Indie Wrestling's Growing Influence on WWE

AJ Styles Makes Pro Wrestling History at WWE Backlash

AJ Styles proved tonight that he truly is phenomenal. The 39-year-old veteran defeated Dean Ambrose in the main event of WWE Backlash to win the WWE World Champion, becoming the first man in wrestling history to win the WWE World Championship, TNA World Championship, and IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Brock Lesnar had previously held the WWE and IWGP titles, Shinsuke Nakamura has been IWGP Champion and NXT Champion, Finn Balor is a former IWGP Jr. Champion and WWE Champion, and there are several wrestlers who have been WWE and TNA champion, but no man until Styles has managed to obtain the top world titles of all three top professional wrestling promotions in the world.

As additional icing on the cake, Styles is also a former Ring of Honor Pure Champion, PWG Champion, and because of the early association between TNA and the NWA, he is also technically a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

What makes all these even sweeter for the self-proclaimed “face that runs the place”? Styles left TNA as world champion in October 2013, meaning that he has accomplished this feat in a little under three years. In addition, it was only 14 months ago that he lost the IWGP title to Kazuchika Okada, and he is currently only in his ninth month as a WWE Superstar, debuting at the 2016 Royal Rumble.

Booker T Talks New Era Talents He Thinks Will Be Big Stars in WWE, His New Role in WWE

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently did an interview with Cody Dalton of The Observer News Enterprise, and below are some highlights:

CD: In WWE, they are talking about this being “The New Era.” Who do you see out there wrestling now that you think will be the next big star in your business?

BT: “I think it’s going to be more than just one guy. WWE finally opened up the door to the independent world, letting those guys come in and show exactly what they have. I’ve always thought there was a lot of untapped talent out in the independent world. They weren’t the prototypical WWE Superstar, but maybe they are the ‘People’s Champion.’ I think now with guys that have been around like (Finn) Bálor, who has been around a long time. Kevin Owens, Neville — those guys have been around a really long time. You’ve got guys like Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, (Austin) Aries and guys like that who are getting a chance to come in, as well. They get a chance to perform on the big stage. You see A.J. Styles doing very, very well since he finally got a shot at going out there and performing. You actually see a guy who has pretty much a Southern accent, can get on the microphone and deliver a good promo. There’s going to be a lot of guys actually that are going to be coming up. I feel like the business is in good hands for the years to come, the Wrestlemanias to come and the pay per views to come.”

CD: What’s harder — wrestling, teaching someone to wrestling or being a commentator in WWE?

BT: “Probably commentating. That’s why I’m an analyst now. That’s why I’m not commentating anymore. I’m just an analyst on the Kickoff Show on the pay per views. I like being an analyst. Being able to go out there and talk about Zack Ryder from a commentary perspective, there may be some rough patches, but to be able to analyze Zack Ryder — him being a guy that’s been in WWE for over 10 years, a guy that’s been a journeyman, a guy that’s been trying to crack through that glass ceiling and it just doesn’t seem like it’s ever going to happen for him. Maybe he should retire. Maybe he should just go away. I can do that.

Marti Bell’s American Dream

It’s a very unique time for the world of professional wrestling, as the women’s wrestling revolution is taking center stage, often with show stealing performances in some of the the biggest promotions in the world. One of the most unique athletes in this unique evolution of the sports entertainment genre is TNA Knockout, Marti Bell. With her trademark afro to compliment her well rounded skills, Marti has become one of the most dynamic female stars in just a few short years. Ironically, as much as she is on the forefront of a new era of the industry, Marti’s story is very much a classic example of the American dream.

Despite being born in New York, Marti moved with her family back to their original hometown in the Dominican Republic when she was just a few months old, and she spent her early years on the island.

“I am a first generation American, all of my grandparents and both of my parents were both born in the Dominican Republic, with my parents still currently residing there. I was born in NYC and moved back to the Dominican Republic until I was seven. My grandmother was the first to move to New York and she left her life behind in the Dominican to make a better future for her children, eventually bringing all five of her kids to live with her in States. I moved in 1996 to live with my grandmother, who I lived with until I was 18,” she said.

Speaking Spanish as her first language, Marti didn’t know English when she began watching pro wrestling with her family, but she had an intrinsic connection to the drama that unfolded on screen.

“I vaguely remember watching wrestling with my dad when I lived in the Dominican Republic, and then when I moved to New York, I watched wrestling with my three cousins Richard, Christian, and Massiel. The four of us formed a wrestling club and we would get together Mondays and Thursdays to watch wrestling as well as the pay-per-views. Wrestling spoke to me because even though I couldn’t speak the language, I could still understand the stories. I wanted to do that for other people who were in the same shoes as me,” she said.

As Marti wanted to connect with fans the way that the sport had connected with her, she sought to join the pro ranks to chase the dream of wrestling stardom. Living in New York City at the time, Bell chose to learn from one of the best, WWE Hall of Famer, Johnny Rodz, a grappler that is responsible for training several major stars in the industry. As she walked into the world famous Gleason’s Gym, through the same doors as legends such as Jake LaMotta, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson, Marti knew that her desire to be successful in professional wrestling would be tested.

“I began as a valet in 2008 and eventually began my training August of 2009, having my first match that November. Training was rough – I was one of two girls who consistently showed up to training, so I found myself training with the boys. Some of them respected me as a wrestler and really wanted to help me succeed. They would push me and make me do the same things they were doing. Others thought I wouldn’t last, or that I wouldn’t make it and paid me no mind.”

Despite the tedious process of learning to land on the canvas and the toll it took, Bell made it through the training program and learned many valuable lessons along the way.

“The first and most important thing you learn in wrestling is respect. And this manifests itself in so many different ways. From walking into a room and shaking everyone’s hand, to listening with your mouth shut when someone is speaking to you, learning the signature moves of people you work with so you’re not doing the same thing they’re doing etc. I also learned how hard this business is. We’d start a class with 20 people and by the end, there would only be a few of us sticking it out. But I also learned what an amazing, and fun business this can be,” Marti said.

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Rumor Mill - WWE To Crown Cruiserweight Champion in the CWC?

According to PWInsider.com, the live WWE Cruiserweight Classic finale, airing on September 4th, will likely be to crown the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. The report added no talents have officially been signed for the division as of yet, but as we noted over the weekend, CWC talents Kota Ibushi and Gran Metalik have signed WWE deals.

WWE will likely be looking to sign additional CWC talents such as Zack Sabre, Jr., Lince Dorado, Jack Gallagher, Akira Tozawa and Cedric Alexander for the returning Cruiserweight division, and they might also use veteran Cruiserweight talents such as Brian Kendrick and Tajiri so there are some familiar faces on Raw in the division.

WWE Sends Cease & Desist Letters To Indy Promoters

PWInsider.com is reporting that a variety of independent pro wrestling promoters received cease and desist letters from WWE today. The letters informed the promoters that they are utilizing WWE owned photographs on advertising materials to promote former WWE contracted talents. After speaking with one of the promoters who has received the WWE’s request I can confirm that WWE is giving the promoters five days to stop using the images.

Meet the Cruiserweight Classic Alternates

Over the past month, the WWE Universe has become familiar with the 32 grapplers from around the world that will take part in the first-ever Cruiserweight Classic.

Anything can happen, however, during the 10 weeks the CWC will play out. The mat game is grueling, and injuries are always a threat to competitors, especially those with high-risk styles. Plus, the strict 205-pound weight limit for the tournament means that the wrong meal could lead to an early exit.

So, what happens if one of the initial 32 competitors can’t continue in the tournament? WWE officials prepared for the worst and have five alternates ready to step in, should the need arise. The WWE Universe may have seen them in training at the WWE Performance Center on social media, but WWE.com caught up with these elite competitors at the Cruiserweight Classic Combine to learn more about them and how they’re preparing in case their name gets called. Click here.

Video: Meet the competitors of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic

Notes on Tonight’s WWE Cruiserweight Classic Taping; Accident Causes Delay, Seating Chaos, Top Names Backstage, More

-The show was delayed from its original start time as, according to officials in the arena, there was a traffic accident that delayed some fans getting to the arena and they didn’t want to start the taping with a half-empty house. While there are conflicting statements going around about this, with some suggesting that WWE was covering for a low turnout, local news reports confirm that there was a serious two-lane blocking accident in the Orlando area slowing down traffic considerably.

-Because of the delay and fans arriving late, there was a bit of an issue with seating in the building. Apparently close to the original start time, arena workers had started to tarp off areas and move people into hard camera seats to fill in gaps. However when people began to arrive late, it caused a problem with many of their seats already being taken, and workers having to rearrange reserved seating sections to accommodate for the chaos.

-Both Smackdown announcer Mauro Ranallo and Daniel Bryan, who will be co-hosting the tournament together, received huge reactions from the crowd when introduced.

-WWE did a live stream introducing all of the CWC competitors on their Facebook account, which you can check out at this link.

-There were several WWE and NXT names backstage for the taping, including Finn Balor, Corey Graves and Becky Lynch, Hideo Itami and Funaki (who is still with the company doing Japanese commentary for the PPV’s). Obviously Triple H was also backstage in production as well.

-They will be taping four episodes at tonight’s taping event which will include all 16 of the first round tournament matches. We are hoping to have a bracket for what the second round will look like later tonight.

-Possibly killing the rumor of a WWE Cruiserweight Championship return that has been floating around since the announcement of the tournament several months ago, Mauro Ranallo noted during the Facebook-exclusive talent parade earlier tonight that the winner would receive a Cruiserweight Trophy. No mention of a championship of any kind.

Knockouts Title Being Defended At SHINE 35

Shine Wrestling announced two updates to their Shine 35 event in Ybor City, FL this Friday night.

Shine is now advertising a triple title match featuring the Shine Champion versus Shimmer Champion versus TNA Knockouts Champion, with the person taking the fall losing their title. It was previously advertised that TNA Knockouts Champion Jade would defend her title if she made it through this week’s TNA Impact Wrestling tapings as champion, but she did lose to new champion Sienna at TNA Slammiversary.

**With TNA taping multiple shows this week it is always possible for Jade (Mia Yim) to regain the Knockouts title, but as of now Shine 35 will feature:

SHINE Champion vs SHIMMER Champion vs TNA Knockouts Champion
– Participant who is pinned/submitted will lose their belt!

“Money In The Bank Match”
Kellie Skater versus Mia Yim versus Santana Garrett versus Nicole Matthews

WWE Performance Center Assistant Coach Will Be At The Next WWN Seminar/Tryout

WWN is very pleased to announce a rare opportunity and learning experience on June 10th in Ybor City, FL at The Orpheum before the EVOLVE event that night.

We will host an all day Seminar/Tryout with a very special guest. WWE Performance Center Assistant Coach Norman Smiley will attend and observe this Seminar/Tryout. Mr. Smiley will represent WWE in scouting at this Seminar/Tryout. He will give a lecture on what WWE/NXT is looking for and how they do things. He will also offer critiques and guidance when warranted. This is the first time Mr. Smiley has attended a Seminar/Tryout for independent wrestlers.

There will be limited spots for this WWN Seminar/Tryout. The format is designed to educate, be a networking opportunity, give quality video footage for you to use to promote yourself, as well as provide you with a chance to be booked in the WWN Family!

The WWN Seminar & Tryout will be led by head trainer Drew Gulak, assistant trainer Tracy Williams and WWN VP of Talent Relations Gabe Sapolsky.

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Two Stars Qualify For WWE Global Cruiserweight Series

WWE announced the following:

Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher qualify for WWE Global Cruiserweight Series at PROGRESS Wrestling

LONDON – Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher, two of the United Kingdom's brightest stars, earned their way into the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series by winning qualifying matches at a PROGRESS Wrestling event, WWE.com has confirmed.

Sabre, often described as one of the best unsigned wrestlers in the world, defeated up-and-comer Flash Morgan Webster to cement his place in this summer's highly anticipated tournament.

Gallagher, a technician with experience in mixed martial arts, bested hard-hitting "Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne in the second qualifying match to earn a coveted spot in the GCS.

The Global Cruiserweight Series, featuring 32 of the world's best competitors under 205 pounds battling for supremacy, begins Wednesday, July 13, at 9/8 C, only on WWE Network.

Maryland Championship Wrestling Becomes MCW Pro Wrestling

Maryland Championship Wrestling is excited to become MCW Pro Wrestling. This change recognizes success in providing events throughout not only Maryland, but Delaware, Pennsylvania, and abroad, as well as the growth of an online platform via an on-demand subscription video network at MCWRageTV.com.

Maryland remains the home of MCW Pro Wrestling. MCW Pro Wrestling continues to influence the larger world of professional wrestling through developing professional wrestling stars, like World Wrestling Entertainment developmental talent Patrick Clark and recent Ring of Honor star Lio Rush, and top-quality wrestling events.

"We are extremely excited to launch a new era in MCW and to present a logo that accurately reflects our position in the marketplace and where we will be heading the future," said MCW Pro Wrestling co-owner Dan McDevitt.

In the last year alone, MCW Pro Wrestling has showcased legends of professional wrestling, including Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, the late Rowdy Roddy Piper, Mick Foley, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Chyna, and more, as well as provided a platform for internationally televised stars like Lucha Underground's Shane Strickland aka Killshot, Ring of Honor's Delirious and Jason Kincaid, and many young, developing stars of the future.

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WWE Announces Global Cruiserweight Series Qualifying Match For Revolution Pro Wrestling

WWE announced the following today:

Revolution Pro Wrestling to host WWE Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying match on May 1

The race to earn a spot in this summer's hottest tournament just got a little more exciting, as Revolution Pro Wrestling in the United Kingdom has announced the participants in its qualifying match for the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. The bout is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 1, at The Cockpit in London.

Previously confirmed participant Noam Dar of Scotland enters the GCS in the qualifying round. The Israeli-Scottish competitor has made a name for himself as one of the most adaptable wrestlers in the world. Among the U.K.'s premier technical wrestlers, the 22-year-old Dar has shown he can hang with the world's best in the squared circle, having taken on the likes of AJ Styles, former NXT Champion Finn Bálor, and Austin Aries.

Dar's opponent in the qualifying match is Josh Bodom. Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British wrestling, Bodom has made a name for himself against Superstars like Bálor and another GCS competitor, Tommaso Ciampa. He'll certainly look to ruin Dar's summer and put himself on the biggest stage possible by earning a spot in the Global Cruiserweight Series.

The all-important qualifying match takes place at Revolution Pro Wrestling's Live at The Cockpit 8 event on Sunday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. GMT at The Cockpit in London. For complete information on how you can see this Global Cruiserweight Series qualifier live and in-person, visit RevolutionProWrestling.com. For more information on Revolution Pro Wrestling, follow them on Twitter @RevProUK and like their Facebook page.

Evolve’s Gabe Sapolsky discusses Paul Heyman, Daniel Bryan, WWE

WWE Global Cruiserweight Series Qualifying Matches Announced For EVOLVE And PROGRESS Wrestling

WWE made the following announcements today:

PROGRESS Wrestling's Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches announced

The worldwide race to earn a spot in the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series is heating up, as U.K. independent promotion PROGRESS Wrestling has announced the participants in the qualifying matches they're playing host to ahead of this summer's tournament.

On Sunday, April 24 in Camden Town, London, PROGRESS will present two matches with the incredible opportunity to compete in the GCS on the line. In the first qualifier, international star and technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. will begin his journey in the GCS when he takes on up-and-coming highflier Flash Morgan Webster, who will surely be out to play spoiler and catapult himself into the spotlight. The second bout sees world-traveled grappler Jack Gallagher square off against the hard-hitting "Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne.

These matches take place at PROGRESS Chapter 29: Practically PROGRESS in Every Way on Sunday, April 24 at 8 p.m. local time at the sold-out Electric Ballroom in Camden Town, London, England. Check back with WWE.com to find out which of PROGRESS' grapplers will advance to the prestigious tournament. For more information on PROGRESS Wrestling, visit PROGRESSWrestling.com, and follow them on Twitter @ThisIs_Progress.

Also:

Two WWE Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches take place at EVOLVE Wrestling on May 7

As the July 13 premiere of WWE's Global Cruiserweight Series on WWE Network draws near, the world's best competitors are going above and beyond to stand out in hopes of receiving an invite to this summer's historic tournament.

On Saturday, May 7, in Queens, N.Y., EVOLVE Wrestling plays host to two qualifying matches, giving four competitors the opportunity of a lifetime. Two of EVOLVE's most prominent mat technicians, reigning EVOLVE Tag Team Champions Drew Gulak and Tracy Williams, will square off against each other in the first qualifier. The second match is a battle to determine whether a rookie's pure determination can overcome experience, as up-and-comer Fred Yehi battles 15-year veteran TJ Perkins.

Don't miss your chance to see these all-important qualifying matches for what is sure to be one of the most talked-about wrestling events of the summer. The Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches take place at EVOLVE 61 on Saturday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET, at La Boom in Queens, N.Y. For complete ticket information, visit EVOLVEWrestling.com.

The winners from these matches will join the following talents in the tournament:

-Rich Swann
-Johnny Gargano
-Tommaso Ciampa
-Noam Dar
-Akira Tozawa
-Ho Ho Lun
-Lince Dorado

Sting on WWE Hall of Fame induction, WrestleMania match with Triple H, More

Sting was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated's Extra Mustard. Below are a couple of highlights:

Losing to Triple H at WrestleMania 31:

"People took the loss personally, but in this business, you have to learn real quick not to take anything that personally. For me, it was a memory just being in Levi Stadium in California, my home state, with that crowd there."

Planning to still appear at select independent wrestling shows:

"I'm going to kick back. I'll pick and choose some events, but I won't be traveling as much. These grassroots shows remind me of my humble beginnings–even the smell of the building reminds me when I started. It's an honor to still be in front of the fans."

Sting also discussed being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Ric Flair doing the induction, having DX and the nWo together at WrestleMania 31 and more. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

WWE Signs Four Female Talents

According to Squared Circle Sires, WWE has signed 22 year old fitness athlete CJ Dunning, 26 year-old independent wrestler Ruby Mobs, Scottish wrestler Nikki Storm (who appeared on TNA British Boot Camp 2) and 25 year-old crossfit athlete Bianca Blair. All four women had tryouts with WWE last year.

Backstage News on the NXT Deals Signed by Ciampa and Gargano, Speculation on Bobby Roode and Kota Ibushi Deals, Manny Andrade, More

As we noted over the weekend, WWE has officially signed Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano to NXT deals. The two had been appearing on NXT TV for several months prior to being signed.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Ciampa and Gargano are actually signed to WWE NXT touring contracts, which differ from regular WWE developmental deals. The two will not be based in Orlando and will not be required to work out at the WWE Performance Center, but neither of them are allowed to work the indy scene.

With regards to Bobby Roode and Kota Ibushi, Meltzer speculates Bobby Roode will be offered a similar deal to that of Ciampa and Gargano, while Kota Ibushi could end up with a regular deal like the one offered to Shinsuke Nakamura. Ibushi’s deal would likely be for less money, however.

In related news, there appears to be some second-guessing with regards to experienced talents like Rich Swann and Biff Busick, as the two are doing developmental tasks like drills and ring crew work. This may have something to do with the type of deals Gargano and Ciampa signed, although that has yet to be confirmed.

The Swann/Busick argument could be made for an experienced talent like Manny Andrade, fka La Sombra, but he has yet to learn the US style of wrestling at the Performance Center.

Top WWE Names at WWN Live Tryout

WWN Live has issued the following:

April 1st: Top WWE Officials William Regal, Matt Bloom and Canyon Cemen made an unprecedented visit at yesterday’s WWN Seminar/Tryout. They each lectured the participants with invaluable knowledge. Regal even got involved with the in ring training. Bloom paid WWN Seminar/Tryout Head Trainer Drew Gulak the ultimate compliment by saying “Drew shows you the WWE way.”

Cemen, Regal and Bloom had a lengthy discussion with WWN’s Sal Hamaoui and Gabe Sapolsky about the future of the relationship. We can reveal now that many exciting and interest possibilities were put on the table. The next few months are going to be very interesting as the relationship moves forward. There is no telling what will happen next. We could see the ramifications as early as this weekend’s EVOLVE and WWN Supershow events.

We would like to thank Mr. Regal, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Cemen for their visit yesterday. This proves that WWE is proactive about strengthening the future of pro wrestling and the independent undercurrent.

Triple H announced on yesterday’s NXT conference call that Zack Sabre Jr. will be in the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. The tests start for Zack Sabre Jr. this weekend with the conclusion of his “Best In The World Series.” It’ll be Sabre Jr. vs. Will Ospreay at today’s EVOLVE 58, vs. Matt Riddle at tomorrow afternoon’s EVOLVE 59 and vs. Chris Hero at tomorrow night’s WWN Supershow. Is Zack Sabre Jr. the new Best In The World? Watch all three matches at www.WWNLive.com on live iPPV to follow Zack’s road to the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series.