Tag: melina

Daily Update: Melina, Tony Nese, TNA media rights deal timeline

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

We have one of the most news and business heavy issues of the year:

*All the details of the WWE’s deal with ESPN, what is in the deal, what isn’t, who can watch for free and why that probably won’t be for long, what ESPN Needs for it t make economic sense, as well as break-even for the ESPN UFC PPV deal and when the ESPN deal with WWE starts
*Brock Lesnar returns to WWE, how it happened, why it happened, why it was inevitable because of how TKO management views things, the double talk, comments from loads of people in WWE as well as Janel Grant’s side, exactly what was in the lawsuit that regards Lesnar and other example of TKO decisions which show a pattern
*Full coverage of SummerSlam, business details, the Rollins cash-in, Netflix numbers, attendance numbers and next PPV show
*Notes on UFC and WWE business numbers, what is up and what is down
*Hulk Hogan’s funeral, Brooke Hogan’s claims of info on Hogan’s Moves never talked about before, a ton of Hogan history, Hogan’s heyday in Japan and much more.
*Update on the G-1 Climax tournament
*Forbidden Door and the surprising record it has set and other major notes regarding the show and update n the card
*The most complete look at the ratings for all the wrestling and MMA television shows of the past week, competition, demos, why ratings were up or down, as well as Netflix numbers for Unreal and Raw.
*MJF returns to Arena Mexico and coverage of Friday’s hwo
*Salvador Lutteroth talks his fan base and AEW
*TripleMania updates
*Five Star Grand Prix updates
*Hogan documentaries
*RevPro anniversary shows
*Bloodsport notes
*A change at Discovery that is major and how that affects AEW streaming as well as notes on the current streaming deal
*How much did WBD loss or gain by losing the NBA
*Lots of injury updates
*Notes on Dustin & Cody Rhodes
*Backstage stuff in AEW ande what is and isn’t real
*Who at this point isn’t at Forbidden Door
*Ticket sales for upcoming TNA, AEW and WWE shows over the next few months
*More notes on Zuffa Boxing run by Nick Khan and  Dana White
*Peacock and WWE business
*How much is Dwayne Johnson’s WWE stock worth
*Karrion Kross and Scarlett contract update
*Raw ad rates on Netflix and comparisons to AEW on TBS

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Nia Jax vs. Lash Legend match from NXT last night.
  • In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, Torrie Wilson named Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Tiffany Stratton as some of her favorite women’s wrestlers in WWE.
  • Wilson also praised Dominik Mysterio for how much he’s grown as a performer:
    • It’s crazy to see how far he’s come [since being a kid]. I mean, he is not only an exceptional performer, but his wrestling ability is crazy. And to think when he first came in with Rey [Mysterio], it was just like, okay, he seemed a little quiet, like, you just had no idea that this was going to come out of him. And it’s just really been fun, as I’m sure you think, watching him grow and he just really does remind me of Eddie [Guerrero] also, which people say a lot.
  • Former WWE wrestler Melina told WrestlingNewsCo that she would like to see Evolution treated as the women’s version of WrestleMania:
    • It’s a shame that it’s the second [Evolution event] – the first was a long time ago. The first Evolution was a long time ago, in my opinion. That’s a long time [2018 to now].. and now it’s a beautiful thing to finally see Evolution 2. I hope on everything, there needs to be an annual one. This is the women’s WrestleMania. It should be treated as such.
  • R-Truth spoke to Undisputed about his backstage segment with John Cena from SmackDown last Friday, where they reunited for the first time since Cena became a babyface again:
    • It was so organic. That’s why it came across that way. You could feel it.
    • The proof is in the pudding. For just over a minute promo to be one of the biggest takeaways from the show, come on, I love that.
    • John is the G.O.A.T. in my eyes. Not only is he my childhood hero, I’ve learned a lot from being in the ring with him–and I’ve learned a lot from him in the back.
  • NXT wrestler Adriana Rizzo posted a Tiktok video explaining how her torn ACL happened, saying she had a partial tear a year and a half ago but worked through it until recently having her knee “explode” while doing a drill at practice.
  • Houston Life interviewed Charlotte Flair.
  • Ten Count Media has an interview with Jacy Jayne.
  • MMA journalist Ariel Helwani was the guest on this week’s episode of Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast.

Other Wrestling

  • To promote tonight’s Dynamite episode in his hometown of Cincinnati, Jon Moxley made an appearance on Cincy Lifestyle.
  • Fightful reports that Tony Nese has been working as a coach/agent in AEW.
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey uploaded a new episode of his vlog.
  • While speaking with The Takedown, TNA President Carlos Silva gave an update on the timeline for when the promotion could agree to a new media rights deal: 
    • I think Bound For Glory is a great stake in the sand in terms of us getting everything together as we look to the 2026 year and season.
    • And so, I think August will be quiet. It usually is in the media, in the media deal space, but hopefully we’ll work through a few things, move the ball forward a little bit in August, and then I think in September and October as we get to Bound For Glory, that would absolutely be the goal to try and get it done by then. Or certainly, if it’s not done, have it agreed to.

NWA Power results: Kylie Rae vs. Allysin Kay, Melina vs. Madi Wrenkowski

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Cyon started this week’s show by cutting a promo on Sal Rinauro, saying that he was going to show him what pro wrestling really is.

Matt Cardona and Mike Knox were then at the podium, insulting the NWA, saying that they were an amateur production for not playing his theme music on NWA Power, but Knox and he were the doctors that were going to fix it.

Trevor Murdoch came out defending the NWA, saying it’s 73 years of blood, sweat, and tears. He said that all you need is a ring and two people who want to fight, but Cardona and Knox wouldn’t take his spot. Cardona said that Murdoch needed to go through Knox to get to him, and asked Murdoch to put the title on the line. This was both a good promo from Murdoch and good heel work from Cardona.

Kylie Rae defeated Allysin Kay

This was a decent match with Kay looking stunned at the loss. Rae looked really good in her selling and offense. Kay is also quite good, so this was fun.

Velvet Sky asked if the title was on the line in this match and Joe Galli let her know that it was a singles match, so the Tag Team titles wouldn’t be on the line. She said, “You never know” which must be leftovers from her experience with Russo booking.

Kay locked on an armbar, leaving Rae struggling to get to the ropes. Before Rae could escape, Kay rolled it over into a pinfall for a two count. Rae rolled through after running the ropes, hanging onto Kay’s arm before kicking up over the downed Kay and hitting a superkick in a cool spot.

Kay blocked a crossface, hit a Samoan drop and then landed a kick for a two count. Rae countered an AK-47 attempt and rolled through into a sunset flip on Kay for the pinfall victory.

— Kiera Hogan and Women’s Champion Kamille were with May Valentine and Hogan claimed that she wanted the title. Kamille said that Hogan should be honored to face her that she was going to put Hogan’s flame out.

— Dango and JTG were with Kyle Davis and talked about wanting competition. Dango ate a candy cigarette. The Ill Begotten came out to challenge them when Dango accepted. Captain YUMA asked for a handshake. Dango pulled out baby oil and squirted the baby oil onto his hands for an uncomfortably long time while Yuma broke the fourth wall and turned to the camera. That was weird but I also laughed.

— Homicide and Tag Team Champions La Rebelion were with May Valentine and Homicide said he didn’t care who were in front of them or what match it was. Bestia 666 said that Homicide had their back they’ll take on all comers. This was a good promo.

Madi Wrenkowski defeated Melina

Melina gave a lot to Wrenkowski in this one as this was designed to make her look strong in defeat. If the NWA wanted to, they could do something with this. The crowd got behind Wrenkowski.

She immediately took it to Melina, staying ahead with a submission and then a pinfall attempt which seemed to surprise Melina. Wrenkowski hit a knee and then drove Melina’s face to the mat for a two count. Melina countered with a neckbreaker and was so visibly upset at Wrenkowski’s performance, she yanked Wrenkowski by the hair to take her to the mat before locking on a modified surfboard stretch.

Wrenkowski kicked out at one, which infuriated Melina more. Wrenkowski drove Melina’s face into the turnbuckles before they went into several pinfall attempts but Melina fired up and dared Wrenkowski to hit her. Melina countered after a few more attacks and was able to get the pinfall.

— Taryn Terrell, Paola Blaze and Jennacide were with May Valentine. Terrell claimed that she brokered peace between the both of them and then claimed she was going to create world peace and solve the climate crisis.

— Tyrus and Idolmania Sports Management were with Kyle Davis. Tyrus claimed he was going to keep the TV title as long as he wanted and when he successfully defended it seven times, he was going to take the NWA World title from Trevor Murdoch, but he was going to do it on his time.

Tyrus also announced that Jordan Clearwater and Marche Rockett were going to take the tag titles. I actually enjoyed that promo. Austin Idol then cut an awesome promo to the camera while on commentary about how he was wearing camo because it was hunting season, and Idolmania was running all over the NWA.

The Ill Begotten (The Fixers & Rush Freeman) (w/ Captain Yuma & Alex Taylor) defeated DSB (Dango & TJG)

Jay Bradley and Wrecking Ball (which is a name I love) surprised DSB (and Captain Yuma) as Yuma was sure he was competing in the match, but it seemed Freeman and Taylor went out and hired the Fixers. Bradley and Wrecking Ball got the heat on JTG in the early part of the match. After hitting a double brainbuster on Dango, Freeman paid the Fixers off and pinned Dango.

— Rodney Mack and Anthony Mayweather were with Kyle Davis. Mack said that Jax Dane disrespected his wife Jazz and he was going to show Dane why he is the baddest man in the world.

Mayweather went on to talk about Dane when a lawyer served him with papers for a restraining order where Mayweather cannot be within a mile of Dane.

— Galli announced a new match for the NWA called Team War with four trios teams in a fatal four-way with the winning team getting $30,000.

Hawx Aerie (Luke & PJ Hawx) defeated Idolmania Sports Management (Jordan Clearwater & Marche Rockett) (w/ BLK Jeez & Tyrus)

Clearwater claimed that Luke was not allowed to touch him, so he hit a forearm and drove Clearwater back into the corner. Clearwater tagged out in fear. PJ and Rockett exchanged some blows, sending Rockett back to the corner and Luke tagged back in. BLJ drove Luke into the apron behind the ref’s back and they moved into the heat.

BLK Jeez got on the apron so the ref missed the tag from Luke to his son, but it still wasn’t long before PJ tagged in and hit suplexes and strikes on everyone. Tyrus distracted PJ and the referee ejected BLK Jeez and Tyrus, but the damage was done and Marche Rockett dropped PJ. Rockett went for the Rockett Kick, but Luke moved, but Hawx Aerie hit a pop-up powerslam on Clearwater for the pinfall.

The show went off the air with Galli announcing that Trevor Murdoch would be defending the World title next week against Mike Knox.

Final Thoughts:

There was a lot to like on this episode of Power. I liked the growth of stables outside of Strictly Business with Idolmania Sports Management and attempting to highlight newer stars with Hawx Aerie and Madi Wrenkowski being showcased in particular. This was a good episode this week.

Christian Cage appearance, Melina in-ring debut set for Impact

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Impact World Champion Christian Cage will make his return to Impact Wrestling this Thursday.

This will be Cage’s first appearance for the company since 2008 when they were still TNA.  

Cage won the unified Impact World title and TNA title from Kenny Omega on last Friday’s AEW Rampage. He is set for a quick turnaround as he will defend his newly-won championship against Brian Myers in the main event of Friday’s Emergence special on Impact Plus.

Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina will make her Impact in-ring debut Thursday against Brandi Lauren. The match will be a preview for Melina’s challenge of Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo at next weekend’s NWA Empower pay-per-view.

Thursday’s show will also feature a tag team match featuring four men competing for a World title shot at Emergence as Moose teams with Ace Austin against Chris Sabin and Sami Callihan.

Here’s the full lineup for Thursday’s show:

  • Christian Cage appearance
  • Moose and Ace Austin vs. Chris Sabin and Sami Callihan
  • Matt Cardona vs. Shera
  • Doc Gallows vs. Joe Doering
  • Melina vs. Brandi Lauren
  • Madison Rayne’s Locker Room Talk with Tenille Dashwood
  • BTI pre-show: Tasha Steelz vs. Havok (w/ Rosemary)

Melina appears on Impact, Knockouts title match set for NWA Empower

Posted on by Skylar Russell

On Thursday, Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo learned who her opponent for the August 28th NWA Empower pay-per-view will be: Melina Perez.

Purrazzo was celebrating her Homecoming tournament win with “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt when Mickie James interrupted, coming to the ring with a contract in hand. James claimed she had the perfect challenger for Purrazzo before introducing Perez. She came to the ring and Purrazzo wasted no time signing the contract which Perez also did shortly after.

This was Perez’s first appearance in Impact Wrestling. The former three-time WWE Women’s champion spent the majority of her career there before leaving the company in 2011. Since leaving, Perez has spent most of her time in the independent circuit, joining the NWA in 2020.

This will be Purrazzo’s first appearance for the NWA. In recent weeks, James (and Gail Kim) have been encouraging Purrazzo to participate in the upcoming PPV with Purrazzo finally accepting recently.

Here’s the rest of the Empower card as of now:

  • NWA Women’s Champion Kamille vs. Leyla Hirsch title match
  • A match for the revived NWA Women’s Tag Team titles
  • Chelsea Green vs. the winner of the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup

NWA Power results: Melina vs. Kylie Rae

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

NWA Power opened with Joe Galli breaking some news. He announced the Champion’s Series, a points-based tournament starting on July 13th. More news on how the tournament is going to work will be forthcoming.

Jennacide (with Taryn Terrell) defeated Lady Frost

This wasn’t bad. Lady Frost looked quite good, and it’s clear that they’re trying to make Jennacide a star. She is still quite green, but there is a lot of potential there, and she has a great look too.

Frost was given quite a bit in this little match, but she stood out and looked great. Jennacide was able to turn the match around when Terrell distracted the referee and Jennacide knocked Frost off the top rope.

Jennacide worked over Frost with armlocks, keeping her grounded. Every time Frost went to escape, Frost was able to go back to the arm. Frost hit a big spinning kick, but Jennacide caught her on the ropes and hit a tombstone (Jenna 9000) for the pinfall.

–Sal Rinauro won a TV title #1 contender match against PJ Hawx and Colby Corino, which happened on something called NWA High Voltage. I had no idea this existed until they mentioned it here, and they showed highlights. I managed to find the match on YouTube. I figured this was going to be on Power when they built it a few weeks ago.

Rinauro cut a great promo about how all he needed was 3 seconds to become the TV Champion, and that while Pope was a great champion, he was coming for it. Colby Corino attacked him from behind and went to give him a brainbuster on the apron, but Rinauro’s feet hit the ropes on the way down, which caused both of them to crash to the floor, and both men hit really hard. That was brutal, I hope they’re okay.

–Austin Idol and Tyrus came out. Idol buried Rinauro and Corino, saying Tyrus is the real star. Pope came out, and since his match was canceled with Rinauro, he decided he was going to fight him right now, putting the title on the line. Idol kept Tyrus back and said it would be on their time.

Aron Stevens stepped in with a match that was unannounced for the crowd due to Rinauro’s injury.

Aron Stevens, Mims, & Captain YUMA vs.  Kratos, PJ Hawx, & Luke Hawx went to a no contest

Well, this was interesting from a story perspective with Kratos and Stevens actually smiling and getting along with each other. Honestly, I hope they don’t break up as a team. I really like the dynamic of Stevens being a nice guy and Kratos being a miserable monster, but somehow make the team work. I hope that continues. I think La Rebelion vs. Stevens & Kratos will be great.

Joe Galli said that Kratos and Stevens came up with this match when the injury happened as a make-good. Kratos and Stevens fist-bumped, but Kratos didn’t fist bump the others. Stevens and Kratos went to a neutral corner, discussing the match and smiling. I sense trouble brewing, as Kratos is way too happy.

Mims and Luke Hawx started the match, and Mims used hit size and power to keep the veteran down. Mims tagged Stevens in, even though he was at the wrong turnbuckle because he was holding the tag rope. Stevens did a few spots with Hawx before PJ Hawx and YUMA were in.

YUMA wanted Kratos, and he tagged in, but he looked like he would rather stay in the corner chatting with Stevens. YUMA must have a death wish, as Kratos no-sold a shoulder tackle. Kratos murdered YUMA with a forearm, and the massacre began, as he threw YUMA across the ring with a suplex.

La Rebelion came out and mocked the match in the ring saying that the teams involved were making a mockery of the titles and the sport. Kratos did not look pleased. La Rebelion attacked YUMA, and the ref threw the match out. La Rebellion then attacked Kratos. All 6 men were not pleased and chased them off.

–Jax Dane and Crimson were with May Valentine. Dane talked about how he thought Crimson went too far in his match with Slice Boogie last week, and they promised to address the issue live in front of fans at Power soon.

–JTG and Chris Adonis joined Kyle Davis at the podium to discuss their upcoming NWA National Championship match. JTG reminded everyone that he was there for gold, and that anyone in his way is in a very unlucky position.

Adonis said he was ready for war, and that the NWA National title is a title that he never lost, so he is going to do what it takes to win it back, and his insurance policy of Strictly Business was there to help him. Fred Rosser came out and said he was going to back JTG up.

–The Mystery Man was with May Valentine and continued to say his identity did not need to be known right now. He talked about how he dedicated his life to wrestling, and he is here because he believes he is the best technical wrestler in the world, and he wanted to become a champion, and his identity didn’t matter.

–Thunder Rosa told May Valentine that she was going to stay out of Melina’s match with Kylie Rae tonight.

Kylie Rae defeated Melina

Melina got booed by the audience despite being a babyface in recent weeks. Rae was cheered quite a bit, and Melina worked this match as a heel, so that feels like a phantom heel turn. I hate that. This was a good match by Melina standards, so it was fine. Rae looked fantastic in the match, she’s an exceptional worker.

Melina tried to ground Rae, but Rae was able to counter every move. Rae offered a handshake, but Melina hit some hard forearms and started striking Rae hard, including poking the eyes. Melina hit a DDT for a near fall, but Rae kicked out. Rae spun out of an inverted DDT position and hit a superkick on Melina for the pinfall. The show went off the air as Rae celebrated, winning clean as a sheet.

Melina reportedly returning to WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A former Women’s Champion could soon be returning to WWE.

PWInsider reported on Friday that Melina (real name Melina Perez) has come to terms for a return to WWE. The report stated that they’ve been told by multiple sources that Melina will be returning to WWE programming within the next week.

“There had been interest in Perez earlier this year as the company attempted to book her for the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble, but at the time, she was under an agreement with the NWA. That agreement has since expired,” PWInsider wrote.

In a Facebook post last night, Melina denied that she’s signed with WWE but said that doesn’t mean it isn’t a possibility.

“I don’t know what my future will hold but I know 2020 has taken so much from me. From all of us. Going back home to the WWE would feel like everything I’ve gone through was for this very moment. But we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Melina wrote.

“There’s so much more than just give someone a contract. I lost my father last month, am I emotionally ready? I’m 41, am I physically capable? Is there a story available? Simply talking to the wwe makes my heart happy. I am grateful for my time with them. One day I’ll come home but when the time is right. So if it doesn’t happen now, Im sorry you thought I was returning. If it does happen… well these sites ruined a great surprise. You should be upset that they cheated you of that moment if it happens.”

Melina was last part of the WWE roster in 2011. She made an appearance for the company at Raw Reunion in July 2019. Last November, she made her NWA debut on an episode of NWA Power.