Tag: konnan

Daily Update: Konnan, MLW-WWE lawsuit, AEW-TSN

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • G-1 MVP and best match of G-1
  • Match of the week and performer of the week
  • Behind the scenes of the last month of AEW. why stories were kept quiet, why people were not allowed to attend Collision, why this has gone on for 18 months
  • All of the recent incidents talked about from multiple sides
  • The promo by C.M. Punk and what happened at the Greensboro show which led to all of his getting out
  • Different reactions to the promo
  • The apology that did happen
  • All In and attendance records plus the updated card with new matches that have not yet been announced
  • Full coverage of the end of G-1 and the big fall shows for New Japan
  • Business notes on G-1
  • Naito has two of the best matches of the year
  • Koichi Yoshizawa and his role in Japanese wrestling coverage in the U.S.
  • Saturday’s UFC coverage and where the top stars go from here as well as the business notes
  • Coverage of the final TripleMania show of the year and storylines behind it
  • Tammy Sytch update
  • The most detailed look at ratings for all the wrestling and MMA shows, gains and losses with what groups and why, what segments did the best and worst
  • Another women’s champion out of action due to surgery
  • RevPro and CMLL working relationship notes
  • World Grand Prix notes
  • Stardom PPV coverage and upcoming tag team tournament
  • N-1 coverage
  • New Japan and Stardom business notes
  • Hiromu Takahashi talks junior heavyweight goals
  • New Japan PPV shows this weekend
  • One of the biggest women stars has major surgery and a look back at her career
  • How the television industry continues to change
  • Full PWG coverage of the first show since January including some of AEW’s top stars
  • Update on new promotion opening next month and what well known announcer is in talks to appear
  • RevPro anniversary show update
  • WWE & AEW upcoming ticket sales
  • WWE & AEW streaming numbers
  • WWE and AEW international ratings
  • Conor McGregor talks future
  • Former UFC legend officially retires
  • Update on Bellator sale
  • Update on PPV numbers for Diaz-Paul and SummerSlam
  • Former WWE wrestler wins MMA fight
  • Edge and possible retirement
  • Build to Payback show
  • ESPN exec talks interest in pro wrestling
  • Possible retirement of Lacey Evans
  • Women’s tag title update
  • Asuka talks Japanese wrestling and the back story
  • Logan Paul offers a $1 million bet
  • New WWE signing

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

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Monday Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering Raw and the rest of the weekend news. Also want to bring up that on Friday we had a show on the site with a rare interview with Mike Tenay talking about Kochi Yoshizawa and his influence on us as well as the wrestling industry as a whole.

Konnan has confirmed having a kidney donor. He’s been looking for one for years. He told Haus of Wrestling that he’s found a donor who just has to lose six pounds and then they can donate their kidney but they also have to find out if the person is compatible.

Kasowitz Benson Torres partner Christine A. Montenegro was the featured guest on SportsWise: A Podcast About Sports and the Law hosted by Gabriel Feldman, Professor of Sports Law at Tulane University, in the episode “Battle Royal: WWE Gets Slammed in Court.” In the podcast, Ms. Montenegro discusses the antitrust lawsuit of Kasowitz’s client MLW Media against WWE alleging that WWE has monopolized and attempted to monopolize the market for the sale or licensing of media rights for professional wrestling programming in the United States. 

With TSN+ in Canada moving from a free streaming service if you have a TSN subscription to an $8 per month service, that looks to limit the audience for Rampage and Collision which TSN only puts on streaming rather than regular television. 

Raw is in Quebec City tonight where another crowd of 10,000 plus is expected. The only stuff announced ahead of time was Gunther vs. Chad Gable as Gunther goes for the all-time longest IC title reign, and Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre vs. New Day. There looks to be a comedy match with Miz leading to an angle with LA Knight.

WBD sent out a press release stating Wednesday’s Dynamite had 2.3 million viewers and did an 0.81 in 18-49 L-3. To break that down for those not understanding, the 2.3 million viewers would be everyone who watched the show live plus on DVR through Saturday night at 3 a.m. The 0.81 is based on the actual audience that TBS gets. By that standard the show did an 0.70 same day number and anther 15.7 percent increase factoring in the next three days, which is the normal percentage increase that Raw, Smackdown and Dynamite (NXT is lower and Rampage is by far the highest and Collision is about the same as the other shows).

Rampage was 13th for the night on cable on Friday and third in the time slot. Smackdown won the night on network TV and overall. 

Joe Lauzon, who hasn’t fought since 2019, asked UFC for a retirement fight on the recent PPV show in Boston but was told that the card was already full. Dana White said that he believes Lauzon should retire rather than fight one more time.

Kai Kara-France, who was to face Manel Kape at the 9/9 UFC PPV show in Sydney, Australia, had to pull out of the fight due to suffering a concussion over the weekend in training.

Mackenzie Dern will face Jessica Andrade on the 11/11 show in Madison Square Garden. After Andrade lost to Tatiana Suarez, one would think UFC would like to see Dern get a big win in MSG in what should be the biggest PPV audience of the year with the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic heavyweight title main event.

The 9/1 Smackdown show in Hershey, PA, which is the John Cena return, was almost sold out before the announcement today of his coming back. It was just about sold out a few hours ago after the announcement so the secondary market tickets are a lot more valuable since very few primary market tickets are left. Cena will also be wrestling on the 9/8 show in India.

The docuseries “Wrestlers,” which is about the Ohio Valley Wrestling promotion run by Al Snow, will be debuting on Netflix in September.

Progress sent out a release saying that the International Exchange of North America (IENA) from the U.S. has made a significant investment in the company. 

Impact on Thursday will have Alex Shelley vs. Brian Myers, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Taylor Wilde, Chris Sabin vs. Samuray del Sol, Chris Bey & Ace Austin vs. Jason Hotch & John Skyler and Laredo Kid vs Deaner.

AEW will be taping both Dynamite and Collision on Wednesday in Duluth, GA with this card:

  • Will Ospreay & Chris Jericho contract signing
  • Adam Cole and MJF interviewed by Renee Paquette
  • Sky Blue vs. Ruby Soho
  • Swerve Strickland & AR Fox vs. Darby Allin & Nick Wayne
  • Jack Perry retires the FTW title
  • Aussie Open vs. Hardys for ROH tag titles
  • Kenny Omega & Young Bucks vs. Juice Robinson & Gunn Brothers
  • For Collision they only announced an “All-Star 8 man tag match.”

Other Notes

House of Glory Wrestling on Friday night in Jamaica, NY: Encore Moore won Matt Travis Memorial Battle Royal, Steph De Lander b Kiki Van Gogh, Nolo Kitano won six-way ladder match to win cruiserweight title over champion Joey Silver, Super Crazy, Jordan Oliver, Raheem Royal and Isaiah Kaissidy, Hiroshi Tanahashi b Matt Cardona in a non-title match, Charles Mason b Masha Slamovich to retain the Crown Jewel title, Midas Black & Jack Lyon b Amazing Red & Brian XL in a cage match to win the House of Glory tag titles

Combat 1 Wrestling from from Friday night in Waterford Township, MI: Nate Bock b Antonio Christiano, Miami Mike b Reggie Collins, Tommy Vendetta b Fancy Ryan Clancy, Gio Bronco b Fabio, Krystal Moon b Sadiee Suicide-DQ, Alex Shelley won over Jason Hotch, Tommy Vendetta and Miami Mike to become the first Crash champion (thanks to Leonard Brand)

TMart Promotions has already announced a convention, The Gathering 5 for August 1-August 4, 2024 at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte, NC. This has been an annual event the past several years.

A horse named Fabulous Moolah won the eighth race at Finger Lakes in New York as a 3-2 favorite and it was the horse’s second win in a row (thanks to Barry Werner)

WOR Video: Konnan on Kenny Omega vs. Vikingo II

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Konnan talked about Kenny Omega & Vikingo, as well as future breakout talent, on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales were joined by Konnan as he discussed how the Omega vs. Vikingo match came about. Konnan revealed that originally, the first match was to take place in AAA.

“The first one was going to be with us,” Konnan said. “And [Omega] got hurt. Then the second time I talked to him, he was still negotiating with AEW.”

Konnan said that despite AEW being the first to have the match this past March, he said that he didn’t care, as those who watch AAA don’t watch AEW.

“They might read about it or whatever, but our fans…we’ve been around 30 years, our fans are our fans, and they want to see that match in Mexico. We really built Kenny in no time at all into like a rock star. They love him in Mexico.”

When asked about upcoming stars in AAA, Konnan brought up one male wrestler who is set to debut soon and a high-flying women’s wrestler who he recently discovered. However, he did mention one name he thought would become big in the next year.

“Jack Cartwheel,” Konnan said. “He’s a former gymnast. Incredible attitude, very creative. Does really cool s***. “

Wrestling Observer Radio: Konnan joins to discuss all the wrestling news

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back for a brand new Wrestling Observer Radio. Konnan joined us on the show.

We talked about a lot of the latest news in professional wrestling including:

  • All the rumors about AEW’s next TV rights deal
  • How streaming may or may not play into it
  • Tony Khan’s increased workload
  • Why Sami Zayn is booked for the next show in Saudi Arabia
  • Konnan’s thoughts on Bad Bunny and WWE Backlash
  • Some new Triple A talent that may be coming on the scene
  • Kenny Omega and El Hijo del Vikingo in Mexico
  • Canelo Alvarez and the business for Tank Davis Vs. Ryan Garcia
  • When Konnan went to WCW in 1996
  • Why The Acclaimed aren’t as hot

You can check out Konnan’s podcast K100 w/Konnan & Disco on Apple Podcasts. 

The full video is available for video subscribers at https://video.f4wonline.com/.

Click Here to Listen

Konnan explains why Kenny Omega wasn’t available for AAA Triplemania Monterrey

Posted on by Ian Carey

Konnan has revealed why Kenny Omega isn’t booked for AAA Triplemania Monterrey this weekend. 

Konnan told Nick Hausman he wanted Omega to face El Hijo Del Vikingo on Sunday’s show but Omega’s contract negotiations with AEW prevented it from happening. 

“Originally we were going to bring in Omega but he was still negotiating with AEW and he wasn’t sure if he was going to stay or not,” Konnan said. “So, we couldn’t commit, and he didn’t want to come here until he signed. So, that was out the window, boom.”

Konnan would continue to say that he is “assuming” Omega has re-signed with AEW. Dave Meltzer would later note on Wrestling Observer Radio, that Omega has not re-signed with the company. Omega’s deal was originally set to expire in January but was extended due to the months he was out of action with various injuries. It is unknown how much time was tacked onto the deal.

“I’m assuming [Omega has re-signed with AEW],” Konnan continued. “I never really asked him but there are plans for him in the future so I’m thinking he already signed.

But, you know, he wasn’t sure if he was going to stay and WWE was talking to him. You know? So, we couldn’t get him to commit.”

Meltzer noted in the 4/9 Daily Update that AAA hoped to book Omega vs. Vikingo on a future Triplemania event. Last month, Meltzer reported AEW was looking to sign Omega and The Young Bucks to long-term deals. 

The main event of AAA Triplemania Monterrey features El Hijo del Vikingo defending the AAA Mega Championship in a four way against Swerve Strickland, Komander, and Rich Swann.  

Triplemania Monterrey 4/16 lineup:

  • AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo defends against Swerve Strickland, Komander, and Rich Swann in a four-way match
  • Guerra de Rivalidades tournament: Alberto El Patron & Pentagon Jr. vs. Sam Adonis & Psycho Clown
  • Guerra de Rivalidades tournament: Rush & LA Park vs. DMT Azul & Blue Demon Jr.
  • Copa Triplemania
  • Lucha de Apuestas cage match: Laredo Kid vs. Parka Negra vs. Black Taurus vs. Villano III Jr. vs. Octagon Jr. vs. Argenis vs. Myzteziz Jr. vs. Aerostar vs. Antifaz del Norte vs. Abismo Negro Jr.
  • The final two wrestlers left in the cage match will face off a in mask vs. mask match

Konnan to induct Rey Mysterio into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Konnan will be taking part in this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

Dave Meltzer confirms that Konnan will induct his friend Rey Mysterio into the WWE Hall of Fame at this month’s ceremony over WrestleMania week in Los Angeles. Meltzer notes that WWE approved Mysterio’s request to have Konnan induct him.

“Konnan will be inducting Rey into the Hall of Fame,” Meltzer wrote. “Rey asked for him and the company approved it. As noted last night, to me it was the only choice.”

Konnan inducting Mysterio was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Mysterio was revealed as the first inductee for the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame class on SmackDown last night. The video package announcing his induction can be seen below:

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is taking place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles after SmackDown on Friday, March 31. The Great Muta will also reportedly be an inductee in this year’s class.

Mysterio is currently feuding with his son Dominik leading into WrestleMania.

Konnan explains AEW pulling Sammy Guevara & Tay Melo from AAA show

Posted on by Ian Carey

Konnan has commented on Tay Melo and Sammy Guevara missing AAA Noche De Campeones.

Tay and Guevara were scheduled to defend their AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships on Wednesday’s show but ended up being replaced by Abismo Negro Jr. and Flammer. Konnan said on his podcast recently that AEW’s Tony Khan pulled them from the event.  

Konnan said:

“I will just say that Tony [Khan] pulled Tay because some girl, I don’t know who, had COVID. I’m not sure why Sammy was pulled because he didn’t even appear on the f—ing show.” 

Later in the podcast, Konnan commented on the difficulty he has had booking Tay and Guevara in AAA and the multiple times they have missed shows.  

The first time, they missed their flight. 

The second time it was, this girl is Brazilian Tay Melo, and I know this to be a fact because one time when I was handling Rey’s (Mysterio) business when he was out of WWE, they wanted him to go to Brazil and to get a visa is not easy. So, she needed to get a visa. 

Tay sent me her visa papers and she was like, ‘I tried to get my visa, I couldn’t get it on time, but we will be at the next show for sure. They sent me a video, everything was cool and the next thing I know Tony pulled her because somebody had COVID. What I don’t understand is why didn’t he just send Sammy because Sammy didn’t do s–t on the show.

He would also say that he “gets along with both” Guevara and Tay. 

Tay teamed with Anna Jay and defeated Ruby Soho and Willow Nightingale on the December 28 AEW Dynamite, the same night that AAA Noche De Campeones in Acapulco. 

Konnan cut a promo during the AAA show and said that he was stripping Tay and Guevara of the titles because they had cancelled multiple times and were making demands of the company such as wanting their own referee. 

Abismo Negro Jr. and Flammer defeated Komander & Sexy Star II and Octagon Jr. & Lady Shani in a triple threat match to win the vacant titles. 

Wrestling Observer Radio: Sasha, New Japan, RAW report, new AEW production hire, Hall of Fame Q&A

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the annual Hall of Fame issue with your questions, updates on Sasha and Konnan and New Japan’s tournament wrapping up, Karl Anderson and the Tokyo Dome, RAW from Monday night, Winter is Coming, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Nine Lives of Vince McMahon on Vice Tuesday night

3:37: Sasha Banks/NJPW update

6:43: Michael Mansury joins AEW

10:26: William Regal returning to WWE in a executive position, Konnan waiting for kidney transplant

13:47: NJPW World Tag League/Super Jr. Tag finals

20:37: BOLA tickets going on sale soon

22:08: Ratings

27:04: More on UFC judging

33:31: Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Q&A

53:10: Raw recap

1:15:57: AEW preview

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Konnan has begun dialysis, recalls falling asleep in business meetings

Posted on by Ian Carey

Konnan addressed the latest on his health during an episode of his Keepin it 100 podcast. 

The 58-year-old has been experiencing health problems dating back to a bad bout of COVID-19 in February 2021. After effects from the virus led to him having heart surgery in January. He is also currently awaiting his second kidney transplant surgery after having previously undergone the same procedure in 2007. 

He noted on his podcast that he started dialysis recently. 

“I just start dialysis today and I can tell that for the last eight months – and I really usually don’t bring it up to you guys because that’s just the way I am – but the last eight months have been torture for me, mentally, physically” Konnan said. 

“It’s been very, very hard to go to work, to work, to do this show. Thank god, it’s the only things I have to do but even getting on a plane has been torture for me. I feel weak, I feel lethargic, I feel dispondant. No energy, irritable, depressed, you name it, bro, I’m just not myself. It’s been really hard and it’s been really hard for me to cope with this.”

Konnan continued to talk about his health impacting his ability to work including attending meetings about AAA developing an arena in Cancun to put on shows for tourists. He noted that he fell asleep during a casting session for actors to work on the shows. 

“We’ve been auditioning people for the acting roles, for the wrestling roles, and all that. So, that starts in February. We did the final casting yesterday and bro, during the meeting, I fell asleep, which is very embarrassing. Then an hour later I had a meeting with Marvel and I fell asleep during that too, which is very embarrassing because that’s just how weak I was.”

Konnan continued to say that after going to dialysis he is starting to feel better, however. 

“I went there today and it was a great experience, way better than I expected. I feel really good and I hope to be my old grumpy self and I just wanted to say that.” 

He also said he lost the list of people willing to donate a kidney and is hoping those volunteers can reach out to him again. 

“I also wanted to say that there were like five people who were cool enough that they wanted to donate their kidneys and I lost that list. So, if they could please get ahold of me again because I don’t know who you are or how to get ahold of you.”

Konnan will continue going to dialysis three days a week until he is able to get a kidney transplant.  

Dave Meltzer addressed Konnan’s health and the health of our own Jim Valley in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

“Both Konnan and Jim Valley are awaiting kidney transplants. Konnan had one 13 years ago and is hoping to find a compatible donor for this second one. Konnan has not been traveling to the AAA shows but is still booking and writing the shows and sending finishes in via group chats. He’s started dialysis so his health has improved of late and hopes to be back on the road for the 12/28 show in Acapulco,” Meltzer wrote. “Valley is undergoing tests needed to qualify for a transplant.”

Konnan says Kenny Omega couldn’t send video for Triplemania due to ‘legal issues’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Konnan says that Kenny Omega was prevented from sending a video to AAA for Triplemania due to “legal issues.” 

Omega is technically the number-one contender for El Hijo del Vikingo’s AAA Mega Championship but was not permitted to take part in this weekend’s Triplemania event. He continues to be suspended from AEW due to the backstage altercation he was involved in at All Out. The suspension prevents him from taking part in bookings outside the promotion as well. 

On the latest edition of his Keepin’ it 100 podcast, Konnan mentioned that he approached Omega about submitting a video to be played during the show but was told that was not possible. 

“I know there are some legal issues because I actually asked Kenny Omega if he could send me a video for Triplemania, whoever wins between Vikingo and Fenix because, you know, he’s the number one contender, and he goes, ‘I still can’t because of legal issues.’ So, there is something legal going on,” Konnan said. 

Last month, Konnan noted on his podcast that Omega’s suspension also prevented him from wrestling at Triplemania. 

Our own Dave Meltzer addressed possible legal issues stemming from the altercation at All Out in the October 3 edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

“Regarding the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, they all hadn’t heard anything from the company at least as of a few days ago,” he wrote.

Meltzer continued, “the belief is that their situation is on hold pending potential legal action, which unless cleared up, could delay things for some time and there is also a second hold up that hasn’t been made clear.”

Kenny Omega unable to appear at AAA Triplemania due to AEW suspension

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kenny Omega is not going to Triplemania.

On Konnan’s podcast, Konnan confirmed that Omega was set to headline the Triplemania show on October 15, but due to his suspension, is unable to do so.

“Omega was gonna headline Triplemania and [AEW] won’t let him go,” Konnan said. He said both Omega and AEW head of talent relations Christopher Daniels said he would not be able to make the shot.

Omega, along with The Young Bucks, CM Punk, and Ace Steel, have all been suspended from AEW following a confrontation backstage at AEW All Out back on September 4 after CM Punk made negative comments towards The Bucks and Hangman Page. The AEW World championship, which Punk held, and the Trios championship, which the Bucks and Omega held, were all vacated as a result.

Matches announced for the October 15 show in Mexico City include Pentagon Jr. vs. Villano IV in a mask vs. mask match, Taya Valkyrie vs. Kamille for the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship, Hijo del Vikingo vs. an unknown opponent for the AAA Mega Championship, and Pagano vs. Cibernetico in a hair vs. hair match.

Konnan on future of AAA, Triplemanía XXX in Tijuana, Hardys, U.S. return & TV deal

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

AAA is celebrating thirty years of Triplemanía this year by hosting three separate branded events. The first was held in April in Monterrey with the second coming up in Tijuana on June 18th which will include the promotional debuts of The Hardys

Ahead of Triplemanía XXX: Tijuana, I spoke with Konnan, the head of creative for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, who main evented the first ever Triplemanía back in May 1993 in a 2/3 falls retirement match against Cien Caras.

That show became historic as it was the first major event ran by the promotion after Antonio Peña founded it along with Konnan after they left Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). They sold out the Plaza de Toros with 50,000 fans, turning away thousands who had to watch the show from the parking lot through screens. The event ended up setting the all-time attendance record for a Mexican wrestling live event. 

“I was in the very first Triplemania, so I’ve seen this company grow up. I really believe that after the Monterrey show (this year), we really showed people that we could be on the same level as what they are doing in the United States. The production was outstanding, the screens were bigger than usual, the pyrotechnics were incredible, we had the jets flying up above and we had some great matches. Everything is coming together and we really have a special show lined up for Tijuana which is the place I started wrestling, so it’s a special place.” 

Ruleta de la Muerte Tournament

The Triplemania XXX series features the Ruleta de la Muerte which translates to Death Roulette in English. It’s a tournament with eight men which saw Ultimo Dragon, Pentagón Jr., LA Park, Villano IV, Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Blue Demon Jr., Canek and Psycho Clown compete in the first round in Monterrey.

The finals are set for the October 15th show in Mexico City in which the final two men will face off in a Lucha de Apuestas mask vs. mask match. 

Given that a couple of the names involved are legends and haven’t wrestled in AAA since the early 90s, I asked Konnan about their reactions to being brought back for this tournament. 

“I think all of them were happy to be back and have their fans see them one last time. Canek hadn’t been on TV for many years, neither had Villano IV, neither had Ultimo Dragon, none of the legends had. They were kinda in the indie circuit doing there thing. Some of them were kinda afraid of how they would look, because they weren’t that active. I tried to keep as many of the matches short.” 

Konnan then talked about how nostalgia and nostalgic acts have done well.

“The good thing is they have all changed their way of thinking, being outside of AAA, and not being kinda relevant. It kinda made them see what they lost. They all came back and they came back to do business.”

The Hardys to make their AAA debuts 

One of the most anticipated matches features the debuts of one of the most iconic tag teams ever, Matt and Jeff Hardy, against Los Hermanos Lee: Dragon Lee and Dralistico. 

‘I love Matt and Jeff on a personal level; two of the coolest guys I’ve ever met in this business. I have nothing but respect and love for them and they’ve changed the business with what they have done,” he said. “The fact that we got one of the greatest tag teams in history to come to Mexico on such a big stage, that’s big. Part of the strategy is for American fans to see them but while they are seeing them, they are seeing our product and they can fall in love with what we’re doing.”

Konnan also discussed the differences in the way American wrestling is presented on television and how they do it in AAA, so that the casuals who tune into the show can understand. 

“This is not American wrestling; it’s called lucha libre. There’s a lot of stuff we do that you don’t. So when you see that we don’t tag, that we have a heel ref, when you see all those things you’re not used to, it’s because it’s lucha libre.” 

AAA expansion 

Many fans have been wondering when AAA will be running shows in the United States, especially those cities with a larger Hispanic audience.

“I can guarantee you 100 percent, we have a couple of venues in the United States. It’s not for me to say it at this time. We’re working at major Hispanic hubs where AAA will be making an appearance. The other thing that I can say and I can’t say too much about this but we are in negotiations to come to the United States in a very, very big way on TV.”

“My whole thing is I just want to go out there and show the fans and everybody what lucha libre is all about, what they have been missing, what hasn’t been adequately used. I wanna make Latinos proud. I amped because maybe twenty years ago if I would have done this, I wasn’t ready. I am ready now. I know what Latinos want, I know what the American fans want, and now I’ll have the resources.”

“One of the things that hurts us a lot is we don’t have the resources to do a lot of the stuff, I’d like to do. We’re starting to get them which is why shows are tighter, but we got some cool sh*t coming and there’s a reason why we’re on FITE.tv. There’s a reason why we’re back on YouTube. Those are baby steps into coming into the United States.:

Triplemanía XXX: Tijuana will be available on FITE and PWTV on Saturday, June 18th. 

Wrestling Observer Live: Konnan, GUNTHER STARK available now, AEW Dynamite recap

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including best wishes for Konnan, WWE already abandoned GUNTER STARK in case you want to pick up the trademark, AEW Dynamite recap from Wednesday night, all the news and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Wrestling Observer Radio: AEW and NXT TV, Konnan, COVID everywhere, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including a health update on Konnan, COVID everywhere in wrestling, UFC and GCW this coming weekend, AEW and NXT TV reports, ratings and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Konnan recovering from surgery, COVID updates on MLW and CMLL

5:00: Ratings for SmackDown, NXT, Rampage

18:03: UFC & GCW this weekend

26:00: NJPW returning to AXS

29:33: AEW recap

1:08:04: NXT recap

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Konnan home recovering from heart surgery

Posted on by Josh Nason

Mexican wrestling legend Konnan is back home recovering from heart surgery, according to Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer said that Konnan (Charles Ashenoff) was hospitalized last Thursday after suffering what was described as a lot of pain in his chest. He had originally attributed the discomfort to fractured ribs he suffered during an FTR attack last June on AEW Dynamite.

The 58-year-old was hospitalized for six days and had the surgery before returning home.

Meltzer later confirmed a report about the need for surgery being related to a bout with COVID-19. However, it wasn’t a new case of the virus but after effects from when Konnan had the virus in February 2021. In the same timeframe, he was hospitalized due to a serious kidney issue.

As of this writing, he hasn’t gone public on social media with his situation but did respond to a fan on Twitter who asked if he was ok:

Retired from in-ring competition, Konnan has remained part of MLW, managing current Tag Team Champions 5150 and has been part of their last few TV tapings.

Ric Flair appears at AAA Triplemania XXIX, accompanies Andrade

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Less than two weeks after departing WWE, Ric Flair made a surprise appearance at Triplemania XXIX.

Flair accompanied his future son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to the ring for his AAA Mega Championship match against Kenny Omega at Triplemania on Saturday night. Omega defeated Andrade to retain the title after giving him a belt shot and then a One Winged Angel onto the title belt.

There was a segment earlier on Saturday’s show where Andrade told Konnan that he didn’t want Konnan to be in his corner for the match. Andrade said he had someone more important to accompany him. After going to Omega with a proposition, Konnan accompanied Omega for the title match.

There was a spot during the match where Flair stopped Omega from hitting Andrade with the Mega title belt. Flair and Andrade then took turns chopping Omega. After Flair chopped Konnan down, Andrade and Flair put Omega and Konnan in stereo Figure Four leglocks.

Konnan had the referee distracted when Omega hit Andrade with the title belt near the end of the match.

WWE confirmed on August 3 that Flair had been released from his contract with the company. Flair then issued a statement saying that he asked for his release and had the request granted by WWE. Flair wished WWE nothing but continued success but said that he and the company had different visions for his future.

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the word going around is that it seems to be a lock that Flair will be heading to AEW when legally able to do so.

Andrade is engaged to Flair’s daughter Charlotte Flair.