Week in Wrestling #26
Wrestling News From the week of
January 29th - February 6th, 2016
January 29th - February 6th, 2016
Axl Rotten passes away
Axl Rotten, best known as one of the major stars of ECW, passed away today at the age of 44. Knighton had been battling drug issues for years and had been in a wheelchair and had vowed to escape from it several months ago.
xl Rotten & Balls Mahoney were a regular tag team from 1996 through 1999, often working with the Dudleys.. He worked for WWE briefly in 2005 as part of a team with Mahoney and wrestled once for TNA in 2010, but due to his problems, has been unable to wrestle for the past few years.
Axl Rotten, best known as one of the major stars of ECW, passed away today at the age of 44. Knighton had been battling drug issues for years and had been in a wheelchair and had vowed to escape from it several months ago.
xl Rotten & Balls Mahoney were a regular tag team from 1996 through 1999, often working with the Dudleys.. He worked for WWE briefly in 2005 as part of a team with Mahoney and wrestled once for TNA in 2010, but due to his problems, has been unable to wrestle for the past few years.
Bret Hart fighting Cancer
Bret Hart announced on 2/1 that he would be undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Hart didn’t give a lot of details past saying the surgery would be taking place this week. The announcement came less than two weeks after older brother Smith Hart announced he had prostate and bone cancer (in his hip).
The only details we heard that Bret Hart didn’t release was the belief that they cancer was spotted in its early stages, which is good news for Bret. For his brother, since it had already spread to his hip when diagnosed, the news wasn’t as good.
Bret Hart announced on 2/1 that he would be undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Hart didn’t give a lot of details past saying the surgery would be taking place this week. The announcement came less than two weeks after older brother Smith Hart announced he had prostate and bone cancer (in his hip).
The only details we heard that Bret Hart didn’t release was the belief that they cancer was spotted in its early stages, which is good news for Bret. For his brother, since it had already spread to his hip when diagnosed, the news wasn’t as good.
Finn Balor Injured
NXT Champion Finn Balor suffered a sprained ankle in his Friday title match with Samoa Joe in Nashviille, TN, and is not expected to wrestle on Saturday night's NXT show in Indianapolis.
The 34-year-old Balor will be evaluated on Monday regarding the severity of the injury. The injury occurred when Balor (real name Fergal Devitt) executed his double foot stomp finisher off the top rope on Joe in Friday's main event. The ankle went out on landing, and he was on crutches Friday with an ice bag on his ankle before getting examined after the show.
NXT Champion Finn Balor suffered a sprained ankle in his Friday title match with Samoa Joe in Nashviille, TN, and is not expected to wrestle on Saturday night's NXT show in Indianapolis.
The 34-year-old Balor will be evaluated on Monday regarding the severity of the injury. The injury occurred when Balor (real name Fergal Devitt) executed his double foot stomp finisher off the top rope on Joe in Friday's main event. The ankle went out on landing, and he was on crutches Friday with an ice bag on his ankle before getting examined after the show.
RAW Ratings Fall Big
Raw on 2/1 set yet another era low mark for a non-football season or holiday night show averaging a 2.37 rating and 3,371,000 viewers (1.49 viewers per home). It would break the non-football or holiday low dating back to 1997. The prior lows in each category were a 2.44 rating, set on 1/18, and the prior viewership low of 3,463,000 viewers, was set on 6/29.
The number was expected to be down due to the news coverage of the Iowa Caucus. But falling 18 percent from the strongest number in months the week before for the combination of the day after the Royal Rumble and the appearance of Dwayne Johnson to a record low was disappointing.
The first hour did 3,592,000 viewers; the second hour did 3,464,000 viewers and the third hour did 3,094,000 viewers.
Raw on 2/1 set yet another era low mark for a non-football season or holiday night show averaging a 2.37 rating and 3,371,000 viewers (1.49 viewers per home). It would break the non-football or holiday low dating back to 1997. The prior lows in each category were a 2.44 rating, set on 1/18, and the prior viewership low of 3,463,000 viewers, was set on 6/29.
The number was expected to be down due to the news coverage of the Iowa Caucus. But falling 18 percent from the strongest number in months the week before for the combination of the day after the Royal Rumble and the appearance of Dwayne Johnson to a record low was disappointing.
The first hour did 3,592,000 viewers; the second hour did 3,464,000 viewers and the third hour did 3,094,000 viewers.
Fast Lane Plans
Aside from the Reigns vs. Lesnar vs. Ambrose three-way and Kalisto vs. Del Rio for the U.S. title, nothing has been announced. There are no other obvious programs they are building past something with Show and the Wyatt Family, which could be Show & Kane & Ryback against them, although that sounds much better as a television match. The Divas title looks like Charlotte vs. Brie Bella. Brie Bella, Banks and Lynch have all been booked in a manner where they look to be getting upcoming title shots at Charlotte.
Ziggler getting a win over Owens and in a program with him right now may be a way to set up a match on this show, and they are definitely building Styles vs. Jericho for a rematch, although right now the next TV match between the two of them is scheduled for the 2/9 Smackdown tapings in Portland, OR.
They also had Tamina and Naomi attack Banks, so I can see Banks & Lynch vs. Tamina & Naomi as either a TV program or a match here. It’s pretty clear they want Banks as a pure face going forward so they are taking her away from Team BAD and linking her with the most popular women who gets a push on the roster. Linking her with Lynch is the idea that it makes her a face to the masses to go with the hardcores who already chant for her
Aside from the Reigns vs. Lesnar vs. Ambrose three-way and Kalisto vs. Del Rio for the U.S. title, nothing has been announced. There are no other obvious programs they are building past something with Show and the Wyatt Family, which could be Show & Kane & Ryback against them, although that sounds much better as a television match. The Divas title looks like Charlotte vs. Brie Bella. Brie Bella, Banks and Lynch have all been booked in a manner where they look to be getting upcoming title shots at Charlotte.
Ziggler getting a win over Owens and in a program with him right now may be a way to set up a match on this show, and they are definitely building Styles vs. Jericho for a rematch, although right now the next TV match between the two of them is scheduled for the 2/9 Smackdown tapings in Portland, OR.
They also had Tamina and Naomi attack Banks, so I can see Banks & Lynch vs. Tamina & Naomi as either a TV program or a match here. It’s pretty clear they want Banks as a pure face going forward so they are taking her away from Team BAD and linking her with the most popular women who gets a push on the roster. Linking her with Lynch is the idea that it makes her a face to the masses to go with the hardcores who already chant for her
Undertaker's Wrestlemania Match
As of one week ago, there were no plans in the direction of Undertaker vs. Strowman in a singles match at Mania. Nothing has been locked in for Undertaker. If Cena can recover in time that will likely be the match. If not, when you look at the roster, it would appear Strowman, Owens, Rusev or Sheamus to be the most likely foes.
Owens and Rusev losing on Raw, while not a big deal depending on where they’re going, does make both seem not in the plans as of right now, because if Undertaker at Mania was the planned direction today for either of them, they would be booked stronger right now. Strowman is the one most protected. Smh.
As of one week ago, there were no plans in the direction of Undertaker vs. Strowman in a singles match at Mania. Nothing has been locked in for Undertaker. If Cena can recover in time that will likely be the match. If not, when you look at the roster, it would appear Strowman, Owens, Rusev or Sheamus to be the most likely foes.
Owens and Rusev losing on Raw, while not a big deal depending on where they’re going, does make both seem not in the plans as of right now, because if Undertaker at Mania was the planned direction today for either of them, they would be booked stronger right now. Strowman is the one most protected. Smh.
Blackjack Hospitalized
Raw had to be changed at the last minute because Robert Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), 73, the grandfather of Wyatt and Dallas, as well as father-in-law of their father, Mike Rotunda (who works as a producer), got very seriously ill and was hospitalized on 2/1. It was bad enough that all three flew from Birmingham home to Tampa to see him before TV started.
On the show, nothing was said about Wyatt not being there although he was conspicuous by his absence, and Dallas not being there was mentioned when the rest of the Social Outcasts came out for a match and they acted like he was in studio recording a rap.
Raw had to be changed at the last minute because Robert Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), 73, the grandfather of Wyatt and Dallas, as well as father-in-law of their father, Mike Rotunda (who works as a producer), got very seriously ill and was hospitalized on 2/1. It was bad enough that all three flew from Birmingham home to Tampa to see him before TV started.
On the show, nothing was said about Wyatt not being there although he was conspicuous by his absence, and Dallas not being there was mentioned when the rest of the Social Outcasts came out for a match and they acted like he was in studio recording a rap.
League of Nations Injury News
The League of Nations has nothing but bad luck. Sheamus was injured last week, perhaps on the 1/25 Raw match since that was the last bout he did. He’s got tendinitis in his left arm, which was in a cast. The injury isn’t serious. He’s not expected to be off doing matches for very long
Del Rio suffered a lower back injury from either taking a vertical suplex from Lesnar during the Rumble or a German suplex on the 1/18 Raw show. The vertical looked pretty normal, but he did seem shaken up by it. The German was a nasty looking landing on the back of his head, but he did continue to wrestle for another week.
The League of Nations has nothing but bad luck. Sheamus was injured last week, perhaps on the 1/25 Raw match since that was the last bout he did. He’s got tendinitis in his left arm, which was in a cast. The injury isn’t serious. He’s not expected to be off doing matches for very long
Del Rio suffered a lower back injury from either taking a vertical suplex from Lesnar during the Rumble or a German suplex on the 1/18 Raw show. The vertical looked pretty normal, but he did seem shaken up by it. The German was a nasty looking landing on the back of his head, but he did continue to wrestle for another week.
Samoa Joe to the Main Roster?
NXT Takeover show in Dallas is Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for the NXT title. If Balor wins and the decision is made to end the program with Joe with that match, Joe will move to the main roster fairly soon afterwards. Zayn will almost surely be starting on the main roster imminently.
On the TV taped this week, they outright talked of him leaving for the main roster, so it could be before Mania or right after Mania. On the NXT show that airs on 3/16, they talk about him leaving so he may start on Raw right around that time. They strongly indicated the 4/1 show is his last big NXT match
NXT Takeover show in Dallas is Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe for the NXT title. If Balor wins and the decision is made to end the program with Joe with that match, Joe will move to the main roster fairly soon afterwards. Zayn will almost surely be starting on the main roster imminently.
On the TV taped this week, they outright talked of him leaving for the main roster, so it could be before Mania or right after Mania. On the NXT show that airs on 3/16, they talk about him leaving so he may start on Raw right around that time. They strongly indicated the 4/1 show is his last big NXT match
Action figure Controversy
This probably isn’t setting too well with Vince McMahon, but AJ Styles and Drew Gallows had both signed deals with Figures Inc. for action figures. The action figures are both scheduled to be released soon. McMahon was furious when the same company beat WWE to the marketplace with Kevin Steen action figures, and even worse, Styles will be marketed with the figures under his WWE name.
In other news, Mattel, WWE’s action figure licensee, is reportedly in merger talks with Hasbro, who held the license in the first half of the ‘90s. This would be a pretty huge development in the toy world.
This probably isn’t setting too well with Vince McMahon, but AJ Styles and Drew Gallows had both signed deals with Figures Inc. for action figures. The action figures are both scheduled to be released soon. McMahon was furious when the same company beat WWE to the marketplace with Kevin Steen action figures, and even worse, Styles will be marketed with the figures under his WWE name.
In other news, Mattel, WWE’s action figure licensee, is reportedly in merger talks with Hasbro, who held the license in the first half of the ‘90s. This would be a pretty huge development in the toy world.
AJ on Jericho Podcast
AJ Styles confirmed on Chris Jericho's podcast what was pretty obvious from watching Smackdown, that being that the calf killer will be renamed the calf crusher in WWE, which actually would be the legitimate name for the hold. He also said Vince McMahon's idea for his character is The Pitbull, a smaller guy who has to fight for everything he gets.
AJ Styles confirmed on Chris Jericho's podcast what was pretty obvious from watching Smackdown, that being that the calf killer will be renamed the calf crusher in WWE, which actually would be the legitimate name for the hold. He also said Vince McMahon's idea for his character is The Pitbull, a smaller guy who has to fight for everything he gets.
Nakamura Timetable
Nakamura is earmarked for the main roster but there is a transition period they are looking at doing first, which really is best for all concerned. It’s best that if there is anything he doesn’t know or they don’t like, that it’s taken care of before his main roster debut. The fact they are using his real name on the NXT show is not a sign that he will be using his real name on the main roster.
Regarding rumors that WWE purchased the rights to his “Subconscious,” those in WWE state that is not correct and he is expected to be given new music. There is the argument that for the Japanese market, given his level of star power, it’s best he uses his real name. They didn’t do that with KENTA or Kana, (Hideo Itami and Asuka) and KENTA was a big star there, although not at the level of Nakamura. The problem is they don’t want to merchandise someone with a name that they don’t own, nor make a star out of someone who can leave and then use the name elsewhere
Nakamura is earmarked for the main roster but there is a transition period they are looking at doing first, which really is best for all concerned. It’s best that if there is anything he doesn’t know or they don’t like, that it’s taken care of before his main roster debut. The fact they are using his real name on the NXT show is not a sign that he will be using his real name on the main roster.
Regarding rumors that WWE purchased the rights to his “Subconscious,” those in WWE state that is not correct and he is expected to be given new music. There is the argument that for the Japanese market, given his level of star power, it’s best he uses his real name. They didn’t do that with KENTA or Kana, (Hideo Itami and Asuka) and KENTA was a big star there, although not at the level of Nakamura. The problem is they don’t want to merchandise someone with a name that they don’t own, nor make a star out of someone who can leave and then use the name elsewhere
Batista turning the WWE Down
Batista was at the Rumble and offered a spot at Mania, which would have been as the guest referee of HHH vs. Reigns, with the idea of putting more strong odds against Reigns winning with one of HHH’s best friends in the spot. That was the role he turned down.
I could see Michaels in that spot or even Rollins (who may not be able to wrestle but perhaps could be good enough to ref) or Flair (which I can’t see happening) if they want HHH to have a “best friend” as ref. Austin doesn’t fit the bill, although the idea of Reigns vs. HHH with Austin as ref and Rock in the corner and the closing scene of Austin & Rock (and Rousey if she’s available) in the video with Reigns is a strong mainstream media bite to build Reigns to sports fans
Batista was at the Rumble and offered a spot at Mania, which would have been as the guest referee of HHH vs. Reigns, with the idea of putting more strong odds against Reigns winning with one of HHH’s best friends in the spot. That was the role he turned down.
I could see Michaels in that spot or even Rollins (who may not be able to wrestle but perhaps could be good enough to ref) or Flair (which I can’t see happening) if they want HHH to have a “best friend” as ref. Austin doesn’t fit the bill, although the idea of Reigns vs. HHH with Austin as ref and Rock in the corner and the closing scene of Austin & Rock (and Rousey if she’s available) in the video with Reigns is a strong mainstream media bite to build Reigns to sports fans
Kong fired from TNA
Awesome Kong, who was sent home by TNA officials before the start of its three-day television taping in the U.K. for an incident involving Rebecca Hardy (Reby Sky Hardy), 29, in Manchester has been released by the company.
According to sources in TNA, the argument stemmed from issues the two had over the last few years. Kong got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens' dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize. She left, and Kong went after her and had to be restrained.
Stevens got upset and threw both Hardy’s bags as well as the baby’s stuff out of the dressing room. This led to an argument between the two, with swear words involved, and Hardy saying it’s not the 80s, she won’t be bullied and F*** off.
Stevens then allegedly attacked her, driving her into a concrete wall and started choking her in front of her son, who was only a few feet away while this was going on.
A number of people in security, as well as producer Pat Kenney broke up the attack. Reports were that Hardy had visible marks on her neck from it being squeezed.
There were other incidents behind the scenes.
Awesome Kong, who was sent home by TNA officials before the start of its three-day television taping in the U.K. for an incident involving Rebecca Hardy (Reby Sky Hardy), 29, in Manchester has been released by the company.
According to sources in TNA, the argument stemmed from issues the two had over the last few years. Kong got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens' dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize. She left, and Kong went after her and had to be restrained.
Stevens got upset and threw both Hardy’s bags as well as the baby’s stuff out of the dressing room. This led to an argument between the two, with swear words involved, and Hardy saying it’s not the 80s, she won’t be bullied and F*** off.
Stevens then allegedly attacked her, driving her into a concrete wall and started choking her in front of her son, who was only a few feet away while this was going on.
A number of people in security, as well as producer Pat Kenney broke up the attack. Reports were that Hardy had visible marks on her neck from it being squeezed.
There were other incidents behind the scenes.
Davey Richards Out Again
Davey Richards legit injured his knee when he came off the top rope into a codebreaker by Storm and his knee landed badly. The belief was that he tore his meniscus, but that what a preliminary diagnosis as he wasn’t getting it examined until he returned home. Richards, in a Facebook post, wrote that he thought he was facing surgery, but wouldn’t know until it’s looked at, and said he’s first doing college exams this week before getting it looked at.
Davey Richards legit injured his knee when he came off the top rope into a codebreaker by Storm and his knee landed badly. The belief was that he tore his meniscus, but that what a preliminary diagnosis as he wasn’t getting it examined until he returned home. Richards, in a Facebook post, wrote that he thought he was facing surgery, but wouldn’t know until it’s looked at, and said he’s first doing college exams this week before getting it looked at.
TNA Current Direction
The storytelling on TV has gotten a lot better in this new run on Pop TV. The wrestling presentation is still marred by the small and mostly dead crowd in Bethlehem, but Matt Hardy as Big Money Matt (a play off Money Mayweather) in a suit with Tyrus, a dressed up Reby Hardy and his baby, are a unique heel faction. Really, Reby as the good looking but complete bitch of a wife made the Matt vs. Jeff stuff so much better than it’s ever been.
The main stories at the tapings were EC III becoming the main face with Galloway and Matt Hardy and Lashley as the main heels. Kurt Angle did his farewell, which was there Lashley went heel after beating Angle.
The storytelling on TV has gotten a lot better in this new run on Pop TV. The wrestling presentation is still marred by the small and mostly dead crowd in Bethlehem, but Matt Hardy as Big Money Matt (a play off Money Mayweather) in a suit with Tyrus, a dressed up Reby Hardy and his baby, are a unique heel faction. Really, Reby as the good looking but complete bitch of a wife made the Matt vs. Jeff stuff so much better than it’s ever been.
The main stories at the tapings were EC III becoming the main face with Galloway and Matt Hardy and Lashley as the main heels. Kurt Angle did his farewell, which was there Lashley went heel after beating Angle.
Lucha Underground News
After the conclusion of its second season of tapings on 1/31, Lucha Underground, Mark Burnett and MGM announced officially they would be taping a third season.
The talent was told backstage before the final episode, but wasn’t given dates. Those with the company told us the filming of the new season would start in March, a decision just changed as the original plan was for late July, a time frame talked about internally even as late as last week. The talent was of the belief they would be back filming in late April.
The quick turnaround is for economic reasons, and it’s interesting because Eric Van Wagenen, the show runner and executive producer is also doing “The Celebrity Apprentice” for NBC, which starts filming this week. The third season, which would be somewhere between 24 and 28 episodes, would debut in early 2017, and once again be filmed at The Temple in Boyle Heights, in Los Angeles. The current season will air weekly episodes through the summer, and then be off for about six months.
The reason there has been no major DVD release or mass market merchandising is that the company was holding out for deals that would give them larger advances with the idea they could use that to fund the upcoming season. When they didn’t make any deals, they went back to the original investors and got the money for seasons two and three.
Obviously the investors see potential in the product, but it has been a huge money loser to date. Ultimately it needs an increase in revenue from television and an increase exposure levels to get the characters over enough to where they can be merchandised. While there was talk a few months ago about doing a house show tour after season two, there has been no significant movement in that direction.
After the conclusion of its second season of tapings on 1/31, Lucha Underground, Mark Burnett and MGM announced officially they would be taping a third season.
The talent was told backstage before the final episode, but wasn’t given dates. Those with the company told us the filming of the new season would start in March, a decision just changed as the original plan was for late July, a time frame talked about internally even as late as last week. The talent was of the belief they would be back filming in late April.
The quick turnaround is for economic reasons, and it’s interesting because Eric Van Wagenen, the show runner and executive producer is also doing “The Celebrity Apprentice” for NBC, which starts filming this week. The third season, which would be somewhere between 24 and 28 episodes, would debut in early 2017, and once again be filmed at The Temple in Boyle Heights, in Los Angeles. The current season will air weekly episodes through the summer, and then be off for about six months.
The reason there has been no major DVD release or mass market merchandising is that the company was holding out for deals that would give them larger advances with the idea they could use that to fund the upcoming season. When they didn’t make any deals, they went back to the original investors and got the money for seasons two and three.
Obviously the investors see potential in the product, but it has been a huge money loser to date. Ultimately it needs an increase in revenue from television and an increase exposure levels to get the characters over enough to where they can be merchandised. While there was talk a few months ago about doing a house show tour after season two, there has been no significant movement in that direction.
No Lucha at Mania Weekend
Unless something changes, the idea of doing the WrestleMania weekend show in Dallas is off. TNA actually floated a proposal for a joint show in Dallas over Mania weekend but at this point Lucha Underground didn’t want to do it. There was the feeling it’s a bad mix
Unless something changes, the idea of doing the WrestleMania weekend show in Dallas is off. TNA actually floated a proposal for a joint show in Dallas over Mania weekend but at this point Lucha Underground didn’t want to do it. There was the feeling it’s a bad mix
Cornette hates Lucha Underground
Jim Cornette ripped the product on his podcast. Cornette said the production values were fantastic, but was negative on the product itself, saying it lacked believability and knocked the intergender matches, which the company has gotten out of control with and apparently thinks they are their calling card and makes them edgy and ahead of the curve.
He also complained about the in-ring and the nature of the backstage promos, which I feel is actually a strong point of the promotion. There are different issues as this is not a product than can be believable in its current form, nor does it aim to be. The idea is more it’s a television show about a wrestling promotion than a wrestling show. They are going at it with more of a television mentality, with seasonal production schedules and being far more paranoid than any other company about news and storyline reveals.
As its positive, it is breaking new ground and at least has a cult following, but their numbers at this point are too small to be economically viable. Is that because of the limitations of the product or the limitations of having its only exposure in the U.S. this season being on El Rey? I’d argue the latter, but I’d also strongly argue against some of the narrowcasting of audience that they needlessly do. A key in presenting a television show is that ultimately, they usually have a short shelf life. A successful wrestling company as a touring sports entertainment vehicle can be like a sports franchise with the top companies lasting for decades
Jim Cornette ripped the product on his podcast. Cornette said the production values were fantastic, but was negative on the product itself, saying it lacked believability and knocked the intergender matches, which the company has gotten out of control with and apparently thinks they are their calling card and makes them edgy and ahead of the curve.
He also complained about the in-ring and the nature of the backstage promos, which I feel is actually a strong point of the promotion. There are different issues as this is not a product than can be believable in its current form, nor does it aim to be. The idea is more it’s a television show about a wrestling promotion than a wrestling show. They are going at it with more of a television mentality, with seasonal production schedules and being far more paranoid than any other company about news and storyline reveals.
As its positive, it is breaking new ground and at least has a cult following, but their numbers at this point are too small to be economically viable. Is that because of the limitations of the product or the limitations of having its only exposure in the U.S. this season being on El Rey? I’d argue the latter, but I’d also strongly argue against some of the narrowcasting of audience that they needlessly do. A key in presenting a television show is that ultimately, they usually have a short shelf life. A successful wrestling company as a touring sports entertainment vehicle can be like a sports franchise with the top companies lasting for decades