Former WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio appeared on Wrestling Observer Live earlier this afternoon. Mysterio was asked about his decision to leave the company and mentioned that the company had no direction for the "Rey Mysterio" character.
"After my last surgery in 2011, I came back at the end in 2012. I felt like I rushed myself," said the former World Heavyweight Champion. "I went back on the shelf, came back and they put me with Sin Cara, and I felt like I wasn't going anywhere. I was being thrown in to just have tag matches, there was no direction for Rey Mysterio. My contract was coming to the end and I decided to not re-sign. I wanted to take time off to spend time with my family and go from there."
Mysterio also talked about the possibilities of joining Lucnha Underground, "If I take the next step and go to Lucha Underground, I want to take Lucha Libre global," Mysterio said. "My goal is to always make it bigger."
BREAKING NEWS: MATT HARDY OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH TNA!
TNA Executive John Gaburick has officially announced that Matt Hardy is officially signed to a full time TNA contract.
Matt has stated within the past few weeks that he has hoped to come to an agreement on a full time contract in order to limit his schedule, being able to fully focus on his TNA career, looking after his family and winning the TNA tag titles.
You can listen to Matt speaking about all of this here.
It appears that TNA may have signed Shaun Ricker. He was previously in Orlando with TNA in February for a few One Night Only Tapings. However, he has now tweeted that he will be in Orlando this coming week for Impact Wrestling Tapings!
- Chad Dukes of CBS Radio Washington DC 106.7 The Fan and ChadDukesWrestling.com recently spoke with former TNA star Samoa Joe. The full interview is at this link but here are a few highlights:
Returning to Ring of Honor: I think certain times in your career you reexamine things and a change of scenery is nice. Its good for the fans, its good for me, and I think its healthy all around. Im excited about some new matches for me, theres some guys out there I havent had a chance to work with especially some younger guys, up and comers, that I think have tremendous promise and talent and I get to get in there and mix it up with them.
It kinda was a culmination over the past few months of various factors, various reasons. You kind of come to these big decisions and I kind of looked around saw the landscape of things and thought it was the time.
ROH making a run at being the #2 promotion: I dont really have a grasp of what Sinclairs intentions are. I really havent dealt much with the new regime yet. Like I said this is my return after an absence, I think 2008 is the last time I did anything with Ring of Honor. I think they want to grow and make their brand bigger, and bringing in myself and [Patron, Styles, etc] thats going to help with that. It takes tremendous infrastructure; it takes a lot of careful planning and wise decisions so its a lot more than the talent that walks through the door.
People saying AJ Styles' Styles Clash should be banned: Ive taken the Styles Clash several times and AJs a formidable athlete in his own right, its never been an issue of safety with me ever. I understand how people feel, theres obviously been injuries involved with it, but I know especially with my very long-term experience with experiencing the move on all ends of it, its always been a safe as far as injuries go move and Ive never really had an issue with it.
Possibly facing CM Punk again: Time will tell and thats really up to him and obviously his obligations to UFC. I know hes training real hard for his upcoming fight but if he wants to throw down, if he wants to scrap, you can come over here and start off with me and see whats left when you go into the octagon.
Possibly doing MMA: I really havent put any thought to it. I like to train, I train with a bunch of really awesome dudes here locally and back when I was full-time in California, its kind of a world thats always been around me. I love pro wrestling, man and Im a pro wrestler and I love what I do.
Top indie stars making it to WWE NXT: Im over the moon happy for those guys. Anyone that knows what the independent wrestling life is, its quite a grind, and for years there was that connotation kind of attached to it where a lot of those guys wouldnt get a fair shot in a bigger company. To see those guys doing so well and to see those guys taking the opportunity and running with it, I think its indicative of what youll find out on the independent circuit in a lot of cases. Its interesting, I think Hunter hes kinda come to realize that. I think most wrestlers up there they do respect the journeymen, the guys that go out there and grind it out, do this for the love and they realize theres talent out there.
Possibly going to WWE and starting in NXT: Ive never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself. Every promotion Ive ever worked for, initially when I started out, never wanted me. I remember my first Ring of Honor show and [Gabe Sapolsky. Former ROH booker] told me, Hey listen, we cant afford a flight out from California every month, so it will probably be a one-off deal. And then walking back through the curtain after that first match and him going, youre on every show. I think when you do get to the point where youre not willing to go out there and prove what you can do, I understand guys they feel strongly a certain way, thats fine, I think its individual for everybody, but I know for me Ive never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself anywhere.
Ive always firmly believed that you cant deny talent and cream always rises to the top. Those are two things you always hear clichés among all sports not just pro wrestling and its something that I firmly believe. At the end of the day, if youve got it youre going to get there. Youve got to find the opportunities, the doors and the windows you can find and do what you need to do.
Backstage News on Rey Mysterio's Leaving WWE Posted by Steve Carrier on 02/26/2015 at 07:10 PM
As noted, WWE quietly moved Rey Mysterio to their Alumni section today and the company later confirmed that he is no longer with them.
There are rumors that Rey negotiated his release but PWInsider reports that his WWE contract actually expired and was not renewed. We've noted how there have been issues between Rey and WWE for some time. While expecting to leave the company, Rey was upset that WWE extended his previous deal because he was out of action for so long with injuries.
Rey will have no trouble finding work with other promotions. Konnan is already reportedly working on setting up dates for Mysterio and announcements could come as soon as tomorrow. There were plans for some kind of big reveal but news getting out today probably nixed those plans.
Word is that Rey will be doing a number of signing appearances but likely won't be wrestling right away. Rey is expected to wrestle for Lucha Underground but as of this afternoon, the two sides have not signed a new deal. Rey may be coming into Lucha Underground as the person who introduced Konnan to Lucha Underground Champion Prince Puma.
Rey will likely make his return to Mexico's AAA promotion at their March 15th Rey de Reyes event. AAA has announced a press conference for later this week and that could be where they announce Mysterio's return.
Mysterio is expected to ask for big money to make indie appearances.
As noted earlier, Rey Mysterio was moved to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Since then WWE issued the following statement regarding Mysterio's status with the company:
"Rey Mysterio is no longer under contract with WWE."
Rey Mysterio has been moved to the Alumni section of WWE.com. As of this writing, WWE has not issued a statement regarding his release, however, this usually indicates that a talent is done with the company.
Mysterio signed with the company back in June of 2002 and went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship once. His last match in WWE was against Bad News Barrett the night after WrestleMania 30.
Jeff Jarrett Making GFW Announcements Jeff Jarrett is reportedly preparing to make Global Force Wrestling announcements next month, possibly during WrestleMania week - the same time he announced GFW last year.
Word is that the announcements will have to do with GFW talents and live events.
There have also been discussions of doing another live pay-per-view with New Japan this spring and bringing a AAA live pay-per-view to the United States.
BREAKING NEWS: TNA RETURNING TO GERMANY, AUSTRIA AND SWITZERLAND!
DMAX BRINGS IMPACT BACK TO GERMAN TV
Munich (Friday February 20, 2015): TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will return to German TV screens this month on DMAX.
Fans in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be able to watch a one-hour version of flagship show IMPACT for free every Saturday night at 11.15pm on the channel, starting on Saturday February 28. There will be an initial run of eight episodes.
This new deal is a part of the new global multi-year partnership between TNA and Discovery Communications, the parent of DMAX.
TNA superstars including Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle, Jeff and Matt Hardy, Lashley, MVP, Bobby Roode, Eric Young and Gail Kim will be back in action on German TV, where IMPACT was previously the countrys highest-rated wrestling show.
Commentary on the breathtaking action inside the ring will once more come from the popular German commentary team of Nic Heldt and Mike Ritter.
Oliver Nowotny, VP Programming & Content Discovery Networks Deutschland, said: Wrestling has a huge fan base in Germany. The deal between Discovery and TNA means we can now offer fans the very latest, most explosive feuds, produced to the highest standards.
We are confident of winning new viewers for the sport, and are also looking forward to comparing notes on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.
TNA Executive Vice President Andy Barton added: TNA has a long and successful history on German TV, and a very close relationship with the fans there. So we are delighted to be back on screens in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Together TNA and Discovery Communications are already showing our commitment to bringing fans the very best in professional wrestling, both in America and across the globe.
Like A Prayer: Grados Plea To Madge Involves A Higher Power
onight at 9/8c on IMPACT WRESTLING, Scottish sensation GRADO makes his in-ring debut in-front of an international audience. However, all week he has made international headlines with his plea. Three words have been trending on social media for days now
#SayYesMadonna
Now, Scottish Parliament has stepped in as well! So far, 12 Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have backed a motion supporting Grados #SayYesMadonna campaign. Grado was a part of TNAs hit reality show British Boot Camp 2, becoming an instant fan-favorite and a thorn in the side of one of the shows judges, Al Snow.
Do you support Grado!? If so, sound off on Twitter using #SayYesMadonna and tune-in to IMPACT WRESTLING tonight at 9/8c on Destination America to watch Grado take-on wrestling legend Al Snow in his first match for TNAs IMPACT WRESTLING!
UK fans can watch this monumental debut on Sunday night at 9PM on Challenge TV. For all international listings, click here.
WWE issued the following response to PWInsider in regards to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Cassandra Frazier, widow of former WWE star Nelson Frazier Jr., who appeared as Viscera, Mabel and Big Daddy V:
"WWE has not been served with a lawsuit by Cassandra Frazier. If served, we will vigorously contest this lawsuit brought by the same lawyers who have been soliciting people to sue WWE without merit."
As noted, Cassandra Frazier, widow of former WWE Superstar Nelson Frazier Jr. (Big Daddy V, Viscera) filed a wrongful death lawsuit against WWE yesterday, just one year after his death. The lawsuit was brought to light by Irv Muchnick of the Concussion Inc. website. The full 124 page lawsuit can be seen at this link via PDF. It mentions Chris Benoit's death and references CM Punk's comments from Colt Cabana's podcast where he called WWE's concussion policies "BS."
Cassandra alleges that Frazier died as a result of injuries he suffered as a result of working for WWE. She alleges that WWE's wrongful conduct gave rise to the long-term consequences of multiple concussions and other "serious, permanent, and disabling injuries" during Nelson's career with WWE. Cassandra is accusing WWE of holding back on important medical information and research, and misinforming Nelson and other WWE talents about the risks of working for the company.
The lawsuit says Nelson had large knots on his head due to the scar tissue on his skull forming into permanent lumps and he had evidenced indentations to his skull. It adds that Frazier had severe symptoms of neurological injuries and other physical trauma before he passed away, including severe migraines that he sought medical attention for. The suit also says Frazier suffered from severe depression, something else he sought medical attention for. The suit continues, "Frazier had sustained serious longterm brain damage from his WWE career. Frazier's broken spirit and body left him virtually penniless, and he was forced to pay cash for medical services in the months before his death."
Cassandra has made 9 claims against WWE including negligence, negligent misrepresentation, intentional misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, vicarious liability, fraud by omission or failure to warn, punitive damages, wrongful death and loss of consortium by herself.
Cassandra Frazier, the widow of former WWE Superstar Nelson Frazier Jr. (Viscera, Big Daddy V) filed a lawsuit against WWE on February 18th in Memphis, Tennessee.
The lawsuit lifts Cassandra and Nelson as plaintiffs and alleges that he passed away due to the cumulative effect of punishment he took in the ring, including concussions and brain trauma.
As of this morning, WWE had not been served with the lawsuit. They likely will be releasing a statement today and we'll keep you updated.
The Miz spoke with TMZ Wednesday night, who said he's the greatest actor in wrestling history, even better than The Rock.
"The Rock has done wonders with generating fans that say, "You know what? We can actually do what we do and better than everybody. He's number one. But am I a better actor than The Rock? Ab... I believe I am."
"In regard to all the emails we've received asking about what happened that led to Samoa Joe leaving TNA, we are told that in many ways, it was a similar situation to the one that led to AJ Styles leaving the company in 2013, i.e. the company was not going to be able to match what Joe had been making and in the end, Joe made the call that it was time, after nine years, to leave TNA.
We are told that the two sides negotiated and attempted to come to terms on a new deal all the way to the end, and that it remained friendly the entire time, but they weren't able to find a common ground that would have each side happy. The landscape of the company and what it could feasibly offer Joe this time around vs. the last time his contract came up has completely changed. The company, after making their final offer, left it to Joe to make his decision.
When Joe made the decision to leave, it was made clear to him there was absolutely no heat and that TNA was considering the door open so that one day, they could work with Joe down the line. I was told that the company has all the respect for Joe in the world and they are sorry to see him leave, but understand that in February 2015, it's the best move for both parties.
I was told that another, lesser factor involved was the company is seeking to invest more in newer talent coming in. Joe had been an awesome hand for the company for years, but for much of his tenure, was mishandled creatively by previous creative regimes. Although the current regime had tried to reboot Joe and get him back towards his strengths, they had been unable to overcome the scorched earth left by the past sins of their predecessors. The hope internally is that, down the line, if Joe returns to the company, the past will be washed away and all parties can start fresh.
I don't think anyone can argue that Joe's handling over the years by TNA has been nothing short of terrible and the idea of Joe in a fresh environment is something that, based on emails we've received, has gotten a lot of fans excited.
The reality is that much like AJ Styles in 2013, Samoa Joe now finds himself in the driver's seat with the ability to recreate himself and excite fans with lots of fresh matches, just as Styles has in New Japan, Ring of Honor and elsewhere. If you are a fan of Samoa Joe, it's going to be a very interesting year."
There is said to be discontent on WWE's main roster right now over how NXT talents are given the chance to go out and put on great matches while most main roster talents are restricted to shortnothing matches on TV, especially if they are Divas.
Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter added to the story on his message board:
"So story is accurate but it's inherent. It was the same thing in the OVW days, well not exactly the same, but similar. I get DMs from people on the main roster always after those specials. It's a common frustration. The top NXT performers are frustrated they aren't on the main roster making money. Then they will get more frustrated when they realize their dream. WWE guys are frustrated they aren't having the matches guys in NXT are when they know if they can perform before 400 fans in longer matches they can tear the house down."
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 34 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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