The family of the former WWE star Shad Gaspard who went missing after getting caught in a riptide has issued a statement on the matter.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guards, drivers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad.
Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.”
The Gaspard Family
Shad Gaspard went missing after getting caught in a riptide at Venice Beach in California on Sunday. There were a number of swimmers that were pulled by the current but the former WWE star was the only one that went under.
The lifeguards had reached out to the people and they were trying to pull them out. The wrestling star reportedly directed them to help his 10-year-old son first which they did.
However, another large wave crashed down on Gaspard before the authorities could reach him and this was the last time he was seen. Los Angeles Fire Department lifeguard specialist Pono Barnes has confirmed that Shad was the only person to submerge.
The search operation continued until sundown on Sunday and it was resumed on Monday morning at around 7 am local time. Shad’s family remained on the beach as the operations continued but there have been no updates on the matter.
Brodie Lee has become a prominent figure in AEW programming since his debut in March and some of his promos have created buzz on the internet due to their resemblance with the habits of his former boss, Vince McMahon.
However, the former Luke Harper is saying that while he has heard the talks and speculations about his work, the similarities are not intentional.
Lee recently appeared on Busted Open Radio and when asked about his promos, he claimed that he has no reason to hate WWE or Vince McMahon:
“Look, you take them however you want, I happen to be a fan of mafia movies, so that’s the way the character is portrayed for me. I believe the leadership style, the results speak for themselves. So, you can take it anyway you want.
“Trust me, I hear you. I hear everybody. None of that is intentional.” said Brodie Lee. “I have no reason to hate WWE, no reason to hate Vince McMahon, nothing like that. You take it how you want.”
The former WWE star also commented on the fan notion that he is upset with WWE for his mistreatment, saying that he wasn’t upset and instead he just wanted to wrestle.
Brodie Lee explained that he is a professional wrestler and he wanted to wrestle while he still had the opportunity because he will not be able to do this forever.
The former WWE star is set to challenge AEW World Champion Jon Moxley for his title at the upcoming Double Or Nothing PPV on May 23.
The Rock was at the height of his wrestling career when he decided to leave the business behind and pursue a full time acting career in 2004.
The former World Champion recently held a Q&A from his Instagram account where he answered questions related to his WWE career among other things.
When a fan asked the Great One why he decided to retire from wrestling at the age of 32, The Rock said that there were two reasons why he made the call:
“I retired in from the WWE in 2004 at the age of 32, and at that time, well here’s the why. Why I retired was two reasons. 1) My contract had expired and 2) Which is the most important thing, an agreement that I have with anybody in the world.
Any company, any individual, it’s always important to me, to shake that person’s hand and look them in the eye. In 2004 when my contract expired, I had delivered on my agreement with the WWE” said The Rock.” And with my long-time mentor and very, very good friend Vince McMahon. We shook hands, that’s the way we are.”
The People’s Champion started his career when he was 25 and ended his run 7 years later, at the age of 32. The former WWE star said that 7 is a very important number to him and he claimed that he wanted to retire when he was at the top.
Apart from this, The Rock also talked about his WWE return in 2011 and what it meant to wrestle John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII in his hometown of Miami.
WWE RAW aired from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The Brand-to-Brand Invitational began with Corbin battling Drew McIntyre, and Bliss & Cross defended their Women’s Team Championships against The IIConics. Edge also answered Orton’s challenge for a traditional wrestling match at Backlash.
RAW Results (5/18)
Edge accepted Randy Orton’s challenge for a match at Backlash
Murphy def. Humberto Carrillo
Charlotte Flair def. Ruby Riott
Bobby Lashley def. R-Truth
Bliss & Cross def. The IIconincs via DQ to retain the Women’s Tag Titles
Shayna Baszler def. Natalya in a Submission Match
Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews def. Angel Garza & Andrade
Aleister Black def. Murphy via DQ
Drew McIntyre def. King Corbin
Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:
Edge Will Face Randy Orton At Backlash
Edge
Charly Caruso kicked off the show in the ring and introduced Randy Orton. Randy once again stated that Edge was the better man at WrestleMania but he is not the superior wrestler. He intends to prove that at Backlash in a traditional wrestling match. Randy claimed that Edge didn’t accept the challenge last Monday night because he saw doubt in his eyes.
Orton added that Edge’s grit and passion is gone and is now just doubt. Edge interrupted and marched down to the ring. Edge said that Orton spoke a lot of truths last week and gave him a lot to contemplate. Edge added that this was all just a game and a paycheck for Orton because this isn’t the life he wanted. This was his backup plan and was handed this opportunity.
Edge said that Orton doesn’t care about this business like he does and boasted about defeating Randy for the IC Title in the past. He claimed Randy doesn’t love the sport like the rest of the locker room does before Orton interrupted. Orton demanded an answer and Edge accepted the challenge. The two superstars stared at each other before Orton left the ring.
Rollins Showed No Remorse For His Attack On Mysterio
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins came down to the ring with Murphy and said that he has now seen the light thanks to Rey Mysterio. Seth stated that Rey Mysterio was a sacrifice for the greater good and that soon enough he will come to understand that what happened was a blessing in disguise.
Rollins made it seem like he was going to apologize to Rey but simply said “you’re welcome”. Humberto Carrillo joined the party and stated Rey is a hero and Seth is a coward. Carrillo hopped in the ring but Murphy got in the way. Rollins told Humberto he appreciated him standing up for his idol. Rollins was wearing a suit and said he was not ready for a fight right now. Seth suggested that Murphy fight Humberto and the match was made official.
Match Recap: Murphy controlled the action early and applied a Headlock as Rollins watched on from ringside. Humberto broke free and Dropkicked Murphy out of the ring. Humberto rolled Murphy back into the ring but got distracted by Rollins. Murphy capitalized with a knee to the face and then Murphy’s Law for the pinfall victory. After the match, Murphy beat Humberto down some more before Aleister Black rushed the ring. Black unloaded several strikes to Murphy as Rollins retreated up the entrance ramp. Murphy will face Aleister Black later on the show.
Aaaaaaaand @WWE_Murphy was just a split-second away from NOT having a match against @WWEAleister later tonight… #WWERawpic.twitter.com/A1hJC9Of1C
RAW Women’s Champion Asuka celebrated with Kairi Sane in the ring. Kairi ran down all of Asuka’s accomplishments and shouted that Asuka was a Grand Slam Champion.
Asuka danced around the ring as Kairi played a flute. Nia Jax interrupted and got into the ring. Jax stated that there was nothing to celebrate because Asuka was handed the title due to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy.
Nia told Asuka that she lucked her way into the greatest temp job ever and vowed to replace her soon. Asuka attacked Nia and knocked her out of the ring with a Hip Attack.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against The IIConics tonight on RAW. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce defeated Bliss and Cross last week in a non-title match.
Match Recap: The IIconincs dominated early and isolated Nikki in the ring. Bliss tagged in and connected with a Dropkick to Billie Kay. Alexa followed it up with Double Knees to Billie and went for the cover but Peyton broke it up. Nikki launched Peyton out of the ring but turned around into a big boot from Billie.
Alexa hit Billie with a right hand and followed it up with Twisted Bliss. Peyton Royce broke up the cover and repeatedly launched Bliss into the ring post which caused the match to end in DQ. Bliss and Cross retained the Women’s Tag Team Championships.
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce started arguing backstage. Billie slapped Peyton in the face and Royce started crying. The two shared a hug to end the segment.
Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews Picked Up A Win, Austin Theory Joined Seth Rollins
Angel Garza, Andrade, Austin Theory, and Zelina Vega were guests on the Kevin Owens show tonight. Natalya destroyed the set after yet another loss to Shayna Baszler.
Owens said that he hasn’t been around for a while due to getting injured at WrestleMania. Kevin said that he is good to go now and tonight is a major edition of the Kevin Owens Show.
Vega claimed there was no dysfunction in her group and referred to United States Champion Andrade as a “god amongst insects”. She complimented Theory and Garza before saying that she is the best this business has seen in a long time. Vega asked why Kevin Owens was standing on the ring apron and he said that he doesn’t want the ring to be too crowded. Owens introduced Apollo Crews as another guest and Crews rushed the ring. Crews leveled Andrade and a brawl broke out as RAW went to a break.
Match Recap: Crews and Owens teamed up to face Andrade and Angel Garza as Austin Theory and Zelina Vega were ringside. Crews planted Garza with a Suplex and tagged in Owens. Kevin hit Garza with a Senton but Angel escaped to the corner to tag in Andrade.
The United States Champion booted Owens in the face and stomped on him in the corner. Owens battled back with a massive Clothesline and a couple chops to the chest. Crews and Garza tagged back in and Apollo hit a Clothesline. Crews booted Andrade off the apron and planted Garza with a Spinebuster. Vega hopped up on the apron for a distraction but it backfired as Theory accidentally hit Garza. Crews planted Garza with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Andrade attacked Theory from behind. Angel hit Theory with a Dropkick and the two sent Austin out of the ring. Vega shouted that she should have never believed in Theory and slapped him in the face. Andrade then hit Theory with a steel chair across the back.
During the match between Black and Murphy, Seth Rollins approached Austin Theory ringside. Rollins and Theory shook hands and Seth instructed him to get in the ring. Theory attacked Black to end the match in DQ. After the match, Theory planted Aleister with the ATL and shared a hug with Rollins.
King Corbin faced Drew McIntyre in the main event of this week’s show. Before the match began, Bobby Lashley and MVP showed up on the entrance ramp. MVP said that he can probably spend ten minutes talking about all the impressive things King Corbin has done and McIntyre is the WWE Champion. Lashley stated that he is coming after McIntyre and the WWE Championship.
Match Recap: Corbin leveled McIntyre with a shoulder tackle but the WWE Champion responded with a shoulder tackle of his own. McIntyre Clotheslined Corbin out of the ring and then delivered another Clothesline over the barricade. Corbin battled back and launched Drew into the ring post.
Back in the ring, Corbin hit a Clothesline for a one count. King Corbin sent McIntyre to the apron and slammed his head into the ring post once again. Corbin connected with a Superplex for another one count. McIntyre hit a Belly to Belly Suplex and made his way to the top rope.
McIntyre hit a Flying Clothesline and demanded that Corbin get back up. Drew shouted that Lashley was next and planted Corbin with a Spinebuster for a near fall. Corbin sent McIntyre into the ring post and followed it up with a slam but McIntyre kicked out at one again. Drew hit the Future Shock DDT and geared up in the corner. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Corbin countered into Deep Six for a two count. Drew leveled Corbin with the Claymore Kick for the pinfall victory.
Opinion: The opening promo between Edge & Orton, Kairi Sane playing the flute, and Austin Theory becoming a disciple of Rollins were the only parts of this show I found entertaining. It is going to take a lot for me to become invested in a title program between Drew McIntyre and Lashley.
Bobby Lashley is a great athlete, but has never been remotely charismatic or interesting as a character. Lana was shown flipping out that MVP was with Lashley, so I’m assuming she is going to play a part in this feud. I just cannot imagine that being an interesting feud for the WWE Championship but hopefully I am wrong. It was also announced tonight that Apollo Crews will get another shot at the US Title next week.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Backlash PPV and it’s Edge vs. Randy Orton.
Two weeks ago when WWE aired a video package hyping the returns of the WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE Champion for last week’s show, there was speculation as to whether this was a typo. It turns out that it wasn’t.
Instead, WWE is moving forward with their feud. Of course, Orton lost to Edge in a Last Man Standing Match at WrestleMania 36 last month. Many considered this to be the end of their feud that had started the night after Royal Rumble when Orton attacked Edge.
Last week’s show ended with Orton issuing a challenge to Edge to a wrestling match at Backlash. It ended with Edge not giving an answer and Charly Caruso stating that if it did happen it could be the greatest match of all-time.
Monday’s episode of RAW opened with Orton demanding an answer, which brought out Edge to accept the challenge and make the contest official.
WWE presents the Backlash pay-per-view event on Sunday, June 14, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center that will air on the WWE Network.
Ricky Starks is now a free agent and looking to sign a deal with a promotion.
Starks announced on Monday on Busted Open Radio that he is now a free agent after his deal with the NWA expired and they mutually parted ways.
Starks had been with the NWA since August of 2019. After the appearance on the radio show, he took to Twitter to share this new vignette.
This video saw him do an old school interview that ended with saying that he can’t be underappreciated or overlooked.
The interviewer asked him why it took so long for him to be signed. This led to a transition where he was thinking and seeing himself run through a field.
He said that the question isn’t why it took him so long but why it took y’all so long. The video faded to black. You can see it below:
You can check out NWA Powerrr every week via their Official YouTube channel.
You can listen to Busted Open Radio every day via SiriusXM. Or catch the podcast version of the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast host.
Richard Holliday has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Major League Wrestling (MLW).
The news comes on the heels of MLW CEO Court Bauer revealing on social media that an “aggressive competitor” tried signing away two top MLW performers.
Bauer commented on Holliday re-signing in a press release sent in to SEScoops.
“Richard has become a staple of MLW and its telecasts, helping to lead the charge in representing the league as a world class homegrown athlete.” said Bauer. “He is a dynastic competitor with qualities you seldom find. MLW is ecstatic to continue to feature Richard Holliday for years to come.”
Holliday was nearing free agency and admits he gave some consideration to testing the waters on the open market. “MLW checked all of the boxes in terms of opportunity, presentation, creative process, and upwards mobility. Other offers were presented, and of course taken into consideration, but remaining with MLW felt like the best decision for me.”
Richard Holliday made his debut for MLW in 2018. He is a founding member of the Dynasty faction and a former MLW tag team champion with former MLW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman. He’s the reigning Caribbean Heavyweight Champion.
We’ll provide an update when MLW goes public with the other wrestler they re-signed despite a big money offer from that ‘aggressive competitor.’
Owen Hart was inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019. The Hall of Fame and Museum are located in Wichita Falls, Texas and was founded by Tony Vellano in 1999. Do not expect Owen to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, however. Owen Hart’s widow Martha Hart recently took part in an interview with CBS Sports and commented on WWE’s version of a pro-wrestling Hall of Fame.
“Their Hall of Fame? They don’t even have a Hallway of Fame. It doesn’t exist,” Martha said about the possibility of Owen being inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame. “There’s nothing. It’s a fake entity. There’s nothing real or tangible. It’s just an event they have to make money. They put it on TV and have a celebration, and it’s just so ridiculous. I would never even entertain it. It’s garbage.”
Owen was also inducted into the Lou Thesz/George Tragos Hall of Fame in 2018:
Martha Hart holding her husband’s Hall of Fame plaque. Owen Hart was inducted posthumously into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame on July 28. pic.twitter.com/ECYLzMKbFo
Martha Hart On Over The Edge PPV Continuing After Owen’s Death
Martha also spoke about how disrespectful it was for WWE to continue on with the Over the Edge PPV in 1999 after Owen had died.
“When Owen died, they scooped him out like a piece of garbage and they paraded wrestlers out to wrestle in a ring that had Owen’s blood, where the boards were broken from Owen’s fall and where the guys could feel the dip in the ring from where he fell. Just that disrespect and lack of respect for a human life that had just been lost,” Martha Hart said. “The fact that they didn’t stop the show is just appalling. Vince McMahon was a poor leader, and he failed because that talent was looking for leadership and he failed them.”
Martha’s full interview with CBS Sports can be found here.
Fans of Owen Hart are encouraged to support the Owen Hart Foundation. The organization was set-up following the wrongful death lawsuit against WWE. Martha has said that much of the work the Owen Hart Foundation does mirrors the kind of person Owen was in life.
Recently on Talk is Jericho, Martha spoke about how she remembered one time Owen offered a person experiencing homelessness use of his hotel room. Now, the Owen Hart Foundation helps low-income families and individuals purchase homes. The Owen Hart Foundation also offers scholarships for students.
“Owen was a practical man of profound integrity, a wonderful husband and devoted father. He would be extremely proud of the good work carried out by the Foundation and would be honoured to be remembered for what he loved best, which was his sincere kindness to all people,” reads the website of the Owen Hart Foundation.
Martha also noted recently that official Owen Hart merchandise will likely be available soon.
Dark Side the Ring’s season 2 finale will focus on the tragic death of Owen Hart.
Last week on WWE RAW, Becky Lynch shocked the wrestling world by announcing she is pregnant. Lynch had been the RAW Women’s Champion dating back to WrestleMania 35 when she pinned Ronda Rousey in the main event. Now, she’ll be gone for an extended period of time.
Natalya recently commented on Becky Lynch’s pregnancy in an article for the Calgary Sun.
“It took me a minute to digest what I was hearing; Becky Lynch would be no longer be sharing a locker room with us, but she would be taking on this new role of motherhood during the height of her career,” Natalya wrote. “I knew in that moment that I was truly going to miss seeing someone who wasn’t just a coworker, but a friend to me and so many others in WWE.”
Natalya also noted in the article that their shared history goes back before either was in WWE.
“Becky and I shared our first tour of Japan together in 2005 when we were both just getting started,” Natalya continued. “She knew what it was like to be an underdog, which was ultimately what helped turn her into one of the biggest stars in WWE.”
Lynch and Natalya wrestled each other at SummerSlam last year in a submission match. In her article, Natalya noted that they drew inspiration from the Bret Hart vs Steve Austin WrestleMania 13 submission match for their SummerSlam tilt.
“I told Becky that one of my favourite matches of all time was Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13,” Natalya continued. “Turns out we both found inspiration in Austin vs. The Hitman, and we both studied that match closely before our SummerSlam match. “
Natalya continued to say her match against Lynch was her favourite submission match of her career and that it set the bar high for the women’s revolution.
“Not only did we tear the house down in what was my favorite submission match I’ve been in, but we also felt proud that together we were setting the bar high for the Raw women’s division.”
Natalya’s full article from the Calgary Sun can be read here.
A thread online originally started by MLW’s Brian Pillman Jr. is gaining traction on Twitter. Pillman tweeted out that he enjoys modern wrestling more than old school and this caused several wrestlers and personalities from the wrestling industry to comment.
Hot take: Modern day wrestling is actually better in a lot of ways than the old stuff. We often look back at the past with rose colored goggles but if you actually watch a lot of things at the top level are smoother, faster and more exciting than they were 30 years ago.
“I think the wrestling today is geared towards a more savvy fanbase. It may be harder to digest than your good ol classic babyface/heel match from the 80s but at the highest level there does exist complex storytelling and psychology,” Pillman continued to Tweet.
“That’s because 30 years ago the things that mattered were getting over and drawing money,” Lance Storm Tweeted. “Not saying one is better or worse, just the goals have changed. People cared about angles and who won, Not the smoothness of cool spots.”
Dr. Tom Prichard then stated what he feels is missing in today’s pro-wrestling.
Smoother, faster, more exciting…Better? Matter of opinion I guess. Not rose colored goggles as much as knowing the difference between "feeling" and "playing a part." Huge element missing with many today. Luv ya Brian, but you'll never know the "feeling" & that's what's MISSING https://t.co/2esrAV0U8U
“That’s the things people miss. Go back and watch Freebirds vs Von Erichs in World Class. Instead of trying to see if the “work” holds up, look at how the crowd reaction holds up,” Lance Storm Tweeted in response to Prichard.
You are right. My goal will be to bridge the 2 philosophies together!
Pillman’s original Tweet which kicked off the thread below:
Hot take: Modern day wrestling is actually better in a lot of ways than the old stuff. We often look back at the past with rose colored goggles but if you actually watch a lot of things at the top level are smoother, faster and more exciting than they were 30 years ago.
Shad Gaspard is currently missing after getting caught in a strong rip tide yesterday at Marina Del Rey beach. Lifeguards were attempting to get people out of the water due to the conditions and Gaspard is reported to have directed them to help his 10-year-old son before helping him. Gaspard’s son was rescued and unharmed but Gaspard was taken underwater by a large wave.
According to CBSN in Los Angeles, Rescuers called off the search for Gaspard in the water at 7:30 PM yesterday and are hoping he will be found on land. TMZ later confirmed that the 39-year-old in CBSN’s report is Shad Gaspard.
The CBS Los Angeles report can be viewed in the player below:
Shad Gaspard In Wrestling
Gaspard debuted in the WWE developmental system as “Da Beast” in OVW in 2003. He then debuted on the main roster as 1/2 of Cryme Tyme along with JTG in 2006.
Gaspard was also an actor. He portrayed the role of former World Champion boxer Jack Johnson in a stage adaptation of Pugilist in 2013. He also played the role of Muhammad Ali in the TV film “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time.”
WWE Superstar Otis recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump. Mr Money In The Bank appeared on the WWE Network show to discuss a number of topics from his career. One point raised was when and how Otis plans on cashing in his MITB briefcase.
With Otis winning the contract just over a week ago, he has the opportunity to challenge for any World Championship in WWE at any time. There has been speculation that the Heavy Machinery member may be considering gifting the briefcase to Mandy Rose or even going for the Tag Team Championships with his partner Tucker.
Mr Money In The Bank Otis
“There won’t be much basking baby” Otis began the interview after being asked if he wants to enjoy the moment of having the briefcase before cashing in. “It’s a matter of my personality: sooner, the better.”
“I don’t know when but soon but sooner rather than later this bad boys getting cashed in” Otis would continue. “I don’t care if my opponent sees me coming, or sees it from the side or sees me coming from behind, which I usually never do. I’m going to keep on coming to get this.”
Elevating Careers
Otis, in his own special way, would then discuss how winning the briefcase could elevate his career massively. “Because this is what makes life better, for your situation your career. I cash this in. I don’t know what title yet, I’ve haven’t decided…my brain just does this (mimes swirling motion). you know?”
Otis would finish by re-iterating that he wants to go for a Championship as quickly as possible. “I’m going to say sooner than later, OOH YEAH, I ain’t waiting. I’ve never been a patient man I just keep going BABY.”
After being eliminated from the Intercontinental Championship tournament by Daniel Bryan on Smackdown last week, Drew Gulak parted ways with WWE. A few different reports surfaced online in the wake of Gulak’s departure from the company. It was first reported that Gulak had been released and then later that his contract had run-out and he had not been re-signed. According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, however, an offer WWE put on the table to Gulak to re-sign was pulled after he asked for more money.
“What happened was he was negotiating a new contract and the contract expired after Smackdown and he had wanted a raise,” Alvarez said. Alvarez then noted that before the pandemic, WWE had been granting raises to people who re-signed.
“So, Drew Gulak asked for a raise,” Alvarez continued. “They said ‘no’ and then they pulled the contract offer. So, if you want to argue that he wasn’t actually released, you’re welcome to because his contract did expire but they let him go because he wanted more money.”
It is also being reported that Gulak’s contract negotiations with WWE are not dead and that he could still return to the company.
Gulak came into WWE in 2016 following the Cruiserweight Classic. He is a former Cruiserweight Champion having held the title from June to October in 2019.
The comments by Bryan Alvarez can be viewed in the player below:
One of the original members of Bullet Club, Tama Tonga, recently posted a Tweet directed at Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega. During the Bullet Club civil war angle in NJPW, Tama was one of the most outspoken critics of “the Elite.” According to Tonga, he still has unfinished business with both Kenny Omega and Cody Rhodes.
Tonga’s Tweet comes just as an interview with him from NJPW1972.com was published today. During that interview, Tonga reflected on the 7-year history of Bullet Club.
“We were four foreigners, in a Japanese company in Japan,” Tonga said about the early days of the faction. “We spoke English which gave us a common ground anyway, and we were all outsiders. Nobody knew what we were going through better than we did, so it was natural that we would talk to one another and natural that we would be friendly with one another.”
Tama Tonga On Bullet Club comparisons to the NWO
Tonga also responded to comparisons between Bullet Club and the NWO.
“I know what we did reminds a lot of people about the nWo, and I respect everything that came before me, but really, I don’t give a s**t about what they did. I give a s**t about what I do, building this thing with its own identity,” Tonga continued.
Mikey Rukus, music producer for All Elite Wrestling, took part in a Reddit AMA (‘Ask Me Anything’ over the weekend). Rukus is responsible for some of the most recognizable themes in AEW.
His credits include the opening themes for AEW Dynamite, Double or Nothing and Revolution, as well as talent such as the Inner Circle, Best Friends, Broken Matt Hardy, the Dark Order, Lucha Bros, PAC, Jake Hager, Bret Hart, Jake Roberts and many more.
Theme music is a vital component of the presentation of talent and events. Hearing the first few seconds of the music for Dynamite or Best Friends sets the mood and connects you to emotions the company and performers are looking to impart.
Here are some highlights of what Rukus said about:
Creating the theme for AEW Dynamite
Rukus explained that he was given the guideline that the Dynamite theme had to grab viewers in the first 20 seconds, then segue to ‘background’ music once the frame cuts to the live arena and pans the crowd.
“I was told that we had 20 seconds to get our point across for an opening graphic, then the shot would go to the live arena, So there needed to be the right type of tempo to say the right thing and then repeat it to drive it home within that 20 second window. The rest of the song was built around that.”
He continued, “[His band] No One Hero went into the studio and recorded it quickly, and it was mixed/produced by Bill Leverty, guitarist of the legendary rock band Firehouse.”
You can listen to the finished product here:
Creating the Inner Circle’s theme on short notice
Mikey Rukus has had a few occasions where he had to produce a piece of music on short notice. The song currently used by the Inner Circle faction is an example of this. Rukus says he received a text message from QT Marshall late one afternoon saying he needed to whip something up immediately.
“QT texts ‘Did you ever make a song for the Inner Circle’…I replied ‘You guys told me to wait lol, when do you need it by’ he said ‘Tonight haha’, mind you it was 430PM. I said holy shit.
Then I get a text that said ‘Chris wants you to tell HIM what you think the Inner Circle Theme should sound like’ so I said ‘Well the leader is a rocker, so its rock music, but with all of them coming out, the music needs to be a slower tempo, as they all walk out slowly selling their arrogance’ QT texts back and said ‘OK Chris said make it happen’ SO I sped my ass home and by 630pm I sent it over. Then QT calls and says “Chris says he wants something at the top like ‘Innnnner Cirrrrcle’ and we are good, he said its strong, its edgy, its obnoxious, its perfect’….then I fainted :D”
Wrestlers Having Input on Their Themes
Chris Jericho had input on the Inner Circle’s theme, but is that the case for everybody? Mikey Rukus said “any and all” wrestlers get the opportunity to provide input.
“Any ideas they have even after the theme is considered done, we can go back and touch up,” he said.
Rukus emphasized that many of the themes just need time to click. He compared this to buying a new pair of shoes. “It takes time for the talent to get used to it, learning their own spots on how they want to utilize it, and it takes time for the fans to get used to them.”
Jim Johnston
Longtime wrestling fans know that Jim Johnston is considered the godfather of wrestling theme music. Rukus has great admiration for him and hopes to leave a legacy that stands the test of time like Johnston’s.
“I love his work. Always have. The fans go out of their way to tell me that I will never be as good as him, and they try to force me into his shadow. I just keep doing me. Hopefully 20 years from now I hope to have left at least a fraction of the footprint that he left.
Visit Reddit.com to read more from this Q&A session with Mikey Rukus.
Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, formerly Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder, received a cease and desist letter recently regarding the name “the Revolt.” It has been widely speculated due to trademark filings that Harwood and Wheeler would be using the Revolt as their new team name. Another team that has used the Revolt as their tag-team name has sent Harwood and Wheeler a cease and desist letter, however.
According to a report from PW Insider, Caleb Konley and Zane Riley sent a 10-page document to Harwood and Wheeler’s attorney. Konley and Riley have been using the tag name “the Revolt” on the independent circuit.
“The Revolt are well-known in the independent professional wrestling circuit and are the current PWX World Tag Team Champions,” reads the cease and desist letter. “Mr. Burnett and Mr. Riley sell a range of Revolt-branded merchandise including t-shirts, hats, and DVDs, as shown in Exhibit B. The Revolt has been their passion for years and they have literally put their blood and sweat into building The Revolt brand and connecting with their fans.”
According to Harwood and Wheeler’s attorneys, however, they never planned to refer to themselves as “The Revolt” or “Fear the Revolt” but rather just “FTR.”
fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt fear the revolt. pic.twitter.com/nVaZJKpb5m
— Daniel “Cash” Wheeler (@CashWheelerFTR) May 17, 2020
Fear the Revolt
“Our clients do not intend and have never intended to call themselves FEAR THE REVOLT,” Harwood and Wheeler’s attorney responded to the letter. “They have at all times and in every way made it clear that their tag team name would be FTR, and that FTR can and would mean different things depending on their storyline and creative. They are not responsible for and cannot be held responsible for dirt sheets and others incorrectly attributing to them a name other than the name they have chosen, FTR.”
The letter from Harwood and Wheeler’s attorney, Michael Dockins, continued to say that his clients offered to pay for Riley and Konley to trademark the Revolt and work an angle on the independent scene with them. This offer appears to now be off the table, however.
When you have the law, pound the law. When you have the facts, pound the facts. When you have neither? Pound the table. Eh @DaxHarwood and @CashWheelerFTR ?
— "Gimmick Attorney®" Mike Dockins (@gimmickattorney) May 17, 2020
Arn Anderson is currently Cody Rhodes’ manager in AEW. Double-A has a long history with the Rhodes family including working backstage in WWE while both Cody and his older brother Dustin were on the active roster. In 2014, Cody debuted the “Stardust” gimmick with WWE. Anderson recently commented on the gimmick during an episode of “the Arn Show.”
“I didn’t dislike it from the fact that the costuming and Cody looked good in that character. I know that every time I dealt with Cody from day one he would give you the best he could,” Anderson said. “And I know that there should be some good things happening for him in the business because his attitude was good, his ability was good, straight away.”
“They put this character on him, I didn’t know how strongly he was against it until later,” Arn continued. “I thought he did a good job with it and he looked good in the costuming and the whole deal but there was no plan past that.”
Arn then said what he couldn’t figure out was that the new gimmick wasn’t meant to elevate Cody up the card.
“When they change you and change your character and you just stay at a level-push, you don’t go anywhere with that then what was the reason to change you?” Arn asked. “If there were no positive plans to elevate you and that is what I couldn’t figure out.”
Jim Cornette throws out a lot of insults and derogatory comments on his podcast. Many go under the radar but some do not. Recently comments Cornette made about Dana Brooke got back to her and she responded.
“Her entire face looks like it was remodeled after somebody set fire to it and put it out with an ax,” Cornette commented. “What the f**k has happened? Did she do that on purpose or was she in a horrible accident? What the f**k?”
@TheJimCornette how about you stop hiding behind a keyboard and come say it to my face!! Cause I doubt you would when you see me in person MARKKKKKKK – how about .. STOP SPREADING HATE & spread positivity! https://t.co/fgTRTeteFT
“How about you stop hiding behind a keyboard and come say it to my face!! Cause I doubt you would when you see me in person MARKKKKKKK – how about .. STOP SPREADING HATE & spread positivity!” Brooke Tweeted.
Some previous targets of Cornette’s commented in the Twitter thread as well. Austin Aries issued the following response:
Oh Dana, don’t feed Jim’s, he’s just a troll. He doesn’t dare say shit to anyone’s face…unless a camera is rolling, so he can get publicity or a lawsuit out of it. He’s not a mark, he’s is carny who hasn’t realized it’s 2020.
Dana Brooke competed in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match last weekend. She qualified for the match by defeating Naomi on Smackdown. Brooke and Carmella also recently teamed together to challenge the women’s tag team champions Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss on Smackdown unsuccessfully.
After competing as a gymnast during her teen years, Brooke turned to bodybuilding and fitness competitions after an ankle injury. In 2013, she was signed to WWE and reported to NXT. Brooke has yet to win a championship in WWE but in 2017 was awarded the Female Image Award in the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition.
Mark Henry took part in an interview with TMZ Sports recently and addressed recent comments made by Lio Rush. Rush was released from WWE last month and has since taken shots at Henry for comments Henry made about him last year.
Henry took issue with Lio Rush not being honest with him about having backstage heat while he was on the main roster in 2019. Henry talked about this on Busted Open Radio. Then recently Rush took a few shots at Henry in regards to this.
Henry noted to TMZ that he has helped bring in many wrestlers of color to the WWE Performance Center.
“If you go down to the performance center at NXT, probably 25 I think, people of color in the facility, probably about 80 plus percent of them I helped get them there,” Mark Henry said to TMZ. “I mean, it’s completely opposite.”
“And, you can’t question my blackness. Like nobody can question my blackness, pull my black card. No, not allowed. Nobody,” Henry continued.
He then made reference to having Ivy League lawyers and considering legal action for slander.
“For him to go there was absolutely was the worst thing he could have possibly done. It’s one of those things if I take legal action for slander then… I’m not sure yet.”
“My lawyer went to Harvard. I don’t know what kinda lawyers he’s dealing with, but I got those Ivy League people around me, and they’re pissed!”
Henry’s comments can be heard in the player below:
Lio Rush Responds
Rush has since responded to Mark Henry’s comments to TMZ.
Rusev was amongst the many names released from WWE last month. He has since started his own streaming channel on Twitch. It was on Twitch recently that Rusev made some comments about former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho. Rusev noted that while they were both in WWE, Jericho was a leader in the locker room.
“I love Chris. Chris is a great dude,” Rusev said about Le Champion. “Having him backstage when I was with the WWE… He was great. He’s a great leader, man. He cares so much. He was probably the biggest leader of the whole locker room, to be honest.”
Lana recently posted a video where she appears in-character and addressed Rusev’s release. Since in storyline the two are divorced, she didn’t have much positive to say about her real-life husband but did imply he would be fine outside WWE.
“I can assure all of you guys – not that I’m talking to Rusev every day or something like that – but I can assure you that the man that I found in 2013 in NXT, discovered him, the man that climbed up the ladder in WWE is made up of a lot,” Lana said in the video.
WWE Superstar and host of UpUpDownDown Xavier Woods recently appeared on the Gorilla Position podcast.
During the interview with James Delow, Xavier Woods would discuss a number of topics during his time with WWE. These included his New Day run, the creation of UpUpDownDown and his eventual return from injury.
One of the points raised during the interview was Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35. Woods would discuss how emotional the moment was for him, Big E and Kingston when Kofi beat Daniel Bryan to win the Championship.
A Lot of Emotions
“It’s a lot of emotions and I…it always comes up when we’re talking about this, that picture of Big E and me holding Kofi and I’m bawling uncontrollably” Woods would begin. “Because it’s super meaningful for a lot of reasons.”
Xavier Woods would then talk about the importance of Kofi becoming the first ever African-born WWE Champion. Woods would also discuss representation in pro wrestling, saying how previously he felt there wasn’t someone who represented him as a young black man watching the product. “As a kid growing up? There wasn’t always someone in the limelight that represented me and the way that I look.”
Xavier Woods on the Angle
Woods elaborated further, saying “to be able to be a part of this angle? Of the story? Where I am able to help prop up the person who is able to be that for this next generation of kids? I have not done anything in my career that has meant more than that. And I will most likely not do anything in my career that will mean more than that moment.”
The creator of UpUpDownDown would then describe the moment with Kofi as “perfect.” Using the analogy of blackjack and saying that they hit 21 with the angle. “There’s not many moments in wrestling that I would say are perfect. That was perfect. When I tell people that wrestling is incredible? Like, that’s what I’m trying to say like, no, you’re not always gonna land on 21 when you’re playing blackjack. But, you know, as long as you can stay around like 17/19? You’re okay. But that was 21, that was the best that could possibly have been done.”
Woods would finish by saying how to him it’s the greatest moment in pro wrestling. “And so that’s the greatest moment in wrestling, to me, just for the personal reasons. But then, also being able to be in in wrestling in that time where so many things had to come together for that most perfect moment.”
It’s importance of Kofi’s win at WrestleMania 35 is undeniable. Even with the way in which Brock Lesnar would defeat Kingston to take the title? There’s no doubt that the moment will live on in history and the match itself between Bryan and Kofi was fantastic to boot.
Drew Gulak is the latest WWE star to depart from WWE.
On Saturday, there was speculation that Gulak was gone after his profile was moved to the WWE Alumni section on WWE’s official website, which happens when a talent is released by the company.
It turns out that the news is true, according to a report by Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet. Pwinsider.com reports that this wasn’t a release but rather Gulak’s WWE contract expired on Friday.
It was added the two sides had been discussing a new deal but had not yet come to terms on the deal before Gulak’s existing deal expired.
The departure has not been announced publicly, but that will likely change soon.
He just worked a match on Friday’s episode of SmackDown on FOX from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. He took on Daniel Bryan in a losing effort as part of the Intercontinental title tournament.
This match came after WWE officials had decided to pair him up with the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion as of late by being his coach.
Drew joined WWE in 2016 where he went onto be used as part of the cruiserweight division for the most part.
Brie Bella talked about her marital problems with Daniel Bryan being shown for the world to see.
She did so in an interview with TVInsider.com. These issues that many married couples deal with are airing on the current season of Total Bellas on the E! Network.
Brie started out by talking about how she is in quarantine with her husband Daniel Bryan, Nikki, and Nikki’s fiancé Artem Chigvintsev while watching the show and reliving the problems that they had, which brings back those feelings.
She said that you’re never prepared for reality television or what is going to happen.
“[Bryan and I] never had the intention of showcasing our marriage the way we did this season.”
She stated that what happens when you’re on camera is that the producers start to realize what is really going on. They ask whether she and Bryan are distant and not happy.
“You start to ask these same questions and realize, I’m not happy. We are distant and evolving differently. But Bryan and I put on a brave face and show this part of our marriage because we do believe a lot of married people who have kids go through this.”
Brie also talked about Total Bellas and being in quarantine.
Christian joined The Wrestling Inc Daily podcast to talk about the new film Cagefighter which also features Jon Moxley and former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.
Earlier this year, the UFC Hall of Famer expressed interest in a potential move to WWE.
In this interview, he was asked about Liddell’s interest and how he thinks he would do inside of the squared circle. According to the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, he sees him in the same way as WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.
“He’s obviously got the look for it. It’s kinda like Hulk Hogan whereas any time Hogan walks into a room, he’s got that distinctive look. Everybody, whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, you know who he is. Chuck has that same thing. Whether you’re an MMA fan or not, he’ll walk into a room and everyone goes, ‘Oh, that’s Chuck Liddell.”
“I think that even at his age, he definitely brings something to the table. He also appreciates it and said it publicly that he’s a wrestling fan.”
Christian stated that Liddell appreciates what wrestlers bring to the table and that it’s a lot tougher than people give it credit for.
He added that is another thing he likes about the film because it gives credibility to the wrestler which I appreciate.
It should be noted that Liddell isn’t looking to do a run in WWE but rather just one match. Shane McMahon, who is good friends with Liddell, has expressed interest in trying to make a deal. Time will tell whether it works out.
Otis won the most unique men’s Money in the Bank match in history last Sunday. As AJ Styles and King Corbin fought over the briefcase atop the ladder, it fell from both their hands and into Otis’. The win not only means a future title shot for him but a potential move up the card to main event status.
Otis recently took part in an interview with Between the Ropes, and spoke about WWE’s use of cinematic matches since fans have been prevented from attending live events.
“I think everything happens for a reason. That’s a very strong quote that I live by,” Otis said. “That Boneyard match, I mean, I just felt like I was watching a cool thriller action movie, like big thumbs up to everybody that worked on that. The Firefly match, our Money the Bank match.”
Otis continued to talk about how the pandemic helped open the door for WWE to run with these creative match types.
“If this pandemic didn’t, unfortunately, pan out, I don’t know if you would have thought of that Boneyard match or thought of that awesome Firefly Funhouse match. I think we could definitely be in the norm here though.”
Otis on Working With Mandy Rose
Otis faced Dolph Ziggler in single’s competition at WrestleMania 36. Not only did he win the match but he also celebrated after with his new storyline girlfriend Mandy Rose. Otis also commented on what its like working with Rose during the interview.
“Everybody asks how’s Mandy behind the curtain. She’s awesome, man. Some may be surprised being but being that beautiful and being that humble at the same time, it’s awesome, man. The hardest part of the storyline is making sure she doesn’t laugh or I don’t laugh at certain things in the backstage segments but it’s fun.”
