Tag: NWA

NWA champion responds to AEW creating National title

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The NWA National Champion is not impressed with AEW creating its own National Championship.

NWA National Champion Mike Mondo responded to the creation of AEW’s latest title with a social media post on Wednesday night calling out AEW owner Tony Khan by name.

AEW introduced their version of the National Championship on Wednesday’s Dynamite and announced that the inaugural champ will be crowned in a Casino Gauntlet match at Full Gear with Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin the first wrestlers set to compete in the bout.

Mondo, who has held the NWA National title since the promotion’s Anniversary Show in August, wrote on X:

Let me be CLEAR. There is only ONE NWA & there is only one PRESTIGIOUS National Championship that holds legit lineage & has for decades. So to Tony Khan or anyone else confused… here’s the legit title, with the company it belongs to & the legit National Champion! MY NAME IS MIKE MONDO.

Mondo, 42, is perhaps best remembered as a member of the Spirit Squad in WWE in the 2000s.

Former NWA TV champion announces departure from promotion

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A former NWA champion has announced their departure from the promotion.

Max the Impaler, who joined the NWA in 2022, revealed last night that they are no longer with the company. They were a Television Champion for the NWA in 2023-2024, along with challenging for other titles like the NWA World Women’s Championship and NWA National Heavyweight Championship over the past few years.

“I am no longer with NWA,” Max wrote. “I am thankful for my time there and everyone that supported me. For now that is all I have to say.”

Before coming to the NWA, Max made appearances for Ring of Honor and was a participant in the 2021 ROH Women’s World Championship tournament that was won by Rok-C (WWE star Roxanne Perez).

Max has made regular trips to Japan in recent years for Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling along with their NWA work.

The next major show for the NWA is the company’s annual Halloween-themed Samhain event, which is being held at Center Stage in Atlanta on October 17.

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: August Q&A

Posted on by Karl Stern

Today is my birthday! And what better way to celebrate than with a packed mailbag and this month is probably our best yet with questions ranging from the pioneer era up to the 1990s!

We have a few new great pioneer era finds via wrestling historian Jason Campbell to discuss, plus more 1990s talk, interesting twist on second generation wrestler question, the NWA, and much more!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: June Q&A edition

Posted on by Karl Stern

Image: WWE

It is time for one of my favorite DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Shows: our monthly question and answer show where you ask any pro wrestling history related question or topic.

On the June edition, I field questions about historical brass knux championships, the history of world championships splitting off from the NWA World title, legacy wrestling characters, Jim Londos, the big blue WWF steel cage, and more!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

NWA announces streaming deal with Roku

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The NWA and Roku are joining forces for a new streaming deal.

It was announced today that the two sides have reached an agreement to make The Roku Channel the new streaming home of the NWA in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Starting on July 29, new episodes of NWA Power will air every Tuesday on The Roku Channel for free at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The NWA touted that this is the “biggest first-run television deal” for the promotion in over 25 years.

Since October 2024, episodes of Power have aired on X/Twitter. Previous broadcast homes for the show include YouTube, Triller TV, and The CW App.

“When I purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, it was understood we were inheriting the history and legacy of the most storied brand in all combat sports, so to announce today we have now partnered with the number one TV streaming platform in North America is indeed a moment to be proud of,” NWA President Billy Corgan said in a press release. “I look forward to sharing new episodes of NWA Powerrr with the incredible audience that Roku brings.”

“We’re thrilled to call The Roku Channel the streaming home of the National Wrestling Alliance, and as Billy and his team continue to excite audiences, we look forward to tapping into the scale of our platform to bring this historic and storied promotion to millions of viewers,” said Joe Franzetta, Roku Media’s Head of Sports.

Viewers do not need a Roku device to watch The Roku Channel with it also being available through Roku’s website and the Roku app.

NWA Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige defeats Natalya at Crockett Cup 2025

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Natalya was unsuccessful at the Crockett Cup.

During Saturday’s taping of the event, the WWE star lost to Kenzie Paige in a match that was for Paige’s NWA Women’s Championship. The match will air on a future edition of NWA Powerr.

Similar to her appearance at Bloodsport during WrestleMania weekend, she came to the ring to Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Killing in the Name’, going by the name ‘Nattie Neidhart’.

After the match, someone at the tapings captured footage of Natalya attacking what appeared to be a fan at ringside.

Natalya has spent the last couple of months making non-WWE appearances. At Bloodsport, she defeated Miyu Yamashita. After the match, she was attacked in the crowd by Paige, continuing their feud headed into the Crockett Cup.

Gail Kim was originally set to referee the match, but pulled out due to an illness.

Signing a new WWE contract last year, Natalya has made infrequent appearances on Raw in 2025. After failing to advance in the Women’s Intercontinental title tournament, in recent weeks she has been shown forming an alliance with Maxxine Dupri.

Daily Update: Tatanka, Jim Ross, NWA Crockett Cup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Thursday Update

WWE

  • Former WWE wrestler Tatanka announced that he’ll be attending the company’s Saturday Night’s Main Event episode in Tampa, Florida on May 24 with his wife Michelle and their sons Jeremiah and Joseph. He’ll presumably be one of the legends shown in the crowd or making another cameo on the broadcast.
  • As was announced when her weekly run on SmackDown ended in March, Lilian Garcia will be the ring announcer for Saturday Night’s Main Event. She expressed her excitement for the May 24 show in an Instagram post today:
    • 9 more days until I’m back on the mic inside a wrestling ring in front of the best fans in the world! @wwe Saturday Night’s Main Event on @nbc @peacock can’t get here soon enough!! Let’s gooooo!!
  • On WWE’s Raw Recap podcast, Penta gave his thoughts on WWE acquiring Lucha Libre AAA:
    • In my personal opinion, it’s good for the business, it’s good for the fans. I think it’s a very, very good opportunity for the Mexican wrestlers, the younger wrestlers and in general the Mexican wrestlers. Because this door is bigger [than] any other opportunity in the world… I am sure this is the best opportunity for all Mexican wrestlers, brother. I want to see more wrestlers here in WWE, you know? Like, luchadores, obviously. But to be honest, man, and serious, I think it’s good for the business, bro. I don’t know when it starts. I don’t know how is the real formula for this project, but just I feel in my heart this is a good business.
  • Rey Mysterio appeared in a 10 Essentials video for GQ Sports.
  • The National Hispanic Media Coalition is honoring Mysterio at their 2025 Impact Awards Gala in Beverly Hills, California on Friday, June 6. He’ll receive the Legend Impact Award.
  • The Metro interviewed Motor City Machine Guns.
  • WWE uploaded a vlog from Randy Orton’s St. Louis homecoming at Backlash.
  • WWE also has a Playlist video documenting the history between John Cena and R-Truth.

Other Wrestling

  • AEW showed its support for Jim Ross after he announced his battle with colon cancer:
    • All Elite Wrestling joins fans around the world in sending love and support to Jim Ross as he battles colon cancer. J.R. is a valued member of the AEW family, and we stand beside him during his journey toward recovery.
  • Zach Gowen thanked AEW and Tony Khan following his match against Ricochet on Dynamite last night: “Thank you @AEW for welcoming me into your locker room and being so kind. Thank you @TonyKhan for giving me a chance to live out my dream one more time”
  • Lee Moriarty will defend the ROH Pure title against Matt Mako at DEAN~! 2 in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday, May 24. The show is a tribute to Dean Rasmussen, a poster from the DVDVR forum who passed away in 2023. Action Wrestling and AEW are partnering together for the event.
  • The Battleground Podcast interviewed Josh Alexander.
  • Alberto El Patron will defend his AAA Mega Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo at Lucha Libre AAA’s show at Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium in Mexico City on Saturday, May 31.
  • The NWA has announced an addition to the main event for this Saturday’s Crockett Cup event. Originally, Thom Latimer was set to defend his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Rhino. It will now be a three-way match with Latimer vs. Rhino vs. Colby Corino.
  • Scottish Premiership soccer team Hearts had Joe Hendry as a guest at their game against St. Johnstone yesterday.
  • Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown spoke with Leah Van Dale (former WWE wrestler Carmella).

Gail Kim to referee Natalya vs. Kenzie Paige at NWA Crockett Cup

Posted on by Ian Carey

The NWA World Women’s Championship match at this Saturday’s NWA Crockett Cup will have a special guest referee.

Gail Kim will officiate the bout between champion Kenzie Paige and WWE’s Natalya, the promotion revealed Tuesday. Kim had previously been scheduled to take part in an autograph signing before the event but had not been announced for the show itself.

The event takes place Saturday, May 17, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

NWA CEO William Patrick Corgan made the announcement via social media, writing:

“As the person who booked this very special match-up between the WWE’s Natalya and NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige, in a championship match no less, and given the bad blood between the two stars, which has only built since the Bloodsport event in Vegas and of course Ms. Paige’s unseemly attack at The Dungeon, I’ve come to a very important conclusion: which is that the officiating of this match must be handled in a very particular way. And though I have full confidence in our referees, I am concerned about their safety as well as ensuring that we in the National Wrestling Alliance will have a clear and just result. Therefore, I’ve named Gail Kim as the special guest referee for this contest at Crockett Cup, Saturday, May 17th in Philadelphia; for I know well Ms. Kim’s impeccable and unimpeachable integrity in the sport of professional wrestling. May the best lady win.“

Kim was released from TNA Wrestling in March after having been with the company for 14 years.

NWA Crockett Cup 2025 lineup for Saturday, May 17:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer defends against Rhino
  • NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige defends against Natalya
  • Jay Bradley vs. Wrecking Ball Legursky in a Chain match
  • Silas Mason vs. Alex Hammerstone
  • Kylie Paige vs. Natalia Markova
  • NWA World TV Champion Carson Bartholomew Drake defends against Bryan Idol
  • NWA National Heavyweight Champion Mims w/BLK Jeez defends against Max the Impaler
  • Crockett Cup announced entrants:
    • Mike Mondo & Slade
    • Mr. Grim & Moses
    • The Temple of Dumm (Stone Rockwell & Beastman)
    • Nightmare Syndicate (Frank & The Masked Zyon)
    • The Lost (Gaagz the Gymp, Lev, and Alex Misery)
    • The Country Gentlemen (AJ & KC Cazana)
    • Daisy Kill & Talos
    • The Immortals (Kratos & Odinson)
    • EC3 & Pretty Boy Smooth
    • Blunt Force Trauma (Damage & Carnage)
    • The Slimeballz (Sage Chantz & Tommy Rant)
    • Southern Six (Kerry Morton & Alex Taylor)

Natalya to challenge for NWA Women’s title at Crockett Cup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE star Natalya could become the new NWA World Women’s Champion next month.

It’s been confirmed that Natalya will challenge Kenzie Paige for the belt at the NWA’s Crockett Cup 2025 event in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 17. The show is taking place at the 2300 Arena and is being filmed to air on future episodes of NWA Power.

“It’s always our distinct honor to host this modern version of the Crockett Cup, but holding the event in this great and historic building in Philadelphia, with the addition of a WWE Superstar such as Natalya, in an NWA title match no less, shows how far we have come,” NWA President Billy Corgan said while announcing the match.

With it already known that Natalya would be competing at the Crockett Cup, an angle took place at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII over WrestleMania week setting up Paige as her opponent. The two got into a brawl after Natalya defeated Miyu Yamashita.

Natalya said Bloodsport was one of the most fun experiences she’s had in her career, and she viewed it as an important opportunity to keep proving herself. Natalya signed a new multi-year WWE contract in 2024 but isn’t content with just cashing a paycheck.

“I just loved every second of [Bloodsport], and I felt like it was a side that was like I had to show everyone what I can do,” she told the Toronto Sun’s No Holds Barred podcast. “Because I’m so hungry, I just love what I do so much, but I’m also not comfortable just taking a paycheck in WWE and being like, ‘Well, I’m here.’ I know there’s something to being patient, but I’m also to the point in my career where I’m like — I just need more, I want more, and I’m creating more opportunities. I’m not waiting for them to happen, I’m creating them. And that’s why it was so important to me. So that was like really the highlight of my week.”

WWE granted Natalya permission to compete at both Bloodsport and in this NWA match.

Paige is approaching two years as champion after dethroning Kamille for the NWA Women’s title in August 2023.

An NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship match with Thom Latimer defending against Rhino is also set for the May 17 event, and the show will feature the annual Crockett Cup tag team tournament.

Gail Kim announced for NWA Crockett Cup autograph signing

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Following her departure from TNA Wrestling, Gail Kim will be in attendance at an NWA event next month.

The National Wrestling Alliance announced today that Kim will be at the 2025 Crockett Cup for an autograph signing. The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia is hosting the event on Saturday, May 17.

“Breaking News! Pro Wrestling legend Gail Kim is coming to the Crockett Cup,” the NWA wrote. “We’re honored to announce that Gail Kim—multi-time champion, trailblazer, and Hall of Fame icon—will be live and in person for an exclusive autograph signing at the 2300 Arena.”

The price is listed at $30 for an autograph photo, and a Crockett Cup ticket is required to attend Kim’s signing.

Kim, a TNA Hall of Famer and one of the best wrestlers in company history, was fired from TNA last month in a behind-the-scenes shakeup. She had worked in talent relations for the promotion.

In a statement posted on March 27, Kim thanked the fans and her peers within the industry for their huge outpouring of support after her firing. Kim said she is going to take some time for herself and to prepare for what’s next but promised that this isn’t the end for her in pro wrestling.

The 48-year-old Kim is retired as an in-ring competitor but did wrestle a match in 2023 in celebration of the 1000th episode of Impact.

NWA’s Crockett Cup is a live event that’s being filmed to air on future episodes of NWA Power. In addition to the annual Crockett Cup tag team tournament, the card will feature WWE star Natalya in action. The show is being headlined by Thom Latimer defending his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Rhino.

WWE vs. NWA matchup set for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A WWE vs. NWA matchup is the newest addition to the Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII card set for April 17.

Barnett announced in a social media post Tuesday that WWE’s Karrion Kross will face longtime NWA and NJPW Strong talent JR Kratos at the Thursday, April 17 event in Las Vegas. The show will stream live on TrillerTV+ as part of its WrestleMania week lineup of indie events.

Kross is one of five WWE wrestlers announced for the show, and the fourth to have his opponent named for the event. Charlie Dempsey, Pete Dunne, and Karmen Petrovic from WWE all have matches for the card. Nattie Neidhart (Natalya) is also set for the show, but her opponent has yet to be revealed.

Kratos is a former NWA Tag Team and NWA United States Tag Team Champion.

The GCW and Barnett co-promoted Bloodsport XIII event will begin at 11 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, April 17. The lineup so far:

  • Pete Dunne vs. Timothy Thatcher
  • Leyla Hirsch vs. Jordan Blade
  • Charlie Dempsey vs. Shinya Aoki
  • Karmen Petrovic vs. Maika
  • Karrion Kross vs. JR Kratos

WWE’s Natalya announced for NWA Crockett Cup

Posted on by Ian Carey

Natalya has been announced for another non-WWE wrestling show.

One day after the 25-year pro was confirmed for GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII in April, Billy Corgan’s NWA revealed she will be at the newly announced Crockett Cup 2025 show on May 17 in Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

“Just announced on Busted Open Radio! The Crockett Cup returns on May 17th to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia! If the most prestigious tag team tournament ever isn’t enough, @WWE Superstar Natalya will be competing in an NWA ring!”

“We are so pleased and proud that Natalya will be making her NWA debut on May 17 in Philly,” said Corgan in a press release, “and our eternal thanks to WWE for their support on this historic night.”

“Philadelphia is an ideal location for the Crockett Cup, recognized as one of the most anticipated and competitive events in the NWA calendar,” said Joe Galli, NWA’s Chief Operations Officer.

“Following the enthusiastic response to our sold-out anniversary celebration there last August, we aimed to enhance the experience for fans at the 2300 Arena. The inclusion of WWE’s Natalya in this year’s Cup adds a noteworthy element to our return to Philadelphia and we are excited to see who she will face from the NWA roster,” Galli continued.

Natalya reportedly signed a new multi-year deal with WWE in June. However, the terms and length of the deal have not been disclosed. She has been competing primarily on episodes of Main Event and WWE Speed, with her last match on Raw having been in December. She defeated Alba Fyre on the February 24 Main Event taping in her last match.

This will be the eighth Crockett Cup tournament, and the fifth to take place since Corgan’s company brought it back in 2019. The NWA also made headlines last week when it was announced that NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thomas Latimer will defend his title against Bishop Dyer, formerly WWE’s Baron Corbin, at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Mayhem later this month.

Baron Corbin to challenge for NWA World title at Maple Leaf Pro Mayhem

Posted on by Ian Carey

The first match has been announced for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Mayhem.

Bishop Dyer, formerly known as WWE’s Baron Corbin, will challenge Thomas Latimer for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on the show.

Scott D’Amore revealed the news via social media on Saturday.

Latimer has held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship since defeating EC3 for it last August at an NWA Power TV taping in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena.

MLP Mayhem is scheduled for March 14 and 15 at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. It will air live as a pay-per-view on Triller TV. Don Callis and Mauro Ranallo will once again be on commentary for the promotion. The following wrestlers are confirmed:

  • PCO
  • Kaito Kiyomiya
  • KUSHIDA
  • Harley Cameron
  • Sheldon Jean
  • Mo Jabari
  • Kylie Rae
  • Gisele Shaw
  • Bhupinder Gujjar
  • Aiden Prince
  • Taiji Ishimori
  • Raj Singh
  • Beaa Moss
  • Taylor Rising
  • Brent Banks
  • Aurora Teeves
  • Billy Gun
  • Laynie Luck
  • Kevin Knight
  • Jake Something
  • Rich Swann
  • Johnny Swinger
  • Alex Zayne
  • Stu Grayson
  • Blake Christian
  • Rohan Raja
  • Zoe Sager
  • Michael Allen Richard Clark
  • Aiden Prince
  • QT Marshall
  • El Reverso
  • Mike Rollins

Ring announcer Jade Chung, interviewer Sam Leterna, and four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings Darren McCarty have also been announced for the show.

Following MLP Mayhem, the promotion returns to Toronto for Northern Rising on May 11 from the Mattamy Athletic Center.

MLP Mayhem announced lineup:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer defends against Bishop Dyer

Former NWA World Champion Jax Dane passes away at 48

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The NWA is mourning the devastating loss of a former champion.

Jax Dane (real name Jeremy Laymon), a mainstay of the NWA both before and during the Billy Corgan era, passed away at 48 years old on Christmas Day. A statement issued by the NWA on Thursday disclosed that Dane’s death was due to complications from a heart attack he suffered in November.

“Born March 10, 1976, Dane left us on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, due to complications from a heart attack suffered in late November,” the statement said. “Dane is survived by his wife Evelynda Laymon, stepson Nicolas, and father, who will forever cherish his memory.”

Corgan praised Dane as a friend, mentor, and professional, calling him a loyalist who went out of his way to support and rebuild the NWA. Corgan is promising to honor Dane and make his family proud going forward.

“Jax Dane loved professional wrestling deeply and he certainly loved those he fought and rode with. I know I speak for all of the National Wrestling Alliance when saying Jax will be missed,” Corgan said. “We will do our best to honor him and make his family proud as we carry forth.

“There are those men and women who carry the legacy of a champion because they have risen to such heights. And then there are those that earn the respect of a champion simply because of who they are. To this I can say, simply and personally, that Jax was such a man, and will forever be in our hearts.”

Dane is a former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, holding the Ten Pounds of Gold for 419 days between 2015-2016. He also held the NWA Tag Team titles, National Heavyweight Championship, and North American Championship during his career.

NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and Ohio Valley Wrestling are among the other promotions that Dane had wrestled for. Dane & Rob Conway teamed together in NJPW’s World Tag League tournament in both 2013 and 2014.

NWA Power to air on X for next five weeks

Posted on by Joseph Currier

For the next five weeks, the NWA will be airing its content on X/Twitter.

The promotion announced today that, starting this Tuesday and running weekly through October 29, episodes of NWA Power will air on the NWA’s X account at 6:05 p.m. Eastern time. The five episodes will feature matches from NWA 76, the promotion’s yearly anniversary show that was taped in Philadelphia at the end of August.

“We wanted to reward all of our loyal fans domestically and around the globe by allowing them to see our spectacular anniversary show,” the NWA’s Joe Galli said. “Especially to those fans who may have been missing out on NWA Power over the past few months.”

This Tuesday, NWA Power will be headlined by EC3 defending his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Thom Latimer. There will also be a Tag Team title match with Alex Taylor & Kerry Morton challenging Mike Knox & Trevor Murdoch.

The move comes as NWA content is leaving The CW app today. Episodes of NWA Power have been airing weekly on The CW app since February.

WWE NXT premieres on The CW Network this Tuesday with The CW set to be NXT’s television home for the next five years.