New York State Statement On Brock Lesnar's Participation At WWE Summerslam

The New York Department of State, the body that governs the New York State Athletic Commission, issued the following statement to WrestlingINC.com in regards to questions about whether the NYSAC would prevent Brock Lesnar from performing at WWE Summerslam in Brooklyn, New York, on August 21. Due to a potential violation of USADA policy, related to drug-testing for his fight at UFC 200, Lesnar may be suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission. There have been questions about whether New York, which also regulates pro wrestling, would enforce that suspension at Summerslam.

In 2002, New York State passed legislation that scaled back the regulation of "professional wrestling" in many respects based on a recognition that the activity is entertainment rather than bona-fide athletic competition. Under current New York State law, "professional wrestling" is defined as wrestling "primarily for the purpose of providing entertainment to spectators and which does not comprise a bona fide athletic contest or competition" (NY Unconsolidated Laws section 8928-b[1]). As such, the State does not license individual wrestlers, and Mr. Lesnar is not a licensee of the New York State Athletic Commission. In the context of "professional wrestling," as defined above, the State licenses only the promoter, such as the WWE. Per New York law, among other health and safety requirements that apply to the licensing of a promoter, the event promoter is required to have a physician examine each wrestler and determine whether each wrestler is medically fit to participate.

The question of whether Mr. Lesnar is fit to participate in a "professional wrestling" event is one that will be determined by the application of the professional medical judgment of the examining physician, the policies of the WWE, and the choices made by Mr. Lesnar with regard to his own participation leading up to the event date.

It seems the state is confirming it wouldn't prevent Lesnar from participating in pro wrestling events such as WWE Summerslam due to an MMA suspension, because New York doesn't license individual wrestlers, and his participation is merely up to the physician, WWE and Lesnar himself.

New York requires all pro wrestling events to have a medical physician present, who determines whether wrestlers are medically fit to participate. WWE provides their own ringside physicians, such as Dr. Chris Amann.

WWE Issues Statement Responding to Lawsuit Filed By Former WWE Wrestlers, More Wrestlers Named as Plaintiffs

As we noted earlier today, 24 former WWE wrestlers, including Jimmy Snuka, Road Warrior Animal, Chavo Guerrero Jr and more have filed a lawsuit against WWE over brain injuries.

The lawsuit alleges WWE failed to care for wrestlers’ repetitive head injuries “in any medically competent or meaningful manner.

Additionally, the lawsuit argues that despite WWE’s ironclad control over the Plaintiffs, WWE refused and continues to refuse to classify its wrestlers as employees. WWE maintains the untenable position its wrestlers are independent contractors, requiring its wrestlers to sign unconscionable “Booking Contracts,” employment contracts of adhesion intended solely for the benefit of WWE and VKM. These contracts were drafted by WWE and its army of attorneys to restrict and abolish all of Plaintiffs’ rights and to fraudulently misrepresent and deceive both Plaintiffs and the federal government. The misclassification of wrestler-employees as “independent contractors” effectively eliminated WWE’s wrestlers’ knowledge of any employment rights they had under federal and state law, including OSHA, FMLA, and the NLR Act. The Booking Contracts are nothing more than an unconscionable scheme to save money in violation of public policy and the legal rights.

WWE has issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit:

“This is another ridiculous attempt by the same attorney who has previously filed class action lawsuits against WWE, both of which have been dismissed. A federal judge has already found that this lawyer made patently false allegations about WWE, and this is more of the same. We’re confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate as his prior attempts and be dismissed.”

WWE Announces New Cruiserweight Division, RAW And SmackDown GMs Revealed

The new WWE General Managers have been revealed - Daniel Bryan for SmackDown and Mick Foley for RAW.

The announcements were made by RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon on tonight's RAW from Providence.

Stephanie also announced that the company will be launching a new cruiserweight division and it will be exclusive to Monday nights. She said this is being done due to the success of the Cruiserweight Classic.

Jimmy Snuka, Chavo Guerrero, Road Warrior Animal, Marty Jannetty, Paul Orndorff and 19 Other Wrestlers Suing WWE Over Brain Injuries

According to Bloomberg.com, Jimmy Snuka, Road Warrior Animal and numerous other former WWE stars are all plaintiffs in a lawsuit against WWE alleging the company failed to care for wrestlers’ repetitive head injuries “in any medically competent or meaningful manner.”

WWE is also accused in the lawsuit of misrepresenting and concealing the nature of long-term neurological injuries they suffered during their careers. The following is a list of plaintiffs who have joined the lawsuit, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet:

Paul Orndorff
Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Bryan Clark aka Adam Bomb
Ahmed Johnson
Kamala
Dave Hebner
Earl Hebner
King Kong Bundy
Ken Patera
Sabu

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Draft rules revealed: Everything you need to know about the WWE Draft

With this Tuesday's WWE Draft on the premiere of SmackDown Live on USA Network fast approaching, WWE.com answers the biggest questions of the WWE Universe with a breakdown of the official rules, regulations and procedures for one of the biggest nights in WWE history — including a major update that will change the face of NXT as well.

The rules for the WWE Draft are as follows:

Raw has the first overall pick
Since SmackDown Live is a two-hour show and Raw is three hours, for every two picks SmackDown Live receives, Raw will receive three picks
Tag teams count as one pick unless a Commissioner/General Manager specifically only wants one member of the team​
Six draft picks will be made off the NXT roster​

The list of current WWE Superstars eligible for the WWE Draft will be as follows:

*Triple H and The Undertaker are not on the list

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Falcons Alum Signs with TNA Wrestling

During his time in the NFL, Quinn Ojinnaka earned his keep by performing the grueling (and often thankless) tasks of an offensive lineman. He was a versatile guard/tackle who was capable of filling in when needed, and typically not someone whom the media watched closely.

Ojinnaka’s journey into pro wrestling, however, has shown him what it’s like to be a star.

After two years with the wrestling company Ring of Honor, Ojinnaka, who goes by “Moose” in the ring, became the subject of widespread speculation when his last contract expired. Dubbed the biggest name in the sport’s free agency, it was unclear whether he’d re-sign with ROH or head elsewhere. Rumors swirled; Ojinnaka remained coy on social media.

The answer came last Tuesday night, as Moose made a surprise appearance on IMPACT WRESTLING’s live show, Destination X, confirming he joined the company TNA. He surprised fans by interrupting the Title vs. Title Main Event, showed off his new finishing move, The Gamebreaker, and took out both wrestlers to end the night.

“It was the first time in about two years I had nerves running through my body,” Ojinnaka, who spent four years with the Falcons, said. “I was shaking. It’s always a great experience when my music hits and I walk out there. It’s a new chapter and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. It was definitely amazing. It was a surreal experience”

Ojinnaka’s transition to a new home marks a big step in his career. At TNA, the second-biggest wrestling company out there, he’ll get to face top competition on a regular basis. He’ll receive plenty of exposure, too, thanks to TNA’s broadcast deal and production value.

“It was a bit stressful because of all the craziness that came with it, but I feel like I made the right decision,” he said. “I’m with TNA and ready to roll.”

source: atlantafalcons.com

Sarah Stock grateful to contribute to ‘limitless’ potential of Women’s division

When Sarah Stock first traveled to Mexico in 2003, she arrived eager to learn all she could about the unique art of lucha libre, even though she spoke no Spanish and had barely a year of ring experience to lean on.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, knew she wanted to pattern her career after the paths laid out by her heroes, fellow Canadians like Chris Jericho and Owen Hart, which meant first establishing herself in her home country and then traveling abroad to expand her skill set in faraway places. What she didn’t realize then was that her sojourn to Mexico, which was supposed to last only three months, would take on a life of its own.

By the time Stock finally left, to accept a coaching position at the WWE Performance Center, 12 years had passed, and the luchadora once known as “The Dark Angel” had evolved into one of the most internationally acclaimed female wrestlers. She learned Spanish, sure, but she also toured Japan and the United States, capturing titles wherever she went, all while maintaining a home base in Mexico, where the opportunities to perform were plentiful. Along the way, she notched historic milestones, too, such as becoming the first female wrestler to force an opponent to unmask inside Arena Mexico, the country’s oldest venue.

Now looking to instill perseverance and mental toughness — “the two things you need to be a survivor in this industry” — in NXT’s recruits, Stock said the transition from competitor to coach has been more fulfilling than she ever imagined.

“When you’re in the ring, you think there can’t be anything more rewarding than an entire arena cheering for you,” she said. “Then you help somebody understand something about wrestling in the ring, or you see a lightbulb go off for somebody who’s new, and it’s even more rewarding.”

After acing a series of guest-coaching stints, Stock officially joined the Performance Center staff in October 2015, just as the Divas-turned-Women’s Revolution was truly taking hold in WWE. With a primary focus of instructing the female Superstars of tomorrow, Stock has quickly proven herself a valuable member of the team.

“It’s been really cool to have a second female opinion, because the girls get another chance, a different viewpoint, but still somebody who’s relatable for them,” Assistant Head Coach Sara Amato said. “She’s been a much-needed addition.”

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Brock Lesnar Comments On Possible USADA Violation, Other Tests Came Back Clean, Mark Hunt Ultimatum

As noted, the UFC announced Friday night that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency informed Brock Lesnar of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation from an out-of-competition sample collection taken on June 28, 2016. Lesnar issued a short statement to the Associated Press, saying, "We'll get to the bottom of this."

The Associated Press also reported that they received three letters from USADA to Lesnar informing him that he had passed tests on three other samples collected in mid-June, days before the sample with the potential violation was collected.

Lesnar's opponent at UFC 200, Mark Hunt, said that he wants UFC to "sort" the situation out or he wants his release.

"They say they are trying to clean up the sport, but it doesn't feel like it," Hunt told MarkHunt.TV. "The UFC is basically saying if you cheat you won't be penalised.

"This is the third time I've had to fight a cheater in my career. The other two times I didn't ask for compensation, but this is the third time and I'm sick of them getting away with cheating. I've told Dana that I want a release from the UFC if they don't sort this out."

WWE Issues Statement Over Possible Brock Lesnar USADA Violation, Lesnar Still Set For SummerSlam?

From WWE.com:

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Brock Lesnar of a potential policy violation, stemming from an out-of-competition sample collected on June 28, 2016, according to a statement released by UFC on Friday afternoon and reported on by ESPN and other news sources.

Lesnar successfully returned to the UFC against Mark Hunt 12 days later on July 9 at UFC 200. The results of the sampling were received by USADA on July 14.

UFC released the following statement on the matter via Twitter

Statement by UFC on potential anti-doping violation by Brock Lesnar: pic.twitter.com/oydm46UzC5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2016

"Brock Lesnar has not performed for WWE since WrestleMania and is not scheduled to return until Sunday, August 21."

Brock Lesnar Flagged For Potential Doping Violation; UFC Issues Statement

The UFC announced on Friday that Brock Lesnar has been informed of a potential anti-doping violation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The possible positive test stems from an out-of-competition sample that was collected on June 28.

“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case,” the UFC said in a news release. “It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also retains jurisdiction over this matter as the sample collection was performed in close proximity to Lesnar’s bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.”

The results of the test were received on July 14, five days after Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt in his return to the Octagon.

Lesnar will now await the results of a B sample to see if the positive test is confirmed.

Looking back, UFC 200 was supposed to be the biggest event in the history of mixed martial arts and has ended up being a complete disaster. Jon Jones was scratched from the card after he also tested positive for a banned substance. Jones’ fight against Daniel Cormier was supposed to be the main event, replacing the previous main event which was tossed out due to the embarrassing dispute between Conor McGregor and the UFC (read more about that here).

If Lesnar’s B sample confirms he tested positive for a banned substance, he’ll be suspended from future competition.

source: msn.com

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.

Christy Hemme Compares Triple H To Hulk Hogan; Talks Working With Stephanie McMahon

Christy says HHH gives to everyone while Hulk Hogan is more about himself:

"Hulk is great for Hulk. Triple H is great for business. You know, as far as like, bringing people in, bringing people up...he was always giving to the people...Hulk is like an icon and he is legendary and he is building his own brand."

What it's really like to work with Stephanie McMahon:

"I really love her. She is so poised and so powerful and as a female...She had worked on a couple of my segments and I was always lost when she was talking to me in the moments because she is really one of those people that she's a really good producer...She's really good at connecting and pulling something out of you that she's looking for...but she's softer in like, she's a warm person. She's a strong person but she's a warm person and she's passionate about the females so she's always fighting for them"