WWE star Dolph Ziggler, who recently re-signed a longterm contract with WWE, was interviewed by The Boston Herald to promote Ziggler’s recent stand-up comedy show.
On the subject of re-signing with WWE, Ziggler had the following to say:
“I mean, it feels like I started here, I should end my career in the WWE. I feel like they like having me around and I love working here, so it would be really hard to walk away.”
On the subject of doing stand-up comedy, Ziggler admitted he’s been into comedy longer than he has pro wrestling:
“When I was a kid, like 5 years old, I used to watch the Johnny Carson show with Don Rickles. I loved the old ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I wrote jokes for almost 10 years before I got the courage to get up on stage and do five minutes.”
June 28, 2015
Dolph Ziggler on Re-Signing with WWE: “I Should End My Career in WWE”
Tough Enough Contestant Talks Coming Out On The Show
ABC affiliate WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, PA has a story about Tough Enough contestant Daria Berenato, who came out as gay on the show. Berenato talked about coming out on the show.
"That was not planned," Berenato said. "That was not thought about. I didn't even consider it, to be honest. I did talk to my girlfriend before I left in California and I said, 'Hey if it comes up, do you mind if I tell the truth?' She was like, 'Absolutely tell the truth.' [But] I didn't sit down and think, 'Oh, how can I make the judges like me? Let me tell them I'm a lesbian.' I would never artificially plan like that. It wasn't premeditated. I think that's what made the moment so special.
"I've gotten so much generosity and so much love so far. People from all kinds of LGBT organizations reaching out saying, 'what you did was amazing, thank you for representing our families,' and that kind of stuff. I just couldn't be happier with the way it worked out. I never could have planned such an epic moment."
TNA Stars And Executive Deny Departures
As noted, F4WOnline reported earlier today that the contracts for Taryn Terrell and Awesome Kong expired this weekend, and that tonight's Slammiversary pay-per-view "is expected to be their last show."
TNA Executive Bob Ryder, Terrell and Kong have all blasted the report on Twitter. Terrel and Kong have stated they not leaving TNA.
Two More Big TNA Departures
The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Awesome Kong and Taryn Terrell's contracts have both expired this weekend. The two will finish up at Slammiversary tonight.
Terrell joined TNA in 2012 as a referee for the knockouts division before becoming a full-time wrestler for the brand. She's the longest reigning Knockouts Champion in history, and is actually still the on-screen champion.
Awesome Kong returned to the company in January after being out of TNA for almost five years. She was fired in 2010 following a physical incident with Bubba the Love Sponge. She spent some time with WWE between TNA stints.
This follows the news that James Storm, Magnus, Low Ki, Austin Aries, Mickie James all left the company, while Gunner and Sam Shaw were released.
At this point the releases are either a work, or the above names will be signing with GFW and the two promotions will be working together. Not sure how TNA can survive with 9 top company talents departing in one week.
Jeff Jarrett on His Return to TNA, Slammiversary, TNA-GFW Relationship
TNA Impact Wrestling Founder and Global Force Wrestling Founder Jeff Jarrett recently spoke to X107.5 FM in Las Vegas about his recent return to TNA Impact Wrestling.
How his TNA return happened:
"Last Wednesday I was in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. On Tuesday night I threw out the first pitch and kicked off the promotion for our Grand Slam tour event. I was sitting at the airport and I got a text from TNA management and they said hey, would you get on a conference call with us today? We’ve got a proposal for you. I actually didn’t respond because my life has been consumed professionally by Global Force Wrestling. As I took the plane back home, I got to thinking: What do they want? They know where my head’s at, they know where my heart’s at. Do they want to do a talent exchange, which has obviously been discussed multiple times over the last couple of months? Do they want to do a big co-show? What do they want?
Curiosity killed the cat and I said sure, I’ll jump on the call. So I got on the call and they said we want you to be in a match. I almost hung up the phone in a diplomatic way; I'm not interested in that. At this time and for the foreseeable future, my wrestling days are in my rearview mirror so I wasn't really interested. And then as they began to spell it out, it’s not just any match, it’s the King of the Mountain match and it’s going to be at Slammiversary, my heart strings began to tug and it conjured up a lot of emotion. At the end of the day I said let’s look at a deal.
I’m going to be answering some questions in the days and weeks to come how this spells out, but as far as I'll call it in front of the camera, this Sunday I’ve agreed to one final match in TNA. Like Karen said, go out on my terms. It’s raw emotion. As a professional wrestler, in-ring performer, whatever you want to call us, my juices began to flow and I'm pumped. I cannot wait to see how this comes about. I am genuinely excited for the future of Global Force Wrestling and how me being in the King of the Mountain match sort of parlays into the next steps."
His final TNA match at Slammiversary on Sunday:
"It’s no secret. Earlier this year in January, I was fortunate enough, blessed enough, excited that I got to wrestle on New Japan's annual Tokyo Dome event in front of 50,000 fans. I’m active in AAA and have a long relationship. But as far as week in and week out, my in-ring career has come to a halt. As far as being on this type of stage at Slammiversary in the company that I founded, this is the final one. A lot of emotion goes into that.
On June 19, 2002, me and my father founded that company. Through the years, the ups and downs, the highs and lows and everything in between, we've had so many people give us so many opinions. You’re not going to last a week, you’re not going to last a month. That company – good, bad or indifferent – they’re having their 13 year anniversary and I’m going to be there in the main event at the King of the Mountain match and I’m pretty damn excited about it. That show is going be seen live in India, the UK – it’s going to be seen live around the world via the Flipps App."
The relationship between TNA and GFW:
"I can tell you from the time I got out of the ring – and it’s still going on right now – the texts and the direct messages and the voicemails that I’ve gotten are like, Jeff, what a surreal moment! It’s one of those moments that not only did you think would never happen but even when it happened you’re like, how in the world did that happen?
Quite frankly, it’s part of Global Force Wrestling’s mission statement. We want to work with New Japan Pro Wrestling and are going to. Same with AAA, same with other promotions around the world. So when TNA reached out to me, I’d be contradictory if I said no I don’t want to work with these guys. Was I really gung-ho on stepping back in the ring? Maybe yes, maybe no. I can tell you between now and Sunday, I’m focused on getting physically prepared and mentally prepared. I’m excited about the future. We want to work with all organizations; we think it’s very, very healthy for the industry."
Kurt Angle Makes Major Health Related Announcement at Impact Wrestling Tapings
While it remains unclear whether or not this is part of a story line, at the TNA Impact Wrestling tapings tonight Kurt Angle announced he will be taking some time off as he had a tumor on his neck and will require surgery. Angle said he will get his rematch against EC3 at some point, but it could be awhile.
This prompted EC3 to come out and take credit for causing the tumor on Angle’s neck, and then attacked Angle before Chris Melendez came out to make the save.
Another Top TNA Star Leaving the Company
There has been speculation for quite sometime as to what the future holds for Austin Aries in TNA.
During tonight’s Impact Wrestling tapings, Aries wrestled Rockstar Spud in match, with the stipulation being that if Aries won, he got to take Spud’s “Rockstar” name. If Spud wins, Aries has to leave TNA.
Spud won the match, and it appears as if Aries is finished with TNA for the time being.
Aries joins James Storm, Magnus and Low Ki as names leaving TNA.
Dixie Carter Confirms TNA Hall of Fame Induction
Dixie Carter confirmed on Twitter that she inducted Jeff Jarrett into the TNA Hall of Fame during tonight's Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando. The ceremony should air in late July or early August. No word yet if TNA is still planning on doing an induction at this year's Bound For Glory pay-per-view.
Backstage News on Why James Storm and Magnus Are Leaving TNA, Other Departures Expected, More
Regarding James Storm and Magnus leaving TNA, PWInsider reports that both men went to TNA officials and requested their releases due to the fact that TNA is barely running events these days and talents are making a lot less money. Both Storm and Magnus have work waiting for them elsewhere and both wanted to be able to make more money for obvious reasons.
TNA officials understood the situation and let both out of their deals. TNA's plan is to have both wrestlers come back in the future and work TV events. TNA realizes that WWE can sign either man if they want but officials decided to take that risk due to the respect they have for the talents.
On a related note, PWInsider adds that TNA is very open to working with Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling going forward. TNA is more of a TV promotion these days and are adjusting how they do business to fit the model that they use now. It's expected that more talent situations like these will be happening this year. TNA will likely keep some top talents locked in but they don't have the revenue they once had to be in a position to guarantee contracts.
Read more at http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/tna/Backstage_News_on_Why_James_Storm_and_Magnus_Are_Leaving_TNA_Other_Departures_Expected_More.html#Yqi5SoKaQVJeR5ds.99
June 27, 2015
Dr. Chris Amann vs. CM Punk Defamation Lawsuit Update
There have been updates in Dr. Chris Amann’s defamation lawsuit against CM Punk and Colt Cabana, stemming from comments made in a November 2014 podcast, that you can follow at this link. Amann, WWE’s senior ringside physician, is suing Punk and Cabana for more than $1 million in compensatory damages, as well as an undetermined amount of punitive damages. While WWE isn’t directly involved, they completely back the suit.
New WWE Network Shows This Week: Triple H And Sting Talk Monday Night War, Swerved, Renee Young
A new episode of WWE Served will premiere on the WWE Network this Monday night after RAW goes off the air. The description reads like this:
"R-Truth gets a lesson in gym safety, a frisky granny invades Axxess and Kofi locks the champ out of Extreme Rules."
Following Swerved, a 30-minute sneak peek of WWE's "Monday Night War: Shots Fired" DVD will air on the WWE Network, featuring Sting and Triple H talking to Renee Young. Below is the description:
"In this Network Exclusive, join Triple H and Sting as they sit down with Renee Young and discuss Monday Night War!"
A new episode of "Unfiltered with Renee Young" premieres on the WWE Network this Wednesday, July 1st at 4pm EST. She will interview 2015 WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger. Below is the preview:
"Renee's back! Join the Unfiltered host for an exclusive interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the cast of Terminator Genisys!"
WWE Network To Air Special On Finn Balor
WWE Network will air a 30-minute special on Finn Balor titled "Finn Balor: The Demon Revealed" on Thursday, July 2nd at 10:30pm EST.
This could be the three-part series on Balor that wraps up on NXT TV this coming week but that's not confirmed. The special will also replay as a lead-in to the July 4th WWE Network "The Beast In The East" special from Tokyo, where Balor will challenge NXT Champion Kevin Owens.
The description for the special that premieres on Thursday reads like this:
"An in depth look inside the life, career and future of NXT Superstar Finn Balor."
June 26, 2015
WWE Being Sued by Family of Original Doink The Clown
The family of the late Matt Osborne, who is best known as being the first and longest-running professional wrestler to portray the character of Doink the Clown, filed a lawsuit in Dallas, Texas on Friday against WWE.
Osborne's widow, Michelle James, is listed as the plaintiff along with their two children, Matthew and Teagan Osborne, in the lawsuit alleging negligence and fraud related to "mistreatment of Matthew Osborne which ultimately resulted in Matthew Osborne's wrongful death."
It is stated in the lawsuit, "When forced to acknowledge the risks to which it subjects its wrestlers — by script, on a daily basis — WWE took inadequate steps to correct the problem or to address its injurious conduct, the full consequences of which are still coming to light. Indeed, WWE continues a course of conduct designed to mislead its wrestlers, and designed to mislead Matthew Osborne until his death, about the injuries they sustained while wrestling for WWE by failing to disclose pertinent facts or offering misleading truths."
The lawsuit alleges that Osborne experienced "traumatic brain injuries" that resulted in "depression and drug abuse, which ultimately resulted in his untimely death." Osborne was found dead on June 28, 2013, in the Plano, Texas apartment he shared with James. His cause of death was determined to be an accidental overdose of morphine and hydrocodone. He also suffered from heart disease, which was a contributing factor in his death.
WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt has said that WWE is "being targeted by attorneys who tell [wrestlers and their families] there's hundreds of thousands of dollars" to be made filing concussion-related suits. He tells The Dallas Morning News this evening this suit is no different—that it's just another one in a long line of legal filings aimed at "drumming up people ... looking for NFL money."
"They're all different from the NFL. We never had anyone claim they had these kinds of injuries until [these attorneys] did it. They find the destitute, people who have no money, and told them there's money to be made. That's what is going on," said McDevitt. "And I feel bad for these families, because they think they'll make money off of this, and they're not."
When Osborne died two years ago, WWE issued a statement reading, "WWE is saddened by the news that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early '90s. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne's family, friends and fans."
It is alleged in the lawsuit that Osborne began wrestling in 1985 after being approached by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. This is incorrect as Osborne began wrestling in 1978 for various National Wrestling Alliance territories, most prominently for Pacific Northwest Wrestling. He joined WWE in 1985, primarily competing as a preliminary wrestler. The highlight of this stint was losing to Ricky Steamboat at the first WrestleMania, held at Madison Square Garden.
The Dallas Morning News' coverage of the story, including the entire 72-page lawsuit, is available here.
TNA Production Staff Told Paychecks Will Be Late Again
A seemingly good week wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for TNA Wrestling apparently, as The Sporting News is reporting that the company is behind on production payments yet again.
During a production meeting on Thurdsay, Ron and Don Harris passed down information that checks for the company's May tapings wouldn't be out until at least July 25. The Harris Twins recently returned to the company and were put in charge of the TNA production team.
The Sporting News says that The Harris Twins said "If you're not happy, just shake our hands and walk away." After a period without payment last year, several production team members refused to work until they were paid.
"I don't blame (the Harris Twins). They're back after 10 years and don't know what's going on," one long-time production employee told the site. Another said "It's the same old TNA bullsh-t."
The standard in the industry is to pay freelance production workers within 30 days of service. This is at least the third time in the past year it's happened with TNA.
Dolph Zigger Signs Multi-Year Deal with WWE
WWE and Dolph Ziggler have reportedly come to terms on a new multi-year contract according to a report by PWInsider.com. There had been some speculation that Zigger would leave the company if he was not pushed as a bigger name within the company.
NXT Stars at the San Diego Comic-Con
The annual WWE and Mattel panel at the San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 9th will feature Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, William Regal, Kevin Owens, Charlotte and others. Below is the official promotional blurb released:
"Once again, Mattel and WWE have teamed up to bring you an action-packed SDCC panel. WWE & NXT Superstars and Mattel personnel will discuss the tremendous growth in popularity of NXT, weigh in on the next generation of WWE Superstars, and give exclusive sneak peeks of Mattel's upcoming WWE figure releases. Incredible guest appearances by William Regal, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Charlotte, and additional special guests."
June 25, 2015
NWA Announces Details Of New Streaming Service
The National Wrestling Alliance has announced its latest and most ambitious project to date:
"NWA Classics 24/7!" And it is scheduled to be launched on July 4!
"What's more American than hot dogs – apple pie – and the National Wrestling Alliance?" asked NWA President R. Bruce Tharpe. "This is a project that we are extremely excited about. It's something we have been investing in and working on for over five years. We believe that once it is launched, 'NWA Classics 24/7? will be very well received."
The vintage collection of wrestling videos is from the personal library of legendary Houston Wrestling Promoter Paul Boesch, and comprises matches from the late 60's to 1986 featuring some of the most legendary wrestlers of all-time. Paul Boesch brought in the very top wrestling talent from around the World, and this collection features them in some of the greatest NWA matches ever seen. Some of the matches being released the first month on "NWA Classics 24/7?
* Harley Race vs. Andre the Giant for the NWA World Title!
* Butch Reed vs. Magnum TA!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Wahoo!
* Kevin Von Erich vs. Chris Adams!
* Dory and Terry Funk vs. Mil Mascaras and Jose Lothario!
* Gino Hernandez vs. Putski!
* Butch Reed vs. Buddy Landell in a "Shoeshine Match!"
* Ivan Putski vs. Abdullah!
* Brad Armstrong vs. One Man Gang!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Terry Taylor!
* NWA World Title Match – Flair vs. Butch Reed!
* Nick Bockwinkle vs. Bruiser Brody!
* $20,000 Two-Ring Battle Royal!
* Plus – Early Shawn Michaels footage! JYD! Jake "the Snake" Roberts! Hacksaw Duggan! The Rock n' Roll Express! And more!"
Chris Benoit Murder-Suicide Anniversary
Today marks the eight-year anniversary of the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide that occurred over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007 [full story]. He allegedly murdered his wife and son before hanging himself.
June 24, 2015
Tuesday's WWE Tough Enough Premiere Draws Over One Million Viewers
The first episode of the new season of Tough Enough drew 1,209,000 viewers which was down on last Tough Enough season in 2011 on USA Network did an average of 2.4 million. Overall the episode drew a 0.40 adults 18-49 rating.
June 23, 2015
Hulk Hogan Comments on the Success of the WWE Performance Center
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan recently spoke with Rolling Stone about the WWE Performance Center:
It's pretty hardcore, brother. There's several rings in the building, these kids are well protected and safety is the top priority – there's doctors and therapists and trainers on staff; it's not like when I had my first day and they broke my leg on purpose. And then there's the art form; before Dusty Rhodes passed away, he was teaching a drama class, because you need to know how to tell a story, paint a picture with your face and your body. There's interview rooms, where you learn how to talk on the mic, sell tickets and get your character over. It's total one-stop shopping over there.
Triple H In Charge At Last Night's WWE RAW
F4Wonline.com notes that both Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn were not at last night's WWE RAW in Indianapolis as they were working on Tough Enough in the Orlando area. While Triple H did not write last night's show, he was in charge and ran things.
Meet the man guiding WWE's 'NXT' generation
Wearing a power suit and a villainous grin, Paul Levesque is often seen on WWE programming espousing the virtues of "what's best for business."
But off screen and out of the pro-wrestling ring, the man also known as "Triple H" is building the foundation for the future of that very same business.
Levesque, 45, has been the guiding force behind the WWE's developmental brand NXT, finding wrestlers from all over the world to come to Orlando, train at the WWE Performance Center and entertain audiences live and on WWE NXT, which airs Wednesdays on the WWE Network subscription streaming service. (Previous episodes are archived for new fans wanting to catch up.)
Yet what many consider a minor league offers some pretty major players. Most of the up-and-coming NXT performers "have plied their craft in other places at a smaller level, and now they've finally made it to the big time. We're giving them the opportunity to learn more and now do it in front of the largest fan base in the world," says Levesque, the WWE's executive vice president for talent, live events and creative.
Many of the NXT alumni are part of the main roster on WWE's main TV shows, USA's Monday Night Raw and Syfy's Smackdown. The WWE champion and top villain Seth Rollins got his start in NXT, as did powerhouse Roman Reigns, fan favorite Dean Ambrose, British female grappler Paige and other top contenders.
The current NXT champion, the cocky and talented Kevin Owens, has been a regular on WWE programming lately in a feud with all-around good guy John Cena. NXT also recently signed popular indie wrestler Samoa Joe, and a women's division — including champ Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Charlotte, the daughter of legendary wrestler Ric Flair — often puts together matches that are just as good if not better than their male counterparts.
Hulk Hogan, a WWE legend and judge on the new season of Tough Enough (premiering live on USA Tuesday), often will visit Monday Night Raw and hear the entire crowd chanting "NXT! NXT!"
"There's a rumble there. Paul is doing a lot of stuff right," Hogan says, adding that there was "a glitch in the system" and no NXT-like program in place during his heyday in the 1980s. "That next generation wasn't there, so Hulk Hogan, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and Ultimate Warror continued being stars into the '90s where they should have been the next Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior or Macho Man.
"Kudos to Paul," Hogan adds, "because he's the guy who's grabbed the bull by the horns and made this possible for the legacy to keep on going."
Levesque and his wife Stephanie McMahon, daughter of WWE chief Vince McMahon, run the ruthless Authority and still put the heroes through hell on Raw, but Levesque started setting the stage for his post-ring career when he first started in the WWE in the mid-1990s.
The wrestler hadn't been in the business that long before he started to develop a relationship with Vince McMahon, long before he met his wife. "Sad to say, she was in college, which makes me sound old," Levesque says, laughing.
He became fascinated by the way WWE created and fostered intriguing in-ring characters such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the more he talked with McMahon, the more the boss encouraged Levesque to get in involved.
"I'd get up extra early and I'd go to the production meeting three hours before I actually needed to be in the building as a performer — not because I was being paid to, but I liked the process," Levesque says.
"It was a natural transition for me when I started to get out of in ring to continue down the path that I was on."
Levesque saw that WWE was doing well as a business, but didn't see an investment in the future. "It was the thing that was lacking to me," he says, "and I said to Vince, 'Twenty years from now, where are we going to get all these guys from?' And he said 'What do we do about it?'
"I started putting together this plan in my head and he and I worked on it, and he said, 'I think this is a great thing. Go do it.' And that's what we've done there."
Levesque concedes that watching NXT wrestlers such as Bray Wyatt, Sami Zayn or Adrian Neville make their first appearance on Raw is a different kind of thrill than performing in front of 80,000 screaming fans. His wife laughs at him, but he's often as nervous as a proud dad behind the curtain as the crowd is introduced to one of his charges.
"To see them go out there and knock it out of the park and see how happy they are, it's awesome, man," Levesque says. "In some ways it's like watching my kids."
source: usatoday.com
June 22, 2015
Chyna Wants To Meet With Triple H And Vince McMahon
After a media tour which seems to have backfired, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Chyna posted the video above in which she pleads with Triple H and Vince McMahon to meet with her to make amends.
"I have gone to WWE offices to try to get a meeting to discuss these issues personally with Hunter and Vince, and I would really like to open the dialogue, and have an audience with them to make that happen. Hunter and Vince, may I please have a meeting so we can make amends and bury the hatchet?," she said.
It's worth noting that Chyna has accused Triple H of assaulting her during numerous appearances, something that Triple H has vehemently denied. Chyna's ex-boyfriend Sean "X-Pac" Waltman also said that she admitted to him the accusations were false. In the video, she called her time with WWE the "best in her life."
"Regarding my relationship with WWE and Hunter - those were the best days of my life. Wonderful opportunities, and I'm very grateful (for) those days, which is why I'm so passionate about being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame," she said.
Chyna also noted that she wanted to clear the air regarding the issues that have been brought up. Chyna has been pushing a Kickstarter to produce a documentary about her "reconstruction." Thus far the Kickstarter has earned over $4,000.
June 20, 2015
Rumor On Dolph Ziggler Leaving WWE Soon
There have been rumors on Dolph Ziggler being unhappy in WWE for some time but now the rumors are that he's looking to leave the company when his contract is up in a few months.
During a recent episode of MLW Radio, available at this link, former WWE creative writer Court Bauer commented on the rumor, referring to Ziggler leaving like John Morrison did. Morrison now works for Lucha Underground as Johnny Mundo. Bauer said:
"Dolph's deal is up in a few months and he has indicated informally that unless he gets a big push, he may leave like Mundo."
June 19, 2015
Update on Injury Status of NXT’s Hideo Itami & Sami Zayn
Both Hideo Itami and Sami Zayn appeared at Thursday’s WWE NXT television taping at Full Sail University.
Hideo Itami opened the night with an in-ring promo, announcing that he would still be at the upcoming July 4th live event in Japan despite his injury. He also challenged the winner of Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor, but noted he is still 3-4 months away from returning.
Former NXT Champion Sami Zayn also addressed the Full Sail crowd about his own injury. Zayn vowed to eventually get his revenge on career-long rival Kevin Owens, but announced that he would be out of action for the remainder of 2015.
EVOLVE Issues Statement On Johnny Gargano Working Last Night's WWE NXT Dark Match
The dark match before last night's WWE NXT TV tapings at Full Sail University saw top indie star Johnny Gargano lost to new WWE talent Uhaa Nation.
EVOLVE released the following statement today on Gargano:
"Johnny Gargano wrestled Uhaa Nation at last night's NXT taping in a dark match. Watch their first ever match at EVOLVE 27 here. We are very happy that WWE gave Gargano this opportunity. We have all traveled the road with Gargano and watched him go from the pre-show FRAY! on the first ever DGUSA event to his historic reigns as DGUSA Champion. If there is ever a WWN Hall Of Fame, Gargano is sure to be on the first ballot. It is only with your support that Gargano has accomplished all these things. Gargano remains under WWN contract. He will return to EVOLVE in New York on August 15th and 16th. We can already announce one of the huge matches he will be involved in that weekend. After what happened at EVOLVE 44, it'll be Gargano vs. Ethan Page in an Anything Goes Match at EVOLVE 47 in Queens, NY at La Boom."
USA Network Series WWE Tough Enough to Feature Daily Periscope Coverage
WWE will turn to Periscope, a new live streaming app, to give fans a look through the eyes of the competitors as the drama unfolds each week during training and competitions leading up to the weekly premieres of the new hard hitting reality series to air on USA Network, WWE Tough Enough. The @WWEToughEnough account on Periscope will also include guest appearances from the show’s host WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, Tough Enough judges WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™, as well as various other WWE Superstars and Divas.
Starting June 23, WWE Tough Enough will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7C on USA Network. Outside of the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world.
“WWE is already best in class when it comes to utilizing Twitter to engage with their massive global fan base,” said Danny Keens, Head of North American Sports Partnerships at Twitter. “Periscope allows anyone in the world to share and experience live video and now fans of WWE’s Tough Enough can further engage with talent from the show live in real-time. WWE is removing another barrier and allowing fans to have a deeper connection with their favorite WWE stars.”
“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”
WWE Event In Japan Will Air In Its Entirety
Joey Styles confirmed on Twitter that the event from Tokyo, Japan on July 4th will be broadcast live in its entirety, and will be available on demand immediately afterward.
The event is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm in Japan, which is 5:00 am ET.
Below is the current card:
WWE NXT Title Match
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens
WWE Divas Title Match
Paige vs. Naomi vs. Nikki Bella
Brock Lesnar vs. Kofi Kingston
Chris Jericho vs. Neville
John Cena and Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane and King Barrett
The Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores
June 18, 2015
WWE Looking At Bringing In More Part Time Talents For NXT, Hoping To Book More Music Festivals
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the WWE is discussing the possibility of bringing in more part time wrestlers such as Samoa Joe and Rhino to help beef up their NXT touring shows.
The belief is that many of the brand's marquee stars will likely be on the main roster by 2016, and the company will need more fire power to carry a third touring brand. The report also says there are main roster talents willing to work the shows.
As we reported exclusively last week, NXT has been booked on the Louder than Life music festival for Louisville in October. The WWE is hoping to book NXT on more music festival events in the future.
