Tag: Walker Stewart

Daily Update: Natalya, Amazon-WrestleDream, Walker Stewart

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Kelani Jordan vs. Jordynne Grace TNA Knockouts Championship match that headlined NXT last night.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel did a free live stream today broadcasting both nights of WrestleMania 41 from earlier this year. The separate videos for night one and night two are both available.
  • In an interview with Fox News Digital, Natalya named Bayley and Liv Morgan as two wrestlers she sees some of herself in:
    • There’s bits and pieces I see of myself in certain women. I think Bayley is very selfless. She’s all about giving back. She loves helping men and women. She’s somebody that just loves to give to the business. Even if she’s in a rut about something, she’s quick to pull herself out of it. She’s very grateful. She’s very grateful for all she has.
    • I gave her a book the other day, and an hour later she’s posting about it and sharing it. She celebrates her friends and I love that. She’s somebody that the locker room looks up to. If it’s somebody’s birthday, she’ll get them a cake.
    • I see a lot of grit in Liv Morgan. I take a lot of pride in the grit that I have because you can go far in the industry, but you can’t get your furthest without the grit. And so, I see Liv Morgan as somebody who has a lot of grit. She is so tough and she loves the industry. (Monday) she posted on her social media. She’s like, ‘It’s my 11th year in WWE.’ We were talking backstage once when she won the title her last time, I said, ‘Just remember you’re not an overnight success story.’ I said, ‘You are somebody that worked really, really hard to get everything that you have today – and that’s why you’re still here.’
    • People will just see us sometimes and think this just happened overnight. Liv is a really great example of somebody that hasn’t given up, has a lot of grit, doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s just gonna keep on growing and building and also giving back.
  • TJ Wilson (Tyson Kidd) praised his wife Natalya’s new book:
    • I’ve known Nattie for over 30 years — we met when I was just 12 years old. When she told me she was going to write a book, I thought, ‘I already know this story.’ But I quickly realized I only knew it from my perspective. What I hadn’t fully understood was her perspective of her own story — until now. And it’s so different than anything I ever expected from her, in the best way. As I read each page, I felt myself drawn in closer and closer. By the time I reached the last chapter, I found myself wishing it wouldn’t end. 
    • I’m so proud of you, Nattie. And all of what is about to come- from you having the courage to tell your story.
  • David Otunga told MuscleManMalcolm that the documentary WWE produced on the Nexus a few years ago will never see the light of day:
    • We recorded that. It was completed… I talked to the guy, one of the producers, and literally like the next day, two days later, he got fired. They all got fired. They got let go in COVID. But I had just talked to him. Man, this guy was telling me, he was like, ‘Yo, the documentary was so good.’ He’s like, ‘It was long, they made us edit it down.‘
    • He said he spent a whole day doing this, got it to where they wanted it. He was telling me how fire my part was. He told me my interview was so good they were saving me for last. I know I smoked it, I’ll be honest with you. But I was just happy that they appreciated it too. They put me on last. I was the main event of the documentary, if you will. But anyway, now it’s not going to see the light of day. I think we should figure out how to get there. But it’s completed. The guy told me, it’s completed.
  • R-Truth is performing a concert in New York City on November 16.
  • New Order Coffee in Michigan has released a new blend in collaboration with Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin).

Other Wrestling

  • Amazon Prime Video is issuing refunds to those who had technical issues with AEW’s WrestleDream pay-per-view on the service.
  • SHAK Wrestling interviewed Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron.
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey uploaded a new episode of his vlog.
  • Commentator Walker Stewart celebrated yesterday being the two-year anniversary of his NJPW debut:
    • It’s October 28 in America, and that means it has officially been 2 years since I made my debut with @njpwglobal. 
    • I have very few undying loves in this life. My love for my beautiful Yvette, my love for my family, and my love for professional wrestling. 
    • The combination of these 3 things inspire me daily, not only to be a better broadcaster and orator, but to be a better human being. To leave the world better than I have found it. To paint it with vibrant colors.
    • I have done so much in my short time in professional wrestling. I don’t take any of it for granted, nor do I take for granted a single soul who has supported me or the brand I represent. I’m thankful every single day that the hard work has paid off and brought me to my second home of Japan.
    • I’m beyond grateful for all of the fans, all of my peers, and all who have paved the way to make pro wrestling what it is today! 
    • When all is said and done, I sincerely hope I have colored professional wrestling in a way that sets a new standard. 
    • Until then, I will continue to love deeper and feel every second passionately (on and off the broadcast).
    • It’s been a great 2 years, and I’m happy to have signed a contract for my third. Thank you for following the journey, and thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
  • Chris Bey shared a video of himself lifting weights one year removed from his broken neck.
  • Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs dressed up as Jeff Hardy for Halloween.
  • The Stunner interviewed former WCW wrestler Crowbar.

Update on English content available on NJPW World

Posted on by Ian Carey

NJPW World has made it easier for English-speaking fans to learn about the promotion’s early history.

NJPW announced on Monday that English introductions and historical context have been added to its archive, covering matches from the promotion’s launch in 1972 through the spring of 1983.

“English introductions and historical context has now been added across our archives up through the spring of 1983- go on dozens of deep dives now with @velvetvoiceWS!” NJPW wrote on social media.

“I’ve been hard at work in my home studio!” Walker Stewart wrote in response to the news.

Fans can now select the alternate English commentary track in the settings menu for matches from that era.

Stewart also serves as the English commentary voice for Stardom, a role he began just over a year ago. The next Stardom event scheduled to feature English commentary is set for September 27 at Korakuen Hall, headlined by a title vs. title match featuring NJPW Strong Women’s Champion AZM vs. World of Stardom Champion Saya Kamitani.

NJPW & Stardom announcer debuts on AEW Forbidden Door broadcast

Posted on by Josh Nason

NJPW & Stardom announcer Walker Stewart made his debut at the AEW commentary desk Sunday as part of the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door broadcast team.

Stewart quietly made his way to the desk, replacing Tony Schiavone for the TNT title match between Kyle Fletcher and challenger Hiromu Takahashi, joining Excalibur and Bryan Danielson. Excalibur joked about him suddenly appearing before introducing him. Don Callis also joined the party as well.

While he did not remain in the booth for the TBS title four-way despite Bozilla’s inclusion, Stewart returned for the IWGP World title match between champion Zack Sabre Jr. and Nigel McGuinness.

Stewart became the lead NJPW English language announcer in October 2023, replacing longtime voice Kevin Kelly.

“The Velvet Voice” is still in his early 20s and has done work for  GCW, Mission Pro, Future Stars of Wrestling, and Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling in his past. Earlier this year, he added the position of Stardom Director of Global Communications and PR in addition to his commentary duties for both NJPW and Stardom.

Daily Update: WWE notes, AEW Dynamite TNT title match, Walker Stewart

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Death and legacy of Sabu
  • Why WrestleMania was  moved, expected date change and how it went down
  • WWE Backlash coverage and what the Netflix number, or lack thereof, said about it.
  • Double or Nothing, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Battleground and Dean 2 looked at
  • UFC’s last two weeks of shows
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling shows, where they placed in weekly stands, time slot, competition, Netflix numbers and how close is Dynamite really to Raw
  • Updates in different court cases involving Vince McMahon, including what things Vince is trying to keep private and what argument are his lawyers using to get the Janel Grant case out of court.
  • AEW wrestlers at Arena Mexico in June with two shows including some very big matches
  • Notes on the last two weeks of Arena Mexico activity
  • Update on TripleMania Regia and those who were to be there and aren’t and who is
  • Who is the hottest new star in AAA
  • Champion Carnival finals
  • Ninja Mack becomes viral star
  • Best of the Super Juniors tournament
  • Woman wrestling legend retires
  • Kyle Snyder’s arrest, what happened, where he stands right now
  • New signees to RAF including Chael Sonnen as announcer
  • Sonnen issues apology
  • Pro wrestling legend announces independent show for his last match in a 20,000 seat arena
  • LA Park’s latest controversy
  • Maple Leaf Wrestling thoughts
  • TNA has a number of big shows
  • Jim Ross notes
  • Darby Allin’s climb
  • Collision technical issue
  • AEW doing more residencies
  • AEW and International television
  • Will Ospreay on AEW vs. WWE
  • Advance ticket sales for AEW, WWE and TNA events upcoming
  • UFC wins multiple awards
  • Lots of new major UFC fights
  • Boxing legend done with MMA
  • PFL tournament shows upcoming
  • Holly Holm signs with Jake Paul
  • What is going on with Nick Khan & Dana White’s boxing deal with Turki Alalshikh
  • WWE in Mexico
  • WWE injury and roster updates
  • New WWE signings

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Pat McAfee were in attendance at last night’s Indiana Pacers victory over the New York Knicks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
  • At his post-game press conference, Pacers superstar and WWE fan Tyrese Haliburton reacted to Levesque being at the game: “I was happy [Haliburton’s father John] was in the building, obviously Triple H was in the building. … I’m not gonna say it was more special, but Triple H being in the building was pretty fire too.”
  • WWE posted a tribute to musician Rick Derringer following his passing at 77 years old:
    • WWE is saddened to learn that Rick Derringer has passed away.
    • An accomplished musician who landed a Top 40 hit in 1973 with ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,’ Derringer lent his talents to WWE in the 1980s by creating Hulk Hogan’s iconic ‘Real American” entrance theme. Collaborating with WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart, Derringer also worked on the theme for legendary tag team Demolition.
    • WWE extends its condolences to Derringer’s family, friends and fans.
  • WWE uploaded the full Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne main event from NXT last night, where Jayne defeated Vaquer to become the new NXT Women’s Champion.
  • Amanda Saccamanno (Mandy Rose) congratulated her former Toxic Attraction stablemate on her title win: “So proud of you!!! Well f***** deserved!! Love you!!”
  • JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb) spoke to Hawaii News Now about signing with WWE: “From 2020 to 2024, I had like two or three other offers from them (WWE). It’s very fortunate in my career where I could turn them down and be fine with it, and then finally they got me.”
  • John Cena is featured on the poster for WWE’s Night of Champions PLE that’s taking place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 28.
  • Chad Gable surprised three athletes by informing them that they’ve been selected as members of Team Minnesota for the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games.
  • Rap producer Metro Boomin tweeted that he’d love to work with WWE on creating entrance themes: “Would love to produce some WWE entrance themes. It’s a lifelong goal of mine”
  • Cody Rhodes’ “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast debuted today with his wife Brandi Rhodes appearing as the first guest

Other Wrestling

  • Adam Cole vs. Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship has been added to the lineup for tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
  • Shelton Benjamin celebrated his goddaughter (Charlie Haas’ daughter Kayla) graduating from high school:
    • Congratulations to my goddaughter. Class of 2025. Allen H.S. You make us all proud. @realcharliehaas 1 down 3 to go, can’t wait to give the next prom date the Bad Boys treatment. Congratulations Kayla from the Godfather #graduation #classof2025 #goddaughter #goodjobchuck&jackie
  • Responding to a fan on social media who asked if she’ll be on Dynamite tonight, Deonna Purrazzo wrote: “During picture in picture, probably.” [referencing her Southern New Hampshire University commercial that often airs during the show]
  • Sting’s son Garrett Borden revealed that he and his wife Katelyn are expecting a baby this November.
  • English-language announcer Walker Stewart is now working as Stardom’s Director of Global Communications and PR in addition to his commentary duties for both NJPW and Stardom. Stewart wrote on his LinkedIn page:
    • As Director of Global PR & Communications, I lead the company’s international branding, media strategy, and fan engagement efforts. I oversee STARDOM’s English-language social media platforms, promoting live events, pay-per-views, merchandise, and our roster of world-class athletes to a global audience. In addition to managing all foreign media relations and partnerships, I guide the overall direction of STARDOM’s international division. I also spearhead the development of video, audio, and graphical content tailored for international markets—ensuring that our storytelling, presentation, and brand voice resonate across platforms and borders.
  • The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay) will face Elayna Black & Bea Priestley at Prestige Wrestling’s Combat Clash in Portland, Oregon on Sunday, July 13. It’s a match with four former WWE wrestlers with the former Peyton Royce & Billie Kay facing the former Cora Jade & Blair Davenport.
  • GCW has announced Elayna Black vs. Zayda Steel for their The Top Play show in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, July 5.

Walker Stewart confirmed as new NJPW English-language commentator

Posted on by Ian Carey

NJPW has a new lead English broadcast commentator. 

“The Velvet Voice” Walker Stewart has confirmed earlier reports that he will replace Kevin Kelly in the role. Stewart’s debut will take place on October 28, 2023, at Fighting Spirit Unleashed. Veda Scott will join him at the commentary table for the show. 

The Oklahoma native is only 21 years old and has done commentary work for GCW, Mission Pro, Future Stars of Wrestling, and Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling. 

Stewart posted a message to social media on Wednesday to reveal the news:

“I am beyond honored, blessed, and excited to announce that I have officially signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling to serve as the Lead English Broadcast Commentator across all NJPW events.

Many who enter the world of professional wrestling do so with the intention of working in front of sold-out arenas all across the world, meeting incredible fans who share the same passion for the sport, and supporting a family and a lifestyle doing the thing they love to do the most. This is the same goal I entered with as well, and tonight I can announce that this dream has become a reality.

It took 26 months. 802 days. 19,230 hours. 15 states. 63 promotions. 212 events. Producing. Commentating. Announcing. Setting up rings. Popping popcorn. Driving states away just for an opportunity to showcase what I can do.

All of it to become the youngest signed international broadcast commentator in professional wrestling at 21 years old.

I feel a profound sense of honor, an overwhelming wave of emotion, and an immense gratitude that words can hardly convey. So many people have played pivotal roles in shaping my path, recognizing my unwavering dedication, and propelling me forward in ways I could never have imagined, let alone asked for. To those tagged in this post, both within and beyond the wrestling world, you have been my guiding light and mentors, and I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support. A special thank you goes out to Kevin Kelly and Bob Evans, whose guidance has been invaluable on this journey.

I’ve never failed to express my love for professional wrestling and those who are in it, and it’s a very kind feeling to find that professional wrestling can and will love you back.

On July 24, 2021, the journey began. On October 28, 2023, the journey evolves as I make my NJPW broadcast debut in Las Vegas, Nevada for New Japan Pro Wrestling: Fighting Spirit Unleashed, airing LIVE on FITE TV.

Let it be known that this journey is far from over; it’s a path that stretches on indefinitely. The goalposts have shifted, and my vision is clearer than ever before. This achievement stands as a testament to the undeniable truth that hard work pays off. I am living proof of that.

I’ve never been more ready for uncharted territory. NJPW and the independent wrestling world at large will continue to get the best of me every single night, and I’m motivated to serve the NJPW audience well. Thank you.”