Ethan Page’s transition to NXT has marked a significant turning point in his career, with the wrestler not only capturing the NXT Championship but also sharing the spotlight with The Rock in a backstage segment. This new chapter comes after a period of limited opportunities in AEW, where Page saw minimal TV time before moving to ROH. There, he engaged in a prolonged feud with Tony Nese but eventually found himself off television once more.
In an appearance on Busted Open After Dark with Bully Ray, Page shed light on the difference in how he has been utilized in NXT versus AEW. When asked why AEW failed to capitalize on his potential while NXT has embraced him, Page attributed it to the leadership.
“This company is run by wrestlers.”
Ethan Page on NXT
Highlighting the wrestler-centric approach in NXT. Elaborating further, Page explained,
“[AEW] didn’t know what they had, and now they do. I’m gone. These guys have me. They have the ability to do whatever it is that they want, and they have chosen to open a door for Ethan Page to absolutely kick wide open.”
Ethan Page
Since joining NXT, Page has showcased his talent in high-profile matches, defeating notable opponents like Je’Von Evans, Cedric Alexander, and Dante Chen. His performances have not only elevated his status but also brought a new energy to the NXT roster, with Page visibly thriving in his new environment.
“Busted Open After Dark” is the late-night wrestling podcast, where Dave LaGreca and his rotating co-hosts dive deep into the hottest topics and biggest moments in pro wrestling.
Ethan Page’s NXT Championship Reign
Ethan Page’s reign as NXT Champion stands out as one of the most remarkable in the brand’s history due to its rapid ascent, record-breaking achievements, and notable title defenses.
Page captured the championship on July 7, 2024, at NXT Heatwave, emerging victorious in a fatal four-way match against Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Shawn Spears. The match ended dramatically when Page secured the pinfall on Evans after inadvertently landing on him following Williams’ Trick Shot finisher. This victory made history, as Page clinched the NXT Championship a mere 40 days after his debut, the fastest climb to the title in the brand’s history.
Throughout his 86-day reign, which lasted until October 1, 2024, Page successfully defended the championship against formidable competitors such as Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and Joe Hendry. His reign concluded during NXT’s premiere on The CW Network, where he dropped the title back to Trick Williams in a highly anticipated rematch, with CM Punk serving as the special guest referee.
The National Wrestling Alliance continued to grow this week as the World League Wrestling promotion is now an official NWA territory. In a statement, the NWA announced the inclusion of the Missouri-based WLW, the fifth regional promotion to join the NWA in the last two years.
WLW was founded by Harley Race over a quarter of a century ago and has been active ever since. Trevor Murdoch, a former NWA World Champion and current Tag Champion who began his career in WLW before arriving in WWE, shared his excitement for the news and the connection to Race in a statement:
“When you thought of NWA back in the day, you thought of Harley Race. It was a company had a lot of pride and respect for… As the student of Harley Race and representative of him throughout my career, it feels good that I can do this for World League Wrestling and bring these two together.”
As an official territory, the NWA will recognize all NWA WLW champions going forward. Additionally, a talent-sharing agreement will benefit both promotions, according to Murdoch.
“We are going to be a developmental system for the NWA to find some of the top, young talents that have not been seen, that might not be getting opportunities they deserve.”
Race, an eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, isn’t the only huge name tie to WLW which has always worked with legends like ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, and Meng/Haku. WLW joins other companies to become NWA territories, including Exodus Pro, which made the move in October 2023.
Murdoch is one of several major players in the NWA, which includes Mike Knox, Kenzie Page, Max the Impaler, and reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the NWA and its continued efforts to expand with territories across the United States.
The NWA World’s Championship has been held by some of the all-time greats with Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Harley Race among its esteemed lineage. Now, Thom Latimer can add his name to that illustrious collection after finning the gold at NWA 76.
Latimer dethroned EC3 to capture the NWA World’s Championship at NWA 76, which is being aired as part of NWA Powerrr on X. The show had been taped on August 31, but was aired on a delay on October 1. EC3 had held the gold for 370 days at the time of the match after ending the reign and career of Tyrus at NWA 75 in August 2023.
Latimer is the third British wrestler to capture the NWA World’s Championship and follows in the footsteps of Gary Steele and Nick Aldis. Steele’s win at NWA 51 in September 1999 only saw him hold the gold for seven days and never defended the title in the UK. Aldis on the other hand, held the title for a combined 1,309 with the SmackDown General Manager boasting two reigns.
Now, it’s Latimer’s time to hold the coveted ten pounds of gold and lead the National Wrestling Alliance into the future with Billy Corgan at the helm. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the NWA and the reign of new NWA World’s Champion Thom Latimer.
Wes Lee turned his back on his MSK brothers this week in shocking scenes from the second week of this year’s WWE NXT Great American Bash. During the show, MSK (Lee & Zachary Wentz) failed to win the NXT Tag Team Titles from Axiom and Nathan Frazer.
After the match, Wentz and Trey Miguel tried to console Lee, but he responded by superkicking Miguel and delivering a low blow to Wentz. The former North American Champion wasn’t done, as he put Trey through the barricade before slamming Wentz into the steel steps.
Not winning the titles would have been a huge setback for Lee, whose second reign as an NXT Tag Team Champion ended without him being beaten. After he and Wentz (then Nash Carter) won the titles at Stand & Deliver 2022, the team was stripped of the gold after Wentz’s release from WWE following allegations by his ex-wife Kimber Lee. This shocking betrayal also marks Lee’s first heel turn since coming to WWE NXT.
With this betrayal, fans could be seeing more of Miguel and Wentz, both of whom are signed to TNA Wrestling, on WWE NXT programming. The ongoing crossover has seen talent be shared between the two sides and has proven especially popular with fans. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Wes Lee and MSK after the shocking betrayal seen at WWE NXT Great American Bash 2024 (Week Two.)
Kamille has finally showed up in AEW and she has first set her sights on Britt Baker. The former NWA Women’s Worlds Champion has been patiently waiting to make her pro wrestling return at some point, with heavy speculation that she did sign with AEW and she confirmed that on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.
Britt Baker had a back and forth battle with an old AEW rival in Hikaru Shida and she got the former AEW Women’s Champion to tap via the Lockjaw. As Baker was celebrating, Mercedes Mone sauntered down the ramp. As Baker focused on Mone, she was caught off guard by the big boot of Kamille, who leveled the D.M.D. It was all part of the plan for Mone as it appears that Kamille will be the enforcer for “The C.E.O.”
Kamille certainly passes the classic ‘airport test’ of pro wrestling as she certainly turns heads with her physique and size. The vibe of Kamille very much reflects that of Jade Cargill, one of AEW’s original stars who now calls WWE home.
While Cargill has a great deal of TV time, Kamille has a historic NWA Women’s Worlds Championship run as she had the gold for an impressive 813 days before dropping it to Kenzie Paige.
Kamille has been a free agent in the world of pro wrestling since January so she hasn’t been a television presence for over six months. Kamille adds to a growing AEW Women’s division as she joins rising stars such as Willow Nightingale and Mariah May, but also a good deal of veteran talent on the roster as well.
The CW Network had no issue with the infamous ‘cocaine’ spot from NWA Samhain 2023, according to NWA President Billy Corgan.
The controversial spot saw ‘Sinister Minister’ James Mitchell snort a white powder during the October 28 event. While never explicitly stated during the broadcast, many saw this as the (staged) use of cocaine during the broadcast which sparked plenty of negative reactions.
“After the ‘cocaine spot’ where Sinister Minister and his hot minions were snorting sugar off a table in Cleveland, that story took a life of its own… Certainly one of the top people at CW called me and said, ‘What is this all about?’ I said, ‘I don’t know. No one in your world has reached out to me.’ He said, ‘There is no problem over here.'”
Corgan added that rather than be outraged to the point of nixing a deal, The CW found the spot, and the backlash online, to be rather funny. Rather than be on TV, Episodes of NWA Powerrr are now available on The CW app. A new reality show ‘Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland‘ will also be part of The CW.
Fans had been buzzing on social media after Kamille stated that she was signed to a promotion in February. However, she didn’t mention the name of the particular promotion which led to several speculations. Now, the former NWA star has finally clarified her status.
Earlier, Kamille responded to a fan on X saying that she’s signed with a company since February. It seems that it was only confusion that occurred after she misinterpreted a question. She deleted her previous response and in an updated Tweet, she made it clear that she thought the fan was asking if she had been to any signings (autograph signings).
“Dang yall, I read the original posters tweet wrong. I meant I haven’t been to a signing since Feb”
Dang yall, I read the original posters tweet wrong. I meant I haven’t been to a signing since Feb 😂🤣😂
Kamille had been a key figure in the women’s division of NWA. She parted ways with the promotion and became a free agent after her contract expired in 2023. It was reported that she had an option to extend her contract for six months. However, she didn’t opt for an extension and decided to depart.
In her last match with the promotion, she participated in a Mixed Street Fight in which she teamed up with Thom Latimer and faced Looks That Kill (Bryan Idol & Natalia Markova) in a losing effort on the November 18, 2023 edition of NWA Powerrr.
Kamille was on WWE and AEW’s radar
The former NWA Women’s World Champion had garnered interest from multiple promotions including WWE and AEW. Reports stated that she was backstage at the January 17 edition of AEW Dynamite which led to talks that she would ink a deal with the promotion. However, it was soon reported that she remained a free agent.
Fans are eagerly waiting to know what will be Kamille’s next move as her future remains up in the air.
NWA wrestler Silas Mason has surrendered the promotion’s National Championship to keep himself focused on EC3’s NWA World Championship.
On the March 19, episode of NWA Powerrr, Mason relinquished the title and stated he was coming for the gold held by EC3. NWA President Billy Corgan then announced a tournament to determine the next NWA National Champion. The eight-man competition will see two finalists advance to a title match at NWA Hard Times.
The NWA National Title Tournament
Paul Burchill, Thom Latimer, ‘Magic’ Jake Dumas, Carson Drake, AJ Cazana, Blake Troop, Bryan Idol, and Zyon were announced for the tournament. In the main event of NWA Powerrr, Troop defeated Idol to qualify for the next round.
Silas Mason’s Title Reign
Mason captured the title at the NWA 75 anniversary event in August of last year. Ironically, Mason won the title which had been vacated by EC3. The reigning NWA Worlds Champion gave up the gold in order to challenge (and later defeat) Tyrus to become NWA World Champion.
Mason held the title for a collective 205 days. His reign surpasses several notable names in the NWA including Ted DiBiase Sr., Paul Orndorff, Terry Taylor, and Tully Blanchard.
Silas Mason’s Setback
Mason is focused on becoming NWA Worlds Champion, which comes at a unique time in his life. Earlier this month, Mason’s home was destroyed by a fire. On Twitter, the NWA brought awareness to the tragedy and shared a GoFundMe for fans who want to help. Generous fans have already raised over $16,000, far surpassing the initial $10,000 goal.
Our own Silas Mason suffered an unfortunate house fire today.
Mason will challenge EC3 at NWA Hard Times 4. The show has already been filmed at the Dothan Civic Center in Dothan, Alabama. The show was initially announced as a pay-per-view but will instead air as a special NWA Powerrr episode.
Posted March 20th, 2024 in News, NWA. Tagged: EC3.
NWA personality Aaron Stevens has spoken about the “virus” of wrestlers who have been thrust into positions they are not properly suited for.
Stevens is best known for his WWE tenure as Damien Sandow and his spin-off character Damien MizDow. During his run with the company, he became a WWE Tag Team Champion and held the Money in the Bank contract in 2013.
A Virus Plaguing Wrestling
A veteran of the industry with over two decades to his name, Stevens has seen plenty in the wrestling business. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Stevens addressed what he sees as a major problem in the business today.
“This is a virus plaguing the wrestling industry today. There are a lot of people who are borderline untrained. There was a basic skeleton of what you had to have at a minimum to be able to get into the business and get opportunities in major companies. And the standard, across the board, has fallen extremely low. There are a few amazing [wrestling] schools out there. OVW’s still there.
Speaking about the NWA’s plans, Stevens made his goals abundantly clear with the promotion.
“We want to help bring the standard up again of what wrestling is.”
Keeping an Audience Engaged
For Stevens, comprehensive skills cover much more than what a wrestler does from bell to bell. On the podcast, Stevens spoke about the importance of keeping fans hooked from the moment they walk in front of an audience.
“How do we keep rooting interest? It’s how we dress when we come through the curtain. What colors do we wear? How do we walk? What do we do when they first see us? These are things that at NWA we’re starting to instill to try and train people to not only be good television wrestlers but really be good professional wrestlers in general.
“Because there’s not much of a difference between working a live crowd and TV. When you work TV, yes, you have to be conscious of where the cameras are. But in terms of your timing, letting people appreciate what you are doing as an artist, there’s that element that’s missing [today.]”
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
NWA wrestler Blk Jeez is lucky to be alive after he was attacked by four assailants this week who tried to steal his car.
In a media release, the NWA confirmed that Jeez, real name Darnell Kittrell, was approached by four masked men while in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday night. The men attempted to carjack Kittrell’s vehicle which the wrestler was set in at the time. During the altercation, Kittrell was shot in the hip.
Kittrell, who possesses a permit to carry a gun, used his registered firearm to defend himself and returned fire. The suspects fled the scene and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage. Kittrell was taken to hospital and treated for what was described as non-life-threatening injuries.
In a statement, NWA President Billy Corgan said the following:
“We stand by Blk Jeez during this challenging time and wish him a swift recovery. His strength and resilience have inspired us all, and we eagerly await his return to the NWA ring. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
Blk Jeez’s Prior Battle
This is the latest setback for Darnell Kittrell who recently battled cancer. In the Spring of 2023, Kittrell was diagnosed with a blood cancer that affects plasma cells in bone marrow. Kittrell was scheduled to return to action at the NWA Paranoia that will take place in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Kittrell said the following in the statement about the shooting/attempted carjacking:
“I was looking forward to making my return this weekend. I would love to make the trip regardless of the soreness and pain that I’m in. However, my gut tells me to stay home with my family this weekend. I look forward to making my return at the next NWA event. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
We here at SE Scoops would like to wish Kittrell a very speedy recovery after this scary incident.
Ohio Valley Wrestling will benefit from the expertise of Mickie James now that the veteran has signed with the company.
In a press release, OVW confirmed that James will serve as Creative Director and Head of Female Talent, as well as Executive Producer for all OVW wrestling shows. Lead OVW Commentator and Producer Bryan Kennison said the following:
“Mickie James is a name synonymous with excellence in the wrestling industry, and we are incredibly excited to be working with her. Her experience, talent, and vision will be invaluable in elevating our programming and our women’s division to new heights.”
OVW CEO Al Snow had a similar sentiment to James being brought in. He said:
“We are not just working with a superstar, we are embracing a vision for the future. Mickie’s influence will transcend the ring. inspiring a new generation of wrestlers and fans alike.”
On Twitter, Matt Jones, the co-owner of OVW Wrestling, shared his excitement about the news.
I am very excited to announce that Mickie James @MickieJames is joint us as a new Creative Director and the head of Female Talent!
Mickie is a legend in the industry and will join Al Snow in continuing to make OVW the fastest growing spot in Pro Wrestling
Mickie James is no stranger to Ohio Valley Wrestling as after signing with WWE in 2003, she was sent to OVW which was the promotion’s developmental territory at the time. Highlights of James’ tenure with OVW include winning a Halloween costume contest in October 2004 and defeating Jillian Hall in a $1,000 match the following month.
In 2005, James was part of a tournament to crown an OVW Television Champion after the title had been vacated. The only woman in the tournament, James defeated Mike Mondo in the first round before losing to ‘Blaster’ Lashley in the second. She was called up to the main roster that same year.
Mickie James is set to work with OVW, but the legend is also set to do big things down under…
AEW President Tony Khan made clear on a couple of occassions that he planned to be very active in pro wrestling free agency, but WWE has confirmed to be contact with a top independent talent.
PWInsider is reporting that WWE has reached out to former NWA Worlds Women Champion Kamille and offered her a NXT contract.
Kamille first entered into the NWA as Nick Aldis’ “insurance policy” enforcer before she ended up becoming an unprecedented women’s champion, holding the title for over 800 days before she dropped the belt to Kenzie Paige
Kamille is one of the rare women wrestling stars that rivals the look and presentation of Jade Cargill, who WWE notoriously signed a deal with the company last year.
Cargill has made several appearances on WWE programming since signing, but she also has focused her attention on improving her skills at the WWE Performance Center and hasn’t been since in months.
Other Women Free Agents WWE Has Interest In
Kamille isn’t the only name that WWE apparently wants to scoop up. The former champ joins the likes of Giulia, a top women’s star in NJPW who WWE reportedly has massive interest in.
However, WWE also has interest in two major names with previous ties to the company. It’s being reported that Trinity Fatu, the current TNA Knockouts Champion, is expected to re-sign with WWE once her contract expires, which appears imminent.
As for her former tag partner, Mercedes Mone, WWE does want to re-sign her, but there is no word as of yet if they’re close to a deal or where the former Sasha Banks may land.
Kamille will be the first to tell you that she isn’t the same pro wrestler she was more than 600 days ago when she first won the NWA women’s championship. “The Brickhouse” has evolved and taken from every experience in the ring.
With every defense, confidence grows for the impressive athlete. Chelsea Green, KiLynn King, Taya Valkyrie, Max The Impaler, Jennacide, and the list goes on and on. Coming up is one of the former softball standout’s biggest tests to date in the form of veteran and multi-time women’s champion Angelina Love at Nuff Said on pay-per-view.
Despite a long travel day to Tampa a few days before the show, Kamille made the drive to WWE superstar couple Natalya and TJ Wilson’s training space for a last-minute session.
“It was great,” she said. “Me and Nattie, it’s one of those things where we have been friends on Instagram but never really gotten the chance to sit down and talk. Being able to get in the ring with someone like her. First off, her family lineage with the Hart family. To learn from her not only in the ring but hear what she thinks about the business side of things. I’m very grateful they let me join in.”
Kamille’s Road to Greatness
Kamille certainly came in with a tremendous look, but she knew early she’d have to put in the work to succeed. She really entered pro wrestling seven years ago. Cutting her teeth on the independent scene and joining the NWA at the end of 2018 as Nick Aldis’ insurance policy.
“I didn’t start wrestling matches until 2020 and then COVID. Then really getting into it at the beginning of 2021,” she contends.
It has been an on-the-job training experience for Kamille. NWA head Billy Corgan had given her the ball in the form of the women’s championship, and she has been running with it ever since. Momentum continues to build as Kamille continues to put in the work to be her very best.
“I went from having four squash matches in NWA to now having these championship-worthy matches,” she said. “I won [the championship] from Serena Deeb. Getting in there with someone who had been in the business for so long. Not only is she an amazing wrestler but an amazing person.
“I actually texted her to just say thank you for setting me up for my entire run. Every match I’m learning something new. I’m working with someone different. And different styles. It is on-the-job training. There are going to be hiccups but you learn from them and keep going. I definitely think now I can go in there with anyone in the world.”
She cites facing Leyla Hirsch at EmPowerrr and Taya Valkyrie at NWA 74 in the main event as benchmarks. The latter made her feel, “You can do this. You were meant for this.” Speaking of EmPowerrr, Kamille wants to see a sequel but also believes absence makes the heart grow fonder.
“I think the fact it didn’t happen last year will make the next one more special because people want it now,” she explained. “I can’t wait to see what sorts of talent are out there. You have talent from all different companies coming together. I hope we have that same dynamic of everyone working together and seeing matches you wouldn’t normally see.”
Kamille on Charlotte Flair being a Dream Opponent
And if that proverbial “forbidden door” opened, Kamille has one particular opponent in mind. A WWE queen.
“Businesswise and putting butts in seats and people wanting to see it, it would have to be Charlotte Flair,” she responded when asked who she would face if she had her way down the line. “She is the best in the world. I think we would have a good backstory and story that could lead into it. Getting in there with someone who is so talented could help me learn and grow. And it’s something people would want to see. I believe we are around the same size, so I think the dynamic of that would be very interesting.”
Angelina Love and NWA Nuff Said
Despite having that dream match in mind, Kamille remains focused on her next big defense against Angelina Love. Respect remains for the challenger.
“The fact is Angelina is a veteran. She has been doing this for a long time. When she was part of TNA, she was a needle mover. She got people watching,” she said. “I think she surprises a lot of people because not only is she beautiful but so talented as well and intense. Her as my opponent, I know I’m bigger and have the advantage in that way. But she has that veteran status. I’ve never been in a no-DQ match. I’m sure she has been in a few scuffles here and there. She might have that advantage over me. I think it will come down to who wants it more. It is going to be a fight.”
NWA Nuff Said is available exclusively through FITE TV. It is available for preorder now for $24.99.
NWA Women’s World Champion Kamille has made quite a name for herself in the promotion, but has her sights set on WWE.
Kamille is in her first reign as NWA Women’s World Champion, having dethroned Serena Deeb at When Our Shadows Fall in June 2021.
Kamille’s reign, now in its 588th day, is the fifth longest reign of any NWA Women’s World Champion.
Lying
Kamille is yet to appear for WWE, but believes that working for the Stamford-based promotion is the goal of any wrestler worth their salt.
Appearing as a guest on the Insiders Edge podcast, Kamille was asked if she would consider working for WWE.
“Yeah, I think anybody that says no to that would be lying (idea of heading to WWE). Truthfully, WWE is, like you said, the Yankees, they’re the top of the top and so I think that anybody who takes their wrestling career seriously, they wanna end up.”
Kamille
Kamille added that competing for WWE, even on a short-time basis, serves as proof that a wrestler has “made it.”
The Champion added that her desire to join WWE is hardly a secret she has kept to herself.
“I would love to have that opportunity at some point. I mean, even Billy [Corgan], my boss, he understands as well.”
Kamille
Kamille Outside the NWA
Kamille hopes to be WWE-bound one day, but she has competed elsewhere outside the NWA.
In October 2022, Kamille competed at AAA’s TripleMania XXX, replacing the injured Thunder Rosa to challenge for the Reine de Reinas Championship.
In July 2021, Kamille appeared on AEW Dynamite to watch The Bunny Vs. Leyla Hirsch to determine her challenger for NWA Empowerrr.
Hirsch won that match but lost in the title match to Kamille.
The National Wrestling Alliance sent out the following press release on Tuesday morning:
First run National Wrestling Alliance programming returns to YouTube with NWA Powerrr airing Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. EST
CHICAGO — The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is making bold changes this year to allow our television programming to be available to the largest international audience possible. We are proud to announce that starting immediately, NWA Powerrr will return as first run programming on the NWA YouTube Channel on Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. EST and NWA USA will remain airing at 12:00 p.m. EST on Saturdays on the channel as well. NWA pay-per-view programming will still be available through FITE TV.
First run programming will begin Tuesday January 3, 2023 and includes matches which will determine the teams that will head to the finals of the Champions Series Tournament.
“I want to thank our viewers who used FITE’s Monthly or Annual subscription service to enjoy our product,” said William Patrick Corgan, president of the NWA. “Making the switch to having the world be able to watch NWA Powerrr at the same time is essential to our growth strategy going forward. FITE has been an important partner and we are happy to continue our relationship with FITE as our pay-per-view provider,” Cogan said.
The NWA Annual Subscription on FITE began to be phased out on August 26, 2022. Viewers who have active subscriptions can still use them to watch pay-per-view programming until their subscription expires. The NWA Monthly Subscription is canceled effective immediately.
NWA pay-per-views, such as Nuff Said, the Crockett Cup and NWA 75, will be available for individual purchase on FITE.
Additionally, the NWA is having its first ever LIVE NWA Powerrr on Tuesday January 31, 2023 from the Knoxville Convention Center which is scheduled to go on air for free on the NWA YouTube Channel starting at 7:00 p.m. EST. The show is being delayed about an hour from our normal time slot to give our fans in attendance more time to make it into the venue. This event will feature Ultimate Team War, the finals of the Champions Series Tournament which began with 32 incredible wrestlers. The winners of Ultimate Team War will receive future title shots at a time of their choosing. NWA Championships will be defended at this event as well.
NWA Nuff Said will be our next pay-per-view wrestling event scheduled for February 11, 2023 from the Egypt Shrine Center in Tampa, FL. The main event is scheduled to be NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Tyrus vs Matt Cardona for the 10 Pounds of Gold. The pay-per-view will be followed by two days of NWA Powerrr and NWA USA television tapings at the WEDU Television studio on February 12 and 13, 2023. The Sunday taping is currently scheduled to be a matinee before the ‘Big Game’ the same day.
For the first time of the modern era, the NWA is headed to Mexico as part of the “World is a Vampire Festival” on March 4, 2023 in Mexico City. Wrestlers from the NWA will take on luchadors from Lucha Libre AAA with several NWA titles scheduled to be defended.
Yet another top talent is on the way out of the NWA. This time it’s due to a contract expiring at the end of the year.
According to an exclusive report from Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net, Colby Corino will be a free agent as of January 1, 2023. He isn’t expected to be a free agent very long as he is expected to sign with WWE.
According to the report “he will be traveling to Orlando, Florida to spend time at the WWE Performance Center, where he will get a thorough look from the company. It was expressed to me that if things go well, we can expect him to sign with WWE and report to NXT.”
Colby Corino is a Second Generation Wrestler
“The Last Bastion of Professional Wrestling” has made a name for himself on the indies as well as NWA. He is the son of hardcore legend, Steve Corino. Steve currently works for WWE as both a trainer and an NXT producer.
He recently competed at WrestleCade in a four way match with Bandido, Lince Dorado, and Shane Taylor. IWTV is currently airing a two-part documentary style series featuring Corino. In episode two, he addresses his struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction while balancing wrestling and fatherhood.
WrestleCade SuperShow went crazy. I got to step in the ring with some of the best wrestlers today in front of 1000+ fans on my home terf
Speaking to Sportskeeda in late 2022, the two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion addressed what it will be like to be a free agent.
“Truthfully, I want to explore free agency. I just want to be free of a contract and a certain brand commitment, a sort of branding of any kind for a minute and just see what comes next.”
Nick Aldis.
At the time, Aldis also spoke about wanting to focus on his Legacy Sports Nutrition brand.
Where Next?
As a free agent, Aldis is able to field offers from any promotions, and we expect he will be in high demand.
Aldis has never worked with WWE, but it has been reported that he and WWE director Bruce Prichard did not get along when they were working in Impact Wrestling.
With that said, it will be WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Triple H who decides on whether Aldis is given an opportunity, something many fans believe will happen.
A return to Impact is possible given that Aldis knows he can reach the top of the promotion, and resigning with them would allow him the chance to work with his wife.
Nick Aldis wasted some of the best years of his wrestling career with the NWA, Booker T has claimed.
Aldis joined the NWA following the promotion’s relaunch in 2017 and is a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Seen by many as the face of the company since its relaunch, Aldis recently publicly announced that he will be leaving when his contract expires.
Wasted
With Aldis departing the NWA, many have speculated on his next move, and whether he could be the face of another promotion.
Speaking on his weekly Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T doubts that the 36-year-old will be able to be a top star again.
“He’s past his prime… He really wasted a lot of time trying to make that thing work.”
Booker T on Nick Aldis.
Booker added that Aldis was one of the very few names with any “recognition” when the NWA was relaunched five years ago, but has doubts any star could have helped the NWA.
“I didn’t see one Nick Aldis match in the NWA. I’m gonna tell you that right now, so I’m not going to sit here and say I saw a whole lot or anything like. But to try to bring that brand back, it’s almost impossible. I mean, the NWA is a relic of what professional wrestling was back then.”
“To try to bring that brand back, it’s almost impossible.”
Booker T on the NWA.
Aldis has been openly critical of NWA President Billy Corgan since the announcement of his departure.
Audience
Booker evidently doesn’t think too highly on the NWA’s product, no matter who is the face of the company.
Speaking about underlying problems in the promotion, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer believes that fans have grown accustomed to a much different style of wrestling product.
“Nobody wants to watch wrestling like that anymore, in a little studio like that where [there’s] like no people, they’re doing the interviews after the matches like they did back in you know, Ole and Arn Anderson’s days in Minnesota. Don’t nobody want to see that.”
While Booker said he has nothing against the Andersons, he made it clear that the NWA needs to change in order to have a chance of surviving in today’s market.
In June of this year, Murdoch would regain the title (which he’d lose to Tyrus at NWA Hard Times 3) but the wrestler has always hoped for a main event run.
Speaking on Foley is Pod, Mick Foley recalled a discussion between Murdoch and then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon about trying to get a push.
“Trevor told me that he once sat down with Mr. McMahon and said ‘what can I do to catch your eye? What can I do to get to the next level?’ And Vince looked at him and said ‘I hate that pasty, flabby body of yours.’ It’s kind of tough when you’re dealing with a weak genetic hand. That’s something I know a little about.
“I hate that pasty, flabby body of yours.”
Vince McMahon to Trevor Murdoch.
Foley added that despite these comments, he is pleased that Murdoch finally reached that top spot, albeit years later with the NWA.
“He was Trevor Rhodes back then, because he did look a bit like Dusty. He was a really good effective babyface. He just wanted a chance to do something… To become that guy [is difficult.] But he did. He bulked up.”
Of course, Murdoch’s success in the NWA has only come about due to the booking of Billy Corgan, who has an opposite approach to body types than McMahon according to Foley.
“Billy likes the big brawlers on top. That’s the good thing about having a company that’s yours to run. You get to decide the talent you want to see there [on top.]”
Chris Jericho
Murdoch’s WWE name comes from Dick Murdoch, the legendary brawler who was known for his hard-hitting wrestling style and once dominated in New Japan.
On the podcast, Foley explained how decades ago, Japanese audiences expected the heavy American wrestler, and that’s something Chris Jericho took on board in 2017.
“Now, he [Trevor Murdoch] has that look that Japan liked in the 80s. Stan Hansen-esque. So when Jericho went over to face Kenny Omega, Jericho specifically put on weight because in his mind, that’s what Japanese fans saw as an American main eventer. It is really interesting to see the way his mind works.”
In his first non-WWE match since July 1999, Jericho faced Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in January 2018, which Omega would win.
Nick Aldis has given his take on Saturday’s NWA Hard Times 3 pay-per-view event.
Aldis had been the face of the company for years, but announced last week he is leaving the brand and will be a free agent in January 2023.
Following Hard Times, Aldis shared a message to his Instagram subscribers saying that he hopes people understand why it was important for him to announce why it was important for him to share that he was giving his notice prior to the Hard Times event.
He also added that he believes the National Wrestling Alliance is now the most toxic brand in all of wrestling. He wrote the following:
Nick Aldis’ Latest NWA Take
“I hope now you see why it was important to me to let you know that I had given my notice to the NWA BEFORE this ppv. What was once a promising endeavour that I turned down bigger opportunities to take the lead on, has become the most toxic brand in pro wrestling. Thank you all for the support.”
At Hard Times, the main event saw Tyrus become the NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion by beating Trevor Murdoch and Matt Cardona.
The iconic NWA World Heavyweight Championship is now in the massive hands of Tyrus who captured the gold at Hard Times 3.
Last night’s Pay-Per-View saw Tyrus win the gold in the main event from Champion Trevor Murdoch, in a match that also included Matt Cardona.
Cardona had held the NWA World Title earlier this year but vacated the gold due to a biceps injury.
This marks Tyrus’ first World Championship win.
Other title changes on the show saw Clearwater defeating AJ Cazana to win the Television title and Kerry Morton defeating Homicide to win the NWA Junior Heavyweight Title.
Road to the Gold
Tyrus captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Hard Times 3, defeating Trevor Murdoch and Matt Cardona.
Tyrus first challenged for the NWA World Championship at NWA 74: Night Two in August of this year, but was unsuccessful.
The former WWE Superstar earned the title match at Hard Times by cashing in the NWA World Television Championship, which he had successfully defended seven times.
Outside Influence?
Tyrus’ victory at Hard Times 3 is by far the biggest victory of his career, but his push to the top may not be entirely down to wrestling.
Earlier this week, Fightful Select reported that his appearances on FOX News have helped his popularity immensely, and have led to him being the most-purchased Major Bendie figure released in the Major Pod line.
Tyrus appeared on Greg Gutfeld’s “Gutfeld!” program and plugged the action figure, which apparently led to a boost in sales.
Tyrus began appearing for FOX in 2016, and was promoted to his own show ‘Nuff Said in 2019.
In the report, Fightful added that a custom-length NWA World Championship had been designed, presumably to match Tyrus’ size.
The public feud between Nick Aldis and NWA owner Billy Corgan has become a trending topic of discussion very fast. It all started when the former NWA champion announced on social media earlier this week that he had given his notice to the company. In response to this, the promotion suspended the heavyweight star.
Aldis recently appeared on the Not Sam Wrestling podcast. He opened up about his issues with Billy Corgan and NWA in detail. When asked how he reacted to his suspension from the organization, Nick claimed that he didn’t even know about it, until someone reached out to him:
“‘Okay’ That’s pretty much what I said ‘Okay.’ One of the wrestling media guys [reached out]. Like, ‘Can you comment on being suspended?’ I went ‘Hein? Wait, I just gave my notice.’
It’s kind of like, to me I just likened it to be like when you’re in like high school or grade school. It’s like, ‘I broke up with him.’ ‘No, I broke up with him'”
– Nick Aldis
Apart from this, Nick also detailed the issues that led to him making the decision to leave NWA. According to him, he was wearing a lot of hats in the company without being compensated for it. The former TNA star claimed that Billy Corgan also put him in an uncomfortable position by asking to intervene when Corgan had a fallout with Thunder Rosa, which wasn’t his job.
After going public with his announcement that he would be leaving the company once his contract expired on January 1, 2023, the NWA has suspended Nick Aldis.
The former World Heavyweight Champion has been the face of the promotion for the last five years as he was the top champion for over 1000 days during that time.
Matt Cardona, a former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion himself and set to face Aldis at NWA Alwayz Ready before he suffered a bicep injury, has given his thoughts on Aldis leaving the promotion.
Matt Cardona on Nick Aldis
Matt Cardona as the NWA champion
“That’s unfortunate. Nick and I, we have some unfinished business, we were supposed to wrestle at Alwayz Ready, but obviously, I got injured. I feel he’s a great opponent of mine. I don’t think he liked when I came to NWA because it was his baby and he did such a great job representing the NWA, being the face of NWA, he’s got all the tools and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” he said while appearing on This Is Pro Wrestling.
At this Saturday’s NWA Hard Times 3 event, Cardona will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat bout against Trevor Murdoch and Tyrus.
Another NWA star is done with the promotion just days after Nick Aldis announced his intention to leave when his contract is up.
Aldis, arguably the NWA’s biggest star since its 2017 revamp, made his announcement last week and has been suspended from the promotion.
The two-time former NWA Worlds Champion has been openly critical of NWA President Billy Corgan who he claims disrespected Mickie James ahead of and after NWA Empowerrr.
Taryn Terrell
Aldis’ contract with the NWA will expire in January 2023, and Taryn Terrell is also set to leave the promotion.
Fightful Select reports that Terrell gave her notice last month, and has expressed concerns about the lack of direction in the show.
Terrell, who worked as Tiffany in WWE’s ECW, wrestled in ten matches during her time with the NWA.
Her most recent match saw Terrell and Natalia Markova lose to Max the Impaler in a handicap tag match on the August 31, NWA USA Taping.
When Fightful reached out to Terrell, they were unable to get a statement, and NWA did not confirm if she is leaving when asked.
Injury
Taryn is unhappy with the promotion’s direction moving forward, but that isn’t the only issue with the company.
Terrell is also said to be unhappy with how the company reacted when she suffered a head injury during a match.
It is unclear which match Terell suffered her head injury in or how the injury happened.
The 36-year-old had hoped to finish up her remaining dates with the company but is unable to.
In the last few days, there has been a lot of drama between NWA owner Billy Corgan and former World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis, as Aldis announced on Sunday that he would be leaving NWA when his contract expires on January 1, 2023.
NWA suspended Aldis for his comments despite him being scheduled to wrestle Odinson at NWA Hard Times 3. Aldis has been part of the National Wrestling Alliance since 2017, when Corgan purchased the company and helped get the promotion to where it is today.
Billy Corgan Gives his Side
While appearing on Busted Open Radio, Corgan detailed his issues with Aldis.
“Nick Aldis and I entered into a business relationship five years ago where we bet on one another. That proved to be a good bet. He’s been the highest paid talent in the NWA the entire time, without question. He knows that. He’s had a lot of say, not only over the company but also with how he was booked. That’s transparent,” began Corgan. “Why is a man, who a week ago, emailed us to say, ‘Thanks for everything you’ve done, I’m going to kind of move on.’ ‘Cool.’ He gave his notice, privately, we didn’t do anything. Did we retaliate or leak some rumor? No, we didn’t say anything. We have shows booked, Nick is on the card. He’s doing interviews for the pay-per-view. Why is a guy, who is so disgruntled, doing interviews? We’re in business, right? A couple of days ago, he does a video where he says, ‘I’m opting out of my contract.’ He does it publicly. I wouldn’t do business that way, but it’s his choice. I didn’t like it, but okay, he’s leaving in 55 days. Do your business and go out the door. Hopefully, we’ll do business down the road. Then, he starts blasting the product. I want to remind everybody. Everything that he’s said, I’ve been hearing that stuff for years. It’s not like I heard it and got sensitive. Why in a pay-per-view week, with a talent who is leaving the company, does he decide to start blasting me and product, 55 days before he’s out and he can do whatever he wants to do? Why does he have to bury the locker room and the product? Again, I’ve heard all of this stuff privately for years. These are not new criticisms. He and I have battled about the product for years and he’s helped make the product better with those battles. This is not a sensitive reactionary thing. How do I, as the leader of this company, allow a key talent, the most highly visible talent in the company, up until he opens his mouth and tells people he’s leaving, blast the company? He’s still under contract and being paid. We don’t invite him. He’s still being paid, we didn’t take his money. I can’t have a guy like that show up because what message does that send to the locker room. There are a lot of people in the locker room not happy about this. They have to do their job. Why is the focus not on Matt Cardona, Tyrus, Trevor Murdoch, Kamille, KiLynn King, or Chelsea Green? The focus is on Nick Aldis, who is not on the show anymore. It’s not an animosity, it’s just, why are we doing this?”
Aldis apologized to fans after his suspension for not working the upcoming show and noted he intended to finish out his commitments ahead of his deal expiring.
Corgan talked about how he thought Aldis was attempting to create some publicity by saying he would be leaving when his contract expired.
When asked if there was tension before Aldis announced his departure, Corgan answered there wasn’t any, but he admitted that he wished he could have spoken to Nick beforehand.
How Things Have Changed
(NWA)
Corgan was certain that Aldis was using an angle throughout the entire interview. Tyrus took Aldis’ place in the NWA World Heavyweight Title match against Trevor Murdoch before moving it to NWA 74. The angle they were working on, according to Corgan, has changed to a shoot.
“He wasn’t happy with the way he was booked, he told me that, and we talked about that. He’s a top guy, he believes he’s a top guy, and he believes the company runs best when he’s in the top position. He was very clear about that. I told him, ‘I can’t build a company around one person.’ I have to get other people over to heat the company up. It can’t just be about you. If it’s just one guy, then it’s just the Nick Wrestling Alliance. He thinks guys in the locker room are hell of workers. He’s told me, ‘this guy is a great worker. This guy is great.’ Okay, so let me get these guys in position.”
Aldis said on social media that Corgan’s opinions about NWA EmPowerrr and the reasons he chose not to launch a second show were driven by his desire to depart the company. Corgan has commonly noted that he doesn’t think there is enough female talent to carry the show and raise it to the same level as the inaugural event.
When Corgan decided to make Aldis the center of the NWA in 2017, he was warned of his attitude, which Corgan then explained.
Corgan continued by saying, “None of this needed to be public. We could have all these intense feelings and still be thinking what we’re thinking, but why is this in public? That’s my argument. Nick picked this fight. Now we’re in wrestling-land. What are we talking about? A talent running a non-wrestling angle angle. He picked the fight. Now he’s in a fight. I’m not a weakling. I’ve been in the public forum for 34 years. Nick wants to fight, let’s fight. That’s not a challenge. Do you hear me blasting Nick or spilling family secrets? No. I’m talking strictly on a business level. This is a stupid play. He will regret this play later. I believe it hurts his stock in the public. If he were talking about running this angle on someone else, I would say, ‘Don’t do it.’ Nick had a reputation before coming to NWA as a bit of a headache and a locker room problem. He’s just reinforcing a stereotype that he spent five years erasing. Why? It’s bad for business. It’s bad for Nick Aldis business. I hope none of this rubs off on Mickie and hopefully I can resolve my issues with Mickie down the road. The issues with Mickie were business, nothing personal. If she felt disrespected, she felt disrespected on a wrestling business level. I would never disrespect Mickie as a woman or talent. She’s a Hall of Famer.”
Corgan concluded by stating that he was not working from an angle and that everything was a shoot.
