Tag: NWA Samhain

Daily Update: Hulk Hogan, NWA Samhain 2, Diaz vs. Masvidal

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

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This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Friday Update

– Garrett Gonzales and I will be doing a show today covering the stories in the new issue of the Observer and week in review. I’ll be back up with Bryan on Sunday night covering NJPW Dominion, NXT Battleground and the weekend news.

– The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site today. There is a ton of history with the story on part one of Who Killed WCW, as well as a look at Los Misioneros de la Muerte, the most influential trio in history with the death of El Signo.

Among the topics covered in the issue:

  • Update on what Mexican talent can work on the same shows as other Mexican talent, the recent changes and how they’ve gone down and the current political situation leading into Forbidden Door
  • Looking at WWE Clash at the Castle and NXT Battleground
  • Update on Forbidden Door, ticket demand and AEW’s top programs
  • Conor McGregor and UFC 303
  • Full report on UFC 302, business and match-by-match coverage
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi’s 10-point plan to strengthen New Japan Pro Wrestling. We look at where the company stands and its obstacles as Tanahashi hits the six-month mark as President
  • Death of El Signo and the heyday of Los Misionero de la Muerte
  • A look at episode one of Who Killed WCW?
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all pro wrestling and MMA television shows over the past week including competition, key demos, segment-by-segment, analysis, standing and how it compares with one year ago.
  • New promotion gets weekly television on a top 20 station starting in one week, as well as being on the verge of a second deal
  • Celebration of 20 years of Mistico shows
  • Arena Mexico continues big crowds
  • Dream Gate title change
  • A look at the Dominion show this week
  • Update on next week’s show featuring talent from a number of major promotions including a rematch of one of this year’s best matches
  • More on the B Block finals and semifinals of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament
  • Gable Steveson tries the NFL and how this very much differs from other former top level wrestlers who have had NFL success
  • Missy Hyatt talks Vince McMahon and details her own experience with him
  • Wrestling book writers Hall of Fame
  • AEW star challenges for British title
  • Notes on MLW Battle Riot
  • GCW has a major weekend
  • Update on TNA office cuts and changes
  • Mike Santana talks about battling drinking issue
  • Notes on people whose contracts are expiring and updates
  • Chuck Taylor and his hopes of returning to the ring
  • More details on AEW doing a residency in Arlington, TX and the economics behind it
  • Kevin Kelly talks his AEW departure and issues with Ian Riccaboni
  • Story behind the Collision rating report
  • International TV ratings
  • Why certain wrestlers haven’t been on AEW TV of late
  • Another AEW star comes out publicly
  • More on the Cung Le antitrust lawsuit settlement
  • Just how much Saudi Arabia is paying for these big events
  • How UFC & WWE are doing record grosses
  • Mark Shapiro talks about how Dana White reacted to the merger and talks about White’s previous problems with Vince McMahon
  • How McMahon first saved UFC and then became a powerful enemy
  • Former WWE stars talk about how talent is paid now, why not getting booked is better for your paycheck and how easily it is to get around WWE drug testing
  • Updated King of the Ring and Double or Nothing PPV notes
  • Reports on WWE weekend house shows

– SmackDown tonight is from Louisville, KY. They had 8,300 tickets out as of this morning in a major arena, so far from a sellout but they still will have a nice crowd. The only stuff announced is Apollo Crews vs. Angel, Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller, Jade Cargill vs. Indi Hartwell, Solo Sikoa anoints Tonga Loa into the Bloodline and Cody Rhodes appears. In Birmingham, AL on WBRC the show will be airing tonight at 11:05 p.m. as they are airing the opening ceremony for the Alabama State Games in prime time on the station.

– For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on both New Japan Dominion and NXT Battleground, so you can leave a thumbs up, down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected]

– We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows:

  • WWE SmackDown tonight in Louisville, KY (dark matches only)
  • NXT tonight in Davenport, FL
  • AEW tomorrow night in Council Bluffs, IA (reports on the matches not airing on television)
  • NXT tomorrow night in Sebring, FL

– Mistico vs. Magnus headlines tonight’s Arena Mexico show. How Magnus does in this match and how it draws is going to be very important to his future.

– Rampage is back in its regular 10 p.m. time slot on TNT tonight with a very weak lineup with Penta vs The Butcher, The Acclaimed vs. Hunter Gray & Harvez, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun vs. Private Party, and Mina Shirakawa vs. Serena Deeb. On TV on Wednesday they only mentioned the main event.

– There was a brawl yesterday after the press conference for the Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz boxing match. They exchanged words and then after it was over, members of each men’s teams exchanged words and a brawl broke out. Diaz wasn’t there for the brawl. Diaz then did show up and saw Masvidal’s team and yelled at them, “Come down and get your f***ing asses whipped again.” But security kept anything from happening a second time. Earlier, Masvidal was shoved and some members of each camp started throwing punches. The two fight on 7/6 at the Honda Center in a 10-round boxing match.

– Mick Foley turns 59 today.

– Gabe Kidd said that he wants to wrestle Randy Orton at Wrestle Kingdom. I don’t expect that will be happening.

– The legendary International Vale Tudo promotion in Brazil, is returning with retro rules soon.  The promotion, which put Wanderlei Silva on the map, run by Sergio Batrelli, told MMA Fighting he’s looking for a show in September or October in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They are going back to the 90s rules, with no rounds, a 30-minute time limit for fights and head-butts, jumping kicks and stomps and soccer kicks would all be legal as it was in that era. IVC included early fights of Chuck Liddell, Dan Severn, and Renato Babalu Sobral. They announced Jorge Patino vs. Johil de Oliveira as one of the fights.

– UFC is tomorrow from Louisville, as TKO has the Yum Center booked for SmackDown tonight and UFC tomorrow night.

On ESPN+ at 5 p.m. Eastern

  • Rayanne dos Santos (116) vs. Puja Tomar (116)
  • Cody Stamann (135.75) vs.  Taylor Lapilus (135.5)
  • Edouarda Moura (116.5) vs. Denise Gomes (116) – Moura missed weight by 0.5 pounds and she has been fine 20 percent of her purse
  • John Castaneda (135) vs. Daniel Marcos (135.25)
  • Andrea Lee (126) vs. Montana De La Rosa (126)
  • Brad Katona (136) vs. Jesse Butler (136)
  • Charlie Radtke (171) vs. Carlos Pirates (169.5)
  • Thiago Moises (156) vs. Ludovit Klein (156)

Main card at 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN

  • Miguel Baeza (171) vs. Punahele Soriano (171)
  • Julian Marquez (185.5) vs. Zachary Reese (185)
  • Brunno Ferreira (186) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (184.5)
  • Raul Rosas Jr. (136) vs. Ricky Turcios (136)
  • Dominick Reyes (205) vs. Dustin Jacoby (204.5)
  • Jared Cannonier (185) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (185)

– Monday night in Puebla, Mexico has a double main event with Mistico vs. Angel de Oro plus Averno defends the CMLL light heavyweight title against Esfinge.

– Announced for 6/22 at Arena Coliseo in Mexico City is Angel de Oro vs. Rocky Romero, Hechicero vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and Mistico & Taiji Ishimori vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Volador Jr .  The next day at Arena Mexico is Averno vs. Romero, Takahashi & Magia Blanca & Rugido vs. El Hijo del Villano III & Ishimori & Villano III Jr., plus Mistico & Mascara Dorada vs. Magnus & Sabre Jr.

– CMLL is teasing that Titan would be doing something with AEW soon.

– Hulk Hogan’s Twitter was hacked yesterday and used to promote cryptocurrency. All of the tweets on Hogan’s account have now been deleted. On Instagram, he shared the following statement: “Hello Family, Appreciate your love and support always. Please do not take notice of any posts posted today. They are not from me and will be promptly removed. Thank you, Hulk.”

– Northeast Wrestling on 7/13 in Niles, OH at Eastwood Field has Mark Henry, Matt Riddle, Bully Ray, Tyler Breeze and Dirty Dango appearing.

– The St. Louis Cardinals are doing a WWE Night on 8/6.

– The PFL announced a 7/12 show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for its MENA season with welterweight and lightweight tournament matches. It will air live prime time on broadcast television there. They also announced a 9/28 show for PFL Europe at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

– Beside The Ring Wrestling on 8/31 in Mountain City, TN, announced appearances by Kid Kash, Jimmy Valiant and Savannah Evans. Kash will be doing a seminar on 8/31.

– The NWA announced Samhain 2 on 10/26 in Sarasota, FL at Robarts Arena which was a regular stop for Championship Wrestling from Florida in the area’s heyday.

Report: NWA Samhain cocaine spot could affect TV deal with The CW

Posted on by Josh Nason

A spot that saw a manager, wrestlers and women snort cocaine at NWA Samhain could severely affect how viewers can access NWA programming on the CW.

During last weekend’s pay-per-view, manager Father James Mitchell was shown at a table with several wrestlers and women, snorting cocaine and drinking alcohol, the clip of which can be seen below.

According to Haus of Wrestling, CW officials weren’t happy with that in light of their new deal that was set to bring both NWA Power and a reality TV series to the network. The outlet reported there is a “90% chance” both shows will now air on The CW’s app vs. broadcast as a result due to the network receiving negative social media comments after the segment.

From the report:

“As it stands, Haus of Wrestling is told that there is an active push by those higher-up at The CW to have the NWA’s content air solely on their The CW app and not on their actual television airwaves. Apparently, when negotiations were going on to bring the NWA to The CW, Corgan was told that the network would not be watching the PPVs and would only be concerned with what happened on the TV show airing on their platform.”

The outlet also reported the cocaine spot was the idea of NWA owner Billy Corgan who “pushed for it to be on the pay-per-view.” 

They also added a note that the reality series was fully paid for by Corgan with the idea CW could sell ads for it to bring in revenue.

“One of the big selling points for The CW to get behind the reality series was that Corgan said his recent wedding would be a part of it, something they were excited to air. The other pro wrestling aspects of the series, along with the added Powerrr deal, all were agreed to under the understanding The CW would be able to air the Corgan wedding footage.”

NWA Samhain notes: EC3 vs. Thom Latimer, Kenzie Paige vs. Ruthie Jay

Posted on by Ian Carey

NWA presented Samhain on Saturday night from Cleveland, Ohio. 

Matt Cardona made his presence felt early in the show and attempted to get himself booked in the main event. He interfered in the Brady Pierce vs. Rush Freeman match, attacking both guys and then putting Freeman on top of Pierce for the pin.

Cardona then cut a promo about how he should be the NWA World Heavyweight Champion and then called out Billy Corgan for having stripped him of the title in the first place. Corgan came out and acted like he was going to add Cardona to the main event but then just told him to go to hell. Cardona went to attack Corgan but Kamille came out and speared him. 

Cardona reappeared in the closing moments of the main event. It looked like he was going to attack Kamille but Latimer put himself in harm’s way to protect her. EC3 then hit a piledriver on Latimer and pinned him to retain the title. 

After the match, Cardona confronted EC3 and made it clear he wants a shot at the title. After EC3 left the ring, Latimer attacked Cardona from behind and clotheslined him out of the ring. 

EC3 closed out the show by sitting atop a throne on the stage and holding the 10 pounds of gold. 

Other NWA Samhain notes:

  • The stipulation of the Ultimate Hardcore Team War match was that if Sal the Pal and Gaagz the Gimp’s team lost, which they did, Father James Mitchell will control their souls forever. Max the Impaler eliminated Sal and Gaagz last for their team. 
  • The company announced that Hard Times 2024 will be the first PPV of the new year. A date and venue have not been announced.  
  • Violent J pinned Vampiro in the Riddle Box match. He picked up the win for his team after delivering his own version of the Nail in the Coffin onto a bunch of tacks and various other debris that was scattered on the mat. 
  • Despite being banned from ringside, Aron Stevens interfered in the tag title match, helping Blunt Force Trauma to retain. He was disguised as a knight and attacked Trevor Murdoch and Mike Knox.
    • The match was a “Round Tables” match, meaning you had to put your opponent through a round table and not one with any other shape. Several rectangle-shaped tables were used but did not result in the match ending. 
  • Thom Latimer and Kamille were dressed as Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth during the main event. 

NWA Samhain results:

  • Jake Dumas, Cody James, Alex Misery, Judais, & Max the Impaler defeated Dak Draper, Mims, Koa Laxamana, Gaagz the Gymp, & Sal the Pal in the Devil’s Last Dance Ultimate Hardcore Team War match
  • Rush Freeman defeated Brady Pierce in a Loser Leaves NWA match w/Rolando Freeman as special referee
  • NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Colby Corino defeated Joe Alonzo in a Falls Count Anywhere match to defend his title
  • The Southern Six (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor) defeated The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher)
  • Jax Dane defeated Blake Troop in a submission match
  • NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy & Kylie Paige) defeated Natalia Markova & Taylor Rising to retain their titles
  • NWA National Heavyweight Champion Silas Mason defeated Chris Adonis
  • The Brothers of Funstruction (Yabo the Clown & Ruffo the Clown) & Violent J defeated La Rebelion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) & Vampiro w/Jerry Other in a Riddle Box match
  • NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige defeated Ruthie Jay to retain her title
  • NWA World Tag Team Champions Blunt Force Trauma (Carnage & Damage) defeated Trevor Murdoch & Mike Knox in a Medieval Knights of the Round Table match to retain their titles
  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion EC3 defeated Thom Latimer w/Kamille to retain his title

Wrestling Observer Live: Filthy Friday – EC3 joins the show, Gabe Kidd invades it

Posted on by Mike Sempervive

Wrestling Observer Live with Mike Sempervive & Tom Lawlor returns with another installment of FILTHY FRIDAY to get you ready for another busy weekend around the world of professional wrestling. As per usual, with Bryan not here, things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

It started just fine, with NWA World champion EC3 joining the show to talk about his match this weekend against Thom Latimer at the NWA Samhain pay-per-view. But then, as the boys settled in to talk Saturday’s NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed, they were rudely interrupted by Filthy’s opponent on Saturday – Bullet Club War Dogs’ Gabe Kidd.

A fun show as always, so check it out~!

Click Here to Listen

NWA announces return of territory system

Posted on by Ian Carey

The NWA is bringing back the territory system. 

The promotion put out a press release on Monday announcing the news. NWA World Heavyweight Champion EC3’s Exodus Pro promotion out of Cleveland was revealed as the first new NWA affiliate of the modern era. It will now be known as NWA Exodus Pro Midwest. 

Today’s press release states the NWA will be looking to add more affiliates to its territory system both domestically and internationally. 

NWA Press release:

NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE EMBARKS ON HISTORIC TERRITORY SYSTEM REVIVAL UNDER LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN

• The first affiliate territory for the Lightning One era is NWA Exodus Pro Midwest

• Territory is lead by NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion EC3

• More territories are being explored domestically and internationally

CLEVELAND, OH – In a move marking a pivotal moment in the history of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), President William Patrick Corgan has announced the revival of the promotion’s territorial system, a cherished tradition for the NWA, which harkens back to the roots of professional wrestling and the alliance’s formation 75 years ago. The move is aimed at fostering collaboration, unity and the development of future wrestling stars. The inaugural affiliate territory to join this initiative is NWA Exodus Pro Midwest, under the stewardship of none other than the NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, EC3.

In a statement reflecting the essence of this moment, Billy Corgan remarked, “We are returning to the collaboration that defined the NWA, embracing a model that not only honors our rich history but also propels us into a future of young stars. This initial undertaking with NWA Exodus Pro, as well as all our affiliate promotions to come, will play a pivotal role in who appears on NWA television in the future, as well as affording those affiliate promotions consistent access to all the top NWA champions and superstars.”

NWA Exodus Pro Midwest, led by the illustrious NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion EC3, will see its Men’s Heavyweight Championship officially recognized by the NWA-a testament to the gravity of this new chapter in NWA history. This collaboration not only signifies a mutual partnership but also symbolizes a shared commitment to the growth and evolution of professional wrestling. EC3 expressed his excitement, stating, “I am honored to lead NWA Exodus Pro Midwest into this new chapter. I’ve long sought a way to create a platform of opportunity for up and coming talent to “tell their story.” With the WPC and the NWA, I have the right partner and wrestling’s most important legacy. To have the NWA’s brand, create shows, and cultivate talent, especially in the Midwest region, is something I’m incredibly passionate about. Together, we will pave the way for a future that respects the traditions of the past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Dare I say, we can “control the narrative.”

The inaugural celebration of this historic affiliation will be marked by “NWA Presents: Samhain” on October 28, 2023, hosted at Temple Live in Cleveland. Fans can secure their tickets and pay-per-view access by visiting NWATix.com and Fite.TV.

Up next for the promotion is NWA Samhain. The event will take place in EC3’s hometown of Cleveland, where he will be running the NWA Exodus Pro Midwest promotion. The lineup for the show is below. 

NWA Samhain on October 28, 2023 lineup:

  • NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy & Kylie Paige) defend against Taylor Rising & Natalia Markova
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship Blunt Force Trauma (Damage & Carnage) w/Aron Stevens defend against Mike Knox & Trevor Murdoch in a Medieval Knights of The Round Tables Tables match
  • NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Colby Corino defends against Joe Alonzo
  • NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige defends against Ruthie Jay
  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion EC3 defends against Thom Latimer w/Kamille

World title match set for NWA Samhain

Posted on by Ian Carey

The main event of NWA Samhain has been announced. 

The NWA World Heavyweight Champion EC3 will defend his title against Thom Latimer on the show. 

EC3 called out Latimer on Tuesday’s edition of NWA Power, saying he didn’t want to waste time showing he’s the greatest champion ever. Latimer accepted EC3’s challenge and will vacate the NWA TV Championship in order to face him for the World title. 

Kamille also confronted EC3 during the segment, saying he plays politics to get the opportunities he’s had, referencing his time in Dixie Carter-era TNA Wrestling. 

NWA Samhain will take place from EC3’s hometown of Cleveland on Saturday, October 28. It will air as a pay-per-view on FITE.  

EC3 became the 58th wrestler to ever win the NWA World Heavyweight title when he defeated Tyrus in a Bull Rope match at NWA 75. Tyrus’ reign with the title finished after 288 days and successful title defenses against Matt Cardona, Rolando Freeman, Daga, and Chris Adonis. 

NWA announces Samhain PPV for October

Posted on by Ian Carey

The NWA has announced a new pay-per-view for next month.  

On Tuesday’s edition of NWA Power, the promotion revealed that NWA Samhain will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from Cleveland, Ohio. A venue for the show has yet to be confirmed. 

Tickets to the show are available beginning Friday at 12 p.m. Eastern time. 

The new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, EC3, is from nearby Willoughby, Ohio. He runs the Exodus Pro promotion out of Cleveland. 

The name of the show comes from a Gaelic festival held on November 1 to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. 

Father James Mitchell has been announced as hosting the show. 

NWA Samhain will be the promotion’s sixth pay-per-view event of the year. The company is coming off its two-night 75th Anniversary Show on August 26 & 27 from the Chase Ballroom in St. Louis. Several new champions were crowned at the event. In addition to EC3 defeating Tyrus for the NWA World Heavyweight title, Pretty Empowered’s Kenzie Paige pulled off an upset over Kamille to win the NWA World Women’s Championship. Her stablemates defeated Madi Wrenkowski & Missa Kate for the NWA World Women’s Tag titles on night one as well. Colby Corino also won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight title by defeating Kerry Morton.