Several more NXT stars have received new names in line with Vince McMahon’s latest edict about not using real or indie names for performers in WWE.
According to PWinsider, former American Ninja Warrior star Kacy Catanzaro will be known as Katana Chance going forward.
Former NXT UK Women’s champion Kay Lee Ray has also been renamed. Per the report, she will now be known as Alba Fyre.
These two aren’t the only NXT stars to have received new names in recent weeks. WWE has newly trademarked the names Roxanne Perez, Alba Fyre and Cruz Del Toro.
Out of these, the Cruz Del Toro name has already been given to Raul Mendoza. He made his WWE debut back in 2016 and has been competing on the NXT brand since.
Roxanne Perez is the new name for Rok-C. WWE signed the former ROH women’s world champion just last month in March.
NXT stars aren’t the only ones receiving new names. Several of the main roster stars have had their names altered in recent weeks.
The latest example of it is Austin Theory. His name was cut short to Theory on this past Monday’s episode of Raw. This change was made because WWE didn’t want to use part of his real name Austin White on TV.
There has been speculation recently regarding the WWE coaching status of Sara Amato after she appeared on a recent episode of the new WWE Network original series, “WWE Breaking Ground.”
Amato is still working as an agent with the main WWE roster, however she also doubles as a developmental trainer of talents at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, former TNA Knockout Sarah Stock (Sarita) is also working with the female developmental talent in Orlando.
In related Breaking Ground news, the show gave the impression that William Regal teaches the promo classes at the Performance Center, however it is actually Ryan Katz who handles that responsibility.
Katz is a former independent wrestler by the name of “GQ Money,” who was said to be a “Dusty Rhodes Guy” and worked closely with The Dream before his passing.
– In response to rumors that she is out of action due to a shoulder injury, NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks wrote the following on social media: “No I didn’t. Stupid news.”
– WWE recently posted the following clip of various talent singing Shawn Michaels’ infamous theme song.
– Former TNA Knockout Sarita (Sarah Stock) was recently at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida working with the NXT Divas. Stock was reportedly brought in to teach the women the Mexican style of wrestling. NXT coach Sara Del Rey tweeted out the following photo of Sarita working with some talent.
– WWE NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks responded to a report attributed to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter from Dave Meltzer claiming that she missed last week’s WWE NXT events due to an injury to either her arm or shoulder.
She quoted the report on her account on Tumblr and wrote, “No I didn’t stupid news.”
After successfully defending the WWE NXT Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch at WWE NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable, Banks didn’t appear at the following night’s WWE NXT tapings, nor did she work that weekend’s non-televised events. Meltzer says he was told she suffered either an arm or shoulder injury, but is not sure whether she suffered the injury during her match against Lynch or if she entered the contest hurt. Banks was scheduled to wrestle during the fourth WWE NXT episode taping but left Full Sail University to go to the hospital when her fiancé, Sarath Ton, was legitimately knocked unconscious during a tag match teaming with Jason Jordan against The Vaudevillians. Ton was recently hired by WWE to go on the road with the main roster and work as a seamster.
– It was reported in April that Sarah Stock, formerly known as Sarita in TNA Wrestling, served as a guest trainer at the WWE Performance Center for one week that month. She has been in Orlando, Florida since last week showing the ropes to some of WWE’s female talent. Sara Del Rey, WWE NXT Assistant Head Coach, put over the internationally acclaimed grappler on Twitter on Thursday.
It was reported in this week’s edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Stock, who primarily competes for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) as Dark Angel, was brought in to teach the women the Mexican style of wrestling. The same publication reported earlier this month that Stock has not wrestled for CMLL since her initial training stint at the WWE Performance Center. She will, however, be making her return to CMLL ring this Saturday in a six-women tag team match. (see poster).
WWE announced earlier today that Matt Bloom (Jason Albert) has been promoted to Head Coach of NXT and Sara Amato (Sara Del Rey) has been promoted to NXT’s Assistant Head Coach. Bloom was previously the Interim Head Coach (taking over for Bill DeMott) and Amato was previously an Assistant Coach.
They both to spoke to WWE.com about their new roles at WWE’s developmental system.
“It is truly an honor to be named the Head Coach of NXT and play a key role in creating and developing the WWE Superstars and Divas of the future,” said Bloom. “I look forward to continuing my role in training and coaching the incredibly talented roster we have at the WWE Performance Center.”
Amato called the opportunity a dream come true, while Triple H said he has the utmost confidence in their ability to train and lead the next generation of Superstars and Divas at the WWE Performance Center.
The official WWE website has a new interview up with Sara Amato, the head trainer for the NXT Divas. Amato, who was known on the independent wrestling scene as Sara Del Rey, spoke about working with the NXT Divas at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, a possible run for herself in WWE and more.
The following are highlights from the interview:
On the diversity she sees with the NXT Divas: “Diversity is really entertaining to me, and I hope other people feel that, too. All of these girls were signed for a special talent or a specific reason, and that’s awesome. Let’s go with that. If you want to be sexy, I’m not going to tell you not to be. The important thing is to give the best that you have to offer and to feel comfortable doing it. I think when you’re genuinely happy and good at what you’re doing, it’s going to show, and it’s going to make you a better performer.”
On a run for herself in WWE: “If the opportunity comes up, I definitely wouldn’t say no. After all, that’s why we train.”
– NXT trainers Bill DeMott and Sara Del Rey were backstage at Monday’sWWE RAW in Richmond. DeMott noted on Twitter that they were traveling back to Florida with Summer Rae and Eva Marie.
– TMZ reports that former WWE announcer Matt Striker will play a Romulan Commander in an upcoming Star Trek TV movie titled, “Star Trek Equinox: The Night of Time.”
– We heard from a few fans who were at last night’s WWE live event from Toronto that said Cody Rhodes’s match with Antonio Cesaro stole the show.
Also at the Toronto live event, 3MB (Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal and Ricardo Rodriguez) worked as “The Mounties” – losing to Los Matadores and El Torito.
– Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are interested in having Shane McMahon make an appearance at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, Louisiana, according to F4WOnline.com on Friday. No word yet on whether the former wrestling executive is interested.
McMahon left WWE in 2010 to pursue other opportunities. In July, McMahon voluntarily stepped down as CEO of YOU On Demand, whilst remaining YOD’s principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board.
– In response to news of Mickie James appearing as a guest trainer for WWE’s female developmental talent at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week, Ohio Valley Wrestling trainer Rip Rogers says the fourteen-year veteran, as well as WWE trainer Sara Del Rey, should be teaching them before live audiences.
“Mickie James can wrestle better than most of the guys- divas b in for a rude awakening,” Rogers remarked. “[James and Del Rey] should be on the road wrestling and make the girl wrestle every day in the ring on the road.”
Rogers explains that it’s not beneficial for inexperienced talent to be work with each other. “The only way to get good is have 1000 matches with vets leading u to get better – green leading green does not work,” he said.
– Former independent wrestling standout Sara Del Rey, who works for WWE as a female trainer for developmental promotion NXT, has been added to their website’s staff page.
Maintaining her stage name, Del Rey’s bio reads, “With 11 years of experience in the ring, Sara Del Rey was recently named the first female trainer at WWE Developmental/NXT.
“A well-traveled talent, Del Rey has spent most of her career in Japan, Mexico and the East Coast – despite starting her career in California.
“Del Rey was originally trained by some of the top stars of wrestling today and has worked her way into becoming one of the most respected females in and out of the ring.”
– WWE has published AJ Lee’s current entrance video.
– Rosa Mendes issued the following survey via Tout Wednesday asking, “What do men prefer? A homemaker or a career woman?”
– As reported this week, Gail Kim has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s fifth annual “PWI Female 50” list, which ranks the top 50 women’s wrestlers in North America from September 1, 2011, through August 30, 2012. She succeeds Madison Eagles, who ranked No. 1 in last year’s list.
The top 10 has been released, which ranks: 1. Gail Kim. 2. Beth Phoenix. 3. Cheerleader Melissa. 4. Sara Del Rey. 5. Jessicka Havok 6. Layla. 7. Miss Tessmacher. 8. Saraya Knight. 9. Mercedes Martinez. 10. Tara. The full list is available at PWI-Online.com.
Kim remarked on the achievement via Twitter, writing to PWI, “Thanks so much for recognizing all female talent. I appreciate the recognition of hard work and feel flattered for the honor!”
– Independent wrestler Reby Sky is today’s “Lovely Lady Of The Day” on the official website of Sports Illustrated, SportsIllustrated.CNN.com. Jimmy Traina says of the Queens, New York native, “Reby Sky has been in Hot Clicks before because of her New York Giants fandom. She’s now a pro wrestler and dating former WWE superstar Matt Hardy.”
Sky competed at Friday’s SHINE Wrestling internet pay-per-view in Ybor City, Florida, where she defeated Kellie Skater after performing the Twist of Fate.
– Japanese wrestler Tiger Mask IV turns 42-years-old Saturday. He currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
– WWE has finalized their contract agreements with Sara Del Rey and PAC. Both independent wrestling standouts will report to the company’s developmental base in Tampa, Florida shortly. Both contracts had been waiting approval after they took mandated physical and mental exams.
Meanwhile, it would appear that WWE has rescinded Northeast-based wrestler Matt Taven’s contract. He reported to developmental in Tampa, but is now competing on independent shows again.
– WWE Intercontinental champion The Miz will guest star on next Monday’s episode of Pair of Kings on Disney XD. He plays a “mythical human-like sponge creature” named Damone, who absorbs everyone’s confidence. The show airs during Raw at 8:30 p.m.
– Angelina Love and Dan Severn have been announced to appear at the Calgary Mens Expo taking place Saturday and Sunday at Stampede Park Big Four Building 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB. Canada.
On Aftermath Radio Monday night (listen here), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Senior Writer Dan Murphy announced that CM Punk has been ranked No. 1 in the 2012 “PWI 500.”
The list, which is now in its twenty-second year, ranks the top five-hundred professional wrestlers in the world. During the evaluation period for the 2012 “PWI 500,” from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, Punk won seven consecutive WWE Championship matches on pay-per-view.
Punk joins an elite class of wrestlers with his accomplishment. Past winners include Hulk Hogan (1991), Sting (1992), Bret Hart (1993 and 1994), Diesel (1995), Shawn Michaels (1996), Dean Malenko (1997), Steve Austin (1998 and 1999), Triple H (2000 and 2009), Kurt Angle (2001), Rob Van Dam (2002), Brock Lesnar (2003), Chris Benoit (2004), Batista (2005), John Cena (2006 and 2007), Randy Orton (2008), AJ Styles (2010) and The Miz (2011).
Murphy also revealed that Sara Del Rey became the fourth female ever to make the list (following Miss Texas, Madd Maxxine, and Chyna) by virtues over her victory over male wrestlers in CHIKARA.
The digital edition of the “PWI 500” will be released on Thursday via PWI-Online.com while the printed copy hits newsstands September 18. To view the cover, featuring Punk, click here.
– WWE Superstars announcer Matt Striker heavily praised Stephanie McMahon upon seeing her on Monday’s landmark edition of Raw.
“Not just saying this but Stephanie is great. She’s beautiful, witty, athletic, creative and gets a better reaction than those who THINK they’re over,” he wrote on Twitter. “They can fire me tomorrow and I’d still stand by my last tweet.”
– The planned title for WWE’s Brock Lesnar DVD and Blu-ray release is Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain – Collector’s Edition, reports WWEDVDNews.com. The title will include the documentary featured in the 2003 DVD release Brock Lesnar – Here Comes the Pain!, as well as 30 minutes of new content, plus career matches.
Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain – Collector’s Edition will be released on October 30, 2012.
– Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis will face Eddie Edwards and Sara Del Rey at Ring of Honor’s Boiling Point iPPV on August 11 in Providence, Rhode Island.
– Sara Del Rey, who was recently signed by WWE, is expected to train other WWE divas in addition to her performing in the ring. Del Rey is known for being a world class wrestler that does not fit the typical profile of a barbie-doll WWE Diva. There is also a feeling that Del Rey loves wrestling and won’t join the long string of models who leave the company to pursue outside projects. Del Rey currently has two more independent bookings which will conclude by mid-August, after which she will begin with WWE.
– Former WWE Superstar Carlito tweeted some thoughts about Friday’s SmackDown show, dubbed “Zackdown” and featuring guest GM Zack Ryder. Carlito, who knows a thing or two about what’s cool, says doesn’t get the Zack Ryder character:
Maybe Im getting old? I dont get the whole zack ryder thing, actually it annoys me. I like zack though, hes a good kid.
– There continues to be buzz behind the scenes in WWE about the signing of Sara Del Rey and how she has a different look than what WWE typically goes for in their Divas. She works a more serious in-ring style than most of the WWE roster (most similar to Beth Phoenix) and could be used as an opponent of Kharma.
Aside from Del Rey having a different look than the barbie dolls WWE gravitates towards, she is also older than the usual Diva signing at 31 years old.
– Alberto Del Rio is expected to receive a big push this year for a number of reasons. Aside from the lack of roster depth on SmackDown, Del Rio has said publicly on several occasions that he does not plan to wrestle for many more years.
Especially since WWE’s other Mexican stars have their own baggage (Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara), Del Rio is perceived as having leverage behind the scenes and will be taken care of accordingly.
– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch committed her latest outrageous act Saturday night at an independent wrestling show in Long Island, New York as she purposely had her undergarment removed during a match. She responded to online outrage regarding the incident via Facebook:
“my God! You people and esp the dirt sheet writers dont know a WORK when you see or hear about one…NOTHING was exposed, and there was a 2nd pair worn under the pair removed..and you all think you’re SMART! LOL As far as kids being in the audience, the company is called f**k the world wrestling… Not a soul shoud be offended.”
– WWE has offered a contract to independent female wrestling standout Sara Del Rey. Natalya congratulated her via Twitter: “@thesaradelrey great things come to those who wait!!! We’ve come a long way from Japan:)”
– Chris Masters, Luke Gallows, Rhino, The Sandman and Sami Callihan have been announced to appear for Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion premiering October 6 in Poughkeepsie, New York. (Event Information)
WWE developmental is about to have a huge influx of new talent, including several of the world’s top independent workers. Here is an update on some of the latest rumored names headed to FCW in the coming months:
– International wrestling star PAC has signed a developmental deal. PAC is known for his death-defying style and has been called “The Man That Gravity Forgot”. He most recently worked for Dragon Gate in the US and Japan.
– Matt Taven has been offered a deal and he is currently undergoing testing. Taven worked a dark match at the most recent FCW TV taping and has worked for Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA.
– Sara Del Rey has been offered a developmental deal and is currently undergoing medical testing. She is been one of the top female indy workers of the past several years, with impressive runs in SHIMMER, CHIKARA and Ring of Honor.
– Mercedes Martinez is also rumored to have been offered a developmental deal after attending recent WWE tryouts at developmental.
Sources within WWE says expect to see a lot of top independent talents signed in the next few months as part of Triple H’s initiative to overhaul the developmental system.