Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
WWE
ROMAN REIGNS HURT
WWE announced yesterday afternoon that Roman Reigns will undergo an emergency surgery today for an incarcerated hernia in Nashville, TN. Reigns will obviously miss tonight’s PPV.
At 2:31 PM Eastern yesterday, WWE ran a "Breaking News" update with Scott Stanford at WWE Headquarters on the WWE Network, cutting into "Slam City."
Stanford announced that Roman Reigns' surgery was a success and that Reigns is in recovery. Reigns will remain overnight in the hospital in Nashville, TN but has been pulled from the WWE Night of Champions PPV.
Christopher Amann was on the phone. He said that "fortunately, everything seems to be doing fine." He said Reigns was resting comfortably.
Stanford asked what brought on the hernia. Dr. Amann said that it wasn't something that happened in the ring but something that Reigns had been dealing with. This morning in his hotel, Reigns woke with bad abdominal pain that was getting worse, so reached out to the WWE medical staff.
Reigns was told to go to the hospital and learned it was an incarcerated hernia, which means a loop of intestine had wrapped around it. Obviously, that required immediate emergency surgery.
Reigns will be out of the ring at least 4-6 weeks. He said that Reign's physical fitness won't help him in recovering from a hernia operation. Amann said the big thing is letting the tissue and muscle heal before he's allowed to do anything physical. He said they won't let him return until he's completely cleared.
Speaking of Reigns he tweeted the following today: “Thank you everyone for your kind words, support and prayers!! I'm hurting right now but it's great to know good people have my back!!"
WWE: THE NEXT GENERATION
WWE's social media accounts began promoting that "the next generation" would begin on Raw on 9/22 yesterday.
The most obvious guess for this tease we seem to hearing is that WWE NXT talents are going to be involved in a major way on Raw. As we broke last week here on PWInsider.com, NXT talents ARE booked for the next several weeks of WWE TV tapings. Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn, The Ascension and Tyler Breeze are all scheduled for this week's TV tapings, PWInsider.com has already confirmed.
However, the official trailer and promotional campaign for the WWE 2K15 videogame are also set to begin on 9/22, so my guess is it's likely the Twitter teases are for the videogame promotion, similar to the "Revolution" promotion several years back.
In 1994, WWF used the "New Generation" tag line to promote their then-current crop of stars, including Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels and Diesel.
The WWE Network will broadcast the WWE 2K15 roster reveal taped over Summerslam weekend this Monday after Monday Night Raw goes off the air. So, no Raw Backstage Pass yet again.
WWE EXPANDING INTO INDIA WITH $100 MILLION INVESTMENT
An article in The Hindu Business Line noted that WWE and Ten Line Sports will be investing upwards of $100 million to upgrade WWE's presence in India.
Rakesh Sethi, CEO, Ten Sports, noted that the investments would be used to bring more live WWE events to India, to launch an official WWE merchandise line in the country and to reduce "the gap" in WWE TV series between the United States and India. I believe that means the shows airing in a more timely fashion, perhaps even live.
Ten Sports will also be airing WWE in "multiple Indian languages" as part of their new deal that sees them hold the rights to broadcast WWE through 2019.
Currently, Ten Sports airs Raw, Smackdown, NXT and WWE PPVs. Under the new deal, they are adding Main Event and a one-hour version of Raw tailored for the Indian market.
The article notes the first WWE live events in India will take place in 2015.
For more, click here.
WWE SIGNS FOX SPORTS TV DEAL
WWE signed a huge deal with Fox Sports Latin America that will bring WWE programming to 56 million households in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile, among other countries.
The five year deal will see FOX Sports Latin America broadcasting Monday Night Raw live as of Monday 10/6.
The deal also includes broadcasts of Smackdown, WWE Main Event and NXT.
For the local region, this is huge news as it brings WWE's complete programming on a major broadcast outlet as opposed to an edited down one hour version of Raw.
The deal will also bring WWE's Vintage Collection, an internationally syndicated series that features older material to the FOX Play digital platform.
WWE PPVs will also be featured on premium FOX Sports channels and the FOX Play digital platform.
The following press release for the deal was just issued by WWE:
WWE® and FOX Sports Latin America Announce Partnership
MÉXICO CITY, Sep 17, 2014 -- WWE and FOX Sports Latin America today announced a five-year multi-channel agreement that will make WWE programming available in 56 million homes on various FOX Sports and FOX Premium platforms across all of Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. The partnership will offer more than 480 hours of original WWE content per year.
Starting Monday, October 6, FOX Sports will feature a live broadcast of WWE’s flagship program Monday Night Raw®. Additional original WWE programming including SmackDown®,Main Event™, NXT™ and WWE Vintage Collection™ will be shown on a weekly basis on FOX Sports, FOX Sports 2 and the regional digital platform, FOX Play while WWE’s pay-per-view specials will be available via FOX’s Premium offers in Latin America and on FOX Play in Brazil.
"We are very excited to build this new strategic partnership with a leading global entertainment brand such as WWE,” said Francisco Pazmino, Senior Vice President Programming and Acquisitions, FOX Sports Latin America. “No doubt this long-term partnership will give us the opportunity to continue to strengthen our content line-up, offering our fans in the region a strong and consistent weekly schedule of WWE programming through our portfolio of channels.”
"The combination of WWE’s passionate fan base across Latin America plus FOX’s extensive distribution channels in the region will prove to be mutually beneficial,” said Gerrit Meier, Executive Vice President International, WWE. “This important partnership will allow us to engage audiences of all ages with compelling family sports entertainment programming and further grow the WWE fan base.”
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company WWE, +2.26% is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE WWE, +2.26% can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
About FOX Sports Latin America
FOX Sports is the sports channel cable television leader in Latin America. Transmits 24 hours a day, every day of the week, more than 56 million households in 19 countries in the region. Its programming focuses on everything related to sports, including live events, sports news, talk shows and other original content. The Bridgestone Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana Total, Italy's Serie A, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF Champions League, Liga MX, Bellator, Golden Boy, Formula E, MLB and NFL are among its programming more prominent. FOX Sports is owned by FOX International Channels (FIC) a company of 21st Century FOX. For more information go to www.FOXsportsla.com.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to entering into, maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming and our new network distribution agreements; risks relating to the launch and maintenance of our new network; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive and fragmented nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to new businesses and strategic investments; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to general economic conditions and our exposure to bad debt risk; risks relating to litigation; risks relating to market expectations for our financial performance; risks relating to our revolving credit facility; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.
Thanks to Efrain Quilen.
FULL DETAILS ON WWE'S FORTHCOMING RANDY SAVAGE DOCUMENTARY DVD RELEASE
WrestlingDVDNews.com reported the following details for the forthcoming WWE DVD and Blu-Ray release of "The Randy Savage Story" -
DISC 1
Documentary
- Driven to Perfection
- Bred to Achieve
- Baseball Days
- Transition into Wrestling
- Developing The Macho Man
- Earning a Reputation
- WrestleMania III
- WWE Champion
- Mega Powers
- Randy & Liz
- Spokesperson
- WCW
- Hardships
- Giving Back
- True Love
- May 20, 2011
- Cream of the Crop
DISC 2
Intercontinental Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
Superstars • November 22, 1986
Lumberjack Match for the Intercontinental Championship
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Bruno Sammartino
Boston Garden • February 7, 1987
Intercontinental Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
Maple Leaf Gardens • February 15, 1987
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "The King" Harley Race
Philadelphia, PA • September 18, 1987
Six-Man Tag Team Steel Cage Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage & Strike Force vs. Honky Tonk Man & The Hart Foundation
Boston Garden • March 5, 1988
WWE Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
Boston Garden • July 9, 1988
Harlem Street Fight for the WWE Championship
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Bad News Brown
Hamilton, Ontario • January 16, 1989
WWE Championship Match
Hulk Hogan vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
Madison Square Garden • April 24, 1989
DISC 3
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Miami, FL • January 22, 1990
WWE Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Shawn Michaels
Munich, Germany • April 14, 1992
WWE Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior
SummerSlam • August 31, 1992
WWE Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair
Prime Time Wrestling • September 14, 1992
WCW Television Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Arn Anderson
WCW Saturday Night • January 28, 1995
Steel Cage Match for the WCW Championship
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair
WCW Superbrawl VI • February 11, 1996
Las Vegas Sudden Death Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Diamond Dallas Page
WCW Halloween Havoc • October 26, 1997
BLU-RAY EXTRAS
Lumberjack Match for the WWE Championship
Hulk Hogan vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
Madison Square Garden • February 17, 1986
Winner is the King of WWE
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
Madison Square Garden • October 28, 1989
"Macho Man" Randy Savage & Sting vs. The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal & Earl Robert Eaton)
WCW Saturday Night • September 9, 1995
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Booker T
WCW Nitro • December 15, 1997
Blu-Ray Exclusive Stories
- Ambidextrous?
- Card Shark
- Fearing the Savage
- Getting into the WWE
- Snake Fixed?
- A Safety Net
- Hundred Dollar Bill Guy
- Jerusalem
- Highly Competitive
- No Days Off
- Cowboy Hats
- Part of the Team
- Shifting Gears
- Very Generous
- Thanksgiving Call
- Walking Away
- Michael Schmidt
- Macho Tip
FLAIR AND STEAMBOAT TO MAKE FIRST EVER JOINT APPEARANCES TOGETHER THIS NOVEMBER
Big Time Wrestling issued the following press release to PWInsider.com this morning: “NATURE BOY†RIC FLAIR AND RICKY “THE DRAGON†STEAMBOAT TO MAKE JOINT APPEARANCES FOR RARE TANDEM PHOTO AND AUTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITY!
Flair and Steamboat set to appear together in ring at Big Time Wrestling events in Massachusetts and New York, to speak on their feud that spanned across THREE DECADES!
Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will be headlining these MEGA EVENTS at The MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA on November 14th and Fishkill Recreation Center in Fishkill, NY on November 15th.
Prior to LIVE BIG TIME WRESTLING ACTION each evening, fans will have their first opportunity to meet both Flair and Steamboat and take part in the first ever “Feud of Three Decadesâ€. Fans will be able to pose between Ric and Ricky in the same photo!
Wrestling Superstars Scotty 2 Hotty and Brian Christopher collectively know as TOO COOL will take to the ring for a tag team reunion in both Springfield and Fishkill.
“The Innovator of Violence†Tommy Dreamer is set to square off with “British Bulldog Jr†Harry D.H. Smith on Friday night in Springfield.
“We're still adding to the cards, which will only get stronger and stronger†said Big Time Wrestling owner Terry Allen, when reached for comment.
Admission tickets as well as Flair and Steamboat Meet and Greet Packages for both are on on-sale now at www.btwtickets.com.
Big Time Wrestling will include seven huge matches and promises to be a great night of entertainment that is suitable for the entire family. Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will headline a special fan “Meet and Greet†starting 2 hours prior to each event. This is an opportunity for the fans to get autographs and pictures with all of the stars of that evenings event.
Tickets for the events start as low as $15 plus venue fees, and are available at: www.btwtickets.com. For all fan and media inquiries contact 877-649-3599
WWE STAR UNDERGOES NECK SURGERY
Santino Marella announced on his Facebook Page today that he had undergone successful surgery on his neck, hoping to pave the way to an in-ring WWE comeback.
Marella wrote, "Surgery went well. There were some unexpected broken bones in my neck apparently, but everything is looking good now. Let the legendary comeback begin!"
Marella announced he was retiring during a promo on a house show in his hometown of Toronto last July, although WWE has never once referred to him as having officially retired as an active competitor.
The former Intercontinental champion noted it would be six months before he would be able to perform. That would put him in line to appear in March/April, right around Wrestlemania season.
VIDEOS
WWE released the following "unseen footage" from the Cena vs. Lesnar brawl that highlighted Monday's Raw:
WWE Inbox (Episode 137): http://youtu.be/pBr9ScSdtjA
9/15/14 Top 10 Moments From This Week's RAW: http://youtu.be/oyj8nmsajJU
9/18/14 WWE Video Blog-Sasha Banks has a Message for Charlotte: http://youtu.be/vOyUk9ZVv6U
WWE Inbox (Episode 137) http://youtu.be/pBr9ScSdtjA
9/15/14 Top 10 Moments From This Week's RAW http://youtu.be/oyj8nmsajJU
9/18/14 WWE Video Blog-Sasha Banks has a Message for Charlotte http://youtu.be/vOyUk9ZVv6U
Top 20 Moves of Roman Reigns: http://youtu.be/FOJkoJX-qLY
Wrestler Chris Jericho Takes Over FOX 10's Weather: http://youtu.be/uK74eG3IMsg
9/19/14 WWE Smackdown "Fallout”: http://youtu.be/Ro0hQulRIAA
WWE Top Ten-John Cena's Hardest-Fought Victories: http://youtu.be/qO6rn22GGeI
9/15/14 WWE RAW "Slam of the Week”: http://youtu.be/RtNU8nq-F-4
9/19/14 WWE Smackdown "Slam of the Week”: http://youtu.be/mjB0dHy3Fhw
9/20/14 WWE Video Blog: Eden Wishes Her Best Friend a Happy Birthday: http://youtu.be/L6nZOXGTPps
The JBL Show (Episode 95): http://youtu.be/b8w59CMn76M
NEWS AND NOTES
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair was slated to be released from the hospital in Georgia yesterday, PWInsider.com has learned. Flair is recovering from what we are told are a trio of surgeries over the last 7-10 days.
As we discussed in the Elite section of PWInsider.com over the last several weeks, there's been talk of taking the lesbian overtones of AJ Lee vs. Paige to the next level in creative meetings to the point it's been pitched to the talent involved.
Mick Foley noted he has an offer to do a podcast and is considering it. I'm surprised it's taken that long for this to happen.
SeekingAlpha.com featured a piece on WWE "being at the crossroads" saying it remains to be seen whether the company will ever get their stock traded at a higher price than it currently is. Well, you could say that about any stock, right? You can read the piece at this link.
Yesterday's announcement of a TV deal with FOX Sports Latin America led to some after-hours trading of the WWE stock last night. They were up 2.26% to $14.95 at one point last night.
Brock Lesnar was the guest for the sit-down interview with Michael Cole yesterday, pretty much pushing his storyline against John Cena.
WWE NXT has live events tonight in Wachula, FL at the Hardee Civic Center, tomorrow 9/19 in Orlando, FL at the Armory and Saturday 9/20 in Daytona Beach, FL at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center. If anyone is attending any NXT events, we are always seeking live reports. Thanks!
The next NXT taping at Full Sail Live is 9/25.
WWE U.S champion Sheamus will be signing the new Wrestlemania book this Sunday 9/21 at Barnes & Noble (300 Indian Lake Blvd) in Hendersonville, TN prior to the Night of Champions PPV.
Summer Rae will be signing at the Southern Connecticut Women's Expo on 9/28 at The Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT.
WWE developmental Diva Lina Fanene will be billed as "Zada" going forward. She is the cousin of The Rock who was recently injured when she and The Rock's mother were victims of a drunk driver.
The official preview for this Tuesday's Monday Night War episode on the Network is "Extreme Championship Wrestling leaves an indelible mark on the Monday Night War as a hardcore alternative."
WWE Countdown this week will count down the greatest High Flyers of all time.
The 2014 WWE TLC PPV, which will take place 12/14 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Gund Arena, will officially go on sale on Saturday 9/27. There will be an online pre-sale a few days prior. As soon as hear the pre-sale details, we'll have them here on PWInsider.com.
Next week's episode of The Monday Night War on the WWE Network will be specifically devoted to ECW's influence on both WCW and The WWF and the ripple effect that ECW brought to the Monday Night War via talent and concepts that each company acquired.
Stephanie McMahon was interviewed on Inc.com about how women can get ahead in business, as well as promoting Total Divas. You can watch it by clicking here. http://www.inc.com/stephanie-mcmahon/playbook-female-leadership.html?cid=sf01001
Mark Henry was interviewed by Nashville Scene in promotion for Night Of Champions. You can read it by clicking here.
Triple H tweeted the following yesterday: “Just walked the red carpet @MrOlympiaLLC next to the Editor-in-Chief of #Muscle & #Fitness, @shawnperine. #MrOlympia http://instagram.com/p/tMIlYhPwPu/ “
Wade Barrett is hoping to be back from his shoulder injury in time to work by the end of the year.
Here’s a link to a story where The Rock talks about getting arrested multiple times for his part in a theft ring when he was a kid.
The Miz was interviewed by Al.com to promote this Saturday’s show in Huntsville, AL. You can read it by clicking here.
WWE.com has a feature where Emma teaches you what Australian phrases mean to Americans. She didn’t have one for self-checkout. You can read it by clicking here.
Ric Flair has been added to WWE's live tour dates in Mexico City next month. Flair is expected to be released from the hospital today.
The official release date for The Rock's new autobiography has been pushed back to 1/5/15.
WWE.com have an interview with Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville, Hideo Itami, Fergal Devitt and Kevin Steen, dubbed "The NXT Five", talking about what it means to be the new "New Generation" of WWE, going off on a "My generation" tweet that Zayn sent out in August after Steen signed with the company. You can read the piece at this link.
WWE released the classic "BadStreet USA" on iTunes this week.
WWE NXT Diva Kendall Sky, real name Kendra Smith, was released today. A former stunt woman with a martial arts background, she was signed in early 2013. She never debuted on NXT TV as a wrestler, but had worked house shows as a babyface. Skye had worked as a ring announcer. She was out of action earlier this year with a broken wrist.
WWE also released NXT talent Troy McLain, real name, Alexander Jones this morning. McClain had been using a motivational speaker-like personality, coming out wearing a mic to address the crowd for his entrances. McClain had appeared on WWE NXT TV, but never in a pushed or prominent role. A former NCAA Division 1 athlete, he's from the Illinois area and was signed in December 2012.
Here’s a link to story about Seth Rollins’ new Mioline, IL wrestling school, which we talked about before here on the site.
In case you missed the report from last night’s show in Charleston, WV Heath Slater, who is from the state, was way over with the crowd. After John Cena beat Kane in the main event, he brought Heath out and they sang John Denver’s “Country Roads†to end the show.
Cable V. sent the following. … When I got home today, the last issue of WWE Magazine was in my mail box. Inside was a letter about it being the last issue and thanking me for my patronage. The letter included the following offer.
"Choose one of the following options:
1. Receive a $20 WWE gift card, redeemable at WWEShop.com
OR
2. Receive a full refund of any unfulfilled issues left in your subscriptionâ€
Considering a years subscription to WWE Magazine was only around $20 to begin with, the $20 gift card option is pretty generous on their part. Sure you have to spend it on WWEShop, but I’m fine with that. I’m surprised they didn’t offer me two free months of the Network :)
Chuck Carroll sent this item. … Passing along an interview I did with Stardust (aka Cody Rhodes) for The Turnbuckle Weekly with Chuck Carroll on CBS. Hands down, it was the strangest and most fun interview I've done. He stayed in character the whole time and honestly it was hard to keep a straight face. There were a few interesting takeaways. I asked who he'd like to feud with if he and Goldust win the tag titles at Night of Champions and he hinted that The Ascension were on their way. "The inevitable is that a new challenger needs to step up. Perhaps, someone we haven’t seen," he said. "There is all types. I am not naive enough to not look at the [deep talent pool] that is the tag team division. Even a team like NXT’s The Ascension would be a fitting little appetizer." We spoke about a whole bunch of other stuff including wrestling in Dusty Rhodes' shadow and how he was able to build a career that speaks for itself. He told me about how Dusty is one of the few people to go to war with Vince McMahon and survive to tell the tale. He also said he and his wife (WWE Diva Eden) would be interested in doing Total Divas if asked. The full interview can be heard on CBS Washington's website: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/09/19/the-wackiest-wwe-interview-youll-ever-hear-stardust/
Actor Stephen Amell, who stars as Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow on the CW Network series "Arrow" (adapted from the DC Comics character), took to his Facebook page pushing the idea of him coming to Raw. Amell wrote, "Hey WWE: How do I host Monday Night Raw? I'll wrestle and everything. #AmellGetsRaw." Time will tell if he ends up on WWE programming. "Arrow" is about to kick off it's third season.
You can read Richard Trionfo's Superstars report by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo's NXT report by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo's Smackdown report by clicking here.
You can read our 9/19 NXT in Orlando report by clicking here.
You can read our 9/19 WWE in Charleston, WV report by clicking here.
You can read our 9/20 WWE in Lexington, KY report by clicking here.
You can read our 9/20 WWE in Huntsville, AL report by clicking here.
You can read our 9/20 NXT in Daytona Beach report by clicking here.
Set for next week's WWE NXT:
*NXT Tag Team champions Sin Cara and Kalisto vs. the Ascension.
*Bull Dempsey vs. Mojo Rawley.
*Tyler Breeze vs. Justin Gabriel.
Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss.
Enzo Amore vs. Marcus Louis.
TNA
Samoa Joe is also heading to India as part of the TNA promotional tour TNA will hold after this week's TV. There's been talk that TNA will announce during the promotional tour that one of the former Ring Ka King talents has signed with the company. Mahabali Veera, who worked for the TNA offshoot in India, tweeted the following photo today:
— Mahabali Veera (@mahabaliveera01) September 17, 2014
Davey Richards was at the 9/16 taping. No word on whether he's cleared to return to wrestle.
You can read Stu Carapola's Impact report clicking here.
You can read our 9/16 Impact spoiler report clicking here.
You can read our 9/17 Impact spoiler report clicking here.
You can read our 9/18 Impact spoiler report clicking here.
You can read our 9/19 Impact spoiler report clicking here.
You can read more spoilers by clicking here and here.
The 9/17 edition of Impact did 1,110,000 viewers, up from last week’s 1,049,000 viewers. It was an excellent show and deserved the increase.
ROH, DGUSA AND OTHER NEWS
RING OF HONOR BRINGING A HUGE SHOW TO LAS VEGAS
Ring Of Honor announced the following. See you there!
RING OF HONOR WRESTLING® TO CELEBRATE 13TH ANNIVERSARY IN LAS VEGAS ON MARCH 1ST, 2015
Baltimore, MD (September 18, 2014) – Ring of Honor Wrestling® (ROH) will make its debut in Las Vegas on Sunday March 1st, 2015 as it presents its 13th Anniversary super event at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 PT live from the Orleans Hotel and Casino.
Emanating from the fight capital of the world, ROH will present one of its biggest shows of the year in celebration of the company’s 13th anniversary. Founded in 2002, Ring of Honor has been the definitive destination for innovative action, championship fights and classic rivalries.
Make a weekend out of what will be an epic night of fun and ROH fights in Sin City next spring as history is made with Ring of Honor’s 13th Anniversary super event.
The 13th Anniversary super event will feature title bouts as well as your favorite Ring of Honor wrestlers. A list of ROH wrestlers and a full card will be available at a later date.
Tickets to ROH’s 13th Anniversary super event will be available at www.ROHWrestling.com. The on-sale date for tickets will be announced shortly.
Learn more about the Orleans Hotel and Casino at: http://www.orleanscasino.com. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103.
Follow ROH on Twitter: @RingofHonor 
Like ROH at: Facebook.com/RingofHonor
For more information on Ring of Honor and this event, visit: www.ROHwrestling.com.
Check your local listings to see where you can watch Ring of Honor TV each and every week or subscribe and watch online at: www.ROHWrestling.com.
ROH ANNOUNCES OCTOBER TRYOUT CAMP & SEMINAR
Ring of Honor announced the following this afternoon:
Ring of Honor will be holding another two-day tryout camp and seminar on Saturday, October 18th, 2014 and Sunday, October 19th, 2014 at the ROH DOJO in suburban Philadelphia (Bristol, PA).
This camp will provide those who attend the opportunity to be seen and evaluated by officials and pro wrestlers from Ring of Honor.
The seminar is organized by ROH’s top officials and these seminars continue to receive the highest praise by those who attend!
Instructors for 10/18 & 10/19 include...
Match Maker/ROH Head Trainer DELIRIOUS
Announcer/Producer KEVIN KELLY
Manager/Trainer TRUTH MARTINI
Wrestler/Trainer BRUTAL BOB EVANS
ROH Senior Official TODD SINCLAIR
ROH World Champion "UNBREAKABLE" MICHAEL ELGIN
ROH TV Champion JAY LETHAL
ROH Triple Crown Winner RODERICK STRONG
These Seminars/Camps have been the vehicle for us SIGNING such stars as...
- Current ROH World Champion “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
- Current ROH Tag Team Champion Bobby Fish
- Former ROH TV Champion Tommaso Ciampa
- Former ROH TV Champion Matt Taven
- Michael Bennett
- Hanson
- Quinn “Moose” Ojinnaka
These ROH Camps have also been the main catalyst to countless attendees getting ROH opportunities on live events and TV as well. If they were never seen at these camps then they may never have had an ROH opportunity. Each man took the opportunity and ran with it.
In addition, our FUTURE OF HONOR events consist exclusively of ROH seminar/try-out students, ROH Dojo graduates, and select ROH wrestling stars. In fact... 3 men who attended our recent July 2014 Camp competed later that night on the FUTURE OF HONOR 2 event that they were not scheduled on before the camp!
During the 2-day camp, all areas of wrestling will be covered from the in ring technique to the out of the ring attitude. Amongst the items on the curriculum are video taping personal interviews as well as sample promos. Watching each attendee work out in the ring and holding exhibition matches that will be critiqued in detail.
Not only are promos and in-ring technique covered but conditioning, appearance, mind-set and potential will also be evaluated.
We will get a complete look at the talent, and then detail for them either what they’re doing right, or what they need to improve on to make it to Ring of Honor and become an all around better wrestler. Those who impress us will be given an opportunity to take the next step and possibly being booked on live ROH events or Future of Honor events.
NOT everyone from the seminar will be booked, but SOME will be, and we promise EVERYONE will get their money’s worth.
The seminar is open to any current pro wrestler with at least one year’s experience. Each attendee is responsible for their own transportation to and from the ROH Dojo, and any necessary lodging.
The $300 registration fee includes each day’s activities plus lunch and critique by the ROH staff.
Saturday will start at 10am and last until 6pm. Sunday will start at 10am and last until 4pm.
Enrollment is limited to 35 applicants, to insure each camper receives individual attention.
To enroll, you must complete the application & W9 forms below. The forms and registration fee must submitted by October 17th, 2014.
DOWNLOAD TRY OUT CAMP / SEMINAR APPLICATION HERE
DOWNLOAD W9 FORM HERE
APPLICATION FORM:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
BIRTHDATE:
HEIGHT:
WEIGHT:
EDUCATION–HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
MARITAL STATUS:
CHILDREN:
OCCUPATION (other than wrestling):
HOBBIES/INTERESTS:
ATHLETIC BACKGROUND–HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
PROFESSIONAL:
TRAINING IN OTHER COMBAT SPORTS/MMA:
PRO WRESTLING–BECAME FAN AGE:
TRAINED BY:
YEARS PRO EXPERIENCE:
PROMOTERS/COMPANIES WORKED FOR:
UNUSUAL OR INTERESTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS/TALENTS IN ANY FIELD:
Your application form can be emailed to help@rohwrestling.com, faxed to (410) 662-1450, or mailed to...
Ring of Honor
2000 West 41st Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
Payments for the seminar can be made by credit card, paypal, check, or money order.
EVOLVE HEADING TO CHINA (NO, REALLY)
An official press release should be issued later today but a tour of China is set for 11/10-11/16 for live events presented by WWNLive, the parent company of EVOLVE, SHINE, FIP and Dragon Gate USA.
This is something the promotion has been working on for several years with the deal just finalized for live events in several cities, including Beijing.
WWNLive.com issued the following:
Great Wall International Sports Media is bringing the WWN Family to China with shows that will feature the EVOLVE brand and stars.
This will be a four event tour in the Hebei Province and Sichuan Province from November 10th to November 16th.
This is the first time these wrestlers and the cutting edge EVOLVE style goes to China!
"We have been working on this for about three years so it did not just happen overnight," WWN President Sal Hamaoui said.
"We are very excited for this opportunity to showcase the WWN and EVOLVE wrestlers in China. We are going to bring excitement and action that isn't like anything ever seen on that continent."
PWInsider.com reported this morning that the tour was taking place. After several years of working on the deal, the promotion received official word on 9/17 that the tour was set in stone.
THE BELLAS, ROMAN REIGNS, DEAN AMBROSE, STARDUST & GOLDUST HEADING TO RINGSIDEFEST IN NYC
Our good friends at RingsideCollectibles.com sent us the following.
The Bella Twins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Goldust & Stardust Take Over NYC!
NEW YORK , NY – RINGSIDE COLLECTIBLES, INC. presents the 11th annual RINGSIDE FEST, scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at Carolines on Broadway in Times Square, New York City.
This blockbuster event includes appearances by WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™ (appearing 9:30am - 12:30pm), WWE® Superstar Roman Reigns™ (appearing 1pm - 4pm), WWE® Superstar Dean Ambrose™ (appearing 9:30am - 12:30pm), and WWE® Superstars Goldust™ & Stardust™ (appearing 1pm - 4pm)!
Tickets are required for autographs and photo opportunities. Availability is very limited.
To order tickets and for more details visit http://www.RingsideFest.com
Do not miss the Ringside Exclusive Mattel WWE® Elite Flashback Rated R Edge® figure that will be available for sale starting at Ringside Fest.
Mattel's design team will also be on hand with the latest WWE® Action Figures on display and answering questions from fans!
Ringside Collectibles, Inc. is the #1 on-line retailer of Mattel WWE wrestling figures! Visit Ringside Collectibles at www.WrestlingFigures.com
Tickets on-sale Now! Click here to purchase your tickets!
FULL DETAILS ON WWE'S FORTHCOMING RANDY SAVAGE DOCUMENTARY DVD RELEASE
Paul Alperstein, who promoted the mid-1990s version of The American Wrestling Federation and appeared on air as the owner of the company on it's TV series, has passed away, PWInsider.com has learned. He was 58 years old.
Alperstein, who lived in Skokie, Illinois, was the sole backer for the AWF when it launched in 1994 and began syndicating it's TV across the United States.
The promotion was built around the idea of incorporating old school pro wrestling with a strong enforcement of the rules along with the introduction of four minute European style rounds. The promotion's TV included "turnbuckle cams" and allegedly, fans who were basically paid extras so they would react the proper way to the characters on the series.
Tito Santana was crowned it's first champion and the roster included Sgt. Slaughter, The Road Warriors, Jim Brunzell (as Commissioner), Bob Orton, Koko B. Ware, Greg Valentine, Tony Atlas, Chris Adams and other recognizable names that had worked on a national level in the 1980s.
The promotion would go on to tape around 30-35 episodes between 1995 and 1996. In September 1996, it would purchase TV time in a number of major markets with the idea of eventually touring. The promotion acquired timeslots (some were barter deals while others were specific purchases of TV time) on a number of major broadcast stations, including WCBS-TV in New York City, KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, WBBM-TV in Chicago, KYW-TV in Philadelphia, KBHK-TV in San Francisco and WLVI-TV in Boston, among others. There were some international TV distribution deals as well.
The business plan was to use that TV exposure as the platform to eventually run house shows and do three to four live PPVs a year. While the promotion eventually did a few house shows on the West Coast, financially the numbers to recoup the investment were never there and it quietly shut down operations.
The first round of TV tapings were later released on DVD under the title "Warriors of Wrestling." Santana retained physical ownership of the AWF title and on occasion, has since defended it on independent appearances.
In the years following The AWF, Alperstein worked in the restaurant field.
We are told that Alperstein had been dealing with multiple sclerosis. He had suffered several strokes several years ago and had not been in the best of health. He is survived by his father and two sisters.
On behalf of everyone associated with PWInsider.com, we'd like to issue our deepest condolences to Alperstein's family and friends.
NEWS AND NOTES
You can read Jose Perez’s 9/17 Puerto Rico report by clicking here.
You can read Brian Cannon's 9/17 OVW TV taping report by clicking here.
You can read Kris Zellner's 9/19 Lucha report by clicking here.
You can read Kris Zellner's 9/20 Lucha report, covering EMLL’s 81st Anniversary show, by clicking here.
You can read Kris Zellner's 9/21 by clicking here.
You can read our coverage from night one of Chikara’s 9/20 King of Trios night one report by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo’s ROH TV report by clicking here.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
