Danny Limelight has signed with MLW as part of a new LAX stable led by Konnan.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported this evening that Limelight had signed with the company. An angle that took place on tonight’s MLW Battle Riot tapings revealed that Limelight, under the name Rivera, was part of a new version of LAX, with Konnan managing Limelight, Slice Boogie (who has worked for the NWA recently), and Julius Smokes. Sapp has also confirmed that Boogie and Smokes have signed with MLW.
Fightful also reported that Limelight is permitted to appear on NJPW as part of the new deal. Limelight is a regular on New Japan Strong as part of the Team Filthy stable with Tom Lawlor and JR Kratos.
Prior to signing with MLW, Limelight had regularly been appearing on AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation, and even had a match on Dynamite in January where he teamed with The Varsity Blonds in a losing effort against Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers. His last appearance on AEW programming was on the June 5 edition of Dark, where he lost to Ethan Page.
A look at the WWE’s last PPV of the Thunderdome era and what did and didn’t work on the Hell in a Cell show is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. We’ve got the booking, future direction for Money in the Bank, update on MITB tickets, star ratings, poll results and match and performer of the week.
Also in this issue:
A new lawsuit against UFC and why it is a potential game changer along with what would be almost a sure thing if it’s successful regarding WWE, what the claims are, and if it’s successful what it says about payment of money to athletes.
New Japan running shows in the United States, a look back at the early shows in Southern California, who is and isn’t on the cards and more.
Becky Lynch returning, SummerSlam ticket sales, WWE return to MSG, WWE ticket sales, FOX and NBCU suggestions for WWE programming, Montez Ford surgery, Karrion Kross and Bronson Reed tryouts, Shayna Baszler talks angle, International TV ratings, controversy over writer with no product knowledge continued and reaction internally, Rey Mysterio talks angle he doesn’t want to do, Kushida talks Kyle O’Reilly, Titus O’Neil talks his award nomination, plus next week’s TV shows, WWE’s biggest YouTube videos from this past week and WWE company market value.
Saturday’s UFC show with match-by-match coverage, future directions for the talent, business notes and more
Changes being worked on for the Nielsen ratings and who isn’t happy about them and why, television vs. streaming in 2021 and a comparison using AEW programming.
Suwama’s vacating the Triple Crown, how it will be decided, and then look back at how the three belts, the United National, PWF and International belts all formed, when, their rules, their history and the creation of the Triple Crown more than 30 years ago.
A feature on the death of former bodybuilding star turned pro wrestler Melissa Coates.
More into detail on the ratings than any other source, how many different viewers the shows had, breakdown of who watches the shows and how they watch, DVR numbers and how long the average fan watches.
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, Eddie Kingston, Chris Jericho, and much more. You can send questions for tonight’s show to [email protected]
Raw tonight includes a three-way for a Money in the Bank spot with last week’s losers, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton and A.J. Styles, plus Elias vs. Jaxson Ryker in a strap match. Karrion Kross, Scarlett and Shotzi Blackheart are all there. They are probably working Main Event.
The NBA and NHL playoffs hurting wrestling numbers will continue this week. The Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns gave five is tonight and it could end the series. If a game six is needed, it goes against AEW on Wednesday and if a game seven is needed, it goes against Smackdown on Friday. So Smackdown & AEW could get a break this week to a degree. NXT goes against Bucks-Hawks tomorrow but that series won’t go against WWE or AEW, but will go against Impact on Thursday.
The NHL playoffs are in the finals, Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens. Game one is tonight against Raw. Game two is Wednesday against AEW. Game three is Friday against Smackdown. The NHL crossover isn’t as big as the NBA, but once you get to the finals it hurts. Plus for AEW, they have to reestablish Wednesday which will take a few weeks after so many weeks off.
Vince McMahon will be scouting NXT talent at the Performance Center this week. As noted all week, the idea is to try and have a younger roster but they also want size.
The AEW ratings won’t be out until tomorrow. However, the cable numbers we got were not good, showing a 22 percent decline in viewers and 43 percent decline in hours viewed from the prior Friday night show. Keep in mind that while they do usually end up similar to Nielsen that is not always the case. The NBA game with the Phoenix Suns vs. Clippers had 11.5 times the viewership head-to-head. Whether it’s because of a more accurate method of measurement or because the people with the system skew more toward the NBA, the NBA in comparison to wrestling does far better here than in Nielsen across the board. It should be noted that DVR viewership of AEW on Sunday was up 47 percent off the Saturday night airing.
Impact will be expanding its exposure throughout Europe on Pluto TV. In particular they will have new exposure in the U.K,, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Austria.
WWE
John Morrison was interviewed by DAZN’s Steve Muehlhausen and he put over the Raw show from Monday.
AEW
Because of a curfew at the San Diego Airport, Konnan had to fly on Saturday to Orlando, drive to Jacksonville, which was two hours and got there 45 minutes before his segment started. He didn’t even know his segment until arriving so it was all put together not on the fly, but with almost no lead time.
OTHER NOTES
Today is the 23rd anniversary of the Undertaker vs. Mick Foley Hell in a Cell match, which is one of the most talked about and famous matches in pro wrestling history.
United Wrestling Coalition on Saturday night at Kelly’s Bar in Wrightstown, NJ. They are also collecting Toys for Tots and admission is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15. The event is outdoors so you are encouraged to bring your own lawn chair and it starts at 5 p.m.
Sendai Girls did a PPV show from Niigata yesterday. Meiko Satomura said it was her last show. She had the NXT U.K. women’s title with her. Yurika Oka b Mei Hoshizuki to win the jr. title, Aiger & Rydeen Hagane b Kaoru & Sakura Hirota, Aja Kong & Hiroyo Matsumoto & Ayame Sasamura b Ryo Mizunami & Ike Iwata & Manami, Mio Momono & Rin Kadokura b Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu to win the Sendai Girls tag titles, Minoru Suzuki & Meiki Satomura b Jinsei Shinzaki & Nanae Takahashi (thanks to Shannon Walsh of JoshiSunTimes.com)
The PFL announced the hiring of Derk Chang to its Board of Directors. Chang is the CEO of Friend MTS and former CEO of NBA China. Obviously the idea is to use his experience and connections to get into the China market.
King Mo, BuKu Dao and Alex Kane have been added to MLW’s 7/10 Battle Riot show. Also added to the show is a Bunkhouse Brawl with Team Filthy vs. Ross & Marshall Von Erich.
Northeast Wrestling from yesterday in Waterbury, CT: Gio Valvano b Ray Jaz, Channing Thomas b Chris Battle, Mike Gamble b Mosh Pit, Tony Vega & Cam Zagami b Traevon Jordan & Jaylen Brandyn, Megan Bayne b Tina San Antonio, Zane Bernardo & RJ Rude b PJ & Tommy Grayson, Hale Collins b Dutch (Bill Carr) via DQ, Ron Zombie b J-Hero, Wrecking Ball Legursky b Chris Moljo, Mike Verna b Jimmy Preston, Keith Youngblood b Brad Hollister to win the Live title (thanks to Nick Mahmood)
Combate Globo announced running Friday night for the only televised MMA show this weekend, live on CBS Sports Network at 11 p.m. Eastern. The top bouts are Jose Estrada (6-2), who finally gets a main event, vs. Leonardo Morales (10-4) at featherweight and Tommy Aaron (7-4) vs. Alex Velasco (8-6).
Gleat will air live on YouTube on Thursday at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time for a show build around old UWF style matches with the big four bouts being:
Daijiro Matsui & Tetsuya Izuchi vs. Minoru Tanaka & Soma Watanabe
Chihiro Hashimoto vs.; Maya Fukuda
Masakatsu Funaki vs. Yu Iizuka
Sho vs; Takanori Ito
ROH is doing a buy one ticket, get the second night free in its presale for the 8/20 and 8/21 shows in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. Tickets don’t go on sale to the public until 7/5 at 10 a.m.
GCW runs 8/7 in Los Angeles at the Ukranian Cultura Center on FIE at 8 plm.
Innovative Wrestling Fire on the Mountain on 8/14 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with an Ultimate Jeopardy match main event.
According to Dave Meltzer, Konnan was released from a hospital Thursday and is doing better.
The former Mexican wrestling legend tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized this week afterward due to a serious kidney issue. Following a 2007 kidney transplant and side effects from anti-rejection drugs, he had been very cautious in the pandemic due to a weakened immune system.
The 57-year-old born Charles Ashenoff said he was bedridden for three days before getting his diagnosis and going to the hospital as his kidneys were failing. It’s unknown how he got the virus and whether he still it.
Meltzer said that he had been spending time with no one other than his family and the Mysterio family who recently revealed they battled COVID-19 back in December. Konnan had attended both Impact Wrestling and AAA tapings in recent months.
Now retired from active competition, he has stayed involved with several organizations including the aforementioned AAA and Impact in addition to MLW where he has been feuding with Salina de la Renta.
On Wedneday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Konnan is currently hospitalized with a kidney issue, one that Meltzer said is “pretty serious.”
Meltzer didn’t have any additional details confirmed, but said the situation was “very concerning” and that more may be known on Thursday.
Born Charles Ashenoff in Cuba, the 57-year-old had a kidney transplant in July 2007. He hasn’t posted any update on social media in several days.
Now retired from the ring, he has stayed involved in pro wrestling with several organizations including AAA, Impact, and MLW where he has been feuding with Salina de la Renta. He even did an appearance on a November 2020 edition of AEW Dynamite when Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle went to Las Vegas.
He recently drew some attention for criticizing AEW president Tony Khan’s booking on his Keepin’ It 100 podcast which Khan addressed on a different podcast this week. Khan said he enjoyed his working relationship with AAA and Konnan, pointing to the success of the 2019 Young Bucks/Lucha Bros angle which was a success for the Mexican-based company.
Alexander Hammerstone retained his MLW National Openweight title against the debuting Savio Vega
Contra Unit announced their fourth and newest member, Ikuro Kwan
Bestia 666 picked up his second victory against Rey Horus
Konnan got the upper hand on Salina de la Renta…again
The Opera Cup will return in December
MLW has another partner: The Crash Lucha Libre from Mexico
Full Recap —
Bestia 666 defeated Rey Horus (9:38)
Salina de la Renta was left frustrated by Horus’ Promociones Dorado negotiations so she summoned her devil to take him out.
After an early flourish by Horus, Bestia switched places and took him out with a suicide dive — driving him through the guardrail. A superkick floored Horus inside as the commentators mentioned the notable slower pace to the usual MLW lucha matches.
The pace picked up when Horus sent his opponent to the outside with a spinning headscissors and took to the sky as he ran and dove over the corner ring post, landing a senton on Bestia on the outside.
Back inside, Horus reversed a powerbomb with a sunset flip and then hit a standing Spanish fly for a close two count. Horus’ attack continued as he arm dragged Bestia off the top rope after initially having his spinning victory roll off the top blocked. He followed up with a big satellite DDT that got another close two count.
The finish came after a brief forearm exchange on the top rope. Bestia hit the ropes and crotched Horus, which gave him the time he needed to grab him in the Muscle Buster position but jump down onto his knees, compacting Horus and picking up his second victory in MLW.
– De la Renta took the mic after the match and said that after that performance, it shows she is the best promoter around. She then threatened Konnan to give her her phone back, which brought him out.
Konnan brought up de la Renta’s sketchy contract negotiations with Savio Vega and holding off on his signing bonus. This brought out the Caribbean star who stood on the apron and tore up the contract offer to the delight of Konnan and the crowd.
– This week’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic featured gifts of gold Rolex watches from MJF which made National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone cry and more jokes and taunts to Teddy Hart courtesy of Richard Holliday.
– H2tv had Teddy Hart showing Brian Pillman Jr. how to backflip on his hotel room bed.
– The Opera Cup was then introduced and announced as returning on December 5. The original concept was an annual multi-day tournament held in various opera houses between Boston and New York. The last champion was Stu Hart in 1948 and Teddy Hart donated the cup to MLW to bring back the tradition and crown a new winner in 2019.
– Contra Unit’s weekly propaganda video featured them introducing their new member who temporarily blinded Marshall Von Erich last week: Ikuro Kwon, a pit fighter who has fought in the slums of Singapore, the tar pits of India, and has burned men with coals.
– Kaci Lennox was then backstage with Ross Von Erich and Tom Lawlor with an update on Marshall’s condition. Ross told us he is in Hawaii with an eye specialist. Lawlor wants more than an eye for an eye, because they are going to war.
– The newest MLW partnership with The Crash Lucha Libre promotion in Mexico was announced.
– Lennox was backstage with Mance Warner and his trusty whiteboard. Lennox wanted to know his game plan, but Warner had her draw trees on the whiteboard and then took a chainsaw to it, telling de la Renta he is going to cut down Promociones Dorado one “tree” at a time.
Josef Samael & Simon Gotch defeated Ariel Dominguez & Jay Sky (:31)
Gotch took out both Dominguez and Sky with big boots before tossing Dominguez across the ring with a suplex. One quick tag later to Samael to lock in his Camel Clutch and this match was over. While caught in the Clutch, Samael brought out the railroad spike and drove it into Dominguez’s mouth. Gotch added insult to injury with a Gotch piledriver.
MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone (with MJF and Richard Holliday) defeated Savio Vega to retain his title (7:40)
The three Dynasty members used their belts to “cheers” each other before the bell. MJF was Ric Flair strutting around ringside to try and rile up the fans. The commentary team talked up Vega’s high profile in Puerto Rico and his history of wrestling in New York in the 90s.
This was a good simple match that played to Vega’s strengths. They kept it simple in the opening exchanges: headlocks, shoulder blocks, and hip tosses. Hammerstone got the advantage after Vega crashed in the corner. A powerslam followed that got the champ a close two count.
MJF and Holliday were riling up the crowd at ringside, audibly shouting “That all you got, fatboy?!” to one in the front row. Inside the ring, Hammerstone floored Vega with a big boot. He went up top but missed a missile dropkick. Vega fired back with chops and a stiff kick to the sternum, but MJF removed a turnbuckle pad as Holliday distracted the referee.
Hammerstone threw Vega into the exposed turnbuckle and then hit the Nightmare Pendulum for the win, crushing Vega’s legs underneath him in the process.
After the bell, Brian Pillman Jr. appeared from the crowd, knocked down Richard Holliday, and ran off with Hammerstone’s red leather jacket. Vega then got helped to the back by medics as MJF and Holliday berated him from the ramp.
Next week —
LA Park vs. Jimmy Havoc in a New York City street fight
Ace Romero defeated Simon Gotch in a $20,000 Simon Gotch Prize Fight
Ariel Dominguez (from Team Filthy) defeated Andrew Everett
No DQ World Heavyweight Title Fight: Konnan vs. Low Ki (presented by Salina de la Renta) was a no contest due to referee stoppage.
This week’s episode opened with a video package hyping up tonight’s main event between Low Ki and Konnan. It showed the history between Konnan and Promociones Dorado, and the major events involving Pentagon Jr, Daga, Salina de la Renta and Ricky Martinez that have been building since September and that has led us to tonight’s match.
Tony Schiavone and Rich Bocchini welcomed us to the Scottish Rite Temple in Miami, Florida, for the last episode of 2018. We had a recap from last week’s Tom Lawlor vs. Simon Gotch no holds barred fight, Schiavone mentioned that Gotch has lost his mind since last week and he is desperate to show the world that he is the ultimate fighter in MLW.
Ace Romero defeated Simon Gotch in a $20,000 Simon Gotch Prize Fight (2:02)
Gotch took the mic before the match and said there has been a disease growing in MLW that has reached pandemic levels and he is going to act as the even hand of justice. Romero answered his open challenge.
Gotch tried to take Romero off his feet with a takedown early, but had no luck. He went up top and tried a choke but still no luck. Frustrated, Gotch took to the outside for a breather but did not expect to turn and see the 400 lb. Romero running across the ring in what looked like a suicide dive attempt. In a flash, Gotch dove under the apron and Romero stopped in his tracks before he could squash the self proclaimed prizefighter.
As we were told that one of the five allotted minutes had expired, Romero lifted Gotch back into the ring by his moustache and planted him with a facial hair assisted tree slam. Gotch fought back with hard strikes and slaps but quickly ate a bodyslam for his trouble. Romero then hit the ropes and was successful in squashing Gotch this time with a huge big elbow drop and picked up the three count, the win, and the $20,000.
— Schiavone updated us on Kotto Brazil’s injury, saying he has undergone two surgeries on his injured eye. We then saw footage of Ricky Martinez, apparently after the nightclub incident, in a limo filled with lap dancers and celebrating with champagne. We were told that Martinez has been suspended by MLW before cameras caught up with him outside the building. He said he doesn’t care how long he is suspended for as he is with Promociones Dorado, he flashed some cash before quickly leaving.
Ariel Dominguez defeated Andrew Everett (3:05)
This was a fun short match playing off Dominguez’s smaller size. Everett mocked him throughout the match but in the end that was his downfall as he spent too much time taunting and took his eye off the ball.
Dominguez missed a big top rope springboard splash early on. Everett followed up with a lionsault and finished his Chris Jericho tribute with a cocky foot on the chest pin attempt for a two count.
Everett kept on the advantage until he went for a chokeslam, but Dominguez slipped out and hit a big rolling German suplex for a two count of his own. He tried to continue his momentum as he charged into the corner, but Everett evaded and hit a nice Pele kick that knocked the smaller fighter to the ground.
Everett then went to the top rope but took too much time with his shooting star press as Dominguez was able to get his knees up then quickly grab Everett in a small package to pick up the flash three count for the win.
— We got a recap from two weeks ago where Teddy Hart won the MLW Middleweight championship in the ladder match.
— We then cut to Konnan outside the building talking about tonight’s main event. He says he can see through Low Ki and Salina, that he is on point and will take Low Ki to the deepest waters he has ever been in, and that the revolution tonight will be televised.
— A Tommy Dreamer & Barrington Hughes vs. Brian Pillman Jr. and Davey Boy Smith Jr. recap is shown from last week with Pillman picking up the win via the use of his own cane against Dreamer.
— We then cut to Dreamer where he said he underestimated Pillman. In their first match, he took advantage of Pillman while in their second match, Pillman stole the pin on him. Now, let’s set the stage for our third match, he said. He challenged Pilman to a Singapore cane match in two weeks. He says for every Charlotte Flair and Randy Orton walking around, there is an Angelo Mosca Jr. and Bruno Sammartino Jr. He asks Pillman what one will he be? He says Pillman has two weeks to step up and if he wants to be with him, he needs to beat him.
— We see a recap of the Tom Lawlor vs. Promociones Dorado feud with Lawlor finally getting his hands on Low Ki two weeks ago. We see extended footage of their brawl that went on after the cameras stopped rolling.
— H2tv time with Teddy Hart and Brian Pillman Jr. They are trash talking Pentagon Jr and Rey Fenix. Hart, along with Davey Boy Smith Jr., are challenging Pentagon Jr. and Fenix to a MLW Tag Team Championship match.
— We were then outside the building with Lawlor. He said that it has been seven long hard months since he had won the Battle Riot, and that Low Ki has been running from him. Lawlor is willing to fight for what he believes in, that he is willing to stand up to any challenge, that he is a fighting champion, and that is what Low Ki will never see when he looks in the mirror. He will show Low Ki how a real professional fighter handles business.
The MLW World Heavyweight Champion Low Ki (w/ Ricky Martinez & Salina de la Renta) vs. Konnan no DQ match ended in a no contest due to referee stoppage (5:44)
This bloody brawl had a big fight feel as we saw the tale of the tape before an extended video package for Konnan’s entrance. Both fighters went nose to nose as the official introductions were announced.
It was a chaotic start to the match as Konnan immediately sidestepped Low Ki, who stopped himself before hitting the referee in the corner. He tossed the official to the side and turned into a loaded sock shot from Konnan. The announcers questioned what was inside the sock as Konnan went for a cover, but Ricky Martinez pulled the champion to safety on the outside.
Low Ki was busted open and took a while to get back into the ring. When he did, he was staggering around but was still able to hit a kick to the gut and some shots to the kidneys before being thrown down looking completely out of it. Konnan locked in the tequilla sunrise but Martinez interfered again and started to put the boots to Konnan.
Martinez picked up Konnan and set him up for Low Ki to attack. Low Ki ran at Konnan with a drop kick, but the veteran sidestepped and Low Ki took out Martinez. Konnan then hit a low blow to floor the champion again, but this time, Salina de la Renta entered the ring. She got in Konnan’s face and tried to hit him with her cane, but that was caught by Konnan who contemplated hitting her with ii. This gave Low Ki just enough time to recover and take out Konnan with a big shot to the head.
Low Ki stomped a beer bottle into Konnan’s head that busted him open too. Martinez and de la Renta entered the ring again, along with Hijo de la Park, and they began beating down a defenseless Konnan. The referee tried to gain some sort of control but eventually called for the bell as Martinez and Hijo held Konnan and Low Ki repeatedly struck him in the back, liver, and kidneys.
Salina took out what looked like a spike and screamed at Low Ki to use it. Officials tried to get into the ring but Martinez and Hijo quickly took them out. Salina again screamed at the champion to use the spike so Low Ki took it and drilled it into Konnan’s back.
Enough was enough for Tom Lawlor as he ran out and made the save. He took out Martinez and Hijo with right hands and a spinning heel kick while Salina and Low Ki slipped out of the ring. Lawlor quickly jumped to Konnan’s aid as the announcers told us the backstage cameras had caught something. We got to the back to see Pentagon Jr. laying on the ground, clearly having been attacked by someone. The announcers speculate this is the work of Promociones Dorado in an attempt to keep the tag team champion from helping Konnan. We go off the air with chaos all round the building, thanks to Salina de la Renta and Promociones Dorado.
In addition to presenting their first live special on beIN Sports, MLW held a set of television tapings called “Zero Hour” in Miami, Florida last night.
– Ricky Martinez defeated Fred Yehi
– Ace Romero defeated Simon Gotch in a Simon Gotch $20,000 Prize Fight Challenge
Romero threw money into the crowd after the match.
– Ariel Dominguez defeated Andrew Everett
– Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr. defeated The Dirty Blondes
– LA Park defeated Gringo Loco
This was the first match to be taped after the live special. The previous matches were taped before it.
– Ace Romero & Barrington Hughes defeated The Dirty Blondes
This was supposed to be Romero vs. Hughes, but Colonel Robert Parker came out and made fun of Romero and Hughes’ weight. The Dirty Blondes ran in, leading to the tag match.
– Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Tommy Dreamer in a Singapore cane match
– MLW World Heavyweight Champion Low Ki defeated Konnan by referee stoppage in a no DQ match to retain his title
The referee stopped the match when Low Ki, Ricky Martinez, and Hijo de LA Park wouldn’t stop attacking Konnan.
Low Ki “shanked” Konnan after, but Tom Lawlor ran out to make the save. That furthers the build to Lawlor challenging for Low Ki’s title at MLW Superfight in Philadelphia on February 2.
MLW is advertising that Konnan will challenge for their World Heavyweight Championship next month.
The promotion has announced that Low Ki will defend his MLW World Heavyweight Championship against Konnan in a no disqualification match at their television tapings in Miami, Florida on Friday, December 14. The show is the second of two straight nights of MLW tapings at the Miami Scottish Rite Temple.
The feud between Konnan (who has been managing Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) and Promociones Dorado continued with an angle where Low Ki confronted Konnan on last week’s MLW Fusion episode. Low Ki challenged Konnan to settle their differences in the ring, and Konnan told Low Ki that he would have tried this 10 years ago if he really wanted to face him. Salina de la Renta then insulted Konnan, with Konnan telling them that they may get what they want if they keep yapping.
Konnan also made an in-ring appearance as part of MLW’s Battle Riot match earlier this year and teamed with LAX against The OGz at Impact’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view last month, coming out near the end of the match after an angle where he was attacked backstage earlier in the night.
A four-way ladder match for the Middleweight Championship is also set for MLW’s tapings in Miami on December 14. MJF will defend his title against Kotto Brazil, Jason Cade, and an opponent that has yet to be announced. Marko Stunt was originally supposed to be in the match, but he suffered a broken leg at Joey Janela’s LA Confidential last Friday.
Crash Lucha Libre based in Tijuana announced today that booker Charles “Konnan” Ashenoff is no longer with the promotion.
Rumors had started about two weeks ago coming off the conclusion of a tour around Mexico that saw some small crowds and canceled shows.
The promotion released a statement saying, “The Crash Lucha Libre brand is known for the way we treat people and value each and every single person that works in this company. Bettering the economical and habitual needs. Showing the support for each element and giving opportunity to new talent. In this way, the value and professionalism shown between each of its partners. Not being able to comply to the Crash Lucha Libre code of ethic is something we do not tolerate in this company. With that being said, we now announce that Carlos Santiago Espada, ‘Konnan,’ will be longer be working with The Crash.”
The departure of Ashenoff leads to a lot of questions since he booked all the talent, from the company’s strong undercard to the American independent talent. While Crash had garnered a reputation for having the best live shows in Mexico, they had struggled to draw in many markets with no television.
He had been working as of midweek on future dates. Also, it is mostly The Crash roster that is booked for Arolucha, which he is booking for Ron & Don Harris for a show on December 10th in Nashville with the attempt to get television in the United States.
Another key is that Konnan is tight with Rey Mysterio Jr., who is the biggest star with The Crash.
A new promotion called Arolucha, Inc. announced today that Charles “Konnan” Ashenoff has been named its head writer.
Arolucha is the promotion written about a few times in the Observer that Aroluxe is backing, and is expected to be running a television pilot taping in December in Nashville.
Ashenoff, who is the booker for The Crash promotion based in Tijuana, as well as working for Impact, was a key in gathering the talent roster for Lucha Underground, and was expecting to be used as the head writer there, but that company instead went with Christopher DeJoseph, and Ashenoff was out of the promotion by its second season, shortly after brokering the deal to get Rey Mysterio Jr. into Lucha Underground.
Vince Russo’s name has also been mentioned as far as creative with this promotion. The name has come up as an assistant writer but there is no confirmation of a deal in place at this point.
Aroluxe, headed by Jason Brown and former wrestlers Ron and Don Harris, had been doing production for TNA and had an ownership stake in the promotion, and at one point were close to taking over control of the company. They are no longer involved with Impact after controlling interest was purchased by Anthem Entertainment.
Previously: Alberto El Patron and Bobby Lashley defeated LAX. After the match, LAX attacked El Patron and Lashley walked away.
Tonight: LAX attempts to force Dos Caras and El Hijo de Dos Caras to convince El Patron to join LAX or there will be consequences.
Show Recap —
Drago defeated Sammy Guevara in a Super X Cup match
Guevara got the brief advantage after hitting an insane shooting star press to the floor, but Drago took over after hitting a reverse hurricanrana. Drago won the match after hitting a running DDT. He’ll meet Dezmond Xavier in the semifinals.
Unified GFW Knockouts Champion Sienna defeated Amber Nova
Sienna totally dominated Nova and won easily with the AK47. She then called out Karen Jarrett and got in her face, but Allie ran down with a kendo stick for the save.
Laurel Van Ness and Sienna jumped Allie until Rosemary ran down. The heels took back over, with Jarrett trying to help the faces. Sienna went after Jarrett, but Gail Kim came out for the save. Jarrett announced Rosemary vs. Sienna in a last Knockout standing match for next week.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, El Hijo de Dos Caras was brought in wearing a blindfold. Konnan was holding pliers and told him to convince Alberto El Patron to join.
– In the back, Bruce Prichard and Tyrus encountered Trevor Lee. Prichard wanted to know why Lee has the X Division belt. Sonjay Dutt showed up and demanded his belt back, but he ended up being banned from the Impact Zone.
Laredo Kid, Garza Jr. & Octagoncito defeated Idris Abraham, Demus & Trevor Lee
The faces ran wild early until the heels gained the advantage and isolated Octagoncito. The faces hit suicide dives to the floor. Garza Jr. climbed to the second turnbuckle and Octagoncito climbed on his shoulders. He dove off and hit a splash on Abraham to win the match.
– Grado went on a date with Laurel Van Ness. They had burgers and Van Ness ate hers really fast.
– At the LAX Clubhouse, Santana and Ortiz brought in Dos Caras. Konnan threatened him as well and told him to convince El Patron to join LAX.
Matt Sydal defeated Low Ki and El Hijo de Fantasma
Low Ki hit a sick looking sliding dropkick to Sydal and Fantasma followed up with a dive. Fantasma nailed a super hurricanrana on Low Ki, but Sydal hit a standing moonsault for a near fall. Fantasma locked on a surfboard on Sydal and Low Ki came off the top with Warrior’s Way.
The finish of the match saw Low Ki hit the Warrior’s Way on Fantasma and go for the cover. Sydal broke up the pin by hitting the shooting star press and pinned Low Ki to win the match.
Sydal called out Prichard and demanded an X Division title match. Prichard was mad at everyone making demands. Lashley interrupted and told Sydal to leave. Lashley asked for a World title shot until Sydal interrupted and Lashley gave him a spear.
– In separate backstage interviews, Karen Jarrett was upset that Sienna put her hands on her and said she will make Sienna pay. Prichard decided he’ll be staying out of the issues between El Patron and LAX because it’s a family matter. Dutch Mantell hasn’t talked to Prichard and still doesn’t know why he wasn’t at Slammiversary.
– A romantic montage of Grado and Van Ness on their date was shown. Grado avoided kissing her and kept reminding himself about the citizenship.
Eli Drake (w/ Chris Adonis) defeated Moose, Ethan Carter III, and Eddie Edwards
Before the match, Adonis threw his water on Freddy of the Swole Mates. The Swole Mates jumped in the ring and chased off Adonis and Drake.
Drake and EC3 worked together to take out Moose. The heels isolated Edwards and worked him over, but Drake and EC3 started arguing and Edwards took them out with a hurricanrana.
Moose and Edwards traded moves, with Moose powerbombing Edwards to the floor onto Drake and EC3. EC3 hit the One Percenter on Edwards, but Moose pulled him out of the ring. Drake snuck in and scored the pin for the win.
– In the back, McKenzie Mitchell tried to interview the Swole Mates until LAX interrupted and stole the cameraman. LAX asked Dos Caras and El Hijo de Dos Caras if Alberto will join. Dos Caras said no and LAX beat them down.
LAX brought Dos Caras and his son to the ring. Homicide and Diamante beat down El Hijo de Dos Caras with kendo sticks.
LAX tried to take off Dos Caras’ mask, but El Patron finally came out. El Patron told Carlos (Konnan) that he’s taking this too far and to stop. If El Patron joins LAX, Konnan will let his family go. LAX let them go and El Patron put on the LAX t-shirt.
El Patron immediately jumped LAX and beat them with a kendo stick. He went after Konnan, but LAX took the hit. El Patron took off the shirt to end the show.
Next Week: Rosemary battles Sienna in a last knockout standing match.
