Posts Tagged ‘AJ Styles’

Yoshi Tatsu Returns to The Ring After Major Neck Surgery

Former WWE superstar Yoshi Tatsu returned to the ring on Monday night for the first time since undergoing major neck surgery last year as the result of a botched Styles Clash from AJ Styles (Video).

Tatsu attended a training session at I Believe in Wrestling’sTeam Vision Dojo school in Florida. According to Al Haft of Florida Wrestling, Tatsu started taking his first rolls and doing some basic wrestling with Chasyn Rance after months of grueling physical rehabilitation.

Also training at the Team Vision Dojo on Monday were NWA Women’s champion Santana Garrett, TNA Knockout Mia Yim (Jade of the Dollhouse), and Tough Enough hopeful Amber Flora.

WWE To Change Samoa Joe’s Name?, Update On His NXT Status

Although he has signed a new full-time deal with WWE, Samoa Joe is still scheduled to team with AJ Styles to take on Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels at the Ring Of Honor television taping in New York City.

According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, however, WWE has been pushing very hard for that match to not be taped for television, which was the original plan before Joe signed his new WWE deal. As of right now, the belief is that the match will not be taped for the ROH television show.

It’s said that ROH wanted Joe for more dates, but their new national cable television deal with Destination America is one of the factors that led to WWE offering Joe a full-time deal, which will likely prevent Joe from doing so.

Joe is no longer accepting independent dates past August 31st, as he is scheduled to begin working in NXT full-time in September. Until then, Joe will be working the big NXT live events and any other WWE Network specials.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is also reporting that a name change for Samoa Joe and a main roster spot are reportedly still up in the air.

Another key factor in WWE bringing Samoa Joe in full-time to work in NXT is because of the perceived lack of depth of high-profile stars in the promotion. With Kevin Owens moving up to the main roster, and other top stars such as Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami on the sidelines, WWE felt the need to bring in another high-profile name to the NXT brand.

AJ Styles On If He Would Sign With GFW Or NXT, ROH On Destination America

Ring Of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling performer AJ Styles recently appeared as a guest on the Inside The Ropes podcast. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On if he would go to Global Force Wrestling: “I think that there’s definitely an opening, it’s just finding an opening in the schedule. That’s the biggest problem we’ve come across is my schedule is so full that it’s hard to fit me in. That’s the problem we’re having right now. I always stay busy but I’d say it’s only a matter of time before I show up in Global Force.”

On his reaction when he found out ROH was going to be on Destination America: “A huge shock to me. Did not expect something like that. It’s one of those things where I was told and I just started laughing. It was just one of those things, I was so surprised I just started laughing hysterically. I even called a couple of my buddies in Ring of Honor and we just chuckled together. It’s gonna be fun man. We always did a great job with wrestling but now there’s something to prove and I think you’re gonna see a different Ring of Honor, in a good way.”

On if he would go to NXT: “The first thing I’m gonna do is what’s best for me and my family, that’s what I’m gonna do. People know I was in TNA but I don’t think people think of me now as ‘The TNA Guy.’ Now they see me as a New Japan guy or a Ring of Honor guy. I had to work to make sure I wasn’t known as a TNA guy to get my product, being AJ Styles, out there again but at the end of the day like I say, whatever’s best for me and my family I’ll do. This is a business. Despite what people may think “AJ left TNA” this is a job. I thought I deserved a little bit more for all the effort and stuff into, you know any business, and to not get paid what I think I deserve would be dumb. You don’t work hard to take a step down, you work hard to take steps up. I went out and found a step up in the wrestling business and if there’s another opportunity to step up, then I’ll do that.”

Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.

WWE Interested In Signing Top TNA Stars, Update On WWE’s Interest In AJ Styles

As we reported earlier this week, WWE officials have changed their interest level regarding bringing AJ Styles into the company. Originally, the company wasn’t that interested in bringing him in, however following the success of many of his peers in NXT, and eventually on the main roster, WWE is apparently more interested in Styles than they were in the past. It is worth noting, however, that nothing is expected to happen at any point in the near future, as Styles is locked into a contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling until the end of 2015.

Speaking of WWE’s interest in acquiring established talent, the company is reportedly in the process of trying to find out when the contracts of a few of TNA’s top talents expire. According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is interested in signing a few of TNA’s bigger stars, but only for the NXT brand for now.

Backstage Update On AJ Styles Turning Down Offer To Return To TNA

As reported recently, TNA offered a deal for AJ Styles to return to the promotion, a deal that Styles turned down.

TNA offered the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion and current IWGP Heavyweight Champion what is being described as a “significant” deal to enter the TNA Hall Of Fame and wrestle a match at the TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view later this month.

According to one source, the reason Styles turned down the offer was because his priorities right now are with both Ring Of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling.

It’s also worth mentioning that in addition to the TNA Hall Of Fame induction and Slammiversary bookings, TNA was also looking at having Styles work a match at this year’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Report: AJ Styles Turned Down Offer To Return To TNA

IWGP Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles recently turned down an offer to return to TNA Wrestling, according to a report at PWInsider.com.

TNA reached out to Styles a month or two ago about the possibility of him returning for one last match at Slammiversary later this year, as well as a TNA Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. It was said to be a strong offer, but he was not interested.

NJPW and ROH are currently AJ Styles top priorities. He’s scheduled to team up with Samoa Joe against Daniels and Kazarian at the upcoming ROH TV tapings on June 20th from New York City.

News On WWE Having Renewed Interest In AJ Styles

WWE currently has a higher level of interest in AJ Styles than they have in quite some time, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Styles, 38, is the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion and has been doing ‘phenomenally’ for himself working independently since leaving TNA.  It’s not to say that there’s even a high level of interest in Styles, but the recent evolution of NXT in particular has led to WWE officials giving him another look.

Triple H has been vocal about his plans to take NXT on the road more aggressively in 2016 and turn it into a full-fledged 3rd touring brand. With the talent that has been rising to the top of NXT over the last year, Styles would fit in very well with the promotion, which features an athletic in-ring style while still allowing the performers to work more-protected matches than they have elsewhere.

The main hurdle with Styles is that he’s making a lot of money working for NJPW, ROH and other promotions and would command much more money than the typical NXT star. Styles has a lot of control over his schedule and going back on the road on a more consistent basis might require more financial incentive than WWE is willing to offer.

Will Samoa Joe Still Be Allowed To Work ROH TV?, More On ROH’s Airings

– Ring Of Honor TV will not only air as the lead-in to TNA Impact Wrestling each Wednesday night on Destination America, but a replay will also air immediately following Impact.

The episodes will premiere on Saturdays on Sinclair affiliates prior to the Wednesday broadcast/replay on Destination America.

– With ROH now airing on cable television, there’s already speculation that WWE will nix his appearances in the promotion. The same rule would likely apply to Rhyno and other talents if they handle the Joe situation that way. Joe is currently booked to appear on the 6/20 edition of ROH TV, teaming with AJ Styles to take on Kazarian and Daniels, however that could change due to ROH’s new deal with Destination America.

(Credit: F4WOnline.com)

Samoa Joe Returns To ROH On 6/20 For NYC TV Taping

Ring of Honor has announced that Samoa Joe will be working their June 20th television tapings from New York City at Terminal 5.

Joe will be teaming with IWGP Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles against ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction, Daniels and Kazarian.

As noted earlier, Joe is currently working with WWE on a one-off basis, which gives him the ability to continue working for independent promotions.

Joe worked last week’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University, which air through June 17th.

Main Event Announced For ROH’s “War Of The Worlds” Event, Update AJ Styles Opponent

Ring Of Honor has announced that The Briscoes will take on the team of Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event of the “War of the Worlds Night One” event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 12th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Additionally, ROH also announced for the event on 5/12 a match featuring AJ Styles against a mystery opponent. ROH is promoting the fact that Styles’ opponent for the show will be announced during the show itself.

The Bullet Club Added To ROH/NJPW “War Of The Worlds” & “Global Wars” Events In May

Ring Of Honor announced on Thursday that The Bullet Club will be taking part in the upcoming “War of the Worlds” and “Global Wars” events in May.

ROH issued the following press release to announce the news:

THE BULLET CLUB ARE COMING TO WOTW & GLOBAL WARS
5/12 & 5/13 in Philadelphia and 5/15 & 5/16 in Toronto

Wrestling fans around the world have been buzzing since the announcement that New Japan Pro Wrestling talent will be appearing on four Ring of Honor shows in May of this year. The first two nights will be “War of The Worlds” and take place Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 at the legendary 2300 Arena deep in the heart of South Philadelphia, PA. The May 13 show is SOLD OUT but there are still tickets available for the May 12th event.

The 3rd and 4th nights will be “Global Wars” on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the historic Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Tickets are still available for both nights in Toronto but they are going fast! New Japan Pro Wrestling will be represented by their very finest at these massive events.

The always controversial Bullet Club is returning to Ring of Honor!

You see the t-shirts across the world, you see people with the Two-Sweet hand gesture up and now you get to see the braggadocios band of good brothers live at War of the Worlds and Global Wars!

The leader of the Bullet Club, current IWGP Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles and former ROH World & 2x IWGP Jr Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks will in action at War of The Worlds and Global Wars!

The Young Bucks have ushered in a new era of arrogance and are revolutionizing tag team wrestling. While they may not hold back their opinions and may be in your face, they have backed up every word with their in-ring abilities. The list of opponents looking to shut their mouths is vast. Who will step up and actually close them?

Karl “Machine Gun” Anderson and “The Big LG” Doc Gallows will also represent The Bullet Club at Global Wars, live in Toronto on May 15 and May 16. The devastating duo was last seen in Ring of Honor at War of The Worlds 2014, where defeated the legendary Briscoes. They are coming to Ring of Honor fresh from losing their IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships to The Kingdom’s Matt Taven & Michael Bennett. Could they be preparing to destroy anything that stands between them and regaining the championships? The 2x former IWGP Tag Team Champions will without a doubt bring the Bullet Club brand of destruction at Global Wars and you will want to be there!!!

Previously announced New Japan Pro Wrestling Superstars:
Hiroshi Tanahashi
Kazuchika “Rainmaker” Okada
Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Tetsuya Naito
WATANABE
Kushida
Gedo
“King of Strong Style” Shinsuke Nakamura

RING OF HONOR WRESTLING & NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING PRESENTS:
WAR OF THE WORLDS ’15 NIGHT 1

2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, May 12th, 2015
7:30pm Bell time

WAR OF THE WORLDS ’15 NIGHT 2
2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015
7:30pm Bell time

GLOBAL WARS ’15 – Night #1
Ted Reeve Arena – Toronto, Ontario
Friday, May 15th, 2015
7:30pm Bell time

GLOBAL WARS ’15 – Night #2
Ted Reeve Arena – Toronto, Ontario
Saturday, May 16th, 2015
7:30pm Bell time

NJPW Invasion Attack Results: AJ Styles Defends IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Multiple Title Changes

New Japan Pro Wrestling held their Invasion Attack event this morning. After winning the New Japan Cup last month, Kota Ibushi decided to challenge AJ Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the main event. In addition, there were three other titles on the line, two of which changed hands. The full results are below:

Alex Shelley, Captain New Japan, Kushida, Yohei Komatsu, and Yuji Nagata def. Jushin Thunder Liger, Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi, Sho Tanaka, and Tiger Mask IV

Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, and Tomoaki Honma def. Bullet Club (Cody Hall, TamaTonga, Yujiro Takahashi)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Baretta) def. The Young Bucks (c) to become champions

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Kenny Omega (c) def. Mascara Dorada

IWGP Tag Team Championship

Kingdom (Matt Taven & Michael Bennett) def. Bullet Club (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) (c) to become champions

Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito, and Togi Makabe def. CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii, and YOSHI-HASHI)

Kazuchika Okada def. Bad Luck Fale

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

AJ Styles (c) def. Kota Ibushi

The full event is available to stream with a subscription to njpwworld.com.

AJ Styles On Samoa Joe’s ROH Return, “Styles Clash” Controversy & More

International wrestling star AJ Styles appeared on the “Chad Dukes Wrestling Show” recently to discuss a number of topics, including the return of Samoa Joe to Ring Of Honor, the controversy over his “Styles Clash” finisher and more. Below are highlights from the interview.

On Samoa Joe returning to ROH: “Joe coming back to Ring of Honor is huge. He and I talked before he released his statement but I was excited about him maybe having the opportunity for him to come back to Ring of Honor because it’s exciting to have a guy who you know works hard and can do unbelievable things and has a history at Ring of Honor. I’m excited to see the welcome he gets when he comes back, not just from the guys in the back, because I know they will welcome him, but from the fans waiting on him.”

On ROH: “I think they’re trying. You don’t want to move too fast, you start to move fast and you make holes that cost you your company. I think they’re doing the right thing in bringing in these guys, giving these dream matches that people want to see. To me it’s not taking a step back, it’s actually going somewhere having fun and having great matches.”

On the Styles Clash: “The one thing I can’t control is your head, that’s up to you, and there’s only one thing you can’t do in the move is tuck it. There’s no reason for you to do that.

At the end of the day if they don’t want to take it I have no problem not doing the Styles Clash, there are other things that I can do. But if the promoter wants it and everybody’s cool with it that’s what we’re gonna do.”

Check out the complete interview at ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com.

Yoshi Tatsu Provides An Update On His Broken Neck

Former WWE Superstar Yoshi Tatsu has provided an update on his health after breaking his neck in the ring back in November. The injury occurred when Tatsu landed wrong while taking a “Styles Clash” from AJ Styles at the New Japan Pro Wrestling “Power Struggle” internet pay-per-view event on November 8th (Video).

Unfortunately Tatsu is not doing well almost 3 months later. He tweeted on Sunday night:

Dixie Carter On TNA Challenging WWE, If She Regrets Losing AJ Styles & More

The following are highlights of a new What Culture interview with TNA President Dixie Carter:

If TNA could ever challenge WWE like WCW did: “Absolutely, I think we can be in that position or we wouldn’t be in business today. We’ve got some exciting things on the horizon and our television partners worldwide are really stepping up and are committed to growing our brand, and that’s a big part of it.

In the United States, we have one, two hour television show every week and we want to be developing the programming and doing some exciting new strategic things to grow our company in ways that we’ve never even had the opportunity to do in the past. So 2015 and beyond looks very bright for us.”

If she regrets losing AJ Styles from TNA: “Of course, I regret [it] and I miss a lot of people who are no longer a part of our roster, but I think that’s what so great about our company is that hopefully, at some point, he will be back, and so will others. I look at this past year with Matt Hardy returning and Low Ki returning, and Rhino and so many others.

I think it makes for great TV and when they came back, all the characters were so fresh, and besides, AJ was so synonymous with TNA, and to me, he’ll always be a part of our family.”

Her gender being an advantage or disadvantage in the industry: “To me, it’s been an absolute advantage. I think, in the first several years, people didn’t know quite what to make of me. I’m a very positive person and a very different personality to what they had experienced in the industry before. You know, I really care about them and I care deeply for this group of people who work for us and for the fans of the show and I think it’s an absolute advantage in corporate meetings and behind the scenes with the talent.

There’s just a different perspective, I think sometimes. I mean, I can deal with a man, I have no problem, I’ve done that my entire career. It just gives you a unique perspective, it’s helped me and played to my advantage many times.”

Her thoughts as she was about to go through a table: “My head was a complete blank, honestly! It was very surreal. I was in Los Angeles last week and I was watching a video highlight reel that Discovery had put together for Destination America. I was watching all the different episodes and the crazy things that I had done last year, and, you know, I was looking at that person going “Who is that?” [laughs], and then I see her about to be powerbombed from the top rope through a table….to me today, it’s so very surreal.

I just tried not to think about it and tried not to worry about it and just do it. I felt like, every single day, I’d sit behind the cameras and watch…and to our company and our fans and our television show, I just felt like it’s the least I could have done, to show them how much I respect what they do and just a small way of saying thank you. I don’t think I expected to break my back, but at least it makes for a good story now!”

The one thing she would change from her past in TNA: “Oh wow, I’ve never been asked that question before! I think the thing I would change would be to realise that just because someone’s been in this business a long time, doesn’t mean that they have the magic silver bullet that’s going to change everything. People who’ve been doing this successfully in the past, and their experience, doesn’t necessarily mean that that will work today.

Times have changed, viewing habits have changed, social media has changed so much about the world we live in today, and how we experience life. I think I would have not put so much stock in that, and would have looked beyond for fresher outside ideas earlier.”

Check out the complete interview at WhatCulture.com.

Jeff Jarrett On GFW’s Plans As A Stand-Alone Promotion, AJ Styles Finisher, More

The following are highlights of a new Pandemonium Podcast interview with Global Force Wrestling founder Jeff Jarrett:

On when GFW will be a stand alone company: “2015. I know that’s very, very broad. We rolled out the name of the company in April & got our AAA alliance announced. The NJPW alliance, building up the brand. We got a couple funny Twitter comments from you [laughs] that I smiled all about so there’s another alliance in there [to special guest co-host, Marty] but, no, all kidding aside… rolling out the brand. And then the New Japan situation came about and all eyes in Global Force are focused and if I would have to release details from now until January 4, I don’t want anything seeding headlines or move anything. We’re laser-focused on January 4. Post January 4, I’m going to be making announcements about distribution, talent, venues, and sponsorships, and everything that goes with a stand-alone. 2015 I’ve obviously been holding things pretty close to the vest and that’s obviously by design. I made it a real focus. I want Global Force to be a different kind of brand. Yes, it’s going to be a standalone. We have these professional relationships where we can present, not just to the North American audience but the entire globe… different styles, different forms, different, innovative ways to bring wrestling to the masses.”

On doing cross-overs & co-promotions with other wrestling companies & whether is it essential to please wrestling fans: “Essential is a pretty strong word. Do I believe it’s beneficial? Absolutely. It goes without saying that WWE 95% of the market share. It’s all about how do you cut through. Not that just because it’s wrestling, WWE is #1, who’s #2, who’s #3, who’s #4, who’s #5. I don’t think it’s appropriate or necessary. I think it’s counterproductive to success. In the music business, you can have 10 country music artists who are selling out arenas. You can have pop music, rock music, and all different forms. So, I believe it’s in everybody’s best interest. A couple of weeks ago, ROH had their pay-per-view and we used our digital space and our social media to encourage people to watch the show. I think that it’s healthy for the industry if all promotions are thriving. Is it essential? I don’t think I’d say it’s essential but I do say it’s very, very healthy.”

On competition and Bullet Club: “Well, I said back in February or March that I thought that the industry as a whole was right on the cusp of a boom period. Some people thought I was crazy and some people agreed. But, here we are 11 months later, NJPW is going to be on access, we’re bringing the pay-per-view with Jim Ross and I can’t tell you just how the media requests, alone. Jim can talk until now until January 4 and he wouldn’t be able to get it all in. NJPW is going to be on access, Lucha Underground is on El Ray, TNA, God bless them, signed a new TV deal, & WWE has the WWE Network. There is a lot of healthy things going on in this business. The more needs for professional wrestling? I do think there is a void in the marketplace. WWE, how could you complain or argue about their success? They’re publicly traded company, a billion dollar organization that’s been around for 60 years. What they do is their style and they do it very well. Do I think that NJPW will be coming to North America or AAA coming to North America? Other forms of wrestling coming to North America? Do I think that would be successful? You’re damn right, I do. Let’s take that show this past Saturday night [Pro Wrestling Syndicate]. There were 1500 people in the building and I think I saw 250 Bullet Club shirts. That, to me, is a very strong indicator of how hot that product is and The Bullet Club is all American, outside of Takahashi, are all American. They’re all great wrestlers. Kenny Omega and AJ Styles are two of the very best performers in the world. Gun and Gallows held the [tag] titles for a year now. They’re strong. Young Bucks, who I think is the best tag team in the business today, their timing in what I call, ‘new age wrestling’. I think there’s a lot of indicators of that indicate the potential of how successful it can be here.”

On independent wrestling: “They’re independent promotions but I don’t call the guys working them ‘indy wrestlers’. I think there’s a negative connotation that goes with that, unfortunately. I’m calling them free agents and, I think the free agent market right now is as hot as its ever been. You’ve got guys that are working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from anywhere 1,500 to 2,500, and these promoters… you’re always going to have some bad promoters out there. But, for the most part, I’m looking around and seeing guys who are businessmen who are putting on really good shows. The business is healthy and that really excites me. My family has been in the business since the 1940s. My grandmother started. It’s ‘put groceries on the table’ for over 70 years. To see the amount of work at shows and, not just in North America, but in Europe, UK specifically, is having some really good shows and Austailia. There’s a lot going on out in the world of professional wrestling that is not WWE-related.”

On being the only person who is both a member of the NWO and the Bullet Club: “Funny you ask. At that show, Kevin Nash was there and we filmed him and that video came out yesterday. To hear Kevin Nash be so complimentary of the Bullet Club. I’m still in shock. I’m lucky that I’m the only guy to be in both. When those guys approached me back in August after NJPW and GFW solidified their relationship, they said, ‘Hey, we want you to be part of Bullet Club.’ How could you turn that down at this stage in my career? So I’m really honored and can’t wait to get to the Tokyo Dome. But, when I was talking to Kevin and listening to when he was getting interviewed, and he said the Bullet Club is much more athletic than the original members of NWO– Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hulk Hogan. I’m like, ‘he’s right.’ He’s being honest about it. I can tell you that i witnessed firsthand when the NWO first came on the scene and they powerbombed Bischoff off the stage and just the buzz and showing up at those Nitros and they were sold out 5 days in advance. Just the electricity and the buzz… I mean, they were selling out buildings just by showing up in limos and beating people up and they didn’t even have their first match. If you look at the comparison and the vibe, the Bullet Club does the ‘Too Sweet’ that’s the homage to NWO and Kevin threw it back at them so it’s cool. It’s a special time in the business, I’ll say.”

On what he predicts will be “match of the night” on Wrestle Kingdom 9: “Well, I mean, typical wrestler… I have to say my match is going to be the best [laughs] I’m kidding, I’m kidding. No disrespect to the other nine matches but there’s three in my mind that I believe are going to be 5-star matches. I believe the 4-team match is going to be a match that is going to be potential to set the standard barrier. I don’t want to call this a exhibition match because it’s bigger and broader. It’s more dynamic. The 4 corners match is going to be a showstealer. The main event is for the title so that’s the second one. One of the best rivalries. AJ Styles’ match is going to be off the charts. Those are the three. Sorry I couldn’t nail it down to one.”

On whether AJ Styles should change his finisher, The Styles Clash: “I want to have all due respect to guys that have been injured but I’ve heard that and I just have to laugh. Actually, I laughed. This business, as Jim Ross says, ‘it ain’t ballet.’ But you need to learn how to protect yourself and if you can’t protect yourself, either A get out of the business or B don’t take it. Don’t put it on AJ. Back in the asylum, Frankie Kazarian took it wrong and I know that the nature of our business is the tuck your chin to protect your neck. On this, know going in, focus and know, if AJ can be in this predicament. You know what to do. I put it on the performer, not on AJ. Not even close. It’s ridiculous, in my opinion, for someone to say, ‘AJ, that move needs to be banned.’ He’s done it for 12 years and, if a guy can’t protect himself, it’s not AJ’s fault.”

On the funniest people in wrestling: “When you look back over the years, the first name when you said funniest in the dressing room– Road Dogg and Brad Armstrong, God rest his soul. Brad was the funniest of the bunch and Brian will tell you today, Brad was the funniest but it never coorelated to the audience but Brian’s did.”

Check out the complete interview at VOCNation.com.

Jeff Jarrett Talks Leaving TNA, His Plans For GFW, Wrestle Kingdom 9 & More

The following are highlights of a new Main Event Radio interview with Jeff Jarrett:

On the NJPW ‘Wrestle Kingdom 9’ pay-per-view: “This is truly a global event. The most widely distributed live wrestling event in history. New Japan is a red-hot promotion. Expecting over 50,000 fans and I can tell you this will be a card that is on par with a Wrestlemania. Jim Ross, the voice of a generation of wrestling fans is going to be calling the action. This truly is a can’t miss event.”

On The Young Bucks: “I consider the best tag team in wrestling today. New age wrestlers of 2015 and beyond.”

On AJ Styles: “We’ve gone side-by-side together for the last 12 years…he stepped away, out of his comfort zone and he had in my opinion possibly the best year of his career. He’s an incredible athlete and an even better person. I met AJ when he was in his early 20’s and now he’s married with 4 kids. I’ve seen him develop as a man and I’m very proud of him as a man and in his career. The X division matches that he had and his world title runs, he is without a doubt the hottest free agent out there and a great professional wrestler.”

On Jim Ross: “We knew when Global Force Wrestling and New Japan cemented the deal in August and then got the PPV contracts confirmed throughout United States and Canada with every provider in both countries. So when we looked around to find out who would be the English-speaking announcer and realized that Jim Ross was available, it was a no brainer. He is the best of the best of the best, he has no peers and he is simply the best. We knew by signing him, by acquiring him, he was going to raise the profile of the event. But over the last 3-4 weeks the amount of publicity and media requests has taken off a whole new life. The buzz is taken off the charts. With the Flipps app, this event is available on a worldwide basis for anybody to watch.”

On leaving TNA: “It was time. I founded the company back in 2002. We were rocking and rolling. I put everything I had into that company. I knew when 2013 came to an end; I looked in the mirror and knew it was time for me to take the next step in my life and my career. I’ve got no regrets, I’m very happy with my time there but it was time for me to go in a different direction. Very thankful, very blessed, and very grateful for my time in TNA. The early years were such a unique set of circumstances. The rabid fan base began to grow back on a weekly basis back on the Wednesday night PPVs. The original fans, then we got the Spike deal and things began to gel. From 2002 right through 2009 were my favourite times. A lot of fun, great talent, the X division, it really exploded.”

On if it bothers him at all that TNA refers to Bobby Roode as their longest reigning champion: “No, because that’s wrestling. Bobby’s a good friend. I can remeber him at the early days at the asylum. I walked up to Bobby and I scratched my head why he wasn’t signed to WWE. We jumped on him immediately and signed him. He’s a great talent, I’ve got a ton of respect for the guy and he can get it done in the ring.”

On his plans for Global Force Wrestling: “We have very methodically rolled out the Global Force Brand. Partnering with AAA in Mexico, New Japan in Japan, with announcements to come for United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. Systematically, we’re having patience. We’re going to be a fully-functioning promotion with our roster, sponsorships, venues, talent, distribution. We’re putting those all in place. In early 2015 the roll-out of GFW will continue. Stay tuned. We’ve got some really unique opportunities ahead of us. A wrestling PPV has not been promoted without a traditional cable outlet. We’re innovative. Everything, not just the wrestling business, is headed to the digital world. WWE Network, New Japan World, Major League Baseball. With us partnering with other promotions around the world, that is a fundamental difference in today’s wrestling.”

Check out the complete interview at MainEventRadio.com.

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  • AJ Styles Explains Why He Doesn’t Want To Work For WWE

    NJPW star AJ Styles (and his fellow Bullet Club members Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) were guests on MLW Radio’s Talk’n Shop Podcast (Episode #25). Styles spoke about breaking into wrestling and said “Benjamin Franklin” inspired him to become a pro wrestler, implying he was motivated by making a good living.

    When asked about the worst “shoot” he’s ever seen, Styles said:

    “I’ve seen Low-Ki chop a guy’s nipples off… Just beat him, man. Some guys you’ve got to fight back or they’ll just keep doing it. That’s probably the first thing you learn in wrestling; you’ve got to take it or you’ve got to give it back.”

    One of the hosts said he’d seen Low-Ki work very stiff against Prince Devitt (NXT star Finn Balor) and explained that there wasn’t any malice involved, they were just working for a promotion that put on stiff matches.

    When asked if he ever wants to join WWE, Styles replied:

    “Why would I want to go to WWE? AJ SI mean honestly… They’re struggling right now with the Network… I’m in the hottest wrestling company in the world—New Japan—and I’m with the hottest wrestling group. We can say it over and over again. It’s absolutely true.”

    You can listen to the entire episode at this link.

    Magnus Tells Backstage Story About Sting, Talks Current State Of TNA, AJ Styles

    The following are highlights of a new interview with Magnus:

    His current status with TNA: “I haven’t….I’m still under contract. There’s been no discussion of any of that. I already knew I was booked for the (UK) tour. I think I was one of the first names advertised when the dates were first booked. I think it was just one of those things where when they did the finalised line-up. There’s…..as of now, as of right now, I still have a contract. That’s about as much as I’m willing to discuss.”

    How Sting went to bat for him in a situation with Jim Cornette: “Jim Cornette – who I have a lot of respect for and get on with and now – he was not necessarily on ‘Team Magnus’ when I first showed up. And with good reason! I didn’t fucking belong there! I didn’t know a fucking headlock from a headlight!….Jim Cornette looked at me and was like “Alright kid, keep your mouth shut and your ears open and maybe we’ll get through this!” Sting kind of reprimanded him a little bit and was like “Actually, Jim, he’s got some really good ideas and I pretty much want to do the match that we’ve already discussed.” He was like “Eh, ok…alright then” It ended up being a good piece of business and Cornette was happy.”

    What he didn’t enjoy about being part of AJ Styles’ last match in TNA: “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful – but I don’t know if it was as much them having faith in me or…or if I was an easy person to have the heat on, at least. There were some very unfortunate circumstances around the AJ thing….I suffered a concussion when I won the title in the match with Jeff…I was pretty much on auto-pilot. I was in a bad way….I’ve never had one since…..That then meant that we weren’t able to do what we wanted to do with AJ. It’s my understanding that we were to do a straight up match, but that wasn’t possible. They did the best thing they thought they could do…..It wasn’t wrestling. It was just an angle.”

    His love of U.K. television in the 1990’s: “(Gladiators) was part of that Saturday night line up….Friday night was swimming, fish and chips and ‘Top of the Pops’. Saturday was football practice or a game, and then that night it would be ‘Blind Date’, ‘Noel’s House Party’ and ‘Gladiators’.”

    Growing up as a wrestling fan: “When I was a kid, like a small kid, we didn’t have Sky. We didn’t have satellite TV. But I was still completely familiar with the WWF and that’s really a testament to how incredible their marketing is. Even though I never really had access to it because I couldn’t see it on TV, u still knew who everybody was. …For me, Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart was held on a pedestal with superheroes and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and stuff….He was like a real hero….Probably around 1996/97 was when I started to get back into it when Shawn Michaels and HHH started doing DX….That was where the first time it started to pique my rebellious teen interest…From the age of 13 it was formulating in ny head that that was what I wanted to do.”

    Check out the complete interview above.

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  • Video: AJ Styles Botches Styles Clash Again

    Last night at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s World Tag League 2014 event from the Zentsuji Citizen Gymnasium in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, AJ Styles botched his Styles Clash finisher on Satoshi Kojima.

    The incident occurred just days after Yoshi Tatsu’s neck was broken by the move.

    Video: Yoshi Tatsu Suffers Broken Neck From Styles Clash

    Since Tatsu’s injury, there have been a lot of people urging Styles to stop using the move. Although Styles Clash can be a relatively harmless move when both men execute it properly, two men have suffered broken necks this year alone.

    Indy Wrestler Pleads For AJ Styles To Stop Using Styles Clash

    Hit up Page 2 below to see 4 nasty videos of AJ Styles botching Styles Clash on his opponents:

    Indy Wrestler Pleads For AJ Styles To Stop Using Styles Clash

    Following the news that Yoshi Tatsu suffered a broken neck at the hands of AJ Styles’ Styles Clash finisher, UK indy wrestler “Lionheart” Adrian McCallum is pleading for AJ Styles to stop using the move.

    McCallum argues that while the move itself is not inherently dangerous, several experience athletes have been seriously injured by Styles Clash, including two suffering broken necks.

    Video: Yoshi Tatsu Suffers Broken Neck From Styles Clash

    He posted the following message on Facebook:

    “I’ll make the assumption he sees this somehow so please read and share… I’d like to openly address him…

    Firstly, I hope things are well for you and family… I wanted to write you because I feel it’s important someone speak up in a more formal and diplomatic manner, as opposed to simply throwing abuse via anonymous social media ramblings…

    Here’s the truth… The move is not directly dangerous… It’s a simple move in principle… Arms and legs locked, you fall forward, guy looks up/back, easy… The Styles Clash ‘on paper’ is a fairly safe and basic process…

    That said, what is dangerous, is the instinctual reaction of your opponent… The wrestler taking the move, who like any wrestler taking any move, their safety and welfare is the priority…

    Without ANY injuries, it could be argued that the mechanics of the move are unnatural, and injury could easily happen due to the physical restrictions and instinctual habits of the recipient… The numbers now are surely too great to even call it an argument?

    I’m more than happy to be educated on my statistics, but there can be no move in wrestling history that carries more (documented) serious and potentially career threatening injuries than this… This, is what makes the move dangerous, whether indirectly or not…

    Thus far, more specifically the last 12 months, several performers, actual experienced athletes, have been injured with this, 2 of them now with broken necks… The question I want to put to you honestly is, what does it take? What will it actually take for you to stop using this move, at the very least on an independent level, with people not necessarily exposed to the experience of working with you and taking the move semi regularly… How honestly will you feel the day you receive the news that the man you just wrestled has a broken neck and will never walk again? Statistically, that day is coming… It is a mathematical certainty…

    I take this opportunity now, to openly and publicly beg you… Please, stop using the Styles Clash… You are unquestionably one of the greatest in ring performers of our time, I truly believe that… But the time is now, to put all pride, ego, blame aside, and acknowledge that irrelevant of fault, circumstance or anything else, the move is a direct risk and a danger to the safety and well being of your fellow wrestler…

    All the best.

    A”

    Video: Yoshi Tatsu Suffers Broken Neck

    Former WWE Superstar and current New Japan Pro Wrestling star Yoshi Tatsu revealed via social media that he has been hospitalized after doctors discovered that he had suffered two broken bones in his neck. He’s expected to miss one year of action while he recovers.

    The injury was believed to have ocurred when Tatsu landed wrong while taking a “Styles Clash” from AJ Styles at the New Japan Pro Wrestling “Power Struggle” internet pay-per-view event on November 8th.

    Tatsu went on to work the opening night of the New Japan World Tag League Tournament before announcing that he was going to have to pull out due to injury.

    The former WWE Superstar mentioned on Twitter recently that he is in a lot of pain and was trying not to take sleeping pills. He also mentioned that this was the first time in his life that he has been hospitalized.

    Video: AJ Styles Talks About Jim Ross’ Involvement At Wrestle Kingdom 9

    Global Force Wrestling has posted a video of AJ Styles talking about the news of Jim Ross signing on to do commentary for the first-ever Global Force Wrestling PPV, NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 9 on January 4th from Tokyo.

    Dixie Carter Talks Failed AJ Styles Negotiations, Jarrett, Russo, TNA’s Future

    Grantland.com has a new article up with quotes from several current and former TNA personalities. Below are some excerpts that feature comments from TNA President Dixie Carter:

    On the story TMZ ran a few months ago: “TMZ asked me, ‘Hey, is this story real, should we run with it?’ I was watching a movie and didn’t see it until some little wrestling site ran it. Then I gave TMZ a quote, which said we’re still negotiating. That never made it to print.”

    On Vince Russo: “He’s a lightning rod. People hate him, but sometimes people love what he does but they don’t realize he does it. He’s a really talented guy.”

    On Jeff Jarrett: “I will always give props to Jeff. Out of the thousands of wrestlers out there he’s the only one who decided to create something with his own money. I have mad respect for that, always have and always will. I love Jeff as a person. I wish him and his precious family nothing but success.”

    On past negotiations with AJ Styles: “I hate that we lost AJ. Are you listening?. I hate it. I felt like we gave him a great offer. I really did. I felt like we gave him a great offer and I think he made a mistake.”

    On TNA’s future: “All these people say, ‘I hope you go out of business’ — why would you ever want that? You don’t think we make wrestling better just by exposing more people and giving people more options? It’s the most ludicrous, shortsighted thing — the sheer absurdity and stupidity of it blows my mind. I feel sorry for the wrestling business if we’re not around.”

    You can check out the complete feature at Grantland.com.

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  • Jim Ross Q&A: Who Should Sting Face In WWE?, AJ Styles/WWE, ROH & TNA

    The following are highlights of a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

    On who the best WrestleMania opponent, besides Undertaker, would be for Sting: “[Randy] Orton would work but so would HHH. I think HHH vs. Sting would be interesting and feel that they’d have good chemistry.”

    On how he thinks Brock Lesnar could be the face of WWE while working a part-time schedule: “It was mere speculation as it will go one way or another as to who the fans embrace or not. Lesnar’s not working a full time schedule in any role at any time in his future career so it would have to be done creatively but it could be done. The top dog or WWE Champ doesn’t need to be on TV every week whatsoever.”

    On whether or not AJ Styles should change his character if he were to sign with WWE: “I don’t think, unfortunately, that it is any thing that we need to discuss because WWE is highly unlikely to ever sign the talented AJ who seems content on what he’s doing now a days. Great talent without question.”

    On how TNA and ROH can compete with WWE: “TNA and ROH only need to focus on their brand and eliminate WWE from their mind, by and large. If they commit to their brand, develop new talents, have strong TV outlets, and use logical booking philosophies, they can be more profitable. No one is ever going to threaten WWE’s spot at the top.”

    You can check out more of Jim Ross’ online Q&A at his website, JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

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