The rumor mill is back at it with talk of Alberto El Patron possibly making his TNA debut in the near future.
Talks between TNA officials and the former WWE Champion are still ongoing, according to PWInsider. As of earlier this week, no deal bad been signed.
We reported earlier that no major changes are expected at this week’s TNA tapings in Orlando. These tapings will take them through mid-March.
While luchador Tortuga Rafy had initially asked fans and colleagues to just drop the topic of his locker room brawl with Alberto El Patron during Sunday night’s IWRG card at Arena Naucalpan, it’s easy to see why he would change his tune. At that point, Alberto had not yet accused him of groping Paige, and once that happened, its no surprise that he would want to defend his name. On Wednesday, as part of the latest edition of the En+Carados podcast showLucha+TV’s YouTube channel (embedded above), Rafy gave his side of the story.
Shortly thereafter, Alfredo Esparza of LuchaWorld.com tweeted translations of the key points as he listened. To make it easier to follow, we won’t embed all of Fredo’s tweets (there were over a dozen), but make sure follow him on Twitter and check out both his site and podcast.
According to Rafy (who has also worked as Alan Xtreme,) was heading downstairs when he literally bumped into Paige and insisted she pass through first by saying “pass by, beautiful.” He conceded that he shouldn’t have worded it that way. When that got back to Alberto, he was hot at Rafy, saying it as disrespectful and asking “Who are you calling beautiful?” Rafy insisted he meant no disrespect and explained that he never touched Paige, but Alberto then yanked his mask off. Rafy tried to flee to the locker room to cover up (they was adjacent to a public hallway), and that’s when Alberto followed, throwing punches.
Tortuga Ninja Rafy wants to clear up that he did not touch Paige. Paige told Alberto that she was not touched by the turtle.
— Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) December 14, 2016
Rafy claimed that the early reports about him being knocked out and/or his face being badly marked up were not true. As the fight was broken him, he says Alberto calmed down and started apologizing. Rafy then apologized to Paige and Alberto, essentially saying that while he thought he was being chivalrous, these days, complimenting a women’s appearance out the blue is seen differently. He’s insistent that he did not touch Paige and that she backed up his story to Alberto.
He feels that the story blew up largely because of social media and his friend, wrestler AK-47, who posted on Facebook that Alberto “nearly killed” him, probably just got bad info (they hadn’t spoken about it yet) and was overly concerned. Rafy has no problem admitting that he got hit more and that Alberto “won” the brawl. saying that sometimes you win fights, and sometimes you lose.
After finishing the translation/summary, Esparza had some advice for wrestlers who will be around Paige and Alberto:
Paige is good-looking & Alberto's got a temper, so maybe for your safety don't look/talk/open doors for Paige.
— Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) December 14, 2016
Analysis: The biggest question mark around Rafy’s story is that he says it was settled almost immediately and Paige made it clear to Alberto that he didn’t touch her. If that’s the case, then Alberto either didn’t believe them or decided to go with that “inappropriate touching” story on Twitter to save face. Of course, there’s also the other possibilities, which are that it wasn’t settled afterwards or possibly that Rafy actually did grope Paige. Since Alberto reportedly blew up in at Robbie E. eight days earlier over what was apparently a similar non-incident with Paige at a WWC show, the gist of Rafy’s story absolutely comes off as credible, though.
Alberto El Patron has commented on last night’s locker room brawl with Alan Xtreme/Rafy of IWRG’s Ninja Turtles in Naucalpan, D.F., Mexico with the following tweet:
Just to clarify. If you inappropriately touch my fiancee in front of my face you have to prepare to learn a lesson. #Respect
— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) December 12, 2016
As we noted last night, one of the stories going around was that Alberto thought Rafy had touched Paige, so it’s no surprise that this is Alberto’s official version of what happened. Late last night, he had tweeted this after the story had broken in English language wrestling media:
Good night marks pic.twitter.com/Ly93lQHr8H
— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) December 12, 2016
As for Rafy, late last night (as in before Alberto’s comments), Lucha World’s Alfredo Esparza noted that the luchador posted on Facebook that the fight happened but everyone should move past it:
Tortuga Ninja Rafy update from his facebook page. He said Alberto & him had a fight, threw punches, he's okay. Move on. @luchablog pic.twitter.com/DVcOPobU6k
— Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) December 12, 2016
Blew over quickly. If you've ever been in a similar situation, friends or onlookers get crazier w/ story than the two people in altercation.
— Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) December 12, 2016
To wit, as noted last night, the loudest voice on social media was IWRG wrestler and backstage figure AK-47, who was posting on Facebook about how Alberto “nearly killed” Rafy. That said, Super Luchas reports that Alberto had another locker room incident recently, as at WWC Lockout on December 3rd, he got into a “heated argument” with Robbie E. over something having to do with Paige.
The latest drama in the life of Alberto El Patron is some pretty serious business, in the form of a locker room fight that’s led to him being public enemy number one tonight in the lucha libre-oriented circles of social media. The Twitter account of Luchablog was the first English-speaking reporter to cover what happened in a post using the Twitlonger extended tweet service.
Alberto and Paige were at tonight’s IWRG card at Mexico’s Arena Naucalpan, where his brother was wrestling in the main event. In the locker room, Alberto encountered IWRG wrestler Rafy (as in Raphael of the Ninja Turtles, formerly Alan Xtreme). Alberto thought Rafy either touched him or touched Paige in some form, and they immediately started exchanging punches. It got so wild that they brawled into the hallway adjacent to the fan entrance to the building, with plenty of fans witnessing the fight. It was readily apparent that the much smaller Rafy’s face was badly marked up, though whether Alberto got out unscathed is unknown at this moment.
According to Alfredo Esparza of LuchaWorld, Alan is in “bad shape, but stable condition.” LuchaBlog’s proper blog post covering the fight added the detail that Alberto and Paige were drinking during the card while watching from the owner’s box.
The fight is the talk of “Lucha Facebook” right now. Notably, one screen grab going around Twitter right now (original post here) shows the wrestler better known as AK-47 of the Los Oficiales trio, who has a behind the scenes role in IWRG, threatening legal action while blasting Alberto for “nearly killing” another wrestler:
— MICRO THE MAIN MAN ? (@MicromanFever) December 12, 2016
Update: Ninja Turtle Rafy posted an update on his Facebook page confirming that he and Alberto were involved in a fight, punches were thrown but he’s ok.
Tortuga Ninja Rafy update from his facebook page. He said Alberto & him had a fight, threw punches, he's okay. Move on. @luchablog pic.twitter.com/DVcOPobU6k
— Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) December 12, 2016
Alberto El Patron announced on Wednesday that he will be unable to make his scheduled appearance at tonight’s What Culture Pro Wrestling “Delete” iPPV. He cited travel difficulties, says he’ll be stuck at the airport for 20 hours and assured fans he’ll be at tomorrow’s WCPW show from Newcastle.
“Apologies to everyone going to the @whatcultureprowrestling. looks like I will not be making it to today’s show, you know how it is With airline companies, but can not change That will 100% be there for the show and meet and greet Thursday in Newcastle. If you need me I’ll be stuck in an airport for 20 hours.”
WCPW confirmed AEP’s scheduled opponent Johnny Mundo will still be in action.
Unfortunately Alberto El Patron will not be making tonight's event… but we can confirm Johnny Mundo will still be in action #DELETEWCPW
— DEFIANT Wrestling (@DEFIANTwres) November 30, 2016
Will @MATTHARDYBRAND #DELETE WCPW? Will @bullyray5150 stand in his way? Find out tonight! Watch it LIVE: https://t.co/5t3UOafCjk pic.twitter.com/CB8WUBcZBQ
— DEFIANT Wrestling (@DEFIANTwres) November 30, 2016
Other top names in action on the show include Cody Rhodes, Will Ospreay and Drew Galloway.
Here’s the video, featuring a few words from WWE Superstar Paige, who is out of action after recently undergoing neck surgery back in October.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNb8xf8h44t/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNs3ZL1iuYc
Not only has Paige’s father, Ricky Knight, come out against her engagement to Alberto El Patron, but unsurprisingly, Raymond Rafool, the divorce lawyer for Alberto’s wife, has as well. On Monday, Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet if asked Rafool the divorce has been finalized yet, to which he said “They are far from it at this stage.” In other words, they’re still legally married. Alberto’s wife alleges that he started his relationship with Paige before they separated.
Rafool made sure to add that “Of course, Paige should watch carefully how Alberto is denying and treating his current wife and the mother of his children in this divorce. History repeats itself.”
Previously, Rafool was the lawyer for Linda Bollea in her divorce from Hulk Hogan, eventually netting her an incredibly generous and lopsided settlement that gave her a significant percentage of the gross (not the profits) of Hulk’s businesses.
Paige’s father is “totally against” her engagement to Alberto El Patron, but it sounds like she couldn’t be more excited. The [suspended] WWE Superstar professed her love for Alberto once again on Monday morning, her first public comments since proposing to him last night in Puerto Rico.
Paige wrote, “When you have something that’s unbreakable. You keep it. Never have I loved someone so much in my life. Thanks for the love you give me. You’re my world.”
She posted the following on Instagram on Monday morning, capturing the big moment and showing off her “Alberto” tattoo:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLqnEfdgXl0/?taken-by=realpaigewwe
Video has surfaced of WWE Superstar Paige proposing to Alberto El Patron at Sunday night’s WWC Aniversario 43 show from Puerto Rico. The two have been dating since earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Paige’s father Ricky Knight posted a brief reaction on Facebook, since deleted, where he was blunt about his feelings about the engagement:
Putting his out there then saying no more,about it to anyone I am totally against my daughter marrying that man statement over.
Knight has been outspoken on social media regarding his daughter’s wellness policy suspensions but claims this is the last he’ll comment on this engagement.
Alberto El Patron is currently in Puerto Rico for a WWC show and tweeted what appears to be details of girlfriend Paige’s neck injury.
Paige, who is currently serving a 60 day suspension from WWE, has been at odds with the company over whether or not she needs neck surgery. Earlier this week, the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE does not feel her injury requires surgery and they’re unwilling to pay for the procedure.
On Saturday, Alberto tweeted the following, noting “they say she’s not hurt.” Based on the Observer report, WWE isn’t denying Paige is dealing with an injury, but their doctors have determined surgery is not required. As more details of Paige’s rift with WWE are made public by her and Alberto, it becomes increasingly less likely a resolution will be reached any time soon.
Hmm ?interesting and they say she's not hurt… pic.twitter.com/6rr7e5Ob6r
— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) October 15, 2016
TMZ Sports caught up with Alberto El Patron and girlfriend Paige while in New York City to promote Friday night’s Combate Americas MMA event. At a VIP meet & greet press event on Tuesday night in NYC, it was announced that Alberto is now the President of Combate Americas (Video). Here are some highlights:
– Del Rio is very excited about his new role with Mexican MMA group Combate Americas. he will continue wrestling on the indies and sounds very open to working for TNA
– Paige says she will get into more trouble if she talks about her situation, saying she doesn’t want anymore trouble. She hopes 2017 will be better. Del Rio says WWE can do what they want in regards to the Wellness Policy, calling it “same shit, different day.” Paige indicates she will return to the company but doesn’t sound so sure about it. She says she will recover from neck surgery for about 6-7 months and plans on being at Del Rio’s side the whole time.
– Del Rio does not believe he will ever return to a WWE ring. He wanted to leave this time and wasn’t happy for the past 6 months but he will always be grateful to WWE. He also supports Paige staying in wrestling. She says she loves wrestling and will stay in the business for as long as she can, if it’s with WWE or not. She also jokes about having such a long-term contract
– Del Rio downplays the stabbing incident in San Antonio, saying he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and a guy dissed his girl. Del Rio says the situation is past them now and that it lasted just 25 or 30 seconds. He says he’s fine now and doesn’t want to talk about the story. He thinks it’s ridiculous that people are speculating on the incident. Del Rio thanks fans for their support and says he’s just like them, he gets in trouble and out of trouble the same
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rlpQle2Zvo
One of the big news stories in pro wrestling so far this week is WWE suspending Paige (real name Saraya-Jade Bevis) for her second violation of their Talent Wellness Program just a few weeks after her previous 30 day suspension ended. Paige and her loved starting speaking openly about the suspension almost right away, with Paige tweeting (I’ve fixed her formatting for clarity’s sake) “Same shit different day. Kids…Please don’t get prescriptions or doctors notes. Not acceptable.” and “Rules apply depending on your status.” Her boyfriend, Alberto El Patron/Alberto Del Rio, quickly chimed in to back up her story, with her father, Ricky Knight, and brothers, Zak and Roy, all posting on Facebook that she was flagged for doctor-prescribed painkillers.
So, what makes this a violation? First, let’s reexamine the key section of what Zak wrote:
She has gone private and went to a different Dr, who is amazing I’ll add. He gave her PRESCRIPTION pain killers to ease the pain that she’s in 24/7 and I have witnessed.
They’ve not excepted [sic] this and this leads to yet another suspension.
Nobody is disputing that Paige has a legitimate neck injury to the point where she may need narcotic/opiate painkillers to be functional. It’s been reported in the past (and was alluded to by Dave Meltzer on Monday night’s Wrestling Observer Radio for F4WOnline subscribers) that WWE prefers to have talent get painkiller prescriptions from the company doctors. Presumably, this also extends to any specialists that the company sends talent to. This way, WWE avoids the perils of talent going doctor shopping, as the performers’ use of dangerous and addictive drugs is being tracks by trusted physicians
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/785511161341046784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The implication of Zak Knight/Zak Bevis writing that Paige “has gone private” is that she got a second opinion from a doctor other than the one(s) that WWE sent her to. That means that they’re going to be more scrutinizing of prescriptions for banned substances. Still, the written policy has a procedure for requesting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to a banned drug, and there are no medications or classes of medications listed as ineligible for exemptions That said, according to the policy, it appears that the talent just needs to have the doctor provide a copy of the prescription if the drug is being taken for less than 60 days.
If “the use of such prohibited drug is required for more than sixty (60) consecutive days,” that’s when the more formal TUE process must be undertaken. According to the policy, “A WWE Talent in need of a TUE must immediately notify, or cause his/her issuing physician to notify, the Medical Director of the existence of a prescription for a prohibited drug and the medical need for the TUE.” A TUE lasts one year, and “A urine sample which is found to contain a prohibited drug will not be deemed a positive test result if such sample was provided by a WWE Talent with a valid and effective TUE for that prohibited drug.”
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/785511591353679873
If a performer tests positive for a banned prescription drug and does not have a TUE, then they “may not challenge a determination that he/she violated the Policy by contending, in connection with a ‘no fault or negligence’ defense or otherwise, that he/she believed he/she would qualify or had qualified for a TUE.” In other words, don’t plead ignorance. In Paige’s case, it appears that she’s saying that whatever happened with her, which presumably involves a non-WWE doctor, was not substantively different from other cases where the talent was not deemed to be in violation.
Also, specific to painkillers, “a test that confirms the presence of drug metabolite concentrations in excess of the levels expected when a drug prohibited by this Policy is being used consistent with the therapeutic management of pain will be treated as a positive test.” There’s no specific definition, numerically speaking, given in the policy. Since continuous use of narcotic painkillers can, even if taken as directed, lead to the patient building up a tolerance and requiring higher doses to get the same effect, this isn’t inherently a sign of abuse, but for the safety of the talent, it’s definitely cause for concern.
In a new detail just revealed, Paige was reportedly present for the Alberto Del Rio stabbing attack in San Antonio over the weekend. MLW Radio’s exclusive report did not mention Paige’s involvement, but a Mexican media interview done with Del Rio and a report from Dave Meltzer state that she was on the scene and got involved in the altercation.
As reported, Del Rio’s car was hit by another man and when the two drivers got out of their cars to have words, the man pulled a knife and attacked the former WWE Champion. The report from MLW Radio said they ended up on the ground with the man still stabbing Del Rio but Del Rio got the knife away from him, then the man left. The new accounts say Paige got involved when they were on the ground and the man tossed her to the side. Del Rio went to check on her and that is when the man got away in his own car.
Another interesting twist to the story is local police in San Antonio saying they have no record of the incident. Both Meltzer and Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet checked with police but they have nothing on file. Meltzer notes that police aren’t outright saying the incident did not happen but they apparently don’t know about it.
Stay tuned for updates on the story, which was described as developing.
It was a car accident that led to Alberto El Patron being stabbed by a man outside of a San Antonio restaurant on Saturday. According to MLW Radio, the driver of a car hit Alberto’s car and then pulled a knife when the two exited their cars to have words. Alberto turned to leave, as he had a flight to catch, but the man slashed him from behind. Alberto turned and the man went for his face but Alberto was able to move, only catching a slash to the side of the head.
Del Rio ended up taking the man down but the man continued slashing and stabbing on the way down. Alberto got the knife away from the man but he escaped in his car. Witnesses saw the attack and got the man’s license plate. Police were called and a report was filed but we haven’t heard news on an arrest yet. Del Rio had to go to the hospital and lost a lot of blood but he’s doing good. He actually wanted to try and make the AAA show on Sunday night by chartering a flight but was talked out of it.
Regarding AAA’s statement on Sunday night that said Alberto failed the Mexican people by no-showing their event, they put that statement out without talking to Alberto. He was unable to communicate with them until Monday morning because he lost his phone after the stabbing incident. AAA apologized and are supporting Alberto all the way. The relationship between the two sides is in good standing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLH3IV3hMtT/
Source: MLW Radio
Alberto El Patron, known as Alberto Del Rio in WWE, was reportedly attacked by someone with a knife outside of a restaurant on Monday. He was unable to attend AAA’s Heroes Inmortales X event at the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico due to the attack.
Alberto suffered lacerations on his arm and head as a result of the attack, and posted graphic photos of his injuries on his Instagram account. In a written statement, he says he provided the police reports to AAA management so they know it’s legit. The former WWE Champion says he won’t miss any more dates due to the injuries.
He was scheduled to team with Psycho Clown to face Dr. Wagner Jr. & Pagano in the main event of AAA’s Heroes Inmortales X.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLH3IV3hMtT/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLH2szPhUOE/
Former WWE Superstar Alberto El Patron has backed out of another upcoming booking.
El Patron had been scheduled to face Rey Mysterio for Lucha Ilimitado’s first show on on October 12th from Yakima, WA. Taking his place will be a man who recently learned the ways of Broken Brilliance, “Brother Nero” Jeff Hardy.
Lucha Ilimitado announced El Patron will be unable to appear due to a “non-wrestling commitment.”
Here’s the updated lineup:
For more information, visit LuchaIlimitado.com.
The Grand Opening of former WWE Superstar Alberto El Patron’s Mexican restaurant La Cantinita has been delayed indefinitely. He announced on Tuesday afternoon, “Unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control the restaurant opening will be postponed till further notice. Should only be for a few weeks but don’t worry it is happening.”
The restaurant was scheduled to open in San Antonio on September 29th. They had been touting amazing “authentic food and drinks, live music and a great outdoor area” for the entire family to enjoy.
Here’s the full announcement:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BK6GFVHBeZd/?taken-by=el_patron_alberto
Kevin Kelly provides voiceover for a Jay Lethal video package. “Becoming a champion is achieved by rising above all obstacles. With perseverance, passion, and drive. Being a champion does not require perfection, it requires the insatiable desire to achieve perfection, day in and day out. Not everyone can be a champion, but for those who are, they hold onto it with their whole life. Tonight we take a close look at the ROH World Champion and his rise to greatness.”
KK introduces the show from a backstage locker room. “Welcome to a very special edition of Ring of Honor wrestling where we focus on ROH World Champion Jay Lethal. For over the past 2 years, there has not been a day where Jay Lethal has not had gold around his waist. The dominance began at SuperCard of Honor 8, where Lethal accepted help from Truth Martini and defeated Tommaso Ciampa to become the first 2 time holder of the ROH World TV Title,” and we pickup footage from that match.
Jay Lethal vs Tommaso Ciampa (c) (ROH World TV Championship match from SuperCard of Honor 8 on 4/4/14)
Truth throws in a knee brace to Lethal, Lethal nails Ciampa in the head, Ciampa kicks out. Lethal climbs to the top rope and delivers Hail to the King forearm to the chest, but Ciampa kicks out again. Ciampa to his feet, 2 superkicks by Lethal, Ciampa flips him off, Lethal kicks him in the knee, hits the Lethal Injection, and gets the pin.
Winner and NEW ROH World TV Champion: Jay Lethal
KK continues, “Jay Lethal, now in the House of Truth, began his reign as the greatest World TV Champion in history. Facing fierce competition from the likes of Matt Sydal, the legendary Jushin Thunder Liger, ACH, and many others, including one of his most memorable defenses at ROH 14th Anniversary.”
Alberto El Patron vs Jay Lethal (c) (ROH World TV Championship match from ROH 14th Anniversary on 3/1/2015)
When we return from break, we pick up footage from the ROH 14th Anniversary event and his title defense against Alberto El Patron (Alberto Del Rio). Patron kicks J. Diesel from the apron to the floor, dropkicks Lethal to the outside, then suicide dives through the middle rope to the floor onto Lethal. Patron whips Lethal into the barricade, Lethal gets back up and counters with a kick, knee, chop to the chest, whip reversal, but Lethal gets sent into the barricade again. Patron rolls Lethal back into the ring, nails him with a double clubbing blow to the chest off the ropes, cover, kick out.
Side headlock, Lethal gets to his feet and delivers 2 knees, before Patron returns with a knee of his own, and whips Lethal into the corner. Patron runs in, but Lethal throws him up in the air, Paton lands on his groin straddling the ropes. KK notes, “Accidental, says referee Paul Turner. Of course, a blatant foul would lead to disqualification.” Lethal with a running dropkick up the turnbuckle, knocks Patron to the mat, Lethal in a mount position raining closed right fists, stands up and chokes Patron with his foot on the bottom rope, then Martini chokes him on the rope while the Paul Turner is distracted. 2 knife-edge chops by Lethal, sets Patron on the turnbuckle, right hand, chop, right hand, chop, and then Alberto grabs a rope-assisted leg scissors wrist lock on Lethal’s arm, the referee calls for the break at 3, and we go to commercial.
When we return, Lethal has a leg scissors on Patron’s arm, Lethal clotheslines him to the outside, then Lethal nails 3 suicide dives, the third of which knocks Patron over the barricade into the first row. MW3 comments on a fan nearby says, “I think I played craps with that guy earlier today. I like that dude.” Lethal has a bloody mouth, climbs back in the ring, as the ref begins the count on Patron. Patron gets back in at 15, Lethal with stomps to the chest, Patron gets to his feet, Lethal sets him on the top turnbuckle, knife-edge chop, Lethal climbs up, punches to the gut, hooks him for a superplex, but Patron fights out with shots in the ribs, Lethal falls down sitting on the ropes, 2 right hands by Patron, Lethal catches himself hanging upside on the ropes, and then a double stomp to the chest by Patron as Lethal’s head bounces off the mat, cover, but Lethal kicks out at 2.
Patron lines up for the kick as the fans chant “Si!”, Lethal catches him, they exchange right hands, Patron gets the better of it, hits the ropes, but Lethal nails the Lethal Combination, cover, but Patron kicks out. Martini can be heard yelling from the outside, “Stay on him!” Lethal points to the turnbuckle, takes off his elbow pad, climbs up to the top rope, but Patron is up to his feet and hits a running enziguri up the ropes. Martini runs in with the Book of Truth, but Patron kicks him and syncs in a wrist lock, Martini taps but as KK recognizes, “It doesn’t affect the outcome.” Lethal jumps off the top rope for the Hail to the King elbow, but Patron catches him in a wrist lock with a leg scissors around the head, Lethal picks up the Book of Truth and slams Patron in the skull, cover, 1-2, kickout by Patron. MW3 asks, “What is in that book?” KK says, “Far from light reading.” J. Deisel and Martini are walking around the outside. Patron gets to his feet and hits a dropping armbar, goes for kick, then gets bicycle kicked by Lethal. Lethal goes for the Lethal Injection, but his arm is too weak and he collapses. Patron with a rollup, Lethal pushes him off, Martini hits him with the Book of Truth, and this time Lethal hits the Lethal Injection for the win.
Winner and still ROH World TV Champion: Jay Lethal
KK says, “We live in a result-driven industry, and while the result will say Lethal is still the champ, I have a problem with the way I got done.” Mr. Wrestling 3 responds, “Of course you have a problem, you’re a nice guy.” and KK replies, “Yeah, I’m a square.” MW3 explains, “But in the world of professional wrestling, a win is a win is a win.” KK says Patron had to fight 3-on-1 odds, plus KRD on the outside of the ring, and somehow he still almost became the champion. But Lethal gets another win and another title defense.”
KK from the locker room, “Shortly after that victory, Jay Lethal began to proclaim himself as the ROH Champion, going so far as to have a new belt minted that simply said ‘ROH Champion.’ You knew that was going to get the attention of then World Champion Jay Briscoe. Eventually these 2 champions would meet but it was anyone’s guess as to how it would turn out,” and we go to commercial.
KK welcomes us back, “By now, Lethal had held the TV title for over a year, but at the same time, Jay Briscoe had not been pinned in over 2 years. And you knew that these 2 men would collide and they would indeed, at Best in the World 2015, in a winner take all showdown, it was the battle of the belts, and it was one of the greatest matches in Ring of Honor history.”
Jay Lethal (c) vs Jay Briscoe (c) (Champion vs. Champion match, winner take all, from Best in the World on 6/9/2015)
When we pick it up, Lethal is on the mat, Briscoe picks him up, Briscoe with a forearm, goes for a whip, Lethal reverses, kick, back forearm, goes for the Lethal Injection, but Briscoe hits a double underhook slam, cover, and Lethal kicks out. Briscoe with the headlock choke, but Lethal crawls to the ropes. Briscoe with a knee to the gut, goes for the Jay Driller, but Lethal gets out, kick to the gut, goes for the Jay Driller again, but Lethal fights out and hits the Lethal Combination on Briscoe, cover, but Briscoe kicks out.
KK comments on the unique setting of Terminal 7, “Fans are basically hanging over the ring from the balconies above, and they are dead-even split, dueling chants for each great champion,” as the fans yell, “Let’s go Lethal! Let’s go Briscoe!” Lethal with a power slam, slowly climbs up to the top turnbuckle, Nigel McGuinness says, “It would look like Lethal has it, but he’s taking his sweet time getting up there, in my mind, way too long. Is Briscoe playing possum? Looks like it.” Briscoe to his feet, catches him, Lethal perched on the turnbuckle, Briscoe hooks him for the superplex, but Lethal is dead weight and blocks twice, 3 punches to the gut by Lethal knocks Briscoe to the mat, but Briscoe lands on his feet, comes back and nails a running dropkick to Lethal. Briscoe climbs back up again, MW3 comments, “You can see the sweat pouring off both of these warriors.” Briscoe hooks for another superplex, but Lethal counters again with shots to the ribs. Briscoe climbs back down as Lethal lands clubbing punches underneath the pec muscle, and then a big right hand to the head knocks Briscoe to the mat. Lethal nails the Hail to the King top rope elbow, cover, kickout, and then right away Lethal locks in the Koji Clutch, until Briscoe finds the ropes.
Now both men are on the apron, KK comments that, “Both the timekeeper & Bobby Cruz have moved.” Lethal hooks, Briscoe fights out, Briscoe pushes Lethal away, hooks him for the Jay driller, but Truth Martini distracts Todd Sinclair on the other side of the apron, and Lethal lands a low blow. Nigel McGuinness crawls up onto the apron next to Truth and says, “What are you doing?” and throws Martini out of the building, Martini stomps around and throws a chair on his way out. Both men to their feet, kick by Briscoe, then Briscoe nails the Jay Driller on Lethal through the table, and we go to commercial.
When we return, Lethal goes for the Lethal Injection, but Briscoe nails a running forearm to the head, cover, kick out. Lethal gets to his feet, and Briscoe nails a huge clothesline, cover, kick out again. Both men are down, Lethal is flipping around on the mat like a fish out of water. The cameraman shows both Lethal’s parents and Briscoe’s parents. They get up, but Briscoe meets a boot from Lethal, back forearm by Lethal, springboard cutter off the second rope, nails the Lethal Injection, but somehow Briscoe kicks out.
Lethal can’t believe it, laying in the corner asking what happened, shaking his head in his hands. The fans chant, “This is awesome!” Briscoe is laid out flat, Lethal gets to his feet, picks up Briscoe, hooks for Briscoe’s own move the Jay Driller, but Briscoe blocks twice dropping to a knee and running his shoulder into the gut, sunset flip by Briscoe, goes for the Jay Driller, reversal by Lethal into a Jay Driller on Briscoe, then Lethal hits a second Lethal Injection, cover, 1-2-3, and Lethal becomes double champion.
Winner and still ROH World TV Champion and NEW ROH World Champion: Jay Lethal
MW3 calls the victory, “He has done it! A dream that started 14 years ago, tonight Jay Lethal is the World Champion.” Lethal pounds the mat in celebration as Truth Martini comes in the ring and congratulates him. Lethal is in shock, they hand Lethal both belts, he lifts them high in the air and lets out a victory yell in the middle of the ring. Commercial.
Back in the lockerroom, KK says, “Amazing to think Lethal has held the ROH World Championship for close to one full year. However, not only did the competition gets stronger when Lethal became a double champion, but so did the workload. At All Star Extravaganza VII, Jay Lethal made history by successfully defending both belts in different matches on the same night. One of the greatest wrestlers ever in ROH, Roderick Strong pushed Lethal to the limit at Death Before Dishonor in an epic 60-minute draw that had the whole wrestling world talking. And in the much anticipated rematch, Lethal was able to defeat Strong with a huge assist from Truth Martini. Strong wanted for one more chance, and was named #1 contender for ROH TV Championship.” We pick up footage of that match.
Roderick Strong vs Jay Lethal (c) (ROH World TV Championship match at Glory By Honor XIV on 10/23/15 and as seen ROH TV on Episode 218)
Lethal with 3 covers, but Strong kicks out each time, they exchanged blows, 2 superkicks by Lethal and then a jumping knee by Strong that hooks Lethal around the back of the head, fireman’s carry into a double knee gutbuster, and then a running sick kick that turns Lethal inside-out. Strong picks up Lethal and delivers a double knee spine buster, and then locks in the Strong Hold and Lethal taps out. (In the video, you can see KK pointing and marking out at ringside as Lethal taps, very cool.)
Winner and NEW ROH World TV Champion: Roderick Strong
KK tells us, “Strong picked up the victory, ending Lethal’s 18 month reign. With close to 30 defenses over that span of time, Lethal holds all records associated with the ROH TV Championship, and it will be a long time before anyone comes close to breaking it.” Commercial.
After the break, KK continues, “After losing the ROH TV Championship, Jay Lethal was still the number one wrestler in the world because after all, he was still the ROH World Champion. And he has still has not been beaten. But Lethal was stung over losing to Strong, and set out to prove that he was indeed the number one wrestler in all the world of professional wrestling, and he challenged anyone and everyone to try to take that title away from, including a match against The Phenomenal AJ Styles at Final Battle 2015.”
AJ Styles vs Jay Lethal (c) (ROH World Championship match at Final Battle 2015 on 12/18/15)
When we pick up the action, Lethal with a suicide dive knocks Styles into the front row. As the fans gather around Styles, Lethal yells, “You might want to move back,” and then taps a fan on the shoulder who is not paying attention and says “Get off of him.” After the fans clear way, Lethal climbs back into the ring, watches and waits until AJ gets to his feet, goes for another suicide dive, but Styles counters with leaping Phenomenal Forearm off the barricade. Taeler Hendrix and Truth Martini, dressed all in white, kneel nearby in shock. Styles and Lethal get up and roll back into the ring at the same time.
They get to their feet, exchange forearms, AJ gets the better of it, before Lethal drops him to the mat and locks in the Koji clutch, roll through, Styles reverses into the calf cutter submission, but Lethal crawls to the ropes and breaks the hold. AJ to his feet, Lethal connects with a boot to the face, gets to his feet and then a bicycle kick to the back of the head by Styles. Styles climbs to the top rope, but Lethal with a right hand to the face, climbs up with AJ, goes for the superplex, but AJ slides under, back elbows by Lethal, and then a second rope springboard cutter takes out AJ. Lethal goes for the Lethal Injection, but AJ gets to his feet, and Lethal rolls over his back, Pele kick by AJ, Bloody Sunday, Styles points at Lethal and yells to the fans, goes for the Styles Clash, but Lethal picks him up and throws AJ over the top to the outside through the table. The fans chant, “This is awesome!” KK says, “The table turned to literal sawdust, just to our left.”
Styles climbs back in at 19, Lethal waits until he gets to his feet, goes for the Lethal Injection and nails it, cover, 1-2, but Styles kicks out. NM says, “I do not believe it and nor does anyone else in Philadelphia tonight. Mandy Leon was ready to ring the bell. Somehow AJ Styles dug deep inside, found that faith in himself.” Lethal grabs him by the hair and yells, “Let me tell you something AJ, this is my time! You hear me? Screw you!” before AJ fights out with forearms, chops, kicks, goes for the Pele kick and misses it, goes for the Styles clash, but Lethal reverses into a cradle piledriver (Jerry Lynn’s move, who is on commentary) and then hits the Lethal Injection for the second time and AJ is out cold, cover, 1-2-3.
Winner and still ROH World Champion: Jay Lethal
After the commercial, KK welcomes us back, “A very special look at Jay Lethal. Think about the greatness of Lethal, all the records he set as the longest ROH TV Champion in history, now holding the ROH World Title for almost 1 year. Lethal has taken the title all around the world, to England, as well Japan, where he wrestled Michael Elgin in front of 40,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom 10. He then returned to Japan earlier this year to face off against Tomoaki Honma at the famous Korakuen Hall at Honor Rising.
Tomoaki Honma vs Jay Lethal (c) (ROH World Championship match at Honor Rising 2/20/2016)
Lethal goes for a kick, Honma catches him, throws him up in the air, but Lethal lands on his feet, pushes him off the ropes and then nails the Lethal Combination, cover, kickout. KK tells us, “Todd Sinclair was brought over exclusively to referee championship matches here at Honor Rising. That’s the importance of these events, MW3.” Lethal climbs to the top turnbuckle and nails the Hail to the King elbow drop from the top rope, cover, but Honma kicks out. Lethal tells Honma to get up, slaps him in the head, goes for the Lethal Injection, but Kokeshi by Honma to the back of Lethal and he tumbles out to the apron. They exchange forearms at the apron, and then a headbutt knocks Lethal into the railing, Honma delivers a powerslam on the floor, climbs the ropes as the fans begin to cheer, and then Honma lands the Kokeshi from the top turnbuckle on Lethal on the floor (KK and MW3 say he lands it, but he totally missed) and both men are down.
Honma is up and he looks dazed, Honma hears the referee count, stands up and rolls Lethal back into the ring, cover, but Lethal kicks out at 2-and-a-half. Honma picks Lethal up by his hair, but Lethal is slow to rise, so Honma pulls on his hair really hard, hits the ropes, but Lethal nails a superkick, and then Honma hits a lariat that turns Lethal inside out, cover, kick out by Lethal. Honma hits a brainbuster, cover, Lethal kicks out again. MW3, “Can Honma do it? Can he become the 2nd Japanese wrestler to win the ROH World Title.” KK says, “Takeshi Morishima was first. Honma looks to add his name.” Honma goes for the tombstone piledriver, but Lethal gets out, and hits an enziguri to the back of Honma’s head.
Truth Martini yells, “You’re the ROH World Champion! Show everybody here what you’re made of!” as the crowd at Korakuen Hall chants, “Honma!” Lethal runs into the corner, but meets a boot, and Honma hits a second rope diving headbutt, running fall away headbutt, power slam, goes to the top rope for the Kokeshi and leaps off, but Lethal moves out of the way. Honma is out flat, with spit coming from his mouth. Both men get to their feet, Honma runs in, but nails Todd Sinclair by accident as Lethal gets out of the way. Suddenly, Los Ingobernables run in with clubbing blows to the back and stomps to Honma, they hold him as Truth Martini nails The Book of Truth on Honma’s head, but you can’t hurt Honma in the head, he’s like a Samoan. Honma stands up and takes out all three men, Naito comes in tosses him up in the air, nails a low blow kick, and then Lethal hits the Lethal Injection as Todd Sinclair wakes up and counts the 1-2-3.
Winner and still ROH World Champion: Jay Lethal
KK closes out the show, “Thank you for joining us for this special look at Jay Lethal. Next week here on ROH Wrestling, we took a very special look at Bullet Club. Don’t you dare miss it.” End of show.
AAA will crown a new Mega Heavyweight Champion at the Guerra de Titanes event on December 4th at Feria de Tampico in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
The AAA Mega Heavyweight Title was vacated in October when the champion at the time, Alberto El Patron (Alberto Del Rio), left the promotion and made a surprise return to WWE, defeating John Cena at the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view on October 25th to become the WWE United States Champion.
Initially, AAA Executive Vice President Dorian Roldan announced that Del Rio had forfeited the AAA Mega Heavyweight Title and a tournament would be held in December to crown a new champion. Instead, a one-on-one match between two former WWE Superstars will take place to determine the next title-holder.
The promotion announced a singles match between Rey Mysterio and Johnny Mundo (John Morrison) to determine the next AAA Mega Heavyweight Champion. The Mysterio-Mundo bout will headline their upcoming Guerra de Titanes event on December 4th.
Below is the full lineup for the AAA Guerra de Titanes event in Tampico on 12/4:
* AAA Mega Heavyweight Title Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Johnny Mundo
* The Psycho Circus vs. El Texano Jr, El Hijo del Fantasma and a mystery partner
* Blue Demon Jr, Electroshock & La Parka vs. Anarquia (Daga, El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Steve Pain)
* Aerostar, Drago & Fenix vs. Brian Cage, Mesias & Taurus
* AAA Tag Title Match: Champions Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Joe Lider & Pentagon Jr. vs. Averno & Chessman
* Argenis & Dinastia & Fabi Apache vs. Willie Mack & Mini Charly Manson & Taya Valkyrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BkH9xjZnrM
As initially reported in PRWrestling.com’s WWC Super Estrellas TV report (Spanish) and shown in the video embedded above, a new angle featuring Alberto Del Rio (technically Alberto El Patron) aired today on the Puerto Rican wrestling show. In the angle, Alberto walked into the Texas Wrestling Academy and saw Ray Gonzalez Jr. With Ray “Mr. Ratings” Gonzalez Sr. having hurt Ricardo Rodriguez, Alberto decided to send him a message by beating up his son.
While it looks like the angle was shot before Alberto re-signed with WWE, WWE confirmed to WrestlingObserver.com that he will be working the previously scheduled match for WWC. This makes sense, as WWC and WWE do have a fairly close relationship, as WWC promoter Carlos Colon does local promotion for WWE in Puerto Rico and his family members in WWE (son Primo/Diego/Eddie and nephew Epico/Fernando/Orlando, plus son Carlito/Carly in the past) get to work a few dates a year for WWC.
Following up on the buzz that Alberto El Patron likely won’t be returning for Season 2 of Lucha Underground, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that “Alberto is out as of right now.” Money and creative are cited as reasons for the relationship dissolving.
Alberto has also told people in the business that he’s taking a break from the road after November and plans to spend the holidays at home with his family.
He’s also reportedly interested in returning to WWE for another run, something that we know WWE has been discussing in recent weeks. Alberto would add some star power to WWE’s main event scene and would help sell tickets for WrestleMania, since Mexican stars have always been popular in Texas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Li5G9ePY4
Since his departure from WWE last year, Alberto El Patron, the former Alberto Del Rio, has become one of the top acts on the independent scene. Unfortunately, he’s also one of the most controversial, having had at least a few high profile incidents where he no-showed bookings either without any notice or without insufficient notice. The latest issue was with Germany’s Westside Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) and Swiss Wrestling Entertainment (SWE).
WXW issued a statement in German explaining that they had booked the dates and the Economy Plus airline seats all the way back in December after a previous cancellation by Alberto. Six days out from the events, Alberto’s manager demanded the flight be changed to Business Class airfare from a different location in Mexico than originally arranged. This would have cost WXW a $7,000 premium. WXW offered to cancel the flight, have Alberto pay the cancellation fee, and allow him to rebook a flight himself where Alberto would use his frequent flyer miles to upgrade it over what WXW was covering. That was refused and the booking was cancelled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCGh0CJqGgM
Alberto, for his part, tweeted out an official statement that didn’t help his cause in some eyes because he referred to the non-business class airfare as “subhuman.” That’s als considering that WXW has an excellent reputation for how they treat the wrestlers (especially the fly-ins) and Alberto’s reputation has been less than sterling. Here’s the whole statement, transcription courtesy of my friend Keith Harris at Cageside Seats:
As you know, I hardly reply to comments against me in Social Media but this time my fans are affected.
WxwGermany tried to hire me under a third party under totally different agreements than I usually do. Obviously, I did not approve and we agreed on the normal terms. Terms that are always the same. Why do they want to be treated differently? Over a year of doing [the] Independent circuit and all the promoters have agreed to [the] same terms (fees, hotel & transport, and business class).
I am deeply thankful to them.
WxwGermany take the physical challenge and please tell me/fans what promoter has flown me coach and not Business. Inquiring minds want to know.
Why is it after they have sold tickets and just a couple [of] days away from [the] event they want to cling to old agreements? How is my manager to blame? Threats of screenshots and emails. Nowadays this is easy to falsify. Let’s be professional.Speaking of professionalism; they also did NOT supply us with a tangible itinerary or concrete information. Where was I going to stay, where and when was I to travel and match info??? More importantly where is my Working Visa papers? Were they ever prepared?
I love this sport but let’s not be fooled. Flying in a small seat for 16 hours is not comfortable. I will not be bullied by promoters into working conditions I did not agree. Not all promoters are the same. I speak against those that treat us wrestlers like subhumans. I will never bow my head to this type of treatment, but you already knew that.
Thank you to my true fans in Switzerland and Germany.
Dignity and Respect
Alberto
Alberto El Patron has issued a response to the statement released by wXw promotion claiming that he pulled out of an upcoming show after a disagreement regarding his travel arrangements.
https://twitter.com/VivaDelRio/status/654042703135576065/photo/1
As we have been reporting for a while now, WWE has been looking to sign and develop a top singles star specifically for the Hispanic market. In recent weeks, in addition to Carlito, current AAA Mega Heavyweight Champion and fellow former WWE Superstar Alberto El Patron’s name has come up.
Whether or not this means a line of communication has opened up between El Patron and WWE remains to be seen. Regardless, the latest word is that WWE is absolutely interested in re-signing El Patron if the right opportunity presents itself, despite all of their well-documented history, particularly the incident that led to El Patron and WWE going their separate ways.
With Lucha Underground confirmed now for a seconc season, a WWE return for El Patron seems unlikely.
(Credit: PWInsider.conm)
Alberto Del Rio, currently known as Alberto El Patron in AAA, is on a media tour to promote the new Combate Americas MMA promotion which he’ll be doing commentary for on NBC Universo (formerly mun2). Along the way, he gave an interview to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden in which he spoke of various topics, including the somewhat controversial one of voluntarily unmasking when he signed with WWE. Del Rio is a second generation wrestler, the son of the legendary Dos Caras and nephew of not only Mil Mascaras, but also El Sicodelico. He was carrying on his father’s legacy as Dos Caras Jr. when he signed with WWE. Snowden asked him about making the change, and here’s what he had to say:
In Mexico we see the business in a different way. But when I moved here to the States and started to work for WWE, I saw quickly the differences between one place and the other.
Here you have to be able to communicate, to tell the audience what you are feeling, your emotions. If you’re feeling pain, if you’re happy, if you’re frustrated. It helps you sell your character even better.
As far what his father and uncles thought, he said:
They did approve my decision. Before doing it, before removing the mask, I asked them. Especially my dad. I asked my dad if he was good with the idea of me doing that. Because if he would have disagreed, I wouldn’t have done it. Ever.
All my decisions are based on what my father says, because he has been with me since the beginning of my career. The beginning of my life. For me, it’s really important what my dad has to say.
When I asked him, he was totally cool with the idea. He said “You belong with the most important wrestling company in the world. And removing the mask is going to take you to the place where you deserve to be. So be it.”
I did it and the rest is history.
In the full interview, Del Rio talks about his MMA career (where he usually wore his mask!), working for Combate Americas, CM Punk’s MMA prospects, and more.
– Regarding Rey Mysterio and Alberto El Patron, their mentality right now is that they are not looking to come back to WWE, and would only entertain the idea if they were to have a reduced schedule as they are doing very well right now working where and when they want.
– At this point, the guest for Steve Austin’s “Stone Cold Podcast” on the WWE Network in the month of October is scheduled to be “The Icon” Sting.
– The October 3rd WWE special from Madison Square Garden will be the 25th anniversary of Chris Jericho’s professional wrestling debut, which was on October 3, 1990 against Lance Storm in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)