The former Karrion Kross’s first post-WWE match has been announced.
Killer Kross will face Flip Gordon at WrestlePro Killer Instinct on Saturday, February 5, 2022 in Rahway, New Jersey.
Kross was part of a WWE mass-release event on Thursday, November 4, just hours after the company announced that they had generated $255.8 million in revenue and $77.9 million in OIBDA in the third quarter of 2021.
Kross is a two-time former WWE NXT Champion, holding the title for a combined 140 days. A four-day run in August 2020 was cut short due to injury, but Kross regained the NXT title from Finn Balor at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two on April 8, 2021. Kross lost the NXT title to Samoa Joe at TakeOver 36 on August 22, 2021.
Kross made his main roster WWE debut in a series of dark matches and an appearance on Main Event this past Summer. His television debut on Raw came on the July 19, 2021 episode. While still holding the NXT title, Kross lost to Jeff Hardy in 1:40 on that show.
Kross’s fiance Scarlett Bordeaux was also released on November 4, and was also announced for WrestlePro Killer Instinct. Bordeaux will take on Harley Cameron.
A third match, Matt Cardona vs. Dan Maff, is also set for the event. Tickets for Killer Instinct have yet to go on sale, according to the company’s website.
The former Killer Kross’ first match for WWE is set to air on NXT this week.
WWE.com has confirmed that Karrion Kross will make his NXT in-ring debut on this Wednesday’s NXT episode. His opponent for the match hasn’t been revealed.
A video aired on NXT last Wednesday hyping that Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux would officially arrive on the brand this week. WWE is only referring to Bordeaux as “Scarlett.”
NXT has been building up Kross and Scarlett’s debut with apocalyptic-style vignettes of a clock ticking toward midnight. That the videos were for Kross was officially revealed on the March 25 episode of NXT. Kross and Scarlett also made a brief appearance in the background as Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were walking to their car after Gargano’s match against Tommaso Ciampa last month.
Three weeks ago, Kross attacked Ciampa backstage in the main event angle of NXT.
This week’s episode of NXT will feature two title matches. Adam Cole is defending the NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream, while Io Shirai is challenging Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women’s Championship. Gargano vs. Dominik Dijakovic will also take place on the show, and Finn Balor will call out the person who attacked him in the locker room two weeks ago.
Kross’ new first name appears to be based on the word “carrion,” which means dead and decaying flesh.
Last night’s episode of NXT ended with an angle where Kross attacked Tommaso Ciampa as Ciampa was addressing his loss to Johnny Gargano from last Wednesday. Kross also made a brief appearance last week and was seen in a vehicle in the background as Gargano and Candice LeRae were going to their car after the Gargano vs. Ciampa match.
Scarlett Bordeaux looked to be with Kross both this week and last week, though that hasn’t been officially revealed. Kross’ name has also yet to be revealed on television.
WWE Shop has also released a T-shirt for Timothy Thatcher. He made his NXT debut last night and is Matt Riddle’s temporary partner while Pete Dunne is unable to travel and defend the NXT Tag Team titles. Riddle & Thatcher retained against Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish last night.
Killer Kross attacked Tommaso Ciampa in the main event angle of last night’s NXT.
Last night’s show ended with Ciampa backstage speaking about his loss to Johnny Gargano from last week. Ciampa said he was done with Gargano and Candice LeRae. He said they agreed that when it’s over, it’s over and whoever wins, wins. As Ciampa was agreeing to call Gargano the better man, he was attacked by Kross. “Tick tock,” Kross said as the show went off the air.
Prior to the attack, the NXT Tag Team titles were on the line. Timothy Thatcher made his NXT debut as Matt Riddle’s temporary partner while Pete Dunne is unable to travel and defend the titles. Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish challenged Riddle & Thatcher for the titles last night.
After weeks of vignettes building up to it, Killer Kross made his first NXT appearance tonight.
The brief appearance by Kross came at the very end of the program. Triple H confirmed that Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa would meet in two weeks on NXT television. Gargano and Ciampa had a staredown, then a video suddenly started to air. A number of images were displayed on the screen, some of them clearly showing Kross, who was not mentioned by name.
Kross signing with WWE was officially confirmed back on the February 4 episode of WWE Backstage. Scarlett Bordeaux, who is in a relationship with Kross, signed with WWE last year after being granted her release from Impact Wrestling. Them being paired together in NXT appears to have been teased in Kross’ videos.
Before joining WWE, Kross had runs in Lucha Underground, AAA, and Impact Wrestling. Months after he requested his release, Impact confirmed in December that it had been granted. Kross also wrestled at MLW Fightland in February.
A huge eight-man tag was the main event as WWE’s Killer Kross teamed with Davey Boy Smith Jr. & the Von Erich brothers to defeat Team Filthy (“Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Erick Stevens, Dominic Garrini & Kit Osbourne).
El Lindaman defeated Zenshi in a great opener.
An ex-ECW star returned to Philadelphia as Mance Warner’s pick to face Richard Holliday.
Full Recap —
El Lindaman defeated Zenshi (8:09)
Zenshi was selling his shoulder injury from Dominic Garrini a few weeks ago. That came into play a few times throughout the match and eventually cost him the bout in the end.
They equaled each other in the early going after an impressive quick exchange. Zenshi went for a handshake, but Lindaman slapped it away and rocked him with a forearm to the jaw. Zenshi came back with a standing moonsault, but surprisingly it was El Lindaman who took to the sky first with a summersault plancha to the outside.
Lindaman then went to work on Zenshi’s injured shoulder, but the high flyer soon fought back using his uninjured arm to handstand and eventually springboard himself into the ring and connect with an elbow drop. He launched himself into the ring again moments later and caught his opponent with a neckbreaker this time.
Zenshi landed on his feet off a German suplex but was snapped into a cross armbreaker seconds later. Lindaman locked it in, but Zenshi used his long legs to get to the ropes. Zenshi blocked another German suplex but instead ate a Northern Lights into the corner, then eventually a German — but this only got a two count.
Zenshi fought back with a backflip kick, then stayed one step ahead of Lindaman as he evaded four strikes and then hit three kicks of his own in a row. Zenshi went for an Ace Crusher but ate a Blue Thunder Bomb and a tiger suplex instead, which was enough to keep him grounded for the three count.
– Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and the Von Erichs hyped up their main event against Team Filthy. Smith talked about the family legacies and how far he was going to shove Garrini’s head up his own ass. Kross made fun of Team Filthy’s name and warned them “Everybody pays the toll.”
– Mance Warner wasn’t giving away any hints as to who his mystery man was to face Richard Holliday later in the night. And when Holliday met with Alicia Atout he guessed the participant: his garbage truck driver? Kwang? The ghost of Carlos Colon? Whoever it is they will be breathing rarefied air.
– Josef Samael warned us that the infiltration of the infidels is underway.
– Earlier in the day, Injustice tried to jump Brian Pillman Jr. and cut his hair ahead of his match with Jordan Oliver next week, but Davey Boy Smith Jr. made the save before they could get to his mullet.
The Blue Meanie defeated Richard Holliday by countout (4:53)
Meanie was announced as Mance Warner’s mystery choice to face Holliday and he got a good nostalgia pop from the Philadelphia crowd. This was a nice but relatively short comedy match.
They exchanged struts, but when Holliday suggested dancing together, he jumped Meanie from behind. Holliday rocked Meanie with a big clothesline, but the Blue Guy fought back with his Meanie jabs. He missed a big avalanche in the corner and Holliday floored him again with a back elbow.
Holliday got in Warner’s face at the announcer’s table and poured a beer out on the floor to the disgust of the Southern Psycho. Warner retaliated by spitting a beer in Holliday’s face. With all the distractions going on, Holliday got himself counted out!
– Atout was with Injustice and she brought up their “beef” with AAA. Oliver said he has a beef with MLW management and said Injustice are the real superstars. They sarcastically said hopefully Pillman is healthy for his match with Oliver next week.
– Low Ki hyped up his match with King Mo next week. He said Mo has fought some great fighters, and he appears a little punch drunk, but by the time Ki is done with him he is going to be kicked sh*t faced.
– Mo (with Atout) retaliated by saying Ki is a fraud. He said all he saw on YouTube was a little person getting bodyslammed. His American Top Team cornerman demanded that Ki have his own cornerman so he could throw the towel in.
– LA Park and El Hijo de LA Park then showed us how to cook sausages and eggs, using it as a euphemism to how they beat their opponents. They called themselves future champions of MLW.
– In a breaking news segment, we were told Mance Warner has challenged MJF to a loser leaves MLW match.
– Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Ross & Marshall Von Erich defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Dominic Garrini, Erick Stevens & Kit “Rip Von Erich” Osbourne. (7:56)
Lawlor took the mic before the match and said he felt at home in this garbage city. He said it was full of smart marks and insulted the fans. Lawlor was then told to “shut the f*ck up” by the crowd.
As you would imagine, this broke down immediately as all eight fought all over ringside. Lawlor and Ross eventually paired off in the ring as some order was restored. Ross missed a big splash in the corner, giving Team Filthy the opening to beat him down and gain the advantage.
Lawlor suplexed Stevens into Ross as he sat in his opponents’ corner, Garrini hit a belly-to-backbreaker, and even Kit Osbourne got in for a few cheap shots.
Kross got the hot tag and suplexed Team Filthy across the ring, but he ate a spinning heel kick from Lawlor. Kross was up seconds later though and dumped Lawlor on his head. Osbourne then hit a low blow on Smith behind the referee’s back, but Marshall locked in The Claw as Osbourne tried to hit Smith with a chair.
Marshall hit a Claw Slam and then a big moonsault to pick up the win over Osbourne. Smith put Osbourne through a wooden board for good measure after the bell.
But as the victorious team were leaving, they were jumped by Team Filthy again and they all brawled to the back. The brawl continued in the back as Fusion was going off the air, but out of nowhere King Mo appeared and broke a pipe over Killer Kross’ back. The announcer’s had just enough time to let us know that he has joined Team Filthy.
Taped before he signed with WWE, Killer Kross picked up a DQ win over “Filthy” Tom Lawlor
A huge eight man tag was made for next week that will also feature Davey Boy Smith Jr. and the Von Erichs against the rest of Team Filthy.
Myron Reed successfully defended his MLW middleweight title against Laredo Kid in a great match filled with spectacular spots.
Mance Warner cheated to win against Gino Medina.
**Show review**
MLW Middleweight Champion Myron Reed (w/Jordan Oliver and Kotto Brazil) defeated Laredo Kid (w/Konnan) to retain the title (8:44)
This was a fantastic high flying encounter that featured some incredibly innovative spots. In the end, Reed won after distraction from his Injustice friends.
The announcers reminded us that Kid got the better of Reed two weeks ago when he laid him out and unofficially “pinned” him. Earlier in the day, Injustice clashed with Konnan backstage when Jordan Oliver told Konnan that Laredo Kid sucks. Konnan questioned Reed and asked him if he could win on his own without Injustice.
Kid knocked Reed down with a step-up kick and sent him out of the ring with a head scissors early on. On the outside, Kid tried to chop Reed but his loaded chest protector aided him, so his face felt the full force of a slap instead. Back inside, Reed backflipped and nipped up to avoid Kid’s attacks and floored him with a reverse death valley driver slam and a standing side kick to the face. The champion then came close with a springboard legdrop, but Kid kicked out and fought back moments later with a Michinoku Driver and two middle rope moonsaults. Reed reversed a suplex into a stunner and hit a big middle rope springboard crusher and a superkick.
Up on the top rope, Kid hit an unbelievable standing backflip slam. They were both standing on the top and Kid had Reed in a German suplex position but they both leapt off, backflipped, and Reed landed face first on the mat with Kid on top of him.
Kotto Brazil tried to interfere while Kid had Reed locked in a standing sharpshooter, but Kid grabbed him and threw him belly to belly outside the ring while keeping the submission locked in an impressive spot. Kid got rid of Oliver with a superkick, and both he and Brazil each ate a suicide dive. But, the distraction was all that Reed needed.
While Kid was on the apron, Reed launched himself over the top rope and hit a big ace crusher on the ring apron and moments later, the champion retained with his springboard 450 splash.
**********
Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic had Richard Holliday, Alexander Hammerstone, and Gino Medina discussing Mance Warner. Holliday said his lawyer/father is working on getting Warner out of their hair. Hammerstone called Warner, Logan Creed, and Savio Vega a group of idiots and Holliday remarketed Medina as “The Untouchable”. Medina said he is going to snap all Warner’s dirty fingers tonight.
**********
Mance Warner defeated “The Untouchable” Gino Medina (w/ Richard Holliday) (5:02)
Medina jumped Warner before the bell and got the better of the opening moments after a big kick to the side of the head. On the outside, they exchanged chops and Warner rocked him with a forearm to the jaw before throwing him into the guardrail. Back inside, Medina hit a jumping twisting kick to the head to take back the advantage but Warner came back with a ripcord headbutt and an impaler DDT for a close two count. Medina caught Warner before he could hit his running knee and dropped him on the top turnbuckle, hitting a running knee in the corner for a close two count of his own.
Medina went to the middle rope but was met with a headbutt followed by a running knee but Warner couldn’t put him away. Medina tried an O’Connor roll with a handful of tights, but Warner kicked him off and schoolboyed him with his own handful of tights to pick up the win. Medina slapped the referee after the bell and was furious.
**********
– Colonel Robert Parker will return to MLW in 2020. We were showing some of his MLW highlights as the announce team questioned who he will take under his wing.
– The Von Erichs were back home in Hawaii and had words for Tom Lawlor and the rest of Team Filthy. Marshall said they owe it to Texas to kick their asses while Ross said they were fighting for decency against filth.
– The new PWI top 10 contenders for the MLW heavyweight title were announced: King Mo, Low Ki, Mance Warner, MJF, Richard Holliday, Brian Pillman Jr., “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Middleweight Champion Myron Reed, and no. 1: National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone.
– Alicia Atout then presented Brian Pillman Jr. with the PWI 2019 Rookie of the Year award. Pillman thanked all the previous winners including Randy Orton, Kurt Angle, and Steve Austin. He said it was an honor to win the award and wants a shot at the Middleweight title.
– Injustice then had a message for Pillman. Kotto Brazil said he should have won it last year, and Jordan Oliver should have won it this year. Myron Reed said Pillman needs to drop some weight before he comes at him. He called him a rookie and said he would wrestle circles around him. He also taunted Konnan to keep sending his guys, and he will keep knocking them down.
– Alicia Atout then met Erick Stevens and asked him about his loss last week to Davey Boy Smith Jr. He complained about a fast count. Lawlor called out Killer Kross and said he will show the difference between someone who pretends to be an MMA fighter, and someone who lives, eats and sleeps it.
– Backstage, the cameras caught the Dynasty arguing about the outcome of Medina’s match earlier. Holliday said his lawyer/father will be working to reverse the decision because Warner was drunk, and he cheated.
– CONTRA’s propaganda video had footage from last week after the show went off the air. The Sentai death squad loaded CIMA into the back of a car and took him to Ikuru Kwon.
Killer Kross defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (w/ Dominic Garrini and Kit Osbourne) by DQ (10:43)
They had a tale of the tape and called this an interpromotional dream match as throughout the night, they mentioned Kross had signed with WWE. Kross has a great look and is good in the ring so should slot in fine in the WWE system.
Lawlor tried to catch Kross off guard with a spinning heel kick from the get go, but Kross ducked and kicked him in the chest instead. On the outside, they exchanged chops before Kross dropped Lawlor back first on the ring apron. Back inside the ring, Lawlor used the ropes to attack Kross’ eye and get some separation before eventually hitting his spinning heel kick.
Lawlor chopped Kross around the ring and then snapped his arm back while on the mat. Lawlor’s focus stayed on Kross’ arm before he hit a suplex and locked in a front choke. Kross didn’t let his arm drop for the third time and he fired up, throwing Lawlor off with a Northern Lights suplex. He then hit a big boot and a head and arm suplex before calling for “Doomsday” but Lawlor fought out and hit a flurry of strikes. Lawlor then hit a head and arm suplex of his own but Kross popped right up, so Lawlor floored him with a flying knee for a two count.
They exchanged strikes and Lawlor hit another flurry of knees to the head and forearms to the jaw. Kross just shook them off, smiled, and knocked Lawlor down with strikes of his own. Lawlor hit a thumb to the eye and both fell to the floor moments later. Out of nowhere, Team Filthy teammate Erick Stevens ran to ringside and started beating up Kross so the referee had no choice but to call for the bell.
Lawlor, Garrini, Stevens and Osbourne continued the beatdown in the ring but Smith Jr. and the Von Erichs ran in for the save. Smith then challenged Team Filthy to an eight man tag which Lawlor accepted as Fusion went off the air.
***Next Week***
Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Dominic Garrini, Erick Stevens and Kit Osbourne) vs. Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and the Von Erichs
WWE has officially announced two additions to the company.
On tonight’s episode of Backstage, it was announced that Killer Kross and Timothy Thatcher have signed with WWE. Thatcher signing with WWE and reporting to the Performance Center had already been confirmed earlier in the day.
Dave Meltzer reported on Kross’ status in the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
“It looks like the deal with Kevin Kesar, 34 (Killer Kross) is finalized since word in the indie world is he’s not taking dates after the ones over the next few weeks are finalized. He also pulled out of a mid-February Australia tour which gives the indication he’s starting very soon. The indication we were given from when he first talked with Paul Levesque about coming in is that he’d be fast-tracked, whether that means NXT television immediately or main roster, that I don’t know, but was going to be given a major push. Kross has denied ever meeting with Levesque but that’s become the common theme for wrestlers to try and indicate they aren’t going to WWE. He did essentially a farewell at the AAW show over the weekend and told MLW that after this weekend he’s not taking any new dates with them.”
Months after he requested it, Impact Wrestling announced in December that they had come to terms on Kross’ release.
Scarlett Bordeaux, who is in a relationship with Kross, signed with WWE and reported to the Performance Center after being granted her release from Impact last year.
We’re looking for reports on both New Japan shows this weekend in Tampa and Nashville and reports from the NWA tapings to [email protected]
We’re also looking for your thoughts on both the Royal Rumble and Worlds Collide, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
ROYAL RUMBLE IS TODAY AT 5 P.M. EASTERN FOR THE PRESHOW FROM MINUTE MAID PARK IN HOUSTON
*Men’s Rumble – The favorite is Roman Reigns at -200. Drew McIntyre is +300. Cain Velasquez at -550 is listed as a strong favorite as the person to eliminate Brock Lesnar. McIntyre, Reigns, Strowman and Edge are the next favorites.
*Women’s Rumble – The favorite is Shayna Baszler at -300 which is fairly strong odds for a Rumble. Charlotte Flair is +650.
*Bayley is a -230 favorite over Lacey Evans to keep her title. Evans is +170. For me, this is actually a good time for a tile change.
*Sheamus is -700 while Shorty G is +450 for their singles match.
*Roman Reigns is -140 and King Corbin is +100 for their match
*Becky Lynch is -475 and Asuka is +325 for their Raw women’s title match.
*Bray Wyatt is a -600 favorite over Daniel Bryan at +400 for the Universal title. (thanks to WWEleaks.org)
We haven’t seen odds on Humberto Carrillo vs. Andrade for the U.S. title
We’ve got what will be one of the biggest issues of the year, a double issue with a look at the lives and careers of Rocky Johnson, La Parka and Kendo Nagasaki, plus what will be one of the biggest news stories of 2020, the AEW new television extension with TNT through 2023.
The lead story goes into the life and career of Rocky Johnson, the father of Dwayne Johnson and one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars of the 1970s. We talk about Johnson’s death this past week, his ancestry, the story of him being kicked out of the house at 13, his background in boxing and wrestling along with ties to both Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, as well as where the name Rocky Johnson came from.
We talk about his main skills, his dropkicks, the birth of Dwayne Johnson, the best television match on Roy Shire television of the 70s, his quick rise to main events and championships, and how his run in Los Angeles in 1970 made him into one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling. We cover his years in San Francisco, his landmark program with Jerry Lawler, his headlining in St. Louis, his world title battles, early championships and his brother, as well as how Dwayne Johnson got started in pro wrestling.
The new issue also covers:
Full details of the new television deal between AEW and TNT, including the value, the options, how this relates to the old deal, how this compares to other deals, what we know about the second show, questions this brings up regarding WWE countering, stars that are about to become free agents, Tony Khan talks the new deal, and the ratings in 18-49 and value per episode update on Raw, Smackdown, NXT and AEW and what type of value did TNT get for its money.
The death of La Parka, including his connection with the first La Parka, as well as the uncle of the first La Parka. We look at his career before La Parka, his rise to fame in AAA, his period on top, his biggest feuds, his heel turn and why it flopped, L.A. Park comments on his rival and more on his biggest matches.
The death of Kazuo Sakurada, the Japanese Kendo Nagasaki. We look at his connection with Bret Hart, with comments by Bret Hart, Ross Hart and Fumi Saito. How Dusty Rhodes created Kendo Nagasaki and who it was copied from. Many of his other wrestling names. Sakurada’s tough guy reputation and his days in sumo prior to pro wrestling. How he got into pro wrestling, his original relationships with Giant Baba and Genichiro Tenryu, his day in Stampede Wrestling as one of its biggest tag team stars, his wrestling in Japan, Mid South, WCW and the story of he and Bruiser Brody from Puerto Rico. His fights in the ring,and his one MMA fight.
Next WWE show in Saudi Arabia, a new Dwayne Johnson television show, a new Miz television show, notes on the return of Big Show, Paul Levesque and Paige, Bret Hart filming a WWE show, Brock Lesnar honored, WWE trademarks, WWE BT party in London,WWE European ratings, notes on several new WWE signings as well as a major star who has met with Paul Levesque about coming in. We look at the next MSG show, DVR viewership of WWE programming, plus a look at all the WWE & NXT live events over the past week with results,highlights and business notes.
Update the Royal Rumble and World Collide shows and how tickets are selling for the next round of major WWE events.
The Tessa Blanchard controversy and her winning the Impact title, with comments from many in wrestling and a full rundown of TNA Hard to Kill with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.
Update the changes at Bellator in structuring, who is now in charge and what may be happening next.
More money being sent into MMA with the PFL, its new ownership and revenue sources and how much new capita they now have.
Coverage of the WWE U.K. Takeover show, with show notes, business notes, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results of the show.
The 2019 Wrestling Observer Awards ballot.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Just utterly stunned by the death of Kobe Bryant earlier today. He was one of the most iconic sports figures of this generation.
Bryan and I will be covering the Royal Rumble as well as the latest pro wrestling and MMA news tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio. You can send questions to tonight’s show to [email protected]
Lots of the NXT women are in Houston presumably because there aren’t enough spots with the main roster women for the Battle Royal. We were told most of the key stars are there. PW Insider reported Mercedes Martinez as one of them. As we’ve noted all along, Shayna Baszler was expected to be a key part. They also listed Molly Holly, Beth Phoenix and Sasha Banks in the women’s Rumble match.
Tons of rumors regarding tonight. While not confirmed, there is a lot of talk going around regarding Edge as a surprise for tonight’s show. That talk has been going on for months. Mike Johnson has reported that Santino Marella, Shane McMahon, Undertaker, Dominick Gutierrez, Ric Flair are all there and teased the idea of Sting being there to set up something for Saudi Arabia on 2/27. It was noted that it looks like they may have changed standards if Sting is cleared since both he and Edge had years back been flagged due to neck issues from ever taking another bump by WWE. No one has said anything about Ronda Rousey but if she’s coming back to Mania, this is usually right around the time you do so and they like surprises in the Rumble.
As far as Google trends for last night, Worlds Collide didn’t rank, nor would anyone expect that it would since NXT and AEW rarely do and this had less interest than either. Among combat sports, the most interest was Bellator which was No. 12 with 100,000 searches. The UFC show was No. 18 with 50,000, which is low, but there wasn’t a lot of interest in last night’s show even though it drew great.
Killer Kross pulled out of his 2/15 date for NHPW in Perth, Australia and has been pulling out of all dates after the next few weeks. He had recently met with Paul Levesque and has told he’d be fast-tracked. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
WWE
They will be filming a lot of documentary material this weekend.
For the Rumble, the men’s and women’s Rumble both at -150 are the favorites for best match based on Observer star ratings. Humberto Carrillo vs. Andrade at +100 is next. Everything else is listed as a long shot.
Tommaso Ciampa is doing an event on Valentine’s Day to benefit Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, FL called Over the Edge. Ciampa is going to rappel down the 32 story Hyatt Regency to raise money. A lot of other NXT stars are also involved in the benefit.
Regarding last night’s show when I brought up that Shaun Ryan may have done the videos that appeared, we were told that wasn’t the case and that the video work was done in Connecticut with the regular crew led by Jeremy Borash.
UFC
Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar is being talked about for the 4/18 PPV show in Brooklyn.
Paige VanZant is out of her 3/14 match in Brasilia, Brazil with Amanda Ribas due to a minor fracture of the arm and said she would be ready to fight in May. Ribas will face Randa Markos.
AEW
There is a full page color ad for AEW in the official program for next week’s Super Bowl. It is right next to the table of contents so it’s very prominent. (thanks to Anthony Bergen)
Regarding a question on the commentary on Fite TV during the commercial breaks for Dynamite, you do hear commentary during commercial breaks in matches and occasionally, if there’s not a match, you’ll hear the announcers talking production, talking about what’s up next, often you hear Jim Ross bringing up the rest of the show.
Jamie Hayter won the SWA title today on the Stardom show in Osaka beating Utami Hayashishita. This was on The Kagetsu farewell to Stardom show. Kagetsu is promoting her own retirement show in Osaka on 2/24 where she faces Meiko Satomura.
Former WWE head of security Jimmy Noonan has written a book about pro wrestling, a fictional diary of a world champion. The book is called “Getting Color” and it’s available on Kindle and Amazon.
Combate Americas announced a 2/28 show from Fresno on both Univision and AXS TV as well as on Televisa in Mexico. The show is being pushed as Mexico vs. USA with a main event of Pablo Sabori (9-6) of Mexico vs. Adrian Guzman (6-1) of the U.S. Given the ratings of Combate on Univision, there is no company that gets more out of lesser known talent and has deals with Univision, a strong U.S. station, and Televisa, the dominant station in Mexico. Former Bellator champion Zoila Frausto (14-6) faces Karla Benitez (17-15-1-1, 1 no contest) of Spain.
Candice Michelle was brought to Australia for Wrestling Go in Sydney as a guest ring announcer for a women’s Battle royal. The show was promoted by Albie, an influencer/model who is very popular in Sydney as a fundraiser for the Sydney Assyrian community. Douglas James from Southern California was also on the show. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
KSW’s first show of the decade with big a huge show in Lodz, Poland at the Atlas Arena on 3/21. Mariusz Pudzianowksi (13-7), the former world’s strongest man and top draw, as well as welterweight champion Roberto Soldic (17-3) are headlining.
BCW on Friday night in Melbourne: Cletus won over Cody Swift and Mick Moretti to win the Battle Express title, Sketch b Carlo Cannon, Aysha b Bixsin, Zhan Wn b Big Cuz-COR, Preston Kindred b Brat Pack to keep tag titles, Mortal b Steph De Lander to keep women’s did, Mad Dog NC Gabriel Wolfe for BCW title, Ultimo Dragon b Syd Parker (thanks to Kevin Chiat).
AAW from Friday night in Chicago: Karam b Storm Grayson, Jordan Oliver b Jake Lander, Fred Yehi b ACH, Ace Austin & Clayton Gainz & Stephen Wolf b Nate Webb & The Flip Brothers, AR Fox b Willie Mack, Sami Callihan & Jake Crist b Juventud Guerrera & Aramis, Savannah Stone & Hyan b Jessicka Havok & Kimber Lee, Killer Kross b Ace Perry, Fred Yehi b Killer Kross, Hakim Zane b Paco in a street fight to keep the Heritage title, Mat Fitchett Davey Vega b Jake Something Curt Stallion to keep the tag titles. People were raving in particular about Juventud Guerrera and ACH (thanks to Case Lowe)
Defy on 2/21 in Seattle features Jeff Cobb plus talent from The Crash promotion in Tijuana.
Rise announced a free seminar and multiple promotion tryout event on 3/2 and 3/27 in Berwyn, IL. The tryout will be at zero cost to the participants.
Rhino has a seminar on 3/1 for PWE in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Georges St-Pierre was in a commercial for BelairDirect Insurance spoofing the Rocky movies which played last week during the NFL playoffs in Canada (thanks to Grant Zwarych)
Northeast Wrestling from last night in Waterbury, CT: Christian Casanova b Richard Holliday to keep the Facebook title, Keith Youngblood & Chris Battle & RJ Rude & Zane Bernardo b Brett Ryan Gosselin & DL Hurst & Danger Kid & Aiden Aggro, Jake Manning b Daniel Evans, Flip Gordon b Brian Pillman Jr., Wrecking Ball Legursky b Sledge, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa b JT Dunn & Mike Verna, Marty Scurll b Vincent when Matt Taven distracted Vince, Dan Maff b Darby Allin to win the NEW title in a no DQ match, Keith Youngblood won 30 man Rumble (thanks to Nick Mahmood)
MLW announced today that Kross will make his debut for the promotion against Tom Lawlor at their Fightland set of television tapings. The show is taking place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 1.
Kross was announced for Fightland on December 19, which was the day after it was revealed that he was granted his release from Impact Wrestling. Kross is currently a free agent.
After turning heel against the Von Erichs, Lawlor faced Ross Von Erich at MLW’s Zero Hour tapings this past weekend.
MLW’s Court Bauer hyped up Kross vs. Lawlor: “Fightland wouldn’t be Fightland without a dream match like Lawlor-Kross. The 2300 Arena has seen some scraps but given the rep of these two, this one is going to be on a different level.”
MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu defending his title against CIMA, Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Erick Stevens, and Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Jimmy Havoc (w/ Priscilla Kelly) are also set for Fightland.
After getting his release from Impact Wrestling, Killer Kross has a date set for his MLW debut.
Kross will be in action at MLW’s Fightland tapings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 1. Kross’ match for the show hasn’t been revealed, with MLW teasing that “league officials are negotiating his opponent for the big Philadelphia card. Hungry to represent MLW, several top ranked MLW wrestlers are actively pursuing a match against the dangerous underground combat fighter.”
Kross is a free agent after Impact announced yesterday that — months after Kross had requested his release — he’s officially no longer with the company.
Fightland is being held at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. There will be an MLW World Heavyweight Championship match on the show, with Jacob Fatu defending his title against CIMA.
CIMA’s Strong Hearts stablemates T-Hawk and El Lindaman have also been announced for Fightland, and LA Park will make his return to MLW for the first time since he unsuccessfully challenged for Fatu’s title at last month’s Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view.
Killer Kross is officially a free agent after being at an impasse with Impact Wrestling for months over his contract.
Impact announced today that Kross is no longer with the promotion. The statement on their website simply states: “IMPACT Wrestling has come to terms on the release of Kevin Kesar (Killer Kross).”
Kross has not been seen on Impact television since July when Eddie Edwards defeated him in a first blood match at Slammiversary. It was reported back in May that he had requested his release, but Impact did not grant it. Kross finished his program with Edwards at Slammiversary and has not been used since.
Kross’ contract was set to expire this month, but Impact had the option of rolling the contract over another year.
Although he has not been on Impact television in months, Kross has continued to work independent dates. He’s also been booked by AAA, taking part in their Guerra de Titanes event back on December 14.
The show starts off with Don and Josh talking about Slammiversary with Josh hyping it up as one of the best shows of the year. Josh says that tonight, we’ll see the main event of A Night You Can’t Mist. Josh says that tonight they’ll be walking around to meed some of the Impact Wrestling dignitaries and in the main event, Jordynne Grace faces Madison Rayne and Kiera Hogan in a triple threat.
A highlight reel airs covering Moose vs. RVD from the PPV with RVD saying he underestimated Moose and he was unvictorious. RVD says he doesn’t need to work on himself, he just needs another chance to beat Moose. As far as goofball RVD promos go, this was indeed one of them. Don says this was a great sign of Moose moving up the talent food chain.
Josh and Don talk about the Eddie Edwards and Killer Kross first blood match before a recap airs on that. Kross talks about Eddie having too many voices in his head and Eddie says he loves the mind games. Eddie says that after the match, he has a newfound respect for Killer Kross and that he will be whatever he needs to be. Killer Kross cuts a tearful promo about knowing how crazy Eddie was before Davey Richards, Moose, or even his own wife knew it.
Rosemary cuts a promo on how Twitch gives Impact greater exposure and how they need more hivelings to support it. Melissa Santos does a Twitch video talking about her wedding.
Josh’s voice is shot as he and Don talk about how the PPV was in the “war room”. Josh welcomes His Guest at This Time Jimmy Jacobs. He talks about Monster’s Ball and says it’s chaos – so you can either let the chaos control you or you can control chaos. Father James Mitchell talks about how only one can win a monster’s ball and it’s one of the most dangerous matches in the business. He talks about how Havok being the one he wants to win, but if either she or Su win, they will be co-champion.
Taya calls Rosemary a pawn in her game and says it’s unfair for her to defend against three people. Taya says after winning that she has once again beaten the odds. Mitchell gets one of the best lines of the year in with “I JUST GOT BLASTED IN THE FACE WITH WEAPONS-GRADE ASIAN MIST!” Melissa recaps how great Mitchell was and then talks about the lapdances on her wedding day.
Josh and Don talk to D’Lo Brown joining the company full-time as an agent. D’Lo and his squeaky chair talk about how The North being champions changed things up on LAX really quickly. A rundown of the tag title match then airs. Ethan Page talks about winning the titles and defending them on PPV within three days. The Rascalz talk about how they have to go back to the treehouse and figure things out. The North says they showed they will never lose the titles.
After the match, Konnan delivers a message to The North before saying they have idiot’s luck and it will run out when Santana’s back and they’ll make sure The North’s allies will be a breathing tube and a feeding tube.
D’Lo says that The North is the best team in the world before saying that they’re the best in the company. Don says that they’re the most efficient team in the world.
Melissa Santos hypes up the Fallout show with the lethal lottery returning as a mashup concept with Sami teaming with Tessa against Dave Crist and Trey of the Rascalz.
The Night You Can’t Mist main event airs with Muta and Dreamer facing Johnny Impact and Big Mike. Johnny does a great job stalling and creating movement for Muta to react to, but Muta does show a surprising amount of speed on a takedown and a kneebar before Johnny Chinlock takes over for a while. Big Mike works over Dreamer and then Johnny takes some flip bumps for Muta’s basement dropkicks.
Tommy sets up a super Spicoli driver and drives Johnny through the table that Elgin was lying on the floor. Muta pinned Johnny with the Shining Wizard. Tommy cuts a promo thanking the Philly fans and wanting to go to either AJPW or NJPW because of Muta.
Tommy Dreamer talks in the war room about living his dream at 48 teaming with Muta. He talks about Tessa vs. Sami being the first page of a book and the story will continue on. Don says that Tessa won by losing and the story is still being told. Tessa talks about being the first woman in a PPV match event and Sami says that as The Draw, he’s the main event no matter where his match is placed.
Tessa is shown hitting a trio of dives, but getting caught on the last and being swung side to side into the barricade and eating a death valley driver on the floor. The recap of this made it come off like an all-time classic and Tessa says she won’t let losing go to her heart. Sami says they need to do that match again.
Swann vs. Johnny Impact clips air with Petey talking about it from the war room. Petey says he looks up to both and he loved working both guys. Josh and Don talk about how Don created Ultimate X and Petey says that Johnny’s great, but Swann was unbeatable on that show. Rich says that he faced one of the most athletic wrestlers ever while Johnny says he wants it because it’s an Impact-original title.
Swann says he wants to be the best X Division champion in company history and is shown hitting the Lethal Injection and the phoenix splash. Johnny yells at Johnny Bravo and blames him for the loss. Johnny Impact says that he’s going away and Taya blames him for the loss.
Scott D’Amore talks about the Elgin vs. Cage match. He says he was worried about Elgin because he’s here to put people in the hospital. Josh asks if Cage proved he’s the best out there and Don says that yeah, he was in rough shape at Rebellion, but he proved any critics wrong with the Slammiversary match. Scott talks about “something new coming into the picture” soon and while no one is legally sure who he is, Don says all the smart marks know who he is. A quick highlight reel airs for the match that doesn’t do it justice.
Cage says that the Age of Cage is just beginning and Elgin says that he didn’t fail because Cage couldn’t beat him with his biggest moves. Rhino’s gore is shown and Elgin says that Cage didn’t truly beat him. He blames Callis for being a mark for Cage and bringing in the masked man. Okay, so in-canon on the show, Don Callis runs the show despite “just” being a commentator on-air.
A Tessa Blanchard countdown shows her taking out Taya, Glenn Gilberti, the BFG match with Taya, her title win against Su Yung, and then finally, her beating and retiring Gail Kim at Rebellion. The show has done a fantastic job of getting Tessa over as the biggest star in the company, and the formatting of this show would be perfect as a first one on a new network. If you’re a lapsed fan, it’s a perfect catch-up show. Josh and Don go back to the ring and hype up Impact Fallout.
Jordynne Grace defeated Madison Rayne and Kiera Hogan
Madison gets 2 on Kiera with a small package after awkwardly ending a Grace sunset flip attempt. Grace lands a double suplex and we go to a break. Grace misses a pop-up Vader bomb on Hogan, who gets up and lands a Cro Cop high kick. Kiera stomps on Madison before foot choking her in the corner. Jordynne hits a giant slam on Kiera and hits her with a bridging German while also having Madison in an O’Connor roll.
Madison hits an Alberto-esque double stomp on Grace for 2. Hogan superkicks Grace, but she absorbs it and wins with the Grace Driver.
Madison was tossed out beforehand and looks pissed before jumping her. Hogan then joins in. Don says this is just like a bar fight. Maybe the one from the ’70s original The Wrestler. Josh and Don talk about this being a setup by Hogan and Rayne.
A first blood match has been added to the card for Impact Wrestling’s next pay-per-view.
On last night’s episode of Impact, it was announced that Eddie Edwards will face Killer Kross in a first blood match at Slammiversary XVII. The PPV is taking place at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, July 7.
There was a scene on this week’s Impact where Edwards was at a church confessing about the voice in his head that is getting him to do bad things. Kross then appeared and confronted Edwards. Edwards said there are rules in the church, but there are no rules outside. Edwards told Kross that he’ll be waiting for him.
An angle aired on last week’s Impact where it appeared that Kross’ character may have been written off in a brawl with Edwards, but Dave Meltzer reported that it was just an angle to build up their feud and Impact has no plans to grant Kross’ release.
Here’s the updated card for Slammiversary:
Impact World Champion Brian Cage defending against Michael Elgin
X-Division Champion Rich Swann defending against Johnny Impact
Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie defending against Su Yung, Jessicka Havok, and Rosemary in a Monster’s Ball match
Impact Tag Team Champions LAX (Santana & Ortiz) defending against The Rascalz (two of Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel)
Tessa Blanchard vs. Sami Callihan
Eddie Edwards vs. Killer Kross in a first blood match
We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 237, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected].
We’re looking for reports from these weekend shows:
Raw will be tonight from the O2 Arena in London while there will be a Smackdown house show on Monday in Bornemouth, UK. Raw has announced Roman Reigns on Miz TV, Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Dana Brooke, Ricochet vs. Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre.
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS DAY TWO IN SENDAI ON TUESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura
Tiger Mask & Jonathan Gresham & Ren Narita vs. Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taka Michinoku
Juice Robinson & Dragon Lee vs. Sho & Shota Umino
Brody King & Marty Scurll vs,. Taiji Ishimori & Gedo
Titan & Toa Henare vs. Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi
Ren Narita vs. Douki
Rocky Romero vs. Robbie Eagles
Bandido vs. Phantasmo
Will Ospreay vs. Bushi
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yoh
Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped on Tuesday at the O2 Arena in London while Raw has a house show in Paris, France. Announced for the London show is a possible Kevin Owens Show with Kofi Kingston, Finn Balor vs. Ali vs. Andrade vs. Randy Orton and Kairi Sane & Asuka vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville plus for 205 Live, Tony Nese vs. El Ligero non-title and a four-way with Humberto Carrillo vs. Jack Gallagher vs. James Drake vs. Mark Andrews.
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS DAY THREE IN AOMORI WEDNESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
Yota Tsuji vs. Brody King
Flip Gordon & Ren Narita vs. Jado & Robbie Eagles
Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino vs. Taichi & Desperado
Juice Robinson & Will Ospreay & Bandido vs,. Rocky Romero & Yoh & Toa Henare
Tetsuya Naito & Bushi vs. Phantasmo & Gedo
Jonathan Gresham vs. Taka Michinoku
Tiger Mask vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Titan vs. Shingo Takagi
Marty Scurll vs. Taiji Ishimori
Dragon Lee vs. Sho
Wednesday has Raw in Birmingham, UK and Smackdown in Magdeburg, Germany.
Coming off of an underwhelming first quarter financial report and a week of record-low ratings, this Monday’s Raw offered WWE the chance to show they understand how to fix the problem.
WWE did acknowledge that the problem exists. Hoping to help out the ratings and counter two NBA playoff games, WWE hyped that SmackDown’s Roman Reigns would be appearing on Raw. His appearance was made apparent but not actually officially announced in advance, with WWE playing up that Reigns was defying a statement they put out claiming that he couldn’t be on the show due to his obligations as a SmackDown wrestler.
An update on AEW distribution, PPV, television and streaming, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the full distribution around the world for Double or Nothing, as well as updating where things stand when it comes to television.
Look at pricing, preshow, who is carrying it, how strong ITV 4 is, how this compares with WWE’s distribution and probable viewership, where things stand with U.K. television, details on Casino Battle Royale plans, the main championship, updating the show and lots of new signings.
Go in-depth on not just the XFL television deal and finances, but the lessons of the deal and how the deal is a 180 from the UFC deal.
Also look at the changes in Raw and Smackdown this past week, why they were made, where NBC Universal and FOX stand, WWE star power, how the European tour affected this week’s television, how it affects touring, plus updates on the Money In The Bank show.
Also look at the 2019 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, including what matches to watch out for, the schedule, the positioning of Will Ospreay, and the schedule.
Look at the two New Japan Dontaku events, what the events say about both Japan and U.S. popularity, the story behind Okada vs. Sanada, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight covering Raw, AEW, New Japan Super Juniors and other topics. You can also send e-mail questions to the show to [email protected].
I haven’t watched Sho vs. Shingo Takagi yet, but have been told it was incredible earlier today in day one of Best of Super Juniors.
The first 2:00 of Being the Elite is hilarious. If you are a really defensive WWE fan you won’t enjoy it, but this was the best episode in some time, especially the Rick Knox thing.
At the WWE upfronts for NBC Universal, the Bellas claimed that Raw would remain the top show. The Bellas presented a highlight reel of Raw that featured John Cena and Ronda Rousey. I was told WWE came off kind of flat in the room. Because all the stars are in Europe, at the FOX upfronts they used Cena and Rousey. People are speculating that means Rousey returns, but they needed her here because they needed big stars that non-fans in the room would know.
Mike Johnson at PW Insider reported that Killer Kross has asked for his release from Impact. There is considerable interest outside Impact in Kross. Johnson reported Kross asked for six figures to stay but was turned down. The report said Impact offered him a new contract for three-years for less than six figures, giving him a guarantee instead of a per date contract. Kross turned down the offer and asked for his release. The company turned down the request noting he’s under contract for several more years.
WWE
The Raw crew will be working a 6/27 show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, which is one of the home bases of ONE.
MISCELLANEOUS
The final episode of the Darkside of the Ring Series will be Wednesday night on Fabulous Moolah.
A feature on Steve Yohe, who may be the single most important person in the world in compiling a legitimate history of pro wrestling before 1950. Before he came along, everything was haphazard at best.
MCW’s Jimmy’s Slamboree on 6/1 in Joppa, MD at the CW Arena with Shawn Spears (Tye Dillinger), Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa in a show to raise money for the family of The Bruiser who is battling leukemia. You can also show support here.
Warrior Wrestling from last night in Chicago Heights, IL: Brian Cage (first match back from injury) won three-way cage match over Wardlow and Austin Aries to keep the title, Brian Pillman Jr. b Robert Ego Anthony which gave Pillman five minutes with Frank the Clown, Space Pirates b Ugly Ducklings, Tom Lawlor b Chris Ridgeway, Sam Adonis b Pat Monix no DQ, Volador Jr. b Gringo Loco, Penta 0M & Rey Fenix b Daga & Kotto Brazil, Tessa Blanchard b Jordynne Grace to become the first Warrior champion with Molly Holly as referee.
WrestleCircus from last night in Austin, TX: Dezmond Xavier b Scorpio Sky, Leva Bates (Librarian) won four-way over Shazza McKenzie, Christi Jaynes, and Alex Gracia, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel won three-way t take tag titles over Logan & Sterling Riegel and Gregory James & Andy Dalton, Lance Hoyt won six-way over Colin Delaney, Peter (Librarian) Avalon and Fuego del Sol, Sammy Guevara b Joey Janela (super match), Puma King b Jake Atlas, JT Dunn b Sami Callihan, Gentleman Jervis b Orange Cassidy, Sammy Guevera b Dezmond Xavier to win the cacant Ringmaster title, Scorpio Sky b Sammy Guevera in an impromptu match to win the title. The storyline is that Sky is taking their title to AEW. (thanks to Shannon Walsh at wrestlingwithdemons.net)
IWS on 6/22 at Club Unity in Montreal with Sabu vs. Sexxxy Eddy.
Empire State Wrestling on 6/1 in Fairport, NY at Village Sports with The Colony from CHIKARA and John McChesney.
ECCW’s 23rd anniversary show is 5/31 in New Westminster, BC at The Anvil with Jeff Cobb vs. Artemis Spencer with no time limit for the Canadian title.
All Star Wrestling on 6/15 in Vancouver BC at the Maritime Labour Centre with Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Azeem the Dream.
All Star Wrestling also runs 5/25 in Surrey, BC at 6050A 176th St.
Legacy Fighting on 6/7 from Cabazon, Ca at the Morongo Outdoor Pavilion with Maikel Perez (6-1) facing former UFC star Brandon Moreno (14-5) for the flyweight championship. The show airs live on AXS. Former Bellator star Brandon Halsey (12-5) faces Blake Trop (8-5) in the semi.
KSW on DAZN on 5/18 is headlined by a match for the vacant middleweight title with Michal Materla (27-6) vs. Scott Askham (17-4) plus a welterweight title fight with Roberto Soldic (15-3) vs. Krystian Kaszubowski (7-0).
A group called UWF debuts on 6/23 in Santee, CA at the Carlton Oaks Country Club with Jasmin St. Clair as host featuring Buggy Nova, Ruby Raze, Black Mamba and others.
Superkicked on 5/17 in Toronto at the Great Hall and San Andres vs. Jake Something.
Joey Janela vs Slex was signed for World Series Wrestling on 6/22 in Melbourne.
MWE on 6/15 in Eden Prairie, MN at the Champions Hall with Tony Kozina, Mitch Paradise and Danny Duggan.
CZW results from Saturday night in Voorhees, NJ: Jordan Oliver & Griffin McCoy & Eliis Taylor & Charlie Tiger b Gabriel Skye & Tristen Thai & Shawn Kemp & Jonathan Wolf, Nate Carter & Dave McCall b New York Wrecking Krew, Casanova Valentine b Dan O’Hare, Matt Travis b Jimmy Rave, Jimmy Lloyd won three-way over Gary Jay and Cole Radrick, John Silver b Matt Tremont to keep the CZW title, Masada b Brandon Kirk in a tangled web match.
A correction from yesterday. The 6/30 York Hall Pro Wrestling Eve show is WrestleQueendom 2, and the international title match will be a three-way with Jamie Hayter vs. Nina Samuels vs. Utami Hayashishita. (thanks to Chris Gannon)
Randy Couture will be starring in a pro wrestling horror movie (for some reason I think of 1999 WCW) called Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre. It’s a story about an aging brothers tag team who have fallen from the top and are now in a small promotion and must face each other in a midnight cage match on Halloween with fans who are all infected with rabies. They have to fight for their lives against the rabid fans to prevent being killed by the zombies.
Another wrestling horror film comes out tomorrow from InterVision Pictures called “Masked Mutilator” about a pro wrestler who accidentally kills his opponent in the ring and ends up working at a group home. A psychopath wearing a pro wrestling mask starts killing the teenagers in the rehab center.
Combate Americas on 6/7 in Tucson AZ at Casino del Sol will air live on Univision and Univision Deportes. The main event is Jose Alday (12-4-1) vs. Juan Pablo Gonzalez (7-2-2) in a bantamweight fight.
ICW on 5/17 in Queens, NY with Sami Callihan vs. Nick Gage in a last man standing match plus Rich Swann vs. Marko Stunt and Homicide vs. Joe Gacy vs. Pinkie Sanchez vs. KTB.
Tatanka, Tommy Dreamer, Tony Atlas, Tito Santana, Little Guido, Snitsky and others will be wrestling on Friday night in Long Valley, NJ at the Meadowbrook Fieldhouse for East Coast Pro Wrestling.
Defy on 6/15 in Portland, OR a the Hawthorne Theater featuring Brian Cage, Artemis Spencer and TJP.
Ed in San Antonio presents PODER~! at the FSW arena on Friday 5/24 – Showtime is at noon – Main event: Bryan Alvarez vs. Logan Stunt
Empire dinner on Friday 5/24 at 8:30 p.m. at Texas de Brazil – Price is $82 – All you can eat meat and salad, sodas, tea, and coffee, plus dessert included
Empire suite party on Friday 5/24 for those who were not able to get the Q&A package – Price is $25
