with it.”

    “Hats off to them and I’m trying to live up to my end of the bargain,” Cage continued. “So far, so good. I’ve enjoyed my time there and looking forward to what this year has to bring and hopefully start it off as world champion.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHYndfb9qGM

    Johnny Impact (c) vs Brian Cage – Impact World Championship – Homecoming PPV – January 6th, 2019

    Cage then turned his attention to his Homecoming opponent, Johnny Impact.

    “He can have his Survivor buddies in the crowd,” stated Cage. “I don’t think that’s going to affect me or give him any advantage. It didn’t help him win Survivor, so why would it help him win the match?”

    Also a potential factor tonight is Killer Kross. Johnny’s former ally in Mexico has been saying the champion needs him watching his back in order to get past Cage tonight.

  • X-Division Legends Comment On The Return Of Ultimate X

    X-Division Legends Comment On The Return Of Ultimate X

    Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming PPV gets going in just a few hours. One of the featured matches tonight will be the return of the Ultimate X match.

    Impact Wrestling interviewed several X-Division legends of the past and got their thoughts on what can be expected tonight.

    X-Division Legends Comment On Ultimate X

    Former X-Division champions, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, DJZ, Petey Williams, and Sonjay Dutt all were interviewed ahead of Homecoming.

    SCU’s Christopher Daniels had the following to say, “I think they’re gonna go out there and top what’s been done in the past. I also think that they might try to bring back some of the stuff that hasn’t been done in a while, just because that’s just the way it goes. These things go in cycles.”

    Petey Williams commented on how all 4 competitors in tonight’s match have never been in this type of match before. “I feel it’s good that it’s their first time because you have four fresh guys that have never been in it before,” Williams said. “They have a fresh moveset, all four of those individuals are very unique in what they do, so they’ll bring four new perspectives to the table that fans haven’t seen before. So I would just say: do what you do, amplify it and do it best.”

    Return of the Ultimate X Match – Impact Wrestling Homecoming – January 6th, 2019

    “Expect the unexpected,” said Sonjay Dutt. “Because when you get out “there, unless you’ve actually been in it, you don’t realize what it truly takes to excel at something like that.”

    “I’m a little jealous that those guys get to do it again, man! I gotta be honest,” said Kazarian. “I know the guys going into this one are thinking that exact thing: they wanna steal the show. They wanna win the match. I would advise them to go out there and do their thing. Just throw caution to the wind, but at the same time don’t be too reckless.”

    “For a lot of our locker room,” said Eddie Edwards. “I think that we feel that every match and every pay-per-view, we wanna take another step above and beyond, and it’s accentuated with the Ultimate X match.”

    “Obviously, you have to use your upper body strength to hang from that rope and then shimmy yourself across,” said DJZ. “That takes some upper body strength, that takes some serious core strength. So you do have to be in some type of athletic condition, I think to be successful in that type of a match.”

    You can read the full article on Impact Wrestling’s website here. 

  • The Bar Vs The Usos With Title Implications Booked For Smackdown

    The Bar Vs The Usos With Title Implications Booked For Smackdown

    WWE Smackdown tag team champions, the Bar, will take on the Usos Tuesday night on Smackdown. Should Jimmy and Jey defeat Cesaro and Sheamus, they will have earned a title match against the champions at a later date.

    “In a high-stakes match, Jimmy & Jey will face off against Sheamus & Cesaroand,” a WWE press release for the match reads. “if The Usos can prevail, they will receive a future SmackDown Tag Team Title opportunity.”

    Smackdown will take place in the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena this Tuesday from Jacksonville, Florida.

    The Bar vs the Usos and the Smackdown Tag Team Division

    The last time the Bar defended the Smackdown tag team championships, they won a triple threat match at TLC. The other teams involved in the match were New Day and the Usos.

    The Usos were the lone surviving team in the tag-team traditional Survivor Series match in November. Meanwhile, the Bar lost to then-Raw tag team champions, AOP, later that night. Last time out, however, the Usos went to a no-contest with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows due to outside interference.

    The last time the Usos and the Bar met on WWE programming, it was the Usos who picked up the victory. That match occurred on an episode of Smackdown from Minnesota on November 27th.

  • WWE Confirms 3 New Royal Rumble Entrants

    WWE Confirms 3 New Royal Rumble Entrants

    WWE has confirmed the Royal Rumble match participation for 3 more Superstars. 2 female Superstars and one male Superstar has recently been added to their respective Royal Rumble matches.

    Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose are both official for the Rumble. WWE announced the former Absolution members as entrants recently on Twitter:

    WWE also confirmed Jeff Hardy will be in this year’s Rumble:

    Royal Rumble 2019

    With the additions of Jeff Hardy, Sonya Deville, and Mandy Rose to their respective Royal Rumble matches, the updated list of confirmed competitors for each match is as follows:

    Confirmed for 2019 men’s Royal Rumble match:

    • R-Truth (#30)
    • Drew McIntyre
    • Xavier Woods
    • Big E
    • Kofi Kingston
    • Finn Balor
    • Seth Rollins
    • Jeff Hardy

    Confirmed for the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble match:

    • Carmella (#30)
    • Ember Moon
    • Natalya
    • Bayley
    • Sasha Banks
    • Ruby Riott
    • Liv Morgan
    • Sarah Logan
    • Sonya Deville
    • Mandy Rose

    Royal Rumble 2019 Lineup – January 27th, 2019

    This year’s Royal Rumble will take place from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.

    • Women’s Royal Rumble match
    • Men’s Royal Rumble match
    • Smackdown Women’s Championship
      Asuka (c) vs (Winner of Carmella vs Charlotte Flair vs Becky Lynch)
    • WWE Championship
      Daniel Bryan (c) vs AJ Styles
    • Universal Championship
      Brock Lesnar (c) vs Braun Strowman
    • WWE Cruiserweight Championship
      Fatal 4-Way
      Buddy Murphy (c) vs Kalisto vs Akira Tozawa vs TBD
  • Priscilla Kelly Responds To Critics Of “Tampon Spot”

    Priscilla Kelly Responds To Critics Of “Tampon Spot”

    Mae Young Classic competitor and independent wrestler, Priscilla Kelly, has fired back at critics of a controversial move she used recently. Kelly was performing on a Surbaban Fight Pro match last month when she took out a tampon from her ring gear and shoved it in her opponent’s mouth. A fan posted a video of the incident on Twitter and it has gotten the attention of the wrestling world on social media.

    Wrestling Personalities Criticise Priscilla Kelly’s Tampon Spot

    Impact Wrestling Hall-of-Famer, Gail Kim, was critical of the spot on Twitter. “I’m seeing this post of a women’s match that got disgusting and I’m not gonna repost it Bc it’s seriously a disgrace,” Kim wrote. “Why??? Whoever thought that was a spot that was gonna get a pop and was worth it….. NO. how about telling a story in the ring with your wrestling instead?”

    Some have compared the move with Joey Ryan’s “Penis Suplex”. Ryan also issued a comment regarding the move.

    “I would never censor anyone’s artistic creativity,” Ryan wrote. “To each their own. The telltale sign will be if it connects with an audience. If it finds an audience then can it really be considered wrong? If it doesn’t then it’ll die. You can’t stop change. Trying will only make you bitter.”

    Road Dogg criticized the spot while responding to a joke from Hurricane Helms on Twitter.

    To which Joey Ryan responded:

    https://twitter.com/JoeyRyanOnline/status/1081726448401035266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1081726448401035266&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2019%2F01%2Fwrestlers-react-on-social-media-to-wwe-myc-star-shocking-649523%2F

    Tommy Dreamer offered up some praise for Kelly:

    Priscilla Kelly Comments

    Kelly responded to critics of the spot on Twitter recently.

    https://twitter.com/priscillakelly_/status/1081708010383310848

    Kelly competes regularly for EVOLVE, Bar Wrestling, SHINE, and has wrestled frequently in Japan for DDT and TJP.

  • Final Card For NWA Pop Up Event

    Final Card For NWA Pop Up Event

    The National Wrestling Alliance is back and presents a Pop Up event tonight in Clarksville, TN. The event will be co-promoted with Tried-N-True Pro Wrestling. The lineup for the show is below.

    NWA Pop Up – January 5th – Clarksville, TN Lineup

    • NWA World Heavyweight Championship
      Nick Aldis (c) vs James Storm
    • NWA Women’s Championship
      Jazz (c) vs Allie
    • NWA National Championship
      Willie Mack (c) vs Matt Cross
    • Hair vs Hair Match
      Jocephus vs David Arquette
    • Tried-N-True Pro Wrestling
      Samuel Shaw (c) vs Crazzy Steve
    • The War Kings w/Road Warrior Animal vs TBD
    • Rosemary vs TBD
    • Maxx Stardom vs Jeremiah Plunkett

    As of this writing, there is no word on if the show will be made available for viewing at a later date.

    James Storm made the following statements regarding his championship opportunity on the show:

    “You know I was asked to wear this [NWA] shirt right here,” Storm said. “It’s a nice shirt, but there’s something I much rather be wearing and that is the ten pounds of gold, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on January 5th, Clarksville, Tennessee.”

    Storm also spoke about being a fan of NWA growing up.

    “The NWA has a long history in Tennessee and I was a big fan of it growing up. That’s all I ever watched was Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, and the list goes on and on.”

    He then turned his attention to his opponent, and NWA World Champion, Nick Aldis.

    “Nick Aldis, we have a long history, and Billy Corgan, we have a long history, January 5th just got a lot more interesting.”