Multiple people in WWE have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. According to a report from the Pro Wrestling Sheet, the WWE employees who have tested positive include in-ring talent. At least 3 people in WWE have tested positive.
The people who tested positive have been at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando recently. More testing will be done in order to determine if the virus has spread amongst WWE employees and roster.
The state of Florida continues to see a large spike in cases with over 5500 new cases were reported today in the state alone.
Following the positive test of a WWE developmental talent recently, Kevin Owens refrained from taking part in the last set of tapings at the Performance Center. Owens was on the Bump recently and noted that WWE was accommodating of his request to not work the tapings. WWE’s tapings last week were thrown off schedule following a positive test from a developmental talent who had been acting as a fan. This resulted in WWE testing its entire roster for the virus.
Additionally, AEW has announced that neither Jon Moxley nor QT Marshall will be in attendance for tonight’s Dynamite. This is due to both having been in contact with someone who may have had the virus.
Former WWE Head of Security Jimmy Noonan was on Fox News recently and discussed his time with the company. In particular, Noonan discussed Brock Lesnar’s attitude during his first run with the company in the early 2000s. According to Noonan, Lesnar really didn’t like being in WWE at the time.
“Brock was a very, very different type of guy,” Noonan said during the interview. “The business just wasn’t for Brock.”
“Let’s go back to the time I was with him in the early 2000s. He came up, I was there before him, he had a meteoric rise at WWE, he became the champ at a very young age, the youngest champ ever.”
“But the business just wasn’t who Brock was. Brock is a guy who wants to go shoot elk in his backyard and wants to ice fish. WWE wasn’t for him but he did very well at it but at the same time, he was miserable.”
“Brock was sometimes really miserable. There was one morning when we were at the airport and we were at the airport again at 5 o’clock getting another 5 AM flight to another city. I shadowed Brock because he was the champ.”
“We walk into the airport at the same time and he looks at me and goes ‘Noonan if one fan comes up to me and asks me for an autograph, I’m gonna punch you right in the face’ and that would be the beginning of my day.”
“He hated WWE so much at the time that he bought his own airplane to fly in on his own expense so he wouldn’t have to be with the boys in the airport and be with the fans.”
AEW has released official top-5 rankings for 6/24. #2 Brian Cage makes his first appearance in the rankings as he prepares to challenge Jon Moxley at Fyter Fest.
AEW Men’s Single’s Rankings
AEW World Champion: Jon Moxley (13-0) TNT Champion: Cody (13-1)
MJF (7-0)
Brian Cage (4-0) (previously unranked)
Lance Archer (7-1) (-1)
Brodie Lee (5-1) (-1)
Chris Jericho (2-1)
#1 MJF retains his ranking this week after defeating Billy Gunn on Dynamite.
#2 Brian Cage debuts in the rankings this week. He will challenge AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at Fyter Fest. Cage picked up a victory over Robert Anthony on Dark last night.
#3 Lance Archer picked up a win on Dark over Griff Garrison.
#4 Brodie Lee had the week off. He’ll team with Colt Cabana tonight to face Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss.
#5 Chris Jericho lost to the Best Friends along with Sammy Guevara on Dynamite. Jericho will have a face-off with Orange Cassidy tonight.
TNT Champion Cody retained over Ricky Starks on Dynamite.
AEW Women’s Division
Champion: Hikaru Shida (11-1)
Nyla Rose (6-2)
Penelope Ford (4-3) (+1)
Big Swole (4-3) (previously unranked)
Kris Statlander (4-4) (injured) (-2)
Britt Baker (4-4) (injured) (-1)
Champion Hikaru Shida will defend against #2 Penelope Ford at Fyter Fest. Neither wrestler competed this week, however.
#1 Nyla Rose had the week off.
#3 Big Swole debuts in the rankings this week. She took #5 Britt Baker for a ride last week on Dynamite.
#4 Kris Statlander is out with a torn ACL and dropped two spots in the rankings this week.
There were two matches in the women’s division this week. Abadon picked up a surprise victory over Anna Jay, one which might send Anna to the Dark Order. Then on Dark this week, Mel picked up a victory over KiLynn King
AEW Tag Team Division
Champions: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (8-0)
Best Friends (10-3)
The Dark Order (6-0) (+2)
Young Bucks (3-2) (+2)
The Natural Nightmares (5-1) (-2)
Private Party (4-2) (-2)
Omega and Page retained their titles over #4 the Natural Nightmares this week. This results in QT Marshall & Dustin Rhodes’ team dropping two spots in the rankings.
#1 The Best Friends retained their top spot by defeating Le Sex Gods in the main event of Dynamite last week. Trent and Chuck Taylor will challenge the champions at Fyter Fest.
#2 the Dark Order move up two spots. They only moved down in the rankings due to inactivity so now that they are back, they find themselves in a top-ranked spot again.
#3 The Young Bucks moved up two spots this week after defeating Kip Sabian and Jimmy Havoc.
#5 Private Party drop two spots this week after not competing last week.
Tonight on Dynamite, #4 The Natural Nightmares are scheduled to go up against FTR. This will be the first match against ranked competition for Harwood and Wheeler.
Sarah Logan was one of the many names released from WWE this past April. Any 90-day no-compete clause she may currently still be under would be up next month. Don’t expect her to show up on another wrestling promotion’s television, however. Logan released a statement recently saying she is stepping away from wrestling to focus on other interests.
“A lot has changed in my life recently and I have stepped away from wrestling for the foreseeable future,” Logan’s statement reads. “Wrestling is all I’ve known since I was 17 so it’s time I let myself focus on other things and explored other parts of myself.”
The 26-year-old had been with WWE since 2014. She also spoke about her “Wild and Free” YouTube channel which can be found here.
“My efforts have been on @thewildandfreetv and that’s the best way to keep up. We’re releasing some awesome content. I don’t say this enough but I appreciate you guys and hope to see ya down the line.”
Logan debuted on the main roster in late 2017. Along with Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan, she helped comprise the Riott Squad.
Impact Wrestling continued the build to Slammiversary on Twitch and AXS TV this week. This week’s show featured Eddie Edwards vs Madman Fulton, Taya Valkyrie vs Susie, and the in-ring debut of Deonna Purrazzo.
At the end of this week’s show, D’Lo Brown was shown speaking to someone on his laptop. He said he didn’t like being seen as a corporate stooge, something the members of Reno Scum had accused him of earlier in the show.
As D’Lo got up to leave, an Aces and Eights jacket was shown on his chair. The little guitar twang from the old Aces and Eights theme music also played.
Earlier in the show, an Aces and Eights moment featuring Luke “Doc” Gallows was also shown during the Flashback Moment of the Week.
Madman Fulton Picks Up Victory Over Eddie Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQqmncVXoQI
In this week’s main event, Madman Fulton pinned a former world champion and wrestler scheduled to take part in the 5-way world title match at Slammiversary. He defeated Eddie Edwards while Ace Austin watched on from his corner.
The end of the match came shortly after Fulton kicked out from a tiger-driver. Edwards then charged at him for a Boston Knee Party but Fulton countered into a slam for the win. It was a clean victory for the former OVE member and a statement made to the rest of the roster.
Chris Bey Pins Willie Mack In Tag Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c7if7PzpfU
Chris Bey’s case for a shot at Willie Mack’s X-division title improved this week. Johnny Swinger spent much of this week’s episode looking for a 3rd partner for him and Bey and landed on Rohit Raju. Bey didn’t seem pleased with this. They then took on the team of Willie Mack and the Deaners in 6-man action.
The end of the match came shortly after Mack gave Raju a stunner. Bey then came off the ropes with a springboard fame-asset on the X-Division champion and pinned him to earn his team the victory. No official match between Mack and Bey has been scheduled but one would have to assume it could potentially take place at Slammiversary.
Deonna Purrazzo Makes Alisha Edwards Tapout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW5WwTfmKFg
Deonna Purrazzo made quick work of Alisha Edwards in her in-ring return to Impact this week. This was a contest pitting someone who utilizes strategy and technique (Purrazzo) versus someone who is driven by emotion (Edwards). Any time Edwards tried to fight back with a fury of offence, Purrazzo had the perfect counter for her. She picked up the victory with an armbar.
After the match, Jordynne Grace hit the ring in an attempt to get a little revenge for the two times Purrazzo has attacked her in recent weeks. Purrazzo fled the ring area pretty quickly to avoid the Knockouts champion, however.
It was later announced that Purrazzo will challenge Grace for the Knockouts title at Slammiversary.
The North Attack Ken Shamrock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5TU-mJ5iw
Ethan Page was frustrated on a recent episode of Impact when he found people backstage watching old Ken Shamrock matches. This week, Shamrock caught Page making fun of him in the back. This was to set up a match between Shamrock and Josh Alexander but the bout never happened. Instead, both members of the North assaulted Shamrock before the match could even start.
Kylie Rae Saves Susie From Taya Valkyrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DAzbrye0N4
After dropping her title rematch to Jordynne Grace, Taya Valkyrie got back in the win column this week in a single’s match against Su Yung’s alter ego, Susie. During the match, it seemed as though Susie was channeling her Su Yung personality at points. She gave Valkyrie a run for her money and even countered the Road To Valhalla into a pinning combination for a near fall.
In the end, Valkyrie would finally land her finish and pick up the win. After the match, she continued to taunt Susie. This brought out Susie’s friend Kylie Rae who delivered a super kick to Valkyrie to take her out of the ring. Perhaps a collision between Kylie Rae and Taya Valkyrie is in the works.
Tasha Steelz Steals A Victory Against Nevaeh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5mq4SPyH8
Tasha Steelz and Kiera Hogan have been aligned recently in Impact Wrestling as have Nevaeh and Havok. These two teams seem to be on a collision course to facing each other in tag-team action but this week it was Neveah taking on Tasha Steelz in single’s competition. These two recent signees kicked off this week’s show.
Neveah got the early advantage but after Hogan distracted her at ringside, Steelz was able to gain control. After Neveah began fighting back, Hogan again provided a distraction. Havok tried to confront Hogan but as this was happening, Steelz rolled up Neveah with a handful of trunks and got the 3-count.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
The following has been booked for next week’s show:
TJP & Fallah Bah vs Reno Scum
Havok w/Nevaeh vs Kiera Hogan w/Tasha Steelz
TNA World Championship (Unofficial) Moose (c) vs Crazzy Steve
Sammy Guevara was suspended without pay for an undetermined amount of time by AEW recently. Guevara came under fire for comments he made about Sasha Banks on a podcast in 2016. Additionally, Guevara will undergo sensitivity training.
Guevara released a new video on YouTube recently. In the video, he went into further detail regarding his regret concerning the situation. He talked about growing as a person over the last four years and taking a break from social media.
“There is going to be no vlog today and there’s going to be no vlog for a while. I’m going to take a hiatus from social media, in general. I just want to apologize to anybody I let down, to Sasha, to anybody I hurt with my words.”
“It just sucks cause 2016 me is not me today. 2020 me would never say those kind of hurtful things that I did in 2016. I used to think it was funny to do some kind of shock humor to pop the room I’m in.”
“I thought it would be funny to do that kind of humour, shock humour and it’s not.”
“A lot has happened in four years of my life. I know a lot of people think four years is not that much time but if you look at how much has happened to me in my life from wrestling in the middle of nowhere in Texas, to wrestling all around the world, to wrestling in different countries, to wrestling on TV for AEW. So much has happened to me in four years and one of the thing’s that’s happened is me growing as a person.”
Guevara continued to say that he now understands the words he says can have an impact on people. He also said he’ll never say stuff like that again.
“Whenever I do come back, I will be better. I’m going to do sensitivity training and I’m going to be a better version of myself.”
A new Being the Elite episode was released a day late this week. When the episode was posted yesterday, it included notes in its description that state they are in the process of taking down episodes that feature “an accused serial sexual abuser.”
Joey Ryan was, at one point, a person regularly featured on Being the Elite. Ryan has been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous parties online as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
“Hi guys and girls. We hope this video provides an escape, or even maybe makes you laugh during these tough times,” the video’s description reads.
The statement continues to refer to an accused serial sexual abuser.
“We love you all. Out of respect to the victims, we have began the process of taking down BTE videos which featured an accused serial sexual abuser. Our biggest regret is providing a platform unknowingly to such a despicable person. Our hearts go out to the victims and anyone else affected.”
Reports are that friends of Ryan’s have been in shock about the recent allegations. Ryan was a key figure in the Being the Elite series leading up to All In. He was involved in a storyline with Hangman Page where Page was believed to have killed Ryan at one point. This led to Ryan making a return at the All In PPV.
The 109th episode of Being the Elite which is said to have featured a funeral for Ryan has already been taken down.
ROH’s Marty Scurll has released a statement regarding recent allegations made about him online.
“I am aware that a young woman has bravely come forward with her account of sexual abuse by some members of the wrestling community in the UK 5 years ago, a community I was part of.”
“Although I truly believe that our encounter that evening was consensual, and the fact that the encounter was legal; is almost not the point. I understand that she now views our encounter as part of a bigger problem within the wrestling community.”
Scurll also asked people to stop attacking his accuser on social media.
“What concerns me at this moment is that from what I have been reading, she is a fan of wrestling was made to feel unsafe within that community. This is not acceptable. I also understand that people have been attacking her on social media, and I implore you to please stop. She has a right to her voice and it is our responsibility to listen.”
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee released a statement on social media yesterday. Lee tells the story of having been at a bar one night and possibly having been drugged. He said that even people close to him are not aware of the story but he felt compelled to share in the hopes that it helps others.
“I’m going to share a story with you that very, VERY few know. I am watching friends and associates #SpeakOut. I am noticing how much strength it is taking for them to bring forth their stories. I shall share one of my own.”
Lee continues to tell the story about being in Dallas for a show in either 2016 or 2017. He met a young lady while doing karaoke at a bar. Lee details the woman letting him know she was interested in him but he declined her advances due to not being single at the time.
“Unfortunately… it’s right around here things become extremely fuzzy for me. No matter how much I rack my brain, all I find myself able to recall is struggling to make it to the stage…and stumbling toward a car. After that… I recall waking up naked in a hotel room (I don’t even recall if it was my own room), confused and in a panic. I was fortunate enough to have my essentials such as wallet and phone. But…who knows what all I lost.”
Dave Lagana resigned from his position with the National Wrestling Alliance earlier this week in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The NWA also announced a temporary halt to producing new content as they look to restructure their management team.
Lagana recently released a statement to John Pollock at Post Wrestling denying the allegations.
“I take Liz’s allegations seriously. The first time I became aware of her allegations was last week when she made them public. I take them so seriously that I voluntarily stepped down from my position as Vice President of Lightning One Inc. and its company, the National Wrestling Alliance, after learning of her allegations. I did so because they pre-date this position and I didn’t want to involve the men and women of the National Wrestling Alliance during this time,” Lagana’s statement reads.
His statement continued to deny the assault Liz Savage alleges took place.
“I valued my friendship with Liz. I’m sorry that she feels that I somehow wronged her. However, the incident she described did not happen.”
“As Liz correctly said, I never made a nonconsensual move on her during waking hours. However, her claim that I made a nonconsensual move on her while we shared a bed is false. I did not touch her in the way she claimed. I never touched her like that, and I never would have.”
Lagana’s lengthy statement denies any assault ever took place. The full statement can be read here.
Allegations Against Dave Lagana & The NWA’s Response
Liz Savage’s Tweet about Lagana can be viewed below:
Well here's my #SpeakingOut which happened when I moved to California for wrestling. Essentially this was a big part of why I took my hiatus. pic.twitter.com/oetOYaVPxD
“Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.”
Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.
Charlotte Flair was attacked on RAW last night by Nia Jax. The attack will provide the storyline reason for Flair being out of action due to a legitimate need for surgery. According to reports from both the Wrestling Observer and Talk Sport, Flair needs surgery. It is unknown what type of surgery Flair needs, however.
According to the report from the Wrestling Observer, WWE is hopeful Flair will be fit to return in time for SummerSlam. According to the Talk Sport report, however, she is not expected to be able to return by then.
“There is hope she will be ready for SummerSlam in August. However, that’s not 100%,” reads a report from the Wrestling Observer.
“The idea is that she will return around Royal Rumble season next year, but if a good story pops up before then – around Survivor Series – she would be open to return later this year,” reads the report from Talk Sport.
“There’s a 0 percent chance Charlotte returns for SummerSlam,” TalkSport says its sources told them.
In addition to requiring surgery, Flair is said to be run-down from the rigours of WWE’s schedule over the last few years.
In addition to being attacked by Nia Jax, Flair dropped a RAW Women’s title match to Asuka on RAW. Flair also dropped the NXT Women’s Championship to Io Shirai recently in a match that also involved Rhea Ripley.
Candice LeRae formed a tag-team along with Joey Ryan from 2013 to 2016. The two were named “The World’s Cutest Tag Team.” They held titles together in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Dreamwave Wrestling, and Fighting Spirit Pro Wrestling.
In the wake of numerous allegations against Joey Ryan for sexual misconduct, LeRae released the following statement:
“I am mortified. I absolutely DO NOT and never have condoned such horrible actions. I have zero tolerance for it.
To the women he did this to- my heart breaks for you. I trusted this person. Reading the stories and learning how he acted sickens me. Especially because you all trusted him too. I can’t imagine how YOU felt.
For every woman and man who has been brave enough to speak out, I have nothing but love and respect for you.”
Championship Wrestling from Hollywood’s Dave Marquez also released the following statement regarding Ryan:
Disappointment and betrayal. A 20 year relationship gone. Joseph Ryan Meehan do the right thing; turn yourself in. To the victims please reach out to authorities and press charges. Start the process. #JoeyRyan#SpeakingOut
In the wake of the allegations against Ryan, he has been fired by Impact Wrestling. His scheduled match on Impact’s weekly television this week has reportedly been edited off of the show. Ryan and Cancel Culture were scheduled to face Crazzy Steve and two mystery partners.
Impact Wrestling has released a statement regarding 3 members of its roster. In the wake of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, the promotion has fired Joey Ryan. Impact has also announced that it has released Dave Crist. The former member of OVE was also accused recently as part of the #SpeakingOut movement but was already on his way out of the promotion.
Impact has also announced they have suspended Michael Elgin pending a further investigation into claims made against him.
Furthermore, Joey Ryan’s match has reportedly been edited out of tonight’s Impact show on AXS TV and Twitch. Ryan and Cancel Culture were scheduled to take on Crazzy Steve and two mystery partners. Elgin had been scheduled to participate in the 5-way world title match at Slammiversary. It is unclear if he will still be in the match, however.
Impact released the following statement regarding Ryan, Crist and Elgin:
“IMPACT Wrestling confirms that it has terminated its contracts with Dave Crist and Joey Ryan, effective immediately. In addition, it has suspended Michael Elgin pending further review of allegations of misconduct,” reads the promotion’s statement.
The promotion continues its build to Slammiversary tonight. In the wake Joey Ryan’s match being edited off of tonight’s show, only the following two matches are scheduled:
Susie (Su Yung) vs Taya Valkyrie
Willie Mack, Cody Deaner & Cousin Jake vs Chris Bey, Johnny Swinger & TBD
Sasha Banks has released a statement on the recent controversy surrounding comments made by Sammy Guevara on a podcast from 2016. Guevara made a comment/joke making light of sexual assault on the show. Guevara took to social media to apologize for the comment earlier today.
Based on comments made by both Guevara and Banks, it appears the two have spoken.
Banks released the following statement:
“Earlier I spoke with Sammy, he apologized and we had an open discussion. Words like the comments he made, jokingly or not, have absolutely no place in our society! I don’t condone or tolerate this kind of behaviour. What one thinks is just a side comment can have a massive impact on someone else’s life, and can send the wrong message.
We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the words we say, and I hope this situation shows him that. I hope from this point on, ignorer for growth and change within our community to take place, we all can continue to have these conversations. No person, man, woman, or child should ever be subjected to a feeling of fear, or any unsafe environment. We all have to do better not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Sincerely, Mercedes Varnado”
Guevara’s comments can be heard in the below Tweet:
If anyone comes in my mentions saying "he was just joking" unfollow me now.. Sammy Guevara what is this?!https://t.co/H2CNC4qFfc
Impact Wrestling is believed to have parted ways with another wrestler recently. In the wake of the #SpeakingOut movement, it has already been reported that Joey Ryan is likely done with the promotion. Another wrestler who has been accused online of misconduct is also believed to be done with Impact. Dave Crist is said to have been on his way out before accusations were levelled against him as part of the #SpeakingOut movement, however.
According to a report from PW Insider, heat against Dave Crist had reached a boiling point in the Impact locker room at the last set of tapings. The situation is said to have gotten bad enough that he was not allowed to dress in the locker room with the rest of the roster.
On a recent episode of Impact, Jake Crist turned on his brother and joined Joey Ryan’s Cancel Culture faction. This may have been Impact’s way of writing Dave out of future angles. It is also being said that Impact may not have wanted to publicly fire anyone during the pandemic and that is why an announcement regarding his status has yet to be made.
when i was still training i was 100% groomed and sent unwanted photos by dave crist but any time i spoke about it i felt like i didn’t have a voice because i was a 20 year old trainee or was laughed at because ‘hE sHoWs EvErYoNe HiS dIcK’.
The Crist brothers held the Impact tag-team championships for 81 days in 2017. They won the titles at Victory Road that year from LAX. The brothers then dropped the titles back to LAX a few months later.
They are also 5x tag-team champions in the Insane Clown Posse’s JCW promotion.
AEW’s Sammy Guevara is being criticized for comments he made regarding Sasha Banks in 2016.
Guevara was on the RAW’s 4th Hour podcast when he spoke about seeing Banks during a WWE tryout he had. During the show, Guevara said he saw Banks and joked that he wanted to “r*pe her.” The comment has been spreading around social media today and has drawn backlash from many in the wrestling industry.
Guevara’s comment can be heard in the below Tweet:
If anyone comes in my mentions saying "he was just joking" unfollow me now.. Sammy Guevara what is this?!https://t.co/H2CNC4qFfc
Sammy Guevara has since issued the following statement in response to the controversy. He also reveals that he spoke with Sasha Banks earlier today and thanked her for teaching him a ‘gigantic lesson.’
Rhea Ripley needed to first be informed on what was going. Once that was taken care of, however, she issued a comment as well.
“Does everyone think that because I work for WWE I live on this stupid app?! I have absolutely no idea what is going on and why this human is calling me out for something I don’t know about. Someone please enlighten me on what’s happening,” Ripley Tweeted when asked by someone online why she hadn’t commented.
Evidently, someone did enlighten Ripley. She released the following statement after:
Wow. Rape isn’t something to joke about. It’s a disgusting act done by f’d up people. Grow up and stop joking about serious situations.
Sasha Banks says her and Bayley are better than Le Sex Gods.
Banks posted the following to Twitter in response to her segment on NXT beating AEW’s main event in total viewers. Jericho pointed out that his segment beat theirs in the key demo, however.
NXT’s Finn Balor revealed on Instagram over the weekend that his father has beat COVID-19.
Balor also noted that within the last year, his father has had triple bypass heart surgery, a replaced hip, and now has overcome a battle with the coronavirus. In the video posted to Balor’s Instagram, his father says that next up he wants to take on Brock Lesnar.
“In less than a year he had a triple heart by pass, a replaced hip and beat Covid-19. Brock Lesner is next #happyfathersday“
You can see the Instagram post embedded below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtutjZBcQJ/
Finn Balor Selling Black Lives Matter T-Shirts
Balor also noted on Twitter recently that his clothing line, SMILE IT’S PE&K, has come out with Black Lives Matter t-shirts. All proceeds from the shirts will go to the NAACP.
The message is very simple. Black lives matter. Until there is equality for everyone, there is equality for no one.
Balor will challenge for the NXT North American Championship this week on NXT. A triple threat match between Keith Lee, Johnny Gargano and Balor was booked by GM William Regal on last week’s show. The winner of the title match will go on to face Adam Cole for the NXT Championship on July 8th. Cole’s title defence will go head-to-head with the second night of AEW’s Fyter Fest on TNT.
NXT UK wrestler Travis Banks has released a statement in regard to allegations of sexual misconduct. Banks is alleged to have had a relationship with Millie McKenzie when she was only 17 years of age and he was her trainer.
McKenzie posted several screenshots of exchanged messages between her and Banks.
Finding a hotel I’m staying in, finding my room number and knocking on my door for hours, continuously messing me when I ask you to leave is NOT OKAY. pic.twitter.com/SKGnQjFhYj
“Millie was a trainee of mine at Fight Club: Pro. She was also a close personal friend. We would be at shows together, attend the same social events, travel together and hang out at the wrestlers house where I was living. It was through this friendship a consensual relationship was formed.”
The relationship broke down between both parties and it ended. After it ended we agreed to talk it out. We apologized to each other for any individual actions behind the relationship breakdown. After seeing these comments, I can only repeat my apology. I am truly sorry for any pain caused by the relationship.”
McKenzie responded to Banks’ apology with a series of Tweets.
How dare you Travis. I never had anything to apologise for. You manipulated your position of power over me. At 17 years of age, I had no idea what a relationship actually entailed.The mental and emotional hurt you put me through is INEXCUSABLE 1/3
Keith Lee is upset over what McKenzie has had to endure. He offered up the following words of support:
@MillieMcKenzie0 I am very….very sad. I had found you to be rather amazing since I met you. Never ever would I ever have guessed. I offer a virtual hug. And I wish you healing. Be well my dear. pic.twitter.com/X1tlkwr694
McKenzie competed in the NXT UK tournament to declare a women’s champion in 2018. She reportedly rejected a contract offer to continue with the NXT UK brand, however. McKenzie, who recently turned 20, would have been just shy of 19 when she rejected the contract offer. It was reported at the time that she rejected the offer so she could continue working in Japan.
Progress has cut ties with Banks.
I believe @MillieMcKenzie0. Travis Banks is finished at Progress. ^JB https://t.co/KQvO3cCXw9
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) June 20, 2020
Tag-team wrestling was on full display during the Wednesday night war last week. Both shows featured tag matches in the main event. On Dynamite, Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara took on the Best Friends. On NXT, Sasha Banks and Bayley defended their belts against Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart. This led to Chris Jericho and Sasha Banks having an interesting exchange on Twitter about TV ratings for the segments.
Banks has recently been claiming that her team with Bayley is the best of all time. She noted on Twitter that they are better than Jericho and Guevara’s team as well.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) June 21, 2020
Banks was responding to a Tweet regarding the NXT main event beating the AEW main event in the ratings this week. Jericho then noted on Twitter, however, that AEW still won for that segment in the key demo (18-49, which advertisers consider to be the most important demographic.)
Congrats guys, proud of you! But don’t forget to add that you got SMOKED in the all important p18-49 demo (which is what advertisers care about the most) 367k to 264k! You did good…Just not good enough! ? https://t.co/3qcGIjxdck
It seemed as though both promotions chose to feature tag-team wrestling last week. On Dynamite, Kenny Omega & Hangman Page retained their titles over the Natural Nightmares. The Young Bucks defeated Kip Sabian & Jimmy Havoc. The Best Friends then defeated Le Sex Gods in the main event.
On NXT, Imperium retained their titles over Breezeango. Bayley and Banks defeated Blackheart and Nox in the main event as well.
Numerous reports and allegations have come out recently regarding Joey Ryan. He has been accused of sexual misconduct from various parties as part of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter. Joey Ryan is currently signed to Impact Wrestling, where he has been the head of the Cancel Culture faction.
According to a report from PW Insider, Impact will not be bringing Ryan back to the company for future events and tapings. They have yet to release an official statement on Ryan’s status, however.
The promotion previously released a statement that they were looking into allegations made against multiple members of their roster.
“It is a core value of the Anthem organization that we conduct our business with respect and integrity, providing a safe and secure work environment for our employees and performers. We are following carefully the various allegations being made through social media, and are reviewing all incidents involving Impact Wrestling talent and personnel to determine an appropriate course of action,” Anthem’s statement reads.
Ryan has deactivated his Twitter account following the release of a statement over the weekend.
The Twitter account for his Bar Wrestling promotion has also been deactivated. According to a report from the SoCal Uncensored website, the venue which hosted Ryan’s promotion has severed ties with him in the wake of the allegations. Video of Bar Wrestling events has also been removed from the Highspots Network.
On the final episode of the Last Ride docuseries on the WWE Network, the Undertaker said he has no desire to ever return to the ring. Many have taken this as the Deadman announcing his retirement from pro-wrestling.
There have been teases of the Undertaker’s retirement before. Perhaps the most notable retirement tease was when Taker left his gloves, hat, and jacket in the ring after being defeated by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33.
Taker admitted during the show that if Vince needed him, he might come back some day.
“If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time will only tell there,” Taker said on the final episode of the Last Ride. “In case of emergency, break glass. You pull out the Undertaker. I mean, I would have to consider that. Never say never but at this point in my life, and in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring.”
Taker also noted that while his Boneyard match with AJ might not have been his idea send-off, it was well-received enough that he can end his career on its note.
“Is it what I envisioned when I said yes to the match? Absolutely not,” he said. “But, it was damn good and damn good was what I was looking for. It’s like, how do you top that?”
Last year, Jerry Lawler filed a wrongful death lawsuit regarding his son, Brian Christopher, against Hardeman County in Tennessee. The suit alleges that the Hardeman County jail which housed Christopher at the time of his death failed to provide adequate supervision or care.
The trial by jury will begin on Monday, May 27, 2021, at 9:30 am ET. Lawler and his lawyers will appear in court that morning.
Christopher died on July 29th, 2018. His death was ruled a suicide. Christopher was 46-years-old at the time of his death. Lawler has stated to media he doesn’t feel it was a suicide, however.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said to Local Memphis. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Hardeman County
Documents relating to the case contend that jail officials failed to provide medical care for Christopher.
“Defendants failed to refer Brian to a doctor or mental health professional at any time during his incarceration and failed to provide him with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues while he was at the jail despite Brian’s statements concerning his use of various prescription drugs,” the suit reads.
“Brian pleaded with [the jail nurse] and jailers to take him to the hospital,” the suit states. “He thought he had a concussion. He also had a significant open wound above his eye and needed stitches…Defendants, however, refused his requests for appropriate care.”
“The Lawler family has asked me to shine a bright spotlight on all the deficiencies at the Hardeman County Jail, so that changes can be and must be made immediately,” Rosenblum told reporters. “We’re hopeful that [authorities] will come to us and say, ‘We agree that we need to make changes.’”
Major League Wrestling has announced they have cut ties with ring announcer Mark Adam Haggerty. The news comes on the heels of Haggerty being accused of sexual misconduct online.
The promotion released only the following statement in regards to the matter:
“Working with Major League Wrestling has been an exhilarating experience so far,” Haggerty said in a press release announcing his signing earlier this year. “From the moment I was welcomed into the locker room to the second I signed that contract, every step of the way has proven to validate this journey I’ve been on for the past 3 years. To go from hoping and praying that maybe I’ll get somewhere someday to announcing the biggest names in the world on national television every week is positively incredible. I cannot thank Court Bauer and the folks at MLW enough for putting their faith in me and bringing me along for this exciting ride. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Joey Ryan has issued a statement regarding the recent accusations made against him. Ryan has been accused of sexual misconduct online. He is one of many named as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
Ryan’s statement reads as follows:
“I have been watching along with all of you as the #speakout movement has spread across the internet. I am also aware that my name has been mentioned as part of the discussion.”
His statement continued:
“I have been contemplating how to respond to everything that has unfolded in the last three days. This is an important topic and it truly deserves the time it is getting, even if it is uncomfortable.”
“After speaking with my attorney, I have been advised not to respond to any specific allegations at this time. And the truth of the matter is, I do not want to spend time dissecting which parts of stories are true, which parts are different from what I remember and which things being said are outright false. It is important for me to use this platform to take responsibility and not attempt to minimize the feelings of anyone that was hurt by me in order to save face.”
“So Instead, I would like to take this opportunity to share some parts of my private life with everyone. It is not a part of my life that I am proud of, but taking responsibility is important. Today, I must take responsibility for the way I behaved in the past, and I will do that right now.”
“As I am sure you are all aware, several years ago, and all in a very short period of time, a lot of things changed in my life. The ‘dick flip’ went viral. I started traveling the world and living a ‘rock n roll lifestyle.’ I came into contact with a lot of people, including women. And, the truth is, I did not always treat people with respect. And I will acknowledge that it was possible that I pursued people that I thought were interested in me and invaded their personal space and made them feel uncomfortable in the process.”
This dude is a lying sack of fucking shit, I used to be friends with Joey but the allegations him now and about to come out about him without an doubt are 100% true… https://t.co/5E9181Z7Ay
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) June 21, 2020
Joey Ryan’s Statement Cont’d
“Nearly two years ago, my ex-wife and I were separated. The separation impacted me greatly and I been to reflect on the person I had been previous to it, and the person that I wanted to be. During that self-reflection, I was not proud of what I saw. As a result, I entered counselling in October 2018 and still attend every week to this very day. I have been on prescription medication. I have worked every day for nearly two years to be a person that respects not only people’s boundaries, but respects people. If you felt that you were a person that I did not treat with respect, I apologize. Aside from this post, I have been reaching out to some of the people involved and we have had positive interactions and started the healing process.”
“I have worked hard to make wrestling a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I will make up for my shortcomings of the past by working harder in the future to continue to do that. With all of the different social movements happening right now, we need to take this opportunity to listen and learn and continue to strive every day to do better.”
Jimmy Havoc will be entering a rehabilitation program for substance abuse and mental health. AEW announced the news recently on social media. Havoc is one of several wrestlers recently accused of sexual misconduct and/or assault as part of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter.
AEW released a statement that they will evaluate his status with the company and address it after he has finished his rehabilitation program.
“We wish Jimmy Havoc all the best as he receives treatment and counseling in an effort to overcome the mental health and substance abuse challenges in his life.”
We wish Jimmy Havoc all the best as he receives treatment and counseling in an effort to overcome the mental health and substance abuse challenges in his life. pic.twitter.com/mh0hudsPuW
Shortly after the promotion was announced, Havoc was officially signed to AEW in February of 2019. He is currently part of a tag-team with Kip Sabian. Havoc and Sabian challenged unsuccessfully for the AEW tag team Championships on the May 28th, 2020 show.
The 36-year-old Havoc began his career in 2004. He is a former Progress Champion and once held the promotion’s tag titles along with Mark Haskins as well. Havoc is a former Hardcore champion with Defiant and won CZW’s Tournament of Death 16 back in 2017.
